My Face Mask Routine

October 7, 20161 Comment

Hello Beauties!

Anytime I have a lazy evening at home alone, a few things are certain:

Netflix, YouTube, or a combination of the two
Ling Lings Pot Stickers
A very hot bath with 3-4 different bubble bath products
Possibly a vodka+soda

and when I have the energy I luuurve to slather on the face masks! I realized the other day, as I was fishing through my skincare stash to find the right things – that I definitely have favorites. And well, here they are!

Queen Helene Mint Julep Mask

I have had this bad boy for awhile now (come to think of it, might be time to purchase a new one). As the packaging and logo suggest, this stuff has been around FOREVER. Like, Vaseline forever. You may also notice that this is marketed to people with acne, big pores and blackheads – while I do not suffer from any of these things. I find it has a delightful smoothing effect on my skin and I have grown very fond of the smell.

You can tell I take great care with the application…NOT.

I usually let this sit for about 20 minutes and then I wipe it away with warm water and a washcloth.

After the mint julep mask, I like to apply a SECOND mask. I know, it’s kindof alot. But I love this combination.

Michael Todd Pumpkin Facial Mask

Tis the season too! I did not take a picture of my face with this stuff on because it literally looks like poop. I am also not fond of the smell of this stuff AT ALL but it replenishes the moisture on my skin and is such a great compliment to the drying effect of the mint julep mask.

Are there any masks out there I have got to try? Let me know!

Random Haul + Mini Reviews!

August 5, 20163 Comments

Hello kidlets!

August is officially bumming me out. HOW is summer almost over? I am def NOT ready for fall – not ready for PSLs, not ready for pants and DEF not ready for the election #voteforpedro. The only saving grace this month is the Summer Olympics where I will inevitably stay up until 2 am watching gymnastics because SIMONE BILES.

Anyway. Here is some random crap I have purchased lately. Most things I have used a few times and therefore, will provide a quick review on.

Real Techniques Miracle Complexion Sponge

I decided to return the two-pack of Ulta sponges I bought in this haul and go for these ones from Real Techniques instead. I have used this a few times since getting it and it is a close dupe for the Beauty Blender…however, it is still not as good. I really like that it has the flat side, but it just lacks that Beauty Blender BOUNCE (you know what I mean) that I am obsessed with.

Lipsmackers “Tsum Tsum” Lip Balm

This Minnie Mouse EOS-esque lip balm from Lip Smackers is absolutely ENORM. I really like the size, because it is SO easy to find in any black-hole purse or backpack. I did leave this in David’s car, in a dashboard compartment so sadly, most of the lipbalm is now stuck in the lid but like whatevs. You know I be scrapin’ it out with my dirty fingernail.

My iBeauty Skin Brush 21

I found this at Marshalls for $7.99 and after doing a quick Google search on it, (and discovering it retails for about $25, I decided to go for it. I am REALLLLLy glad I did because I am truly obsessed with this brush guys. I have used it with BB Creams as well as foundation and both work flawlessly. I especially like to use this with my Nars Sheer Glow because it goes on SO incredibly smoothly.

Essence Lipliner in #11 In the Nude

I really like this color! It is PERFECT with Buxom’s White Russian lip gloss but is also pretty on it’s own, as you can see here:

Dermadoctor KP Duty Lotion

This seemingly boring product is something I am actually REALLY pumped about. You all know I suffer from keratosis pilaris (or KP, or chicken skin) and I have tried different product to help keep the bumpies under control. After doing some research on the active ingredients I need, I ran across STELLAR reviews on both Ulta and Sephora on this particular product. First of all, it is $38 for 4 ounces. YIKES is right. Waaaaayyyyy to much. But then I compared the prices to some other cheaper options from the drugstore, costing anywhere from $15-$25 and decided to take the plunge and buy the spendy one. So far, it really has made a noticeable difference. I put it on every night before bed on ONLY the areas I need it. I still have the bumps, but the are way less prominent and not red at all. I hate to say it, but I will probs be a life-time user of this stuff.

SK-II Skincare Review

July 14, 2016July 13, 2016Leave a comment

Hello beauties!

A while back, Influenster (gotta love these folks!) sent me the SK-II Vox Box, containing two items from the line. The box contained both the Facial Treatment Essence, as well as the Facial Treatment Mask.

SO. This brand’s whole shtick is this stuff called Pitera, which according to Sephora is known as “holy water” or “miracle water” in the “East” because of it’s skin-renewing properties. What I know is this:

Any expensive skin-care line has to have a shtick. Some kind of story to tell. Whether it is a mud they scrape from the bottom of the dead sea, an elixir derived from sea kelp, or even creams made from baby foreskins (YES, this is really a thing) – brands have to attach a (generally bogus) story to illicit the outrageous price tags.

This brand is no different. I have no doubt that like so many other high-end brands, the ingredients in SK-II are great. All we can really ask for in good skin care these days are ingredients that have been proven to be good for our skin, to be nourishing, moisturizing and feel good. Good skin care is usually free of fillers, heavy perfumes and has fancy packaging – and pretty much, that’s it.

Facial Treatment Essence

This product came in a smaller size, but is definitely enough to try numerous times. I put it on after cleansing, but before any serums or moisturizers. The immediate effects are minimal. I saw zero instant results and after using it for a solid week, I still don’t see any change. That is NOT to say that this will not end up making a visible difference on my skin, it just hasn’t yet.

Facial Treatment Mask

I was SO excited to try this. I hadn’t ever done a sheet mask before and this one is super bougie, retailing for $17 a pop on the Sephora website. I decided to give it a shot on a Sunday while watching Game of Thrones with David. The mask was VERY saturated in product and is very thick. After reading about it, it is 100% cotton, which I guess is kinda cool. It felt great on my skin and was fun to use. But again like the essence, no immediate results came from it. My skin looked moisturized but it didn’t feel or look that much different than any other day.

Overall, this brand is SO expensive I will not purchase anything from them. It didn’t leave me super excited and hasn’t wowed me with any results . If the essence kicks in and starts making me look like Gigi Hadid, I’ll let ya know.

GIANT ULTA HAUL

June 10, 20163 Comments

I felt like making the title of this blog post as much like the title of a YouTube video as possible.

And SPEAKING of YouTube…I was burying myself in some more weird-ass videos the other day. You guys know how I do. One day it’s people obsessed with those claw machines at Wal-Mart and the next it’s people who pay large sums of money for eerily realistic, anatomically correct silicon baby dolls. These people make videos as if the baby is alive…feeding them, changing their diaper, waking them up from a nap. I was enamored. I still am.

So right – yes – an Ulta haul! I had a $50 gift card from my birthday burning a hole in pocket and I knew I wanted to wait to use it until summer time. No easy feat my friends. Here is what I selected:

L’Oreal Sublime Bronze Self-Tanning Serum in Medium

I decided to give the serum a shot after reading good reviews. I have been a long-time fan of the Sublime Bronze Tinted Self-Tanning Lotion for it’s good color and easy application but I literally cannot STAND the glitter. This doesn’t seem to have any glitter and I love that it is a quick-dry formula. I will keep you all posted on how I like it!

L’Oreal Sublime Bronze Self-Tanning Mist

Ulta had a BOGO on these L’oreal self tanners so i decided to pick this one up as well, as I have never tried it before. I find that most aerosol self-tanners yield far less uses than a lotion, gel or mousse, but they are SO easy to use. I plan to try this one out ASAP because I am going on a special trip this weekend ;).

Soap & Glory Peaches and Clean Deep Cleansing Milk

Thank the LORD Ulta started carrying Soap & Glory!!!! I am addicted to so many of their products and when I noticed this product was available online (not sure about in-store) I knew I needed it. I am basically out of the Shiseido Cleansing Fluide that I got several months ago so the timing was perf. I am SO excited about this and I LOVE that it has a pump.

Soap & Glory Body Sprays in Original Pink and Smoothie Star

YOU GUYS. I literally peed my pants when I saw these on the Ulta website. Ever since S&G left Sephora and they discontinued their perfume, I have been devastated. NO JOKE I have considered ordering the scent on ebay. So when I saw they were selling body sprays in their addictive, wonderful, unique scents I knew I needed both of them. PLUS they were only $6 a pop and they actually last decently long so I am just OVERJOYED I have these!

Ulta Brand Makeup Blending Sponge Duo

I bought these pups on a recommendation from Casey Holmes but then I talked to my sister last week and she said they are NOT good. So they are probs going back because I trust Meggy’s opinion on makeup application tools implicitly.

Physicians Formula Butter Bronzer in Bronzer

Ever since Jaclyn Hill RAVED about this bronzer, I knew I had to have it. It went on sale for $8.99 on Ulta.com and I debated whether or not to get the light color, or the bronze color. I am glad I went with the bronze color because it is perfect! It also smells how I think Adriana Lima smells. OMG I am so excited to cover my face with this stuff!

Makeup Revolution Cream Contour Palette

SO. I have been wanting a cream contour palette for awhile now. I knew I wasn’t going to shell out the money for the Anastasia or Kevin Aucoin one, and after watching TONS of reviews on the NYX, Elf and Makeup Revolution ones respectively, I decided to go with this one. I swatched a few of the colors right away and they are a thinner consistency which is good. I must do more testing to figure out if this is any good and of course, I will let you know!

NYX Nude Matte Eyeshadow in Dance the Tides

I have been on the hunt for some richer, warm shades as I find they really compliment blue eyes. When I read somewhere that this color was a dupe for Mac’s saddle, I HAD to get it and after one swatch I already know it’s going to be MONEY buffed into the crease.

Free Gift: Redken Beach Envy Samples

Dont you just love free things!? I am really pumped to try all these guys, especially the leave-in treatment and beach volume spray.

I also got a Cargo Cosmetics bag filled with deluxe sized samples that I forgot to photograph:(. However, here are some of the products I got:

I haven’t heard the best things about the new Honest skin care line but like, how bad can a hydration mist be?

I am SO pumped to try this setting spray with SPF from Coola! I really like this brand and think it’s genius that someone finally came out with a setting spray with SPF.

The whole “fat girl slim” thing to me is a bit of a hoax. I mean, you can’t get skinnier by spraying a product on your thighs or else the whole world would look like Gigi Hadid. However, I am a big fan of tinted body mists (like Airbrush Legs from Sally Hanson) because I am very, very white.

Lastly, I got a sample of this self tanner from Tarte, which I have previously purchased the full size of. I am not a huge fan of this stuff. It has an olive base which doesn’t jive with m’undertones as much a red-based tanner. Nonetheless, I will be using it.

And that’s all ~~she~~ I wrote! Let me know new products YOU have purchased lately!

L’Oreal Volume Filler Skincare Review

April 25, 20163 Comments

Hey lovelies!

Once again, Influenster sent me another voxbox! This time, it was for the L’Oreal Revitalift Volume Filler Skincare line.

Inside this box, were four products:

(Can you tell I take really great product images ON MY COUCH?)

I was beyond thrilled to receive full sizes of these products! So often with skincare samples, a tiny packet containing a few measly drops of product is hardly enough to warrant a thorough review, much less a firm opinion. And while have only been using these products for a couple weeks now, I feel like like I can give a pretty good review because I have been generously smothering them all over my face and neck!

Here we have the:

Night Cream

This comes in a squeeze tube, which I very much appreciate. It does have a smell to it, if that bothers you, although it is a pleasant one. The consistency is on the thicker side, but it is not anywhere near as rich as my beloved First Aid Beauty Hydra-Firm Sleeping Cream. It provides a pretty instant smooth feeling on the skin, which I do tend to question (silicone?) but overall it is very nice.

Volume Moisturizer

I love the packaging of this cute little tub. It has the same smell as the night cream, but is a thicker consistency. I have been wearing this stuff during the day and so far, it has the same smoothing effect and is great under makeup.

Serum

Being a serum fan in general, I knew it would take something pretty awful to make me garner any ill feelings toward this stuff. It is pretty much a straightforward serum. I like to rub it between the tips of my fingers to warm it up and then press it into the skin. It seems to sink in pretty well and does have a nice volumizing effect.

Eye Treatment

I need to give this stuff a bit more time to provide an in-depth review, but so far I do like it. I have been using up some eye cream I bought at Sephora a while back so I’ll start working this one more into my routine in the near future.

OVERALL:

I realllllllllly like Hyaluronic acid. Like, alot. I have known about it for years and did purchase a Korean Hyalurnonic treatment a few months ago which I also really liked. From what I have read, it is a natural acid that the body produces, but as we age, it produces less. I do feel like it contributes to the “voluminous” effect these products claim to provide. I like to think that it makes ‘me skin a bit more plumpy (yes, plumpy) and hydrated looking. I would recommend this line to anyone with more mature skin, especially if you have those fine wrinkles that would benefit from a bit of plump!

If you have tried any of these products, leave a comment and let me know what you think!

Christmas + B-Day Haul!

February 11, 2016Leave a comment

Yo yo yo!

If you guys have been around for awhile, you know these two dates are one and the FREAKING same. WEll, my birthday falls on Christmas Eve but like BFD, it’s the same day.

This year, people really ponied up and gave me some great things and welp – here they are!

Urban Decay Gwen Stefani Eyeshadow Palette

YES. I own the Gwen Stefani palette from Urban Decay and lemmejustsay – this palette is amaaaazing. My initial reaction to this palette was that it had WAY too many beigy colors. But upon closer inspection, each one offers something totally different. I have used basically every color in this palette, and so far there is not a dud in the bunch. I LOVE the blue and the pink as well, because both colors make my baby blues POP majorlly. I now understand that Urban Decay has released the Gwen blush palette….and oh law, it looks GORGEOUS. Must. Resist.

The Balm In the Balm of Your Hand Palette

Sister Megan got me this palette for Christmas and I am SO glad she did. I wanted this palette because I realized I (horror of horrors) own NOTHING from The Balm. I have wanted to try their blushes, eyeshadows, bronzer and OF COURSE the Mary Lou-minizer for a while now. This palette contains ALL of those items, plus a lip color and a lip and cheek color. I have had a chance to use several of these colors and so far my favorites are ALLLLLL of the shadows, the Hot Mama blush, Mary Louminizer and the cream cheek color. Plus, how cute is this packaging!?

Lush Rosy Christmas Gift Set

I purchased two of these little suckers during the day after Christmas sale on the Lush website. This box contains a small bottle of Rose Jam shower gel and a small tub of my beloved Ro’s Argan Body Conditioner. Each box was $16.95 and it was buy one get one free, so I got both of these boxes for a helluva deal!

Lush Butterbear Bath Bomb

These little guys were also buy one get one free, and at $4.95 apiece I couldn’t resist. I reallllly like this bath bomb because it releases a vanilla-infused cocoa butter formula into the water and it leaves my skin feeling baby soft.

Lush Rosie Wrapped Gift Box

Big thanks to Nan for realizing how much I need Lush in my life! This gift box contains more of my favorite things, Rose Jam Shower Gel and Ro’s Argan Body Conditioner. It also contains a miniature size of the Ultrabalm, which is pretty great. It also contains my beloved Rose Jam Bubbleroon AND Amandopondo Bubble Bar. I am vurrry excited to use this all up and smell like roses!

That pretty much sums it up! What did you all get for Christmas?

My 2015 Favorites

January 28, 20163 Comments

That’s right.

I thought long and hard about writing this post. A post of such great magnitude, such epic proportions, that the thought alone was enough to make me shutter. But I’m doing it you guys.

My 2015 favorites. The best of the best. The bees knees. The creme de la creme. Here. We. GO.

Skincare

Facewash – Purity by Philosophy

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This facewash is exactly what it says on the bottle, it is pure. It cleans your face, takes off makeup and has a light scent. I love the consistency of it, the fact that a little goes a long way and the feeling of my face after it’s clean.

Toner – Caudalie Beauty Elixir

I love that this is French and that I bought it in France. I love the smell. I love the super herbal, cooling effect it has on my skin. I love virtually everything about it!

Moisturizer

Daytime – Mac Strobe Cream

Y’all know I love the dewy-look and this magical lotion helps achieve that look errrr time. I wear it under my foundation when I want to look super-duper extra glowy and wonderful.

Nightime – First Aid Beauty Hydra-Firm Sleeping Mask

This product is thick, super moisturizing and hydrates my skin even throughout the cold, dry winter months. The price is right too – you get a sh*t ton for only about $38 a jar.

Makeup

Foundation – Nars Sheer Glow Foundation

I had a hard time choosing just one foundation to mention for this post, because I love SO many. But to me, this foundation is perfect. Great coverage, good staying-power, luminous and weightless on the skin.

Concealer – Nars Radiant Creamy Concealer

Once again from Nars, this concealer is absolutely beautiful for my under-eyes. It covers my DEEP, dark circles, does not crease and has great staying power.

Powder – It Cosmetics Illumination Celebration Pressed Powder

This was also a tough call, as I really love my Mac Mineralized Skin Finish in Natural, but this powder offers a slightly better finish and lots more coverage. It does not feel cakey and makes my skin look like skin.

Blush – MAC Warm Soul

Y’all know I love me some Milani Luminoso, however I found another favorite this past year. Mac Warm Soul – it looks totally pointless in the pan but once it’s on – OMG it is so gorgeous.

Bronzer – Benefit Hoola

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This category has to go t omy beloved Hoola, by Benefit. It is perfect for my pale skin and always creates the perfect contour.

Highlight – Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector in Champagne Pop

Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector in Champagne Pop. I MEAN. There is no other highlighter worth mentioning! This highlighter is super pigmented, creamy, blendable and absolutely stunning.

Liquid Eyeliner – L’Oreal Carbon Black Lineur Intense

This has to go to my tried and true L’Oreal Carbon Black Lineur Intense. It is easy to apply, SUPER black best of all, it isn’t hard to correct if you make a mistake.

Pencil Eyeliner – Makeup Forever Aqua Eyes

This would have to go to my Makeup Forever Aqua Eyes Waterproof black liner. Because IT STAYS PUT.

Eyeshadow Palette – Urban Decay Gwen Stefani Palette

I have to give this award to the Urban Decay Gwen Stefani palette which I haven’t even blogged about. It is SO beautiful and the colors are right up my alley. The shadows are so pigmented, blendable and simply gorgeous.

Brow Product – Anastasia Brow Whiz

This goes to the Anastasia Brow Whiz. It’s tiny size allows for the perfect application, mimicking real eyebrow hairs.

Mascara – Covergirl Super Sizer

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This one is a no-brainer! The Covergirl Super Sizer mascara is absolute perfection. It not only lengthens and separates, it also gives great volume. I am addicted to this stuff.

And that’s all she wrote folks! Stay tuned for a haul of epic proportions!!