What Are My Goals For 2015?

Today is the last day of 2014!  I said this last year, and I said it the year before (and probably the year before that), but I'll say it again: time seems to go faster and faster with every year.  Why is this the case when every year has 365.25 days, every day has 24 hours, every hour has 60 minutes, and every minute has 60 seconds?  Why does time seem to be increasing exponentially as we get older, when in reality, it doesn't change?  Actually, if we want to talk about reality, we should be talking about how time really doesn't even exist.  It's something we made up.  As Wayne Dyer says, although I don't think this quote is originally his, "that which is real never changes."  But enough about that.  Back to my previous question, I don't know why this happens, but for me, it is definitely a reminder about our immortality.  Nobody has forever to live on this planet, and nobody knows when their time will be up.  So when I think about how 2014 flew by, I see it as a reminder to slow down, smell the roses, and live every day as though it were my last.

I know I'm not alone when I say that I don't always manage stress very well.  Sometimes, I make a huge deal out of little things.  Then I realize later that everything worked out and that it was silly to waste my energy being upset and worried about something so insignificant.  If I lived every day as though it were my last, I wouldn't make mountains out of molehills.  And that is my first goal for 2015--to have faith and to not sweat it too much over anything.  I do believe in a higher power and that everything always works out for the best.

My second goal is very closely related to the first, and that is to learn how to RELAX.  Unfortunately, I've never really known how to surrender, shut off my brain, and completely relax.  If I'm going to live every day like it's my last, I'm going to need to relax!

My  third goal is to find beauty in everything, even in the darkest of places and times.  I am currently in the depths of seasonal depression.  This happens to me every winter.  I feel withdrawn, sad, and exhausted for no reason other than the fact that the weather is colder and there is less daylight.  I have to learn how to beat this and how to bring happiness to myself during this time of year (or for that matter, any time at all when things aren't going so well).

While all of these goals are important, I think my fourth might be the most crucial.  My fourth goal is to take care of myself and to stop living to please other people.  I have always been a people pleaser.  I have always wanted those close to me to be proud of me.  I have never wanted to ask for help or for anything that would cause any kind of inconvenience for anybody.  That has to stop right now.  I have to know that I can ask for help, and more importantly, I have to know that I'm worth it.  I have to start standing up for myself more and stop worrying about upsetting others.  That doesn't mean that I'm going to be selfish, but if you don't love yourself, how can you love anybody else?  You can't give away what you don't have.  And when you stand up for yourself and live life on your own terms, people respect you more!  This much I know this to be true.

Those are all my goals for the new year, and now I want to take a moment to express my gratitude for everyone and everything I have in my life.  I am the luckiest girl in the world to have my incredible family, friends, and husband.  Most people would give anything to have what I have, and not a day goes by that I don't acknowledge this.  I am so blessed and would not change a thing about my life.

I would love to hear about your resolutions for 2015.  Much love to you all!!  Let's make 2015 great!

XOXO,

A Different Kind of Post

What I'm about to write is a completely different kind of post from anything I've written on here.  Multiple events from the last 10 days or so have caused me to examine my life and put things into perspective.  Not only have I been going through a bit of a tough time recently, but some of my loved ones have as well.  I was trying to be strong and not cry.  I'd been holding everything in until yesterday, when I finally had a meltdown and sobbed my eyes out.  I needed to let myself feel what I felt and let it all out.  Today is a new day, and I feel that it's vital to look at things in a different light.  Mostly, I've been thinking about everything I have to be thankful for:

My husband:  Not to sound too cliche, but in all honesty, he really is my best friend and the love of my life.  I think about all the days I've come home worried or upset about something (and probably wasn't too pleasant to be around), and he has always been there to wrap his arms around me and comfort me.  He brings so much joy to my heart and makes me laugh and smile more than anyone.  Just thinking about him as I write this brings a smile to my face.  Sometimes, we think the same thoughts and blurt out the same words at the same times.  He really is my other half, and I would be so lost and so incomplete without him.  When things seem to go wrong, he always reminds me that as long as we have each other, things really aren't too bad.  He's so right.

My family:  I couldn't have grown up with a more loving group of people.  My family is always there for me, through thick and thin.  They remind me every single day how loved I am, and they would do anything for me.  My parents have given my brother and me guidance and unwavering support that has allowed us to be where we are today.  They mean more to me than I could even put into words.  My brother, well, he's my little sidekick!  And who could forget those two cairn terriers who are so cute and so full of joy that they'd warm anybody's heart?  I'm also very thankful for my in-laws, who have welcomed me into their family with open arms, and I have so much love for them as well.

My friends:  Though some have moved out of state, I'm thankful that we still keep in touch and when  we do speak, it's like no time has gone by at all.  And for those who still live here, don't ever move away!!  Just kidding... but please know that I always enjoy our happy hours and any other time we can spend together.

My health:  This is a big one that many of us take for granted.  I am thankful that I have two arms, two legs, and perfectly functioning organs.

My job:  I'm so lucky to have the flexibility and autonomy I have.  And even better, I'm fortunate that my work benefits my family as opposed to some large, evil corporation.

...and so much more.  When I think about how lucky I am, I realize that everything in my life is perfect.  Sure, there are ups and downs, but that's life.  I know in my heart that there's a time for everything, and everything happens for a reason.  We don't always understand why they do, particularly when things go wrong, but sometimes, things have to fall apart to make room for better things.  After the storm passes, we realize that whatever happened that seemed like the end of the world at the time was simply a rough patch.  And no storm can last forever.

Thank you for reading this, and if you're going through a tough time, just remember that "this too shall pass."

XOXO,

August New Beauty Test Tube and FOTD

This season's New Beauty Test Tube from QVC is especially exciting.  In my opinion, it's the best one yet.  It has a nice mix of makeup and skincare items with one hair product.  I am especially excited about the Kate Somerville ExfoliKate and the It Cosmetics Brow Power Universal Eyebrow Pencil.  Keep reading to see everything that came in the package and brief reviews of the products I've tried!

Here's a quick FOTD where I'm wearing all the makeup products listed below:

Makeup:

Doll10 Beauty Luxe Lipgloss:  Mine came in the color Blush.  This product claims to be a lipstick and lipgloss in one, and based on the nice pigmentation yet glossy feel, I would agree.  As far as lip glosses go, I really like this one because it's smooth and not sticky.  The opacity and texture remind me a lot of the Revlon Super Lustrous glosses, which are a great drugstore pick.  The color is flattering yet natural and would be a good go-to lip color for anyone.

It Cosmetics Brow Power Universal Brow Pencil:  The idea behind this is that it's a "one color fits all" brow pencil.  It is suggested that blondes apply it with less pressure for less pigment, while brunettes who need a darker shade should use more pressure to obtain more pigment.  The color is perfectly neutral; not too warm and not too cool, so I can see how it could work for any hair color.  It's double-ended with the pencil on one end and a spoolie to comb through and blend in the color on the other end, which I love.  The shape is more flat than round like a typical pencil, which is nice but takes some getting used to.  I also like how it doesn't need to be sharpened.

Mally Evercolor Shadow Stick:  I have the color dusk, a beautiful taupe shade with shimmer.  This is super easy to apply--I just draw a thick line on my upper lash line and use my finger to blend it all over my lid.  It transitions nicely in the crease and is easy to use as a liner on your lower lash line--it's soft enough that you can just draw it on and not have to worry about smudging it out.  I was very impressed by the staying power.  I did not use an eye primer underneath it, nor did I use any powder shadows over it, and it stayed on all day without creasing (it even survived a mid-day workout).  I'd love to check out some of the other colors available!

Skincare:

Kate Somerville ExfoliKate:  This is a brand I've wanted to try for a long time but haven't due to the price tag, so I was extremely excited that this product came in the Test Tube!  I used MAC Cleanse Off Oil to remove my makeup, then I washed my face with Cera Ve Foaming Facial Cleanser.  I then followed the instructions on the ExfoliKate; I massaged it into my skin for 30 seconds, left it on for two minutes, then rinsed it off.  It has a cinnamon-y smell, and I felt it tingle, but it wasn't painful.  When I rinsed it off, my skin felt incredibly soft.  It is probably a more effective exfoliator than a scrub.  It's similar to another product I've tried: Dr Brandt Microdermabrasion Skin Exfoliant.  Both are very pricey but excellent.  If you can get yourself a sample of either one of these, do it!

Bliss Fabulous Foaming Face Wash:  I haven't tried this yet, but it claims to be a 2-in-1 cleanser and exfoliator.  I've used products from the Bliss line before and have been impressed.

Philosophy amazing Grace shampoo, Body Wash, Bubble Bath:  Philosophy makes these in different scents.  Amazing Grace smells fresh and sophisticated.  While these products have three uses, I have only ever used them as shower gels.  

Fresh Sugar Advanced Therapy Lip Treatment:  I've used other lip products from Fresh, and my favorite is their lip scrub.  Like their lip balms, this product is nice but definitely not worth $25.  It didn't do anything for my lips that a drugstore balm wouldn't.  It has a yummy lemony smell like other lip balms from this brand.

Haircare:

Phyto Botanical Straightening Balm:  I haven't tried this product yet, but I think it will be nice for days when I want to straighten my hair.  It claims to have a built-in heat protectant.

Thanks for reading!  I'd love to hear feedback from anyone who has tried any of these products!

XOXO,

Great Drugstore Red Lipstick

As recently as a few months ago, I never thought the day would come where I'd want to wear red lipstick.  In fact, it's only in the past year or so that I've started to feel comfortable wearing bright lipstick.  Whenever I would see a red lip tutorial pop up on my YouTube subscription feed, I'd automatically skip over it because I had NO interest whatsoever in wearing red on my lips.  Maybe it's all the pictures I've seen on Pinterest, but my stance on red lipstick has completely changed.  I now see it as a beautiful, confident, and timeless statement that any girl with any skin tone or hair color can rock (as long as she's feeling confident on the inside!).

When it came to shopping for a red, I relied on YouTuber Leighannsays, who swears by Revlon ColorBurst Matte Balm in the color Standout.  She thinks it's a great shade of red that flatters any complexion and makes your teeth appear whiter (and who wouldn't want that?).

I absolutely agree with Leigh Ann's review.  The shade is bold yet wearable.  The crayon format makes it super easy to apply, but considering the depth of the color, you'll still need a mirror to apply it.  When it comes to red lipstick, experts highlight the importance of wearing a lip liner to prevent feathering and improve longevity.  I have never been a lip liner gal--it's just way too high maintenance for me.  In my opinion, the format of this lipstick negates the need for a lip liner.  

This lipstick has a pepperminty smell but is not overpowering.  A few hours before I applied it, I used a lip scrub to exfoliate and followed that up with a moisturizing lip balm to ensure that I had no flakes of dried skin hanging out (attractive!) prior to applying the color.  This is essential, as matte colors will cling to those dry flakes, and that is not cute!  It didn't feel drying on me, and I attribute this in part to exfoliating and moisturizing beforehand.  Regarding longevity, it was decent for me.  I don't think you'd be able to make it all day without touching up, but it did withstand a bit of eating and drinking pretty well.

Overall, I don't think you could go wrong with this lipstick.  And the best part?  It's found at the drugstore and is affordable!

Thanks for reading, and have fun playing with a little color!

Current Loves: June 2014

Hello!  It's been a while since I've blogged.  I figured this would be a good time to do an updated "things I've been loving" post.

1. Fast, easy makeup:
I love makeup as much as anyone, but I go in phases where I sometimes don't want to spend a lot of time on my face.  Bold eyeshadow is stunning, but there's just something I find so beautiful about minimal or even no makeup.  I love seeing natural beauty shine through, and I think part of what makes it so appealing to me is that feeling comfortable without much makeup shows confidence, and confidence is beautiful!  My version of this natural look is to fill in my brows, curl my lashes, and throw on some peach lipstick or a tinted lip balm.  If I want to look a little more put together, I'll add a natural looking foundation (been loving Neutrogena Healthy Skin and Bobbi Brown BB Cream), blush, mascara, and sometimes a bit of eyeliner.

It doesn't get any easier than this!  All I did was fill in my eyebrows, curl my eyelashes, and throw on the lipstick mentioned below. 

2.  Peach lips:
I've been wearing Maybelline Color Sensational Lipstick in Peachy Scene almost every day lately.  It's so pretty for summer!  It's also great with a full face of makeup or no makeup at all.

3.  The famous Fix+:
I can't say enough good things about MAC Fix Plus.  There's a reason this stuff is so hyped up.  I love using it as a setting spray or on my bare face, and it just makes everything look so much more glowy, blended, and skin-like!  I notice that when I don't use it, my makeup doesn't look as good.  You can also use it under makeup to give your skin a boost of hydration.  This stuff is seriously magic.  It feels is good to spritz it on.  Oh, it smells ice too.

4.  Lots of arm candy:
In the fall and winter, I was all about chunky necklaces and/or layering many necklaces.  I still love that look, but recently, I've been going for more dainty necklaces and going heavy on the bracelets.  I love wearing these Goody Ribbon Elastics (many other brands make them too) as bracelets.  Here's today's combo:

5.  Smelling like the beach
At this time last year, I was on my honeymoon in Kauai.  I'm so nostalgic for those amazing 10 days in paradise!  All I can do is smell like the beach and pretend like I'm there.  I do that by layering Bath and Body Works Aruba Coconut Lotion with Bobbi Brown Beach Perfume.  If you like tropical, summery scents, I'd recommend checking both of these out.  The Bobbi Brown perfume may not be for everyone--it smells exactly like Coppertone sunscreen, which some people probably hate.  I just happen to love it (mostly because it makes me think of the beach).

Thanks for stopping by!  I'll try not to be gone so long next time :).

BB/CC/Tinted Moisturizer: My Two Cents

BB and CC creams are all the rave in the makeup world right now.  They've more or less replaced tinted moisturizers, although some brands do still make tinted moisturizers.  What is the difference between the BB, CC, and tinted moisturizer, and which one should you use?

What They Are
BB creams claim to be skin perfecting products (some even use the word miracle!) that can be used as your moisturizer, primer, and foundation in one.  Most of them contain an SPF as well.  In addition to all those things, many claim to be a skin treatment with the implication that continued use of the product will improve the condition of your skin.

CC creams are marketed as products that help with color correction.  They replace foundation but not primer or moisturizer.  Most do contain an SPF like the BB creams.  Though most CC creams don't mention anything about a skin treatment, many promise to even out your skin tone and visibly reduce the appearance of dark spots and imperfections over time.

Tinted moisturizers have been around forever.  When I first started to wear makeup in middle school, I used the Bobbi Brown Tinted Moisturizer.  A tinted moisturizer is basically a lightweight, light coverage foundation.  It's perfect for those just starting to wear makeup or anyone who wants just a little bit of coverage without the makeup-y look or feel.

Quick Reviews on Products I've Tried
BB Cream:
Garnier BB Cream:  I liked this one--it had pretty decent coverage and left my skin looking fresh and dewy.  It's great for those with dry skin.  It's fine on normal skin too, although I used to always set it with a powder so it wouldn't get too greasy.  They now make a version for oily skin--if that's you, it may be worth checking out.  It has an SPF of 15.
BB Brown BB Cream :  This is my favorite of all the products mentioned in this post.  It has a high SPF of 35.  It doesn't feel greasy at all and glides on effortlessly.  I don't feel the need to use a powder over it.  It has pretty good coverage for a BB cream and makes your skin look beautiful.  I love how Bobbi's skin products are yellow-based since I have warm skin with yellow undertones.  I can't say enough good things about this product!  It has become my new go-to foundation.

CC Cream:
Smashbox CC Cream:  I had a tiny sample of this (I think it was one of the free samples I picked from a Sephora online order).  I only got a few uses out of the sample, but I liked the product.  It didn't make me greasy and has an SPF of 30.  I think this would be good for normal to oily skin.
Clinique CC Cream:  I really like this product!  I am still working through a sample I asked for at Ulta (I've had it since February, and it's lasted me this long!).  It makes my skin look flawless and goes on really smoothly.  My only gripe is that this product doesn't really set.  It feels tacky on my skin for a while after I've applied it, and I have to use a powder with it.  It is a "moisture surge" product, so I think anyone with dry skin would like this.  If you're oily, this may not be for you.  It contains SPF 30.

This large sample of the Clinique CC Cream is lasting me forever!  The lady at Ulta was happy to give me a generous sample. 

Left: Bobbi Brown BB Cream in Medium
Right: Clinique CC Cream in Medium
The Bobbi Brown has a slightly more warm/yellow tone than the Clinique and is a better match for my skin.

Tinted Moisturizer:
Almay Smart Shade Makeup (The original, not the anti-aging one.  I've heard the anti-aging one has subtle shimmer):  This product is marketed as a foundation, but to me, it's a tinted moisturizer.  It comes out of the tube white and contains little beads with color, and when you rub it into your skin, the heat from your fingers breaks open the beads, and it turns into (more or less) the color of your skin.  It has really light coverage, and it feels just like putting on a lotion.  I really like this product.  It gives less coverage than a BB or CC cream, but it evens out your skin in a really natural way.  It doesn't look like you're wearing anything at all but makes your skin look better than it does on its own.  It contains SPF 15.  This is my second favorite of all the products mentioned here behind the Bobbi Brown BB Cream.

Almay Smart Shade in Medium from start to finish.

Neutrogena Healthy Skin Enhancer:  This product has gotten good reviews, but I didn't like it.  In fact, I returned it!  It didn't glide on very smoothly, plus the product kept drying up in the pump.  Every time I used it, dried up product would come out.
Aveeno BB Cream/Tinted Moisturizer:  When I bought this two years ago, it said "tinted moisturizer."  They now call it a BB cream.  I'm pretty sure it's the exact same product with a different name--the packaging is exactly the same.  I wouldn't recommend this one.  I had the same problems as I did with the Neutrogena one, and the darkest shade they offer wasn't dark enough for me.

My Final Thoughts and Potential Money-Saving Tips
I have to say that after trying all these products, I've decided that BB and CC creams are essentially the same as tinted moisturizers except that they offer slightly more coverage.  The whole BB/CC craze is somewhat gimmicky to me, as I don't believe they can improve your skin over time.  I do think they're better for your skin than a heavy, full-coverage foundation for the simple reason that they're lighter on your skin and allow your pores to breathe a little more.  Though BB creams and tinted moisturizers can be used as foundation and moisturizer in one, I still wear a separate moisturizer underneath.  Experiment both with and without a moisturizer underneath to see what works best for you.  Though I normally use my fingers to apply these products, you can use a brush if you want more coverage.

Many brands, both drugstore and high-end, make BB and/or CC creams.  If you want to try a drugstore brand, I'd suggest buying it from Ulta.  Ulta is great because they accept returns on opened/used cosmetics.  I don't think Target, Wal-Mart, or other drugstores do.  If you want to try a high-end brand, don't be shy about asking for a sample before spending around $40 on something just to find out that you don't like it (even though you should be able to return it to most counters, Sephora, and Ulta).  Not only will you likely get a generous sample that will last you a couple months, but when you buy high-end, the makeup artist will be able to color match you to save you from buying the wrong shade.

Good luck shopping for your favorite BB/CC/tinted moisturizer!  I hope this post helps to steer you in the right direction and find something you and your skin love!

How I Contour My Face

Contouring is one of those things that many of us probably don't think to do on a daily basis.  If you're a beginner with makeup, chances are you don't even know what contouring is.  It's one of the most recent things I've learned in makeup.  It can make a big difference as far as making your face look proportional and model-like, and if you want to make your face appear slimmer, this technique will become your new best friend.

You need a couple things to contour: a matte bronzer (this is important--nothing with shimmer!), a brush to apply the bronzer, and possibly a second brush to blend it out, depending on the brush you use for application.

Regarding the matte bronzer, don't feel like you need to spend a fortune here.  ELF makes a great Contouring Blush and Bronzer Powder Duo for $3.  Alternatively, you could look for a face powder that is a few shades darker than your skin tone.  The one I use every day and highly recommend is the L'Oreal True Match Super Blendable Powder.  The True Match line in General is great because it's affordable, easily accessible, and offers a large color range and undertones in cool, neutral, and warm.    I would recommend using something neutral or cool to use for contouring.  If you're just going to use it as an all-over bronzer to warm up your complexion, you can go with a warmer shade.  Anyway, the shade I have is N8 Cappuccino.

My favorite brush for contouring is the Oval 6 Brush by MAC (currently, you can only buy it in MAC stores), and that's what you will see me using here.  This brush is very unique and makes contouring super easy; it's the perfect density and shape and is super soft!  You could also use an angled brush (I love the Sedona Lace Large Angle Contour Brush) or something like the Real Techniques Contour Brush (shown on the far left of this kit).  Just find a brush that isn't too big and fluffy and has enough precision for you to get into the hollows of your cheeks).

L'Oreal True Match Super Blendable Powder in N8 Cappuccino, MAC Oval 6 Brush, Real Techniques Blush Brush (to use for blending)

Now that you have the tools, it's time to make the oh-so-attractive fish face by sucking in your cheeks to find the hollows.  You'll want to apply the bronzer right underneath your cheek bones (basically the sucked-in part).

Start at your hairline and move inwards.  If it looks like a harsh stripe like it does here, don't worry!  You're going to blend it out.  Warning: scary picture ahead...

If you use an angled brush to apply the contour, you can pretty much get away with just using that to blend out the color.  If you use a stiffer brush like the Oval 6, you'll need a big fluffy brush to blend.  My favorite is the Real Techniques Blush Brush, and I just buff the color out using circular motions.  I also use this brush to apply the bronzer on my temples right near my hair line and along my jawline (along with the hollows of your cheeks, contouring these areas will also make your face look slimmer).

And you're done contouring!  I follow this up with blush and highlighter.

Thanks for reading!!

XOXO,

March Empties and Happy Spring!

Who wants to look through my trash?  You're probably thinking this is an absurd question and that I've lost my mind.  That's what I thought too once I saw so many beauty gurus posting "empties" videos on YouTube, where they show beauty products they've recently used up.  They've actually become some of my favorite videos to watch.  Anyone who has used up an entire product can usually give a comprehensive and well informed review and can share whether or not they would repurchase it and if they think it's worth buying.  That's exactly what this post is, so stay tuned if you care to see what I've used up lately and what I think of each product!

Makeup
I've gone through a few mascaras.

One, which isn't pictured because I threw it away, was part of the QVC mascara sampler my aunt gave me for Christmas, and that is Tarte Lights, Camera, Flashes!.  I thought this was the best one I've tried so far from the sampler.  It has a rubber wand, which I'm discovering is my favorite kind because it separates the lashes well.  I would use 2-3 coats of this mascara and got nice volume and length.  Though I like Covergirl Lash Blast much better for the price, if I were to purchase a high end mascara, it would probably be this one.

The one pictured on top here is the Mally Beauty Volumizing Mascara, also part of the sampler.  This one was nice and gave good volume.  This has a traditional bristle type wand, so it doesn't separate as well as the Tarte but doesn't clump badly either.  It's a good mascara, but I think you can get the same result with L'Oreal Voluminous.  I probably wouldn't purchase this one by Mally.

The mascara pictured on bottom is the Stila Major Major Lash Mascara and was part of a Stila Christmas gift set from my mother-in-law.  It has a bristle type brush as well and gave awesome volume and thickness.  My only complaint, which nobody else might have a problem with, is that there is quite a bit of distance between the bristles and the handle--more than I've ever experienced with any other mascara.  Because of the way I turn the wand in my fingers to get the product into the roots of my lashes, it was difficult with this wand and hurt my hand.  For that reason, I wouldn't purchase it, although it looks like they have improved the packaging to where this may no longer be an issue.

Onto concealer...

I finished a pot of the Bobbi Brown Corrector.  This stuff is awesome!  It has a great peach tone that cancels out dark circles and makes your under eye area look bright.  Bobbi markets this as a product made to layer underneath concealer, but I used it alone, and it worked wonders.  It's thick, so make sure you wear an eye cream underneath it.  I will repurchase this at some point in the future, but there are many other concealers I'd like to try first.  Also, I wouldn't use this anywhere else on your face--just under your eyes.

Hair

I finished up a can of Big Sexy Hair Volumizing Dry Shampoo.  This stuff is amazing, and I will definitely repurchase it!  If you're looking for a dry shampoo that makes your hair feel fresh and clean, this isn't it.  In fact, it almost makes your hair feel dirty in a way.  That sounds weird, but I love it because of the texture and grit it gives my hair.  I even use it on cleanly washed hair, and it helps to hold my style.  I also spray it through my hair and love the texture and un-done look it gives my waves.  I only wash my hair once or twice a week, and this works wonders in helping to control oily roots.  My hair is really smooth and has a hard time holding a bun or ponytail, but when I use this, all my problems are solved.

The second hair product was a sample of the Alterna Bamboo Smooth Kendi Oil Dry Oil. I used this on the ends of my wet hair after washing it.  I honestly am not the best person to test this product because I don't have dry hair.  It didn't feel heavy, but I can't speak to the quality as far as moisturizing and treating damaged hair.  I wouldn't purchase this simply because I don't have a need for it.

Other

The last two items are a hand cream and a makeup setting spray.

The setting spray was a travel sized Urban Decay All-Nighter.  I will definitely repurchase this product... It helps my makeup last through a whole work day (which often includes a mid-day workout).  It's great stuff, and they also make setting sprays for dry and oily skin.

The hand cream was a travel sized Soap and Glory Hand Food.  It's a nice hand cream and is moisturizing and not greasy.  It smells really good--if you know what the old Miss Dior Cherie smelled like, this is pretty much it in a hand lotion.  The scent is strong though, so I found myself not wanting to use this if I was wearing perfume so the scents wouldn't compete!  I'm not sure if I would repurchase this, as right now, I'm loving an unscented one from Eucerin.

And that sums up my recent trash post!  Just wanted to throw in a quick picture from the first day of spring because like many of you, I'm ready for winter to be over!  My mother-in-law gave me this adorable scarf, which is perfect for spring.  Thanks, Kristi!

Thanks for reading!  I hope this post finds you all well.

CC

Tuesday OOTD, FOTD, and Super Easy Winged Liner!

OOTD and FOTD

I have the luxury of being able to wear whatever I want to work.  Sometimes, I get stuck in a rut and just wear my workout clothes.  But sometimes, it's nice to glam up a bit (and by glam up, I mean wear jeans) and look nice.  I'm really not trying to impress anyone, but I do notice that when I look better, I feel better, and this often leads to a good day.  Here's what I wore to work today:

Outfit:

-Top: Express

-Jeans: Express

-Boots: White Mountain brand from DSW

(And of course, Augie's head snuck into the picture)

Eyes:

-Lorac Primer

-Makeup Geek Eyeshadows in Cinderella (lid), Creme Brule (blending color above crease), Mocha (outer portion of lid and crease), Shimma Shimma (inner corner)

-Makeup Geek Eyeshadow in Corrupt (liner on top)

-Makeup Geek Eyeshadow in Mocha (liner on bottom)

-L'Oreal Carbon Black Voluminous Mascara

-Tarte Lights, Camera, Flashes Mascara

-Bobbi Brown Eyeshadow in Mohogany (brows)

Face:

-Clinique Super Primer 

-Bobbi Brown Corrector in Light Peach (under eyes)

-Neutrogena Skin Clearing Concealer in Medium (on blemishes on forehead because my acne decided to join the party today.  This covers it up well!)

-Bobbi Brown Foundation Stick in Warm Natural (to cover redness around nose)

-Bare Minerals Original Foundation in Medium Tan 

-Physician's Formula Happy Booster Bronzer

-Bobbi Brown Blush in Sand Pink

-Bobbi Brown Shimmer Brick in Bronze

Lips:

-Revlon Super Lustrous Lipgloss in Pink Pop

Easy Peasy Winged Eyeliner

Going over any kind of black liner (liquid, gel, or pencil) with an angled brush and black eyeshadow helps to soften the look and smooth out any bumps.  I recently purchased the Makeup Geek Eyeshadow in the color Corrupt, which is a SUPER black black.  It's by far the most smooth and pigmented black shadow I've ever seen.

I decided to put this to the test and see if it could perform as a good eyeliner on its own.  And sure enough, it did. 

This was the quickest and most fool proof way I've ever found to do winged liner.  I just swept an angled brush (my faithful Sedona Lace Small Angled Brush E561) through the eyeshadow, drew it on, and voila.  It looks soft, yet due to the awesome pigmentation of the shadow, it still looks defined.  If you have a hard time with your winged eyeliner, definitely give this technique a try.  You can use any black or brown eyeshadow, but I would HIGHLY recommend the Makeup Geek shadows--obviously by the sheer number of shadows I used in this look, you can tell I love them.  They're cheaper than MAC's shadows but just as good (in fact, I think they're even more pigmented).  

Thank you for reading.  Hope you're all having a great week!!

CC

Super Bowl FOTD

Hello everyone, I just wanted to hop on and do a super quick FOTD before I head off to watch the Broncos!!

I didn't have any orange eyeshadow but was able to incorporate some blue liner into the look. I did some bronze eyeshadow on the lid and pretty neutral face makeup and lipstick.  I also went with Broncos colors on my nails.  Here's what I have on:

MAC Eyeshadow in Mulch (lid)
Makeup Geek Eyeshadows in Creme Brule, Latte, Cocoa Bear (for crease blending)
Maybelline Eye Studio Lasting Drama Gel Liner in Black (upper lash line)
Ulta Automatic Eyeliner in Cobalt (lower lash line--also blended this out with Makeup Geek Creme Brule on  pencil brush)
Bobbi Brown Eyeshadow in Mahogany (eyebrows)
L'Oreal Voluminous Carbon Black mascara
Tarted Lights, Camera, Flashes mascara
NYX Blush in Dusty Rose
L'Oreal True Match Super Blendable Powder in Cappuccino (used this as bronzer/contour)
Bobbi Brown Shimmer Brick in Bronze
Essence lipstick in Creamy Nude

Thank you so much for reading!

CC

Recent Favorites and FOTD

Since I love experimenting with different products (and since I have a lot of makeup), it's rare for me to wear something for several days in a row--let alone almost an entire month straight.  Most of the products I'm about to mention are new to my collection, whether they were Christmas presents or just something I treated myself to.  Without further ado, I'll jump right into my most recent loves.

Face
My standout face product of the month is the one and only Bobbi Brown Shimmer Brick in Bronze.  This compact makes the most BEAUTIFUL highlight of anything I've ever seen.  It has a nice sheen yet looks natural on the cheeks.  I like swirl all the colors together and dust it on the tops of my cheekbones (a typical spot for highlighting), then I lightly dust it over my cheeks on top of my blush.  The pictures don't do it justice--you just have to check it out for yourself.

Swatched on my hand is the combination of all colors.  Again, this does not do it justice!

 

 

 

I know it's pricey at $42, and many companies have tried to dupe this.  When I really want an expensive product, I think on it long and hard and do tons of research on it before I plunge.  What I got from the reviews is that none of the dupes hold a candle to it.  It had been about six months since I'd started wanting one, so after reading reviews and waiting so long, I decided I had to have it and couldn't be happier about my decision.  I've literally worn this every single day since I purchased it.

I must also mention the primer and foundation I've been using this month. 

The primer, Urban Decay Pore Perfecting Primer Potion, was a Christmas gift from my mother-in-law that came with a mini sized Urban Decay setting spray.  I'd never tried this primer and immediately fell in love with it.  Since my skin has been a little drier from all the acne products I've been using, some primers and foundations have accentuated the dryness (not attractive!).  This did not.  It comes out white and has a very smooth, slightly silicone-y texture.  Once it blends into the skin, the whiteness goes away.  I like to put it on first thing, do my eye makeup as I let it dry, then do my face makeup.  I give this primer two thumbs up.

The foundation I've been using is one I've mentioned, Bare Minerals Original Foundation in the shade Medium Tan.  This is a long time favorite of mine and one I've purchased at least three times.  The shade is perfect for me right now since I'm still a little tan from Maui, and it provides the most perfect finish--it's not cakey at all, but it's not oily.  It just looks like beautiful skin.  Love, love, love it.  That plus the primer make a dynamite combination.

Lastly in this category, I'd like to give a shout out to the ELF Studio Blush in Mellow Mauve.  This is a really nice shade for winter that gives off a bit of sheen.  Oh, and let's not forget to mention that it's THREE DOLLARS!!  My mom complimented my blush one day when I was wearing this and wanted to know what it was.  I apply it with the Real Techniques Blush Brush.

Eyes
How on earth did I live before I had a brush like this??? I am referencing the Sedona Lace Universal Blender EB 09, which is the same type of brush as the Sigma E25 Blending Brush and the famous MAC 217 (but less than half the price!!). 

You're probably wondering what's so special about this brush.  I always wondered that too... until I finally bought it a couple months ago.  It really just does it all.  If you could only have one eye shadow brush, this would be the one to own.

You can pack color on your lid with the flat side, but you may also be able to see from this picture that it has a fluffy tip.  This is perfect for putting color in the crease.  I like to use the fluffy part to feather darker colors from my outer corner inward and up into the crease to create a nice gradient.  You can also turn it vertically and use the fluffy part to blend all your shadows together.  Everybody needs this brush or one like it.  Everybody.

Onto mascara.  I like to layer my mascaras, and lately I've been combining an old favorite with a new discovery. 

The old favorite is L'Oreal Voluminous Carbon Black.  If you've never tried this mascara, you need to.  It builds really well and creates amazing volume, although I find when you open a new tube, you have to use it for a couple weeks before it yields the best results.  Anyway, I like to do two coats of this mascara, let it dry, then go in for a third coat with Tarte Lights, Camera, Flashes.  This is a new mascara for me, and I'm using a sample size that came in the Lashtastic 8-Piece Mascara Discovery Collection, which was a Christmas present from my aunt.  So far, this is the only Mascara I've tried from the collection, but being a mascara junkie, I'm excited to try all the others!

Lips
My lip product category in general this month has been tinted lip balm.  It's low maintenance, you don't need a mirror to apply it, and it provides color plus moisture (critical for winter and especially for those of us living in dry climates).  My favorite of the month has been Burt's Bees Tinted Lip Balm.  The one pictured here is in the color Pink Blossom, but I've also been loving Rose (which is in my car at the moment).  These are so moisturizing and pretty at the same time!

FOTD
Finally, here is a quick face of the day.  I used all of the products I mentioned above.  For the eyes, I used some of the plum shades from the Lorac Pro Palette.  I love the shadows in this palette but am still trying to find the perfect plum combination.  I like what I did today but still think I can do better.

And that does it for my recent favorites.  Thank you so much for reading!

Much love,

CC