Tag Archives: makeup

Essie Fall 2015 Nail Polish Line

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It’s over 100 degrees every day here in Texas. I’m loving beach days but I am ready for fall, my FAVORITE season. It’s almost time for “pumpkin everything”! I’m missing my dark nail polishes, so it was exciting to see the new Fall 2015 Essie Collection. When is it available? Now! Ulta has the entire collection available online and if you spend $17 on nail polish you get a free top coat! I went on a nail polish spending freeze about 8 months ago (well, I did buy maybe one bottle but that doesn’t count) in order to clear out and actually use what I already have. Essie is my favorite polish brand, so at least 70% is all Essie. I’ve cleared out a good dozen bottles of polish over this time so I have room for new ones.

I’m liking “Leggy Legend” which is a copper/gold depending on how it hits the light. I also like “in the lobby” which is a purple that looks a little matte. And “bell-bottom blues” is a really pretty shiny blue tone.

essie-fall-20151You can purchase these now at Ulta!

Target Beauty Box is Back – Two Versions, each $5

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The Target Beauty Box is back and it has a Back To College theme. Each are $5 and that includes shipping. The value is just over $20. These beauty boxes are different than what Target has released in the past, because they are geared to a younger girl. My 35 year old self is a little disappointed. I have ordered both, however, because I think that my soon-to-be 7th grader would enjoy a lot of the products. I’m only really interested in the John Frieda treatment and maybe the NYX lip gloss. The value is also less than usual. You normally get a near $40 value and this comes in at half that. I think it’s still worth the purchase, but hopefully we’ll get a higher end box next time.

Back To College Honor Roll Box (click here to go to the box)

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The deets on this Target Beauty Box:

1. Bathery Delicate Pouf

Gentle netting creates a rich lather for cleansing even the most sensitive skin. (colors may vary)

2. John Frieda Luxurious Volume 7-Day Treatment

Semi-permanent treatment transforms fine hair, leaving it full even after multiple washes.

3. Olay White Strawberry Body Wash

Hydrating body wash refreshes your skin with a cooling white strawberry and mint scent.

4. NYX Butter Gloss Strawberry Parfait

Buttery soft and silky smooth gloss tastes sweet and makes lips shine without being sticky.

5. Goody Ouchless Elastics

Hair ties made without metal for reduced snags and pulls. (colors may vary)

6. CoverGirl Outlast All-Day Primer

Preps skin for smooth application & extends the wear of foundation.

7. Burt’s Bees White Tea Facial Wipes

Hypoallergenic facial towelettes made with natural soothing ingredients like white tea & aloe vera to cleanse & remove makeup.

It is valued at just over $20.

Back To College Head of the Class (click here to go to the box)

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The deets on this Target Beauty Box:

1. Goody Ouchless Elastics

Hair ties made without metal for reduced snags and pulls. (colors may vary)

2. Bathery Pumice Stone

Dual-textured pumice stone that smoothes and refines rough skin. (colors may vary)

3. Hollywood Fashion Tape

Easy-to-use, clear double-stick apparel and body tape helps clothes stay put.

4. CoverGirl Colorlicious Lip Gloss

Lustrous, vibrant shine and rich color without the stickiness. (colors may vary)

5. wet n wild Max Volume Plus Mascara

Macadamia nut, jojoba and olive oils strengthen lashes while offering 10 times the volume.

6. Herbal Essences Wild Naturals Illuminating Dry Oil Spray

Refreshing hair oil that hydrates & seals each strand for a radiant, glossy look.

7. Yes To Cucumbers 10–Count Wipes

Hypoallergenic facial towelettes made with natural, soothing ingredients like cucumbers & aloe vera to cleanse, remove makeup and nourish your skin.

Beauty Bag MUST HAVES!

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Here are my current beauty bag MUST HAVES that will take you year round in the beauty and makeup department:

Pixi Unique Pink Tinted Brillance Lip Balm ($14.00)

tintedbrilliancebalm-closeup-uniquepink-24jul14-web_1This works with your pH level to create your own personal shade of pink. I have been using the Dior Lip Glow for a couple of years, which works just like this except the price is nearly double at $25. I bought this wanting to compare the two and Pixi blew away the Dior. I felt like the shade of pink was better, I liked that it was super hydrating and that the color is a slight stain so it lasts a long time! You can purchase online and earn 300 points for signing up and that will take off $3 making this $11 instead of $14!

Nuxe Shimmering Dry Oil (1.6 oz bottle $39)

I fell in love with Nuxe products on a trip to Paris in 2011. I had heard how fabulous the pharmacies were at having the most incredible beauty products and it didn’t disappoint. This oil by Nuxe is amazing. It is for face, body and hair. They do have a version without the shimmer but I find the shimmer very subtle and gives your hair and face a natural glow. It doesn’t look like you’re covered in glitter by no means. It just gives a subtle healthy looking glow. And the smell is amazing! I have a lot of allergies to perfumes, and this did not bother me at all.

fp-nuxe-huile-prodigieuse-or-50ml-face-2014-04Nuxe Reve de Miel Moisturizer (1.5oz $39)

This is hands down the BEST moisturizer I’ve ever used and I feel like I’ve tried them all. I stopped using this for about a year as I was trying a lot of different high end moisturizers that were coming in my monthly box subscriptions and nothing compares to this. I recently went back to it and never again will I stop using it. Great for super dry skin like me, but they have others for oily skin and anti-aging.

fp-nuxe-revedemiel-creme-visage-jour-fermee-face-2014-04Bodyography Brow Duo (Price $19)

The Essential Brow Trio. Featuring three matte brow powders in one handy compact flattering for all hair colors. This multifunctional product can act as a matte eyeshadow and liner as well! It lasts all day long and I’ve slept in it and woken up to still perfect brows. I used to use Anastasia’s brow pencil but this little duo is perfection. You can blend and make your own color.

3595-Brow-Trio-WebI would not get the duo without the brow brush. It really creates the perfect shape to your brows. Brow brush, $19.00

1010-brow-brush-720x720Loreal Infallible Makeup Pro-Setting Spray ($12-15)

This sets your makeup in a few sprays. It is gentle and non-irritating and can stand up against the hot days of summer. No one wants their makeup dripping down their face. I tested this out at the beach. I wanted to see if it could hold up through a day of sun and sand and it did! Normally I don’t wear makeup to the beach but I wanted to see how good this actually is and it passed the test.

Cos21q_1_pack-shot2Better Than Sex Mascara ($19)

The name is something else, huh? But this seriously is the holy grail of mascaras. It has fibers so it thickens and lengthens. And like some other fiber mascaras, it is not hard to remove. The brush is big and helps really separate and lengthen your lashes.

s1533439-main-hero-300Dr. Jart+ BB Cream SPF 45 ($39)

This BB Cream offers really good full coverage but without being heavy. Has an SPF 45 while also containing anti-aging properties. My face is dry and this is very hydrating. It’s a great multi-tasking beauty balm that I’ve been devoted to. Comes in two different shades. I use the light to medium.

A moisturizer, sunscreen, and treatment serum, this all-in-one product also includes advanced brightening properties. Ideal under makeup, its natural-looking coverage minimizes the appearance of imperfections and evens the skintone. Antioxidant bio-peptides and adenosine protect skin from harsh environmental factors while restoring firmness and elasticity. This lightweight formula features mineral sunscreens to provide broad spectrum sun protection from both UVA and UVB rays. Skin is left looking smooth, perfect, and natural.

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Target Beauty Box is back for $5 Shipped – $38 Value

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The Target Beauty Box is back and the price has come down from $7 to $5! It is listed as a $38 value and it does have some nice products. The lipstick is valued at $5-7 so that one product right there justifies the price. Hopefully I’ll receive a good color for my skintone. I’m really excited to try the setting spray, those are always so pricey at makeup stores.

http://www.target.com/c/beauty-box-ways-to-shop/-/N-54wll#?lnk=snav_rd_beauty_box&orginalSearchTerm=beauty+box

Here are the products it includes:

Pout Perfection – For long-lasting color, use a lip pencil to line and fill in your lips (we recommend a neutral color or one that’s slightly darker). Then, top it off with Maybelline Color Elixir for a high-gloss, high-impact look. PRICE $5.49-6.99

 Get Set – The secret to flawless skin is just a spray away. First, prep and prime skin to create an evenly moisturized base. Then, add a fave foundation like L’oréal Infallible Pro-Matte Foundation. Lightly mist L’Oréal Infallible Pro-Spray & Set over your lips, eyes and face to finish the look. PRICE $13.29

 Double Agent – Quench thirsty skin in the morning with a light, non-greasy moisturizer. Before bed, using a thicker cream can help with skin renewal as you sleep. No time for two products? No problem! Neutrogena Hydro Boost Gel Cream instantly absorbs like a gel, but intensely moisturizes like a cream. PRICE $17.99

Brilliant Blowout – Start with a renewal shampoo like SheaMoisture Superfruit Complex 10-in-1 System to clean and brighten locks. Next, condition the bottom 3/4 of your hair, starting at the tips and avoiding the crown of your head. Layer in your favorite styling products, then blow dry from roots to tip using a round brunch to get super-soft hair for days. PRICE $10.99

(un)Done Updo – Pull hair back into a high but loose ponytail. Fasten with pins into a top knot and spray with TRESemme’ TRES Two Extra Hold Hairspray for a messy but pulled-together look. PRICE $1.47

Bobbi Brown HOT Collection for Spring 2015

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bbThe new Bobbi Brown HOT Collection has just launched! It is currently available at Sephora. I “like” Bobbi Brown but I don’t tend to “love” Bobbi Brown. I’m more of a Nars girl. Bobbi Brown tends to be more neutral based so I think this new Hot Collection really steps up and offers some bright pops of color for lips and shimmery lids and cheeks for spring and summer. Until this collection, I haven’t seen any blushes that have come close to the cult classic Orgasm by Nars. The blush kits offered in this new collection give a similar pink shimmery flush.

I ordered the lip pencil in Hot Berry and was pleasantly surprised when it arrived yesterday. It is bright and fun for spring and summer. It reminds me of YU by Nars. It came with a nice big sharpener too. I’m going for the eye palette next!

Bobbi Brown teamed up with Kate Upton as the poster girl for this new line. Kate is from Florida and Bobbi wanted her to showcase that beachy look with a woman who exudes easy confidence.

Spring 2015: Bobbi Brown HOT COLLECTION

“This collection channels hot summer days, sexy summer nights and Kate’s easy confidence.” – Bobbi Brown

What the collection includes:

Limited Edition Hot Nudes Eye Palette [$65] Housed in a sleek black compact with neon pink accents, this flirty palette features eight totally wearable shades that flatter all skin tones. Layered or worn alone, the shades in the Hot Nudes Eye Palette create a variety of signature Bobbi looks—from subtle and sultry to super smokey.

  • Ivory Eye Shadow
  • Smoke Shimmer Wash Eye Shadow
  • New Peach Sugar Shimmer Wash Eye Shadow
  • Cement Sparkle Eye Shadow
  • New Nude Petal Eye Shadow
  • New Bronzed Beige Metallic Eye Shadow
  • Nude Glow Metallic Eye Shadow
  • New Blackest Brown Shimmer Wash Eyeshadow

bb1Art Stick Limited Edition [$26]

  • Hot Berry
  • Hot Pink
  • Hot Orange

bb3Limited Edition Sheer Lip Color Shade Extensions [$26]
Sheer Lip Color is now available in three electric shades that deliver the perfect pop of color with a beautiful, sheer payoff. The creamy and lightweight formula is comfortable on lips, making it easier than ever to wear daring color.

  • Berry
  • Pink
  • Orange

Limited Edition Cheek Palettes Bobbi introduces Cheek Palettes [$45] A no- nonsense, natural-looking approach to highlighting cheeks. Featuring two shades of blush and a pearlescent highlighter, this palette enhances cheeks for a healthy, lifted effect.  To achieve Bobbi’s signature “just pinched” cheek look, dust the softer shade of blush onto cheeks, and then follow with a pop of brighter blush, applied just on the apples of cheeks. Finish with the highlighter shade on top.

  • Calypso
  • Pink
  • Berry

bb2Ink Liner [$28] Perfect for Kate’s jet-setter lifestyle, this travel-ready, pen-style liner is the ideal on-the-go tool, delivering a perfect-every-time line. Available in blackest black, it’s Bobbi’s go-to trick for standout eyes.

  • Blackest Black

Azature – Midnight in Paris Nail Polish Collection

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What girl doesn’t love a nail polish that contains real black diamonds?! I had the honor of testing out the newest collection, Midnight in Paris by Azature. I started using Azature polishes about three months ago and I fell in love. It really has the most amazing shine and shimmer in a nail polish that I’ve seen. And what really made me happy was how well it stands up against my every day running around, Momma of 4, craziness, because I chip my polish pretty easily. Azature didn’t show any signs of chips until a good 6 days later. My usual go-to polish brands are Essie and Butter London, but Azature has easily replaced those as my favorite. So I wanna show you the new collection and then share with you some of the other beautiful manis I’ve done using the polish. AND you can get 10% off by using the code at checkout, AZVIP10. You can make purchases on their site http://www.azature.com

Midnight in Paris, aren’t these colors ah-mazing!

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First off, I’m not a huge fan of black polish. I don’t know what it is. It just doesn’t look good on me so I really don’t ever wear it. I love a navy or dark red, but black just always puts me off when I wear it….until, I received this black in the Midnight in Paris collection. It has the most amazing sparkle and shimmer. It’s multidimensional, so it doesn’t look like a basic flat black. It is called Boudoir. A camera cannot catch the luster. You can see other colors within it.

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Next I did a little party nail. Well, that’s what it looks like to me, a nail party. I used the  color “pearl” as the base with the shimmer flakes over the top and the gold as a tip. A party on the nail!

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Now this red is a beautiful burgundy. It is a deep wine tone. I love to wear red polish. It’s such a classic. So this is a great red alternative to a normal bold red nail. It’s definitely the perfect fall/winter nail polish.

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I also wanted to share with you some of the other nail polishes that I have used of Azature. It is not the Midnight in Paris collection but it still available to purchase on their website.

My absolute favorite classic nail polish using Azature Blush with a silver metallic tip. I get a million compliments when I do this look. It’s classic but with a twist.

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This cobalt blue has a beautiful shimmer in it, along with the metallic silver polish. No taping off for this, just a steady hand. It’s really easy. Give it a shot!

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Azature Blue with a glittered corner. I wore this polish to Disney World since it reminded me of Cinderellas dress and it received a lot of compliments. I do love a blue polish!

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This is a great neutral polish, Nude.

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Sephora Frangrance IQ has launched – finding your signature scent

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Sephora has now made it easier to pick a fragrance that’s best suited towards your needs, style and body complex. Personally, I’m really excited about this! I have allergies to most floral scents and it gives me a horrible headache. I also feel like a lot of perfumes just don’t fit my chemistry. I have been fortunate enough to find my signature scent which is just a classic Burberry perfume. I’ve used it now for about 7 years and it smells divine on me. I always have people asking me about my perfume and friends say they smell it now and it makes them think of me, which I love. 🙂

I think it’s important for every woman to find that perfect fragrance that makes them feel beautiful. And what girl doesn’t love smelling beautiful?

burberry

Even though I’ve found my signature scent and I don’t see it being replaced, I certainly would like to occasionally change it up and have some options. I can’t wait to try out the new Fragrance IQ at Sephora. It helps you pinpoint fragrances by asking you a series of questions and then it actually dispenses up to three fragrance samples. How awesome is that? No more trying to find a salesgirl and having to ask for a sample. And I’d rather answer a few questions and get a better range of options for me then trying to smell perfumes until I have a splitting headache. Have you found your signature scent? What is it?

New Target Beauty Box is here!

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Target just launched a new beauty box yesterday. For just $7 you get 5 nice big deluxe sample sizes of some really great products. It Includes:

1. Elnett Extra Strong Hold Hairspray (2.2 oz): A favorite of runway stylists, this massive-hold spray adds brilliant shine and brushes out in a flash, leaving hair with a clean, satin finish.

2. Fekkai Professional Blowout Hair Refresher Dry Shampoo (1.7 oz): Revive your blowout instantly with an airy mist that absorbs dirt and oil leaving hair clean, fresh and lively.

3. Laneige BB Cushion Sample (Target Exclusive): Pat and press your way to perfect skin with revolutionary 5-in-1 cushion technology that brightens, protects, cools, covers and prevents shine.

4. NYX Jumbo Eye Pencil (.18 oz): Glide-on glam. A velvety blend of mineral oil and powder, this creamy pencil does double beauty duty as a radiant eyeshadow.

5. LOréal Colour Riche Extraordinaire Lipstick (.18 fl oz): Knockout hues meet conditioning care in a gorgeous formula infused with precious micro-oils that intensify color, smooth lips and add shine. Colors will vary.

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I did hear some rumblings about the fact that Target used to offer this box for free and then they charged $5 and now $7. The fact is the free one was really small samples and this is much larger in size. And you’re getting about $30 worth of product for $7, no shipping. I think it’s an incredible deal, especially when you consider an Ipsy or Birchbox probably wouldn’t include this much swag and you’re being charged $10. I say you get what you pay for and I’m more then thrilled to snag this up. There were some questions regarding the Laneige color and if you don’t get the right color you can actually exchange it in Target for a new one. So win/win! Go grab yours because I’m sure they’re going to sell out fast!

June’s Glossybox

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Oh how I love my monthly glossybox! I swear it’s like a monthly gift to myself that I don’t know what’s coming. I gently unwrap it, and get giddy excited over what it may contain. Truth be told I’ve never been let down. I’ve had other monthly beauty box subscriptions and maybe they started out okay but eventually just kept getting more and more let down. Why would anyone get excited over a pen, gum, or toothpaste in a beauty box?! Not Glossybox. High end beauty box samples on large size samples to full size?! Yes, please! I love it. I’m totally addicted and I’m never let down. Every month is a gift to myself and I believe we deserve those little surprises in life. So this is my June Glossybox and a little nail art that I did from the nail polish that was included. And, oh my god, love the nail polish! I could totally use these colors separately and I will. Very nice application and great colors! Glossybox has turned me on to Sumita. They’ve had eyeliners in their boxes before and I’m totally addicted. This box included a highlighter/eyeshadow/eyeliner pencil. Loved it! Soft golden glow, almost perfect for anyone. This month you also received a C Wonder gift certificate worth $5-500!! Love! The Rusk texturing spray is amazing and a great large sample size. If you’ve never tried Glossybox or wanna give them a shot, heres the link: http://www.glossybox.com/referal?CI=NDEzMzg=

 

Summer Makeup Routine

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So it’s starting to finally become summer which means it’s hot and humid, and generally your makeup could go running off your face into a puddle on the floor. It’s generally the time to time change not only the colors you’re using from dark to light and bright, but what you’re using for protection from the sun and what will hold up on a hot day so you look radiant and not sweaty. If I had to pick just ONE go to product for summer it would be Dr. Jart+ BB Cream which is a tinted moisturizer with an SPF of 45! I have tried so many BB creams, CC creams, tinted moisturizers and this one is still my number one pick. It goes on light and smooth, super hydrating, but also you get this amazing coverage like a foundation. I like getting a tan in the summer but never on my face, so this offers amazing protection from the sun.

Two new products that I’m trying for summer are Bobbi Brown’s bronze brick and YSL Baby Doll Lip/Cheek tint, color no. 1. I was really excited to try the Bobbi Brown bronze brick since I first saw it on Pinterest. I’m not 100% sold on it. I don’t know if it’s the color or the shimmer but it’s not perfection, which is what you want when you’re  spending nearly $45 on a bronzer. I feel like I’ve gotten better results with products that are far more cost effective. So I can’t say I’m a fan, but I will keep trying it out until I’ve mastered it. I do like that you can pick individual colors or a combination to use for different things. Such as the highlighting color can be applied only with a sweep of a smaller brush and that’s pretty awesome.

I am a HUGE fan of YSL lipstick and lip tints. It is a very pricy thing to collect at $35 but I really believe that it is truly the best. The YSL Baby Doll Lip/Cheek tint comes in at $40. I guess they added that extra $5 for its versatility. Who knows? But I found this to be a bright and fun fuschia to wear this summer. It is a matte formula that is hydrating and has decent staying power, not as good as a YSL lip stain though. I have tried it both as a lipstick and as a blush. I thought the blush was a little bright for my skin tone but maybe it’s just a less is more kind of thing.

My Summer Essentials: tinted moisturizer with coverage and good spf, a bronzer with a little shimmer, and a lip tint that can be used both for lips and cheeks.

What are some of your go-to products for summer?

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