Featured Category Archives

Because you (may) want to know…..what I’ve been up to.

I have to say my original ‘goal’ of blogging twice a week has fallen by the wayside.  This is bittersweet to me as I feel like I may be growing out of this blog and may either totally revamp it, start another, or quit blogging all together.  So many sponsored posts with the title ‘Blogs are dead’ keep showing up in my feeds and on my timelines.  I’m wondering if this is universally directed…..don’t get me wrong, I like blogging.  I just think that there are other areas where I want to focus my efforts at the moment (career, lifestyle, family-not in that order).

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Longer, stronger, better. Hair. With Priorin

Will Priorin help your hair grow?

Raise your hand if you’ve taken Biotin before-and NOT been impressed.  Honestly, I wasn’t pleased with Biotin and the other Hair, Skin, Nails vitamins on the drugstore shelves today.  I didn’t see results-even after taking them for several months and I did notice that Biotin caused me to break out.  It’s always been a struggle for me to grow my hair past my shoulders.  After I turned 40, I noticed my hair growth was even slower.  I have had hair extensions before-and while they did solve my length ‘situation’, my hair wasn’t better (or worse) afterwards.  So now, Priorin.  When I got this, I wondered if it would be any different.  Would I notice any sort of change-or would I be using this and then using my spot acne treatments.

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Rimmel Scandaleyes reloaded mascara review-and a twist at the end

*the Scandaleyes mascara(s) were sent to me for review.  The Volume Colourist mascara was purchased by me*

I LOVE MASCARA.  Honestly it’s what keeps me going some days.  When I’m not wearing it (as was the case recently-but that’s another story for another day), people notice, and ask me what’s wrong. Also, I love the ‘action’ of applying it-anyone else do the same?  I actually enjoy applying mascara to my lashes.  So that being said, I was super happy and grateful to receive these Scandaleyes mascaras for review.

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My Morning Skincare Routine – for my best skin ever!

So you’ve been asking about my morning skincare routine. And asking. It’s time for me to deliver. So here’s what I use on my skin in the MORNING. Now. I can’t lie. The evening is when the real magic happens in terms of products. Or maybe not. I think there are equal parts of pixie dust in both the morning and the evening.

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The Best BB Creams for Dry Skin – My Picks

Surprisingly enough I get a LOT of requests about my recommendations as to what is the best BB creams for dry skin. My skin is combination-oily meaning I have an oily t-zone and ‘normal’ skin on my chin, cheeks, and forehead. But I constantly get asked about BB creams for dry skin so I thought I’d mention some. These are products I have tried-some of them worked for me even though I have oily skin and some were definitely for people with dry skin. Read below for my top recommendations for BB cream for dry skin.  Let me know if you have tried any of these or have additional suggestions.

The Best BB Creams for Dry Skin

Looking for a BB cream you can find everywhere? Try Garnier Skin Renew Miracle Skin Perfector Bb Cream, Normal To Dry Skin

This cream’s lightweight, comfortable texture blends perfectly into skin for a sheer flawless finish. This multi-benefit product boasts 5 results with every application: renewed radiance, brightened complexion, evened skin and blurred imperfections, 24 hour hydration, and broad spectrum SPF 15 sunscreen protection against the harmful effects of the sun.

Love South Korean BB creams? Try It’S SKIN Babyface BB Cream #1 Moisture This medium coverage cream leaves skin feeling hydrated and silky smooth. It does an amazing job concealing uneven skin tone and has a brightening effect.

 

High end gal? Try Smashbox Camera Ready BB Cream SPF 35

Wear alone, or under your favorite foundation to create a smooth canvas. It’s tinted formula evens out skin for a flawless finish, while the SPF 35 guards against UVA/UVB rays.

Looking for something with a bit more oomph? Try Nature Bound BB Cream

This product contains moisturizers to sooth dry patches, and vitamin E to improve moisture retention so your skin remains soft all day long. This Beauty Balm has a proprietary mixture of fruit extracts and antioxidants to create a skin care solution that works.

How to Make Your Lipstick Last Longer

I always felt that if I wanted to be a ‘lipstick’ person that I REALLY had to commit. Making your lipstick last longer has always been a challenge. Between talking, eating, and sipping-I am constantly moving my mouth (keep it clean people), and never thought I could pull off wearing lipstick without bringing my ‘after’ kit….as in after-eating, after-talking, after-drinking. The products that add extra weight to your bag and prevent you from just rocking your cute little clutch. However I’ve recently starting wearing lipstick again-and more often. I wanted to share with you the products I use to make my lipstick last longer – I won’t say that you don’t still need to bring your touch-up bag, but it will be a bit lighter.

Lip scrub/exfoliant-this is (in my opinion) the BEST way to prep the lips to make your lipstick last longer. Use the scrub to remove any dead skin/flakes. My other ‘pro-tip’-make sure you completely remove the scrub/exfoliant so you don’t have the granules ‘hanging out’ on your lips. You need a smooth surface to work on!

My pick: Maui Sugar Lip Scrub with Kukui Nut Oil by Hanalei Beauty Company

Maui Sugar Lip Scrub with Kukui Nut Oil by Hanalei Beauty Company (Cruelty-free) Net

About the Product:

Contains natural ingredients sourced from Hawaii (Kukui Nut Oil, Sugar)

  • Helps to gently exfoliate the lips of dead skin.
  • Paraben-free, Phthalate and Sulfate free. Cruelty-free

Lip balm-but only if you have time! Honestly having moisturized lips is a beautiful thing-feels great AND looks great. Apply a light balm that’s not too waxy and wait 15-20 minutes for it to absorb. Blot lightly with tissue.

My pick: Burt’s Bees 100% Natural Moisturizing Lip Balm

Burt's Bees 100% Natural Moisturizing Lip Balm

About the Product

  • Infused with Beeswax, a natural skin conditioner, and Vitamins E to moisturize
  • Soothing Moisturizing Lip Balm to moisturize, nourish and hydrate dry lips
  • Natural lip balm made with 100% natural ingredients
  • No parabens, phthalates, petrolatum or SLS

Lip primer-again not totally necessary but a ‘good to have’ in most cases- just like eyes and face, lips can use a smooth surface that’s clean and ready for product. In a pinch? I actually use a small amount of concealer and/or foundation as your primer.

My pick (because I do NOT like this as a concealer and don’t want to waste it): Physicians Formula Instaready Full Coverage SPF 30 Concealer

Physicians Formula Instaready Full Coverage SPF 30 Concealer

Lip liner-There are several different schools of thought on this. Some experts say to match your liner to your lipstick-and I’d agree with that if you are wearing a strong red or bright pink. With my ‘everyday’ lipstick which is slightly more neutral (and fairly ‘tame’ considering my personality), I choose a liner that slightly and I mean SLIGHTLY lighter than the lipstick I plan to wear. My liner of choice is a standard you-have-to-sharpen-it pencil or the self sharpening twist up liners.   Make sure the tip is sharp-as precision is the name of the game here. I warm the liner by drawing on my hand so that it will glide on. I draw an ‘x’ on my cupid’s bow to start (unless I am filling in my lips with the liner-then do NOT do that) and then line my natural lips, using short strokes.

My pick: Rimmel Exaggerate Lip Liner

 

Rimmel Exaggerate Lip Liner Eastend Snob

About the Product

  • Soft textured
  • Fine tipped
  • Automatic lip liner

Liquid lipstick– I know, I know-liquid lipsticks still make some people cringe. Honestly they’ve come a long way since the originals that would crack and dry your lips to the point that you want to cover yourself in Vaseline. Believe me when I say there IS a liquid lipstick ‘out there’ for everyone. If you are not keen on liquid lipstick, then I recommend a demi-matte or semi-matte formula with long-wearing properties. Applying a liquid lipstick can be tricky and requires practice but technique comes with time and heck, if I can do it, so can you! I start with my lower lip, and once that’s done I press my lips together. Then I move on to the upper lip.   Usually one application (of liquid lipstick) is enough but if you want to apply a 2nd layer, work quickly.

My pick-liquid lipstick: Lime Crime Velvetines Liquid Matte Lipstick

Lime Crime Velvetines Liquid Matte Lipstick - RiotAbout the Product

  • Bold and Opaque
  • Cruelty free & Vegan
  • Long lasting lipstick

BECAUSE I KNOW SOMEONE WILL HATE ON ME FOR CHOOSING LIME CRIME, MY ALTERNATE LIQUID LIPSTICK PICK IS: Revlon ColorStay Ultimate Liquid Lipstick

Revlon ColorStay Ultimate Liquid Lipstick

About the Product

  • One step food-proof lipcolor – No topcoat needed
  • Locks in color and comfort for up to 12 hours
  • Unique complex of silicones and moisturizers provides easy application and all day comfort.
  • Shiny minerals (micas and pearls) provide soft satin finish

My pick-demi/semi-matte: CoverGirl Katy Kat Matte Lipstick

COVERGIRL Katy Kat Matte Lipstick

About the Product

  • Created by Katy Perry
  • Infused with shea butter
  • Rich, moisturizing lipstick formula
  • Glides on smoothly

Q-tips: I guess this is a no-brainer (?) but I thought I would include it just in case. I use these with a bit of makeup remover on the end to correct any glaring mistakes.

My pick: Q-tip Cotton Swabs, Precision Tip

Cotton Swabs, Precision Tip 

Compact mirror: Okay, so maybe THIS is my no brainer. Even though it’s liquid lipstick, if you are going out for an event or to a special dinner, you may want to bring the lipstick and a mirror along to touch up. Although my pick isn’t what I would recommend for a night at the club, I love this very much-especially the lights.

My pick: Ultra-thin Led Lighted Compact Travel Makeup Mirror

Ultra-thin Led Lighted Compact Travel Makeup Mirror

About the Product

  • Ultra-thin and portable,
  • Fits in Any Handbag or Makeup Bag for Easy Storage.
  • Adjustable Brightness- 8 Bright LED lights

Kylie Jenner was already on the right track when she packaged a lip liner and a liquid lipstick together (GOSH-I never thought I would give any of the K’s kredit for anything…..see what I did there?).

These are my tips on how to make your lipstick last longer. Now I turn to you. How do you get the most wear time out of your lipstick? What are some of your tips to make your lipstick last longer? Tell me how in the comments below.

 

 

My most recent trip to the Missha store….

I suppose I could call this post ‘I just went in for cotton pads’  because that’s usually what I intend on doing.  I always sit in the parking lot and say to myself, “You just need the cotton pads, you JUST NEED the cotton pads.”  But as I found out after posting on instagram, it almost never works out that way, a.k.a. many of you reading this CAN relate when it comes to beauty purchases.  So let’s get to it.

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Things I’m craving lately-you’ll want to read this…..or maybe you won’t!

Disclaimer-I have not purchased any of these items.  YET.  This disclaimer is important.  Read on.

I have been finding myself window shopping on the internet lately.  I open my computer and then before I know it, I have 10 extra tabs open because I just read or learned about this or that and of course I ‘need’ it.  Enter my other half…..he has always says that I just ‘buy things to buy them.’  So I’ve been challenging myself NOT to do that (and for those of you that watch me on YouTube, you’ll notice I have not been on lately. Blame him).  But in the spirit of a true shopper, I’ve decided to list a few items that I’m interested in….and some people I’ve been watching (*cough* obsessed with).  Check it out below and let me know if you like what I’m doing here.  Links are included for every item I MAY purchase so if you are interested, you’re welcome!

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Rimmell Wonder’full Volume Colourist mascara

This product was sent to me for review (and I am SO SO glad it was).

I’ll cut to the chase.  This mascara is GREAT.  Like I LOVE it great.  I think I’ve worn a Rimmel mascara once in my life (besides this one).  This.  Is.  Great.

rimmel

Reveal darker lashes with and without mascara!

• Darkens bare lashes in two weeks
• In an instant, lashes appear fuller and longer.
• Tapered, lash-intensifying brush wraps every lash with blacker than black pigments

So why do I like it? 

  • The formula is not wet but not dry-it’s the most ‘in the middle’ formula I’ve ever used.
  • It grabs every lash and LIFTS like crazy.  Haven’t seen a lift like this since my MAC upward lift mascara.
  • It coats each and every lash -sans clumps.  Hallelujah!
  • It is so buildable.  I can layer this with no problem.
  • No flaking.  NONE.
  • Easy removal-I use my micellar water, hold a soaked cotton pad against the lashes for 10 seconds and it’s gone.
  • My lashes really ARE getting darker.  What is this sorcery…..seriously!

So YES you should get this and try it.  It may not be incredibly volumizing in one coat- but I can say that if you build this up with a couple coats, I do not think you will be disappointed.  It’s worth it. For sure.  This is going to be a repurchase for me.