Tuesday, June 30, 2015

Becca Lowlight Highlight Palette

Cream Contour


If you watched yesterday's video then you heard me mention this product as a recent purchase. I picked it up a couple of weeks ago after seeing it up on the Sephora's website during their VIB sale. Cream contouring has become more prevalent recently and I wanted something to try as a cream contour and highlight. I hadn't heard too much about this set but know how popular Becca's highlights were so I figured if anything the highlight part would be worth it.


I won't lie when this first arrived I was a little scared about using it. The color in the pan seemed a little too orange for a contour shade and in general I haven't had the best of experiences with using cream bronzer and blushes. Once I dug into this though my opinion instantly changed.


The bronze shade applies fairly light and can easily be built up, it shows up less orange once you have blended this into the skin. As expected the highlight shade is to die for! A beautiful champagne color that gives radiance to your cheeks.

The formula is cream but definitely not a greasy feeling cream. It also dries quickly and almost to a powdery feel. Because of this I feel like dry skinned and oily skinned girls can use this product.

This product makes cream contour and highlight completely goof proof and natural looking! If you are new to contour then I think this would be a great product to try. I have been wearing this pretty much everyday since I got it. I have found my favorite way to wear this is by applying a light layer of powder contour and highlight over top. Doing this gives me a long lasting contour and highlight that stays on through an entire work day! Retail on this is $42. Sephora also has a powder version available!

Have you tried any cream contour or highlights? What are your favorites?





Monday, June 29, 2015

Random Haul

Clothing, Beauty, Home Decor


I have my newest video up over on my YouTube channel! This is the one where I share a bunch of random things I have picked up over the last couple of weeks. Be sure and head on over to my channel and check out all my videos!


Friday, June 26, 2015

Around the Web

Its pretty hard for me to focus on work today, as I sit in the office all I can really think about is all the fun and shenanigans that are coming for the month of July. I say it every time but each month just passes so quickly I can't believe June is almost over. July is going to bring a completely jam packed month including my 26th birthday! The boy and I are headed on a couple of mini vactions to NY and to float the river, while I also have a girls weekend trip planned to hit up the wineries nearby. Needless to say July will fly by aswell, SUMMER IS IN FULL SWING! What vactions do you have planned for this summer? I would love to hear from you in the comments!

Have a great weekend and enjoy this weeks links!



The most common comma mistakes.

Real women in Victoria Secret swimsuits.

#Mermanhair is a real thing.

Because its summer and braids are the perfect way to keep your cool.

The book I will be reading during all my vaction travels.

Thursday, June 25, 2015

Personal Microdermabrasion Update

PMD Device
 
 
I promised an update on using the PMD device and while I meant to do one sooner I completely failed. Hey better late than never right? This little device has been my skins saving grace! It leaves me with ultra soft skin after each use and has completely changed it's tone and texture.
 
http://picasion.com/
 
I can instantly tell when its been to long between sessions because my skin will start to feel rough again. I use this tool once a week usually on Sunday (I have turned my Sunday nights into a little "spa ritual" maybe ill do a whole post on that?!). I use this after I have showered and have a completely clean face. The session only takes about a minute and is completely painless.  Once I am done with the session I will run a cotton pad soaked in bioderma accross my face to pick up any dead skin then go about my normal night routine.
 
 
 
I have been using my PMD device for about 12 weeks now and can say that my acne spots have really cleared up, and if I do get a breakout they heal much faster. Overall my complextion is brighter and my pores are less noticiable. All of this comes from using the tool to remove all those dead skin cells which in its self is great for your skin but it also makes it easier for my serums, lotions and potions to work their best! Lets face it skincare can be an expensive investment so I want to get the most from the products I use and by using my PMD every week I feel like I am.
 
 
 
 
The best compliment I can get now is "wow your skin looks so good, what are you doing?" and I have been getting it alot more lately from people I see all the time that wouldnt necessarly notice something like this.

Check out my first PMD post HERE. Interested in reading more from the brand? Head on over to their website.



 

Wednesday, June 24, 2015

Morphe Brushes

9 Piece Deluxe Vegan Set



Morphe Brushes is a brand that has recently blown up in YouTube beauty world. I first tested out their products when I picked the Jaclyn Hill palette (which I use regularly... see my original post here). All I was hearing about was how soft and wonderful the brushes were, I had a friend that ordered brushes from them and she absolutely loved them. For months now I have been meaning to pick up a few to test out. Then my trusty daily deals website Hautelook featured Morphe Brushes and it was as simple as hitting add to cart!

 
I ended up purchasing the 9 piece deluxe vegan set for $25 (regular retail is $39.99). Check out my full review over on my YouTube Channel!



Set includes :


1. Flat Foundation Brush 
2. Angel Blush Brush       
3. Tapered Powder Brush    
4. Flat Bronzer Brush       
5. Chisel Fluff Brush         
6. Oval Flat Brush             
7.Soft Fan Brush               
8. Round Crease Brush        
9. Angel liner Brush     

Tuesday, June 23, 2015

Brightening Powder Nude

 


I have something of a weakness for Bobbi Brown products, they are always so beautifully packaged that I feel extra fancy when I am using them (I know that sounds silly but it's true).  Ever since I started using my Hourglass Ambient Lighting Powders I wanted to try out similar products. So when I was checking out the Bobbi Brown Shimmer Bricks and I stumbled upon the  Brightening Powders. They have been around for a while now but I never heard much about them. Like I said, I have been on the whole brightening setting powder kick and that is exactly what this product is.
 
 
 It's an all over illuminating powder that gives your skin a healthy looking glow. For me this works best as setting powder for my concealer that I have used as highlighting areas of my face. It does have very fine glitter/shimmer in it and since I have larger pores I don't love to just dust this all over the face. It's really hard to see the glitter on your skin once it is buffed in though, if pores are not a problem for you then I would say go for it! The formulation is super soft and light. It won't leave you with cake face no matter how much you put on.
 
 
I also am obsessing over the mirrored packaging it's stunning! I think that was probably what drew me in at first. What can I say shiny sparkly things grab my attention! I picked mine up in the shade nude but the line has a few options so pick the one that works best for you. The nude shade is best for fair to medium skin. If you are darker than medium check out the Bronze Glow.
 
Retail for this is $52 if you are interested in the porcelain version NYX has a pretty good dupe for  $8.
 
What is your favorite setting powder? Let me know down in the comments!

Monday, June 22, 2015

June BOXYCHARM



Check out my June Boxycharm unboxing over on my YouTube Channel!


Box Contents: $124 Value
Eslor Chloropyll Lifting Mask - Full Size $38
Bellapierre Cosmetics Kabuki Brush - Full Size $29.99
Doucce Click Click Lipstick  - Full Size $24
The Beauty Crop Lighting Crew Highlighting Cream - Full Size $16
ncLA Nail Lacquer - Full Size $16


Thursday, June 18, 2015

Celebration Foundation

 
It Cosmetics
 

You may have seen me rave about the Celebration Foundation Illumination in the past ( it quickly became a regular favorite of mine). The illumination version was the newer sister to the original Celebration Foundation. I thought moving into the warm summer months might justify trying the origial version. So what is the Celebration Foundation? It's a full coverage powder foundation that gives highly pigmented coverage. It claims an airbrush finish that blurs pores, fine lines and imperfetion.

To use just swirl your buffing brush into the foundation and then start buffing it into your skin. I typically work from the center of my face out as I like have the most coverage in the center.

Having oily skin I have always gravitated to powder foundations, whether I use them on their own or to set my liquid/cream foundations. I love a matte full coverage face. I know it isnt for everyone but it keeps me from looking like an oil slick by the end of the day.


 
I picked this up from QVC in a little combo that also came with the heavenly luxe flat top buffing brush. I have to say it is quite a deal to get them together. The foundation on its own will run you $35 while the brush will run you $48. Buy them together and you will only spend $43.50 on both! I have a small obsession with It Cosmetics brushes... they are so incredibly soft and work the products into the skin so well. They are a bit expensive though so I only buy them in sets like this one.

I am a fan of this foundation, I love the coverage and the finish is nice. You aren't left looking over powdered or cracked. I will say I love the illumination version just a bit more. It has a radiance to it that I can't put my finger on. If you have drier skin then I would use the illumination version and use a good moisturizer before hand. If you are oily I think both options would work well for you.

Have you ever tried either Celebration Foundation? I would love to hear from you in the comments.


Wednesday, June 17, 2015

Loxa Beauty Haul

New Haircare Products



I recently discovered Loxa Beauty while browsing stores on Ebates, they had a 40% off coupon and I had never heard of the store before so I thought why not check it out. When I headed over to the store I realized they carried so many great brands including my Paul Mitchell  products that are typically only sold in salons. THIS excited me, I can now order my favorite products with out having to visit the salon!

 
Check out my haul video and see all the goodies I picked up!

Tuesday, June 16, 2015

Bobbi Brown Shimmer Brick

 

This might be a surprising fact but up until recently I had never owned a Bobbi Brown Shimmer Brick. Shocking I know! especially considering how popular they are and how gorgeous they look. So when a friend of mine told me she had a Pro Card I instantly jumped at picking up a few items (Pro members get 40% off). It was tough deciding which shade to get but I figured I would go with a customer favorite to dip my toes in the shimmer brick pond.


What I love most about this is how it gives an effortless lit from within glow to your face. It gives highlight to your cheeks with out looking like you have strip of glitter on them. You can easily focus on each strip individually to create different looks as well as all mixed together. Wear on top of your cheek bones or over blush, the options are endless. You can even use this as eyeshadow!


Separately the shades are a light golden shimmer, then a more golden bronze, followed by a soft shimmer pink. Mix all 3 together and you get the perfect pink bronze.


( I swatched the 3 shades individually then all of them mixed together. )
 
I am now officially obsessed and want to get all of the shades in the shimmer brick line! They just give such a beautiful glow to the cheeks!  Right now they have a limited edition Sunset Pink which I am lusting for. This retails for $44.
 
Are you a shimmer brick fan? What is your favorite shade?

Monday, June 15, 2015

What's In My Handbag | New Bag Review

Rebecca Minkoff Clark Hobo




I recently picked this purse up during the Nordstrom 40% off sale and I thought it would be the perfect time to share an updated what's in my handbag while also showing you all this fabulous new bag! Check out my video for more!

Wednesday, June 10, 2015

Get Ready With Me!

Mary Kay Summer Collection



If you guys saw my video on Monday than you know my friend send me a bunch of new products from the Mary Kay Summer collection, I went through all of the products and gave swatches so if you are interested in that you can click here to check it out! Today I wanted to share a get ready with me video featuring the producst so you all could see them in action.


This is the first time I have filmed a video like this so I hope you guys like it! I plan on doing more GRWM and tutorials as they are really fun to film and I always love watching others do them!


Tuesday, June 9, 2015

Truly Matte

Clarins Skincare
 
 
You may have recently heard me mention I picked up a few clarins products during my May favorites. I had never tried the brand before and for some reason it was just calling my name. I needed to pick up a couple new skincare items and I figured with summer coming why not try out the Truly Matte line.Its a pretty small line, only three items in the collection a serum, lotion, and face mask. I picked up two items the Pore Minimizing Serum and the Pure and Radiant Mask.


The Pore Minimizing Serum is the product I mentioned in my may favorites. I have been using it every morning before I moisturize since it came in and I am LOVING it! It is a lightweight serum that sinks it fast. The serum helps to tighten your pores to help minimize the appearance of large pores while also helping control oil during the day. This is a big one for me, especially heading into warmer month I tend to get more oily in my t-zone. I have seen this really improve the longevity of my foundation!

Pure and Radiant Mask is a pink clay mask that helps to cleanse and refine your pores. It also helps with oil control. I love this product for several reasons! You only have to keep it on for 5-10 minutes so it is a quick mask to use and afterwards your are left with a fresh looking face. I don't even know how to describe it but your skin just looks brighter and more radiant! It is a purifying mask but it doesn't leave you with tight dried out skin so it can be used even on sensitive skin.              
 

The Pore Minimizing Serum retails for $51 and the Pure and Radiant mask retails for $31.The great thing about Clarins is they price match! So you can often pick these up with a bit of a discount.

Have you ever tried this line before?!

Monday, June 8, 2015

Mary Kay Summer 2015 Collection


I was fortunate enough to have my friend Meagan (she is my go to girl when I need to order any MK) send me some of the new products that Mary Kay released as part of their summer color collection. I was excited to see a whole lot of bright colors to play with.


The collection includes several products ranging from blushes, lip-gloss, eye shadows and more.

Mineral Cheek Color Duo in Spiced Poppy, Juicy Guava,  and Ripe Watermelon - $18
Lip and Cheek Stick in RazzleBerry and Peach Pop $10

She also sent me their microdermabrasion set to test out. Mary Kay is known for their microdermabrasion so I am pretty excited to test it out and I will let you know my thought in a later date. If you are wanting to try this out as well Meagan is having a special where if you spend $50 in skincare you will get this super cute travel makeup bag!

If you head on over to my YouTube channel I have a bit of an unboxing where I show you the products and give some swatches. Come back tomorrow though because I will be doing a get ready with me featuring a few of my favorites from this collection!

If you are interested in trying any of these products or other Mary Kay items I highly recommend going through Meagan she does a wonderful job of creating a new look for you and really listens to your wants and needs. Its like having your own personal shopper!

Visit her website!

Wednesday, June 3, 2015

Current Hair Care Routine

  

When it comes to my hair I have been keeping things pretty simple recently and have found a few products that get the job done with out fail. Want to see what I am currently using in my hair routine? Watch my newest YouTube video below!

Products mentioned

Calista Tools Perfecter Pro Grip Heated Round Brush.
Awapuhi wild ginger hydrocream whip
Living Proof Prime Style Extender
Hot Tools Blow Dryer
Not Your Mothers Clean Freak Dry Shampoo
Oscar Blandi Dry Texture and Volume Spray

Tuesday, June 2, 2015

Battle Of The Volume Powder

Big Sexy Hair vs Oscar Blandi

When my hair is feeling flat or I just want some extra volume for a night out with the girls I rely on teasing powders. Recently I found two that have worked well for me and I thought I would do a little comparison.



The two I products I am comparing are Big Sexy Hair Powder Play and Oscar Blandi Dry Teasing Dust. Both of these products are a powder formula that you can sprinkle into your roots to boost volume or through your ends for added texture. I like using this type of product as they are light weight and extremely easy to use. They are extremely travel friendly as they are small little containers and are not those giant aerosol cans!

Powder Play gives a cooling effect when applied to the hair as its formula liquefies and soaks into your hair. The Dry Teasing Dust gives a grittier texture to the hair making it easy to create volume. Powder play is the cheaper alternative at 16.95 and contains more product than the Oscar Blandi version which retails for $23.

My favorite way to use these are on second or third day hair if I wake up and have total flat as a pancake hair. These will instantly boost volume and  help with any weird cowlicks from sleeping. Additionally they help to give freshly cleaned hair a bit of grip for any styling that you may doing.  If I had to pick a favorite I would go with the Oscar Blandi Dry Teasing Dust because I prefer the grittier texture in my hair.

Are you a fan of teasing powders? Which is your favorite? Leave me a comment!


Monday, June 1, 2015

May Favorites

May 2015 Favorites


It's that time again! To share my monthly beauty favorites! I plan on keeping these as videos from now on so I hope you enjoy the new format!





First Aid Beauty Skin Rescue Blemish Patrol Pads $30

Elizabeth and James Nirvana Black perfume $22 - 75

It Cosmetics Vitality Disc $38

It Cosmetics Heavenly Luxe Radiance Wand Brush

It Cosmetics CC + illumination $38-

Clarins Truly Matte Pore Minimizing serum $51

Julep Ta Da Quick Dry Drops $14

Clinique Cheek Pop in Ginger Pop $21

Living Proof Prime Style Extender $20

PMD Device $159

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