Disappointing Products 9.30.2015

Is it really the last day of September? Somehow that is extremely shocking to me.. I don't know where the summer went let alone September. I'm not complaining or anything its just rare that time flies the way it has!

Anyways Tanya reminded me in the most friendly way that my blog game is slacking and well.. she ain't wrong now is she? So I thought I would grace ya'll with my presence today and share a few products that I have tried recently that wasn't worth the money I spent on them! But before we get into that if you have a minute I highly recommend checking out Tanya's latest post in honor of National Coffee Day, you can read it HERE!

As I have mentioned previously I haven't actually been trying as many products lately as I have in the last year because its not as convenient here to do so and I am no longer getting a Birch box subscription which is where a lot of my product sampling came from. However here and there I pick things that I have either heard are worth trying or that I have come across and picked up hoping for the best! As always there are going to be things that you love and things that you hate, I try and share both with you and as I mentioned before what didn't work for me may indeed work for you, this is all about my experience.

So lets jump in!

1. Wet n' Wild with Fergie - Velvet Matte Lip Color

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This must be a super new product because I cannot find it online anywhere, not even on the Wet n' Wild website. I came across it last night at Walgreens for $3.49 and I am all about the matte lip color these days and I thought this would be great for fall. I immediately took it out of the package (after buying it of course) and tried it on. My first thought was that it was not at all the color it appeared to be on the outside, like not even close. Its also not as pigmented as I had hoped but it is buildable. I liked the consistency of the product, putting it on my lips it was really hydrating which is definitely not a given when it comes to matte lip products. It wears well, especially considering the price. If you are lucky enough to be able to swatch them before you buy them than I would say you are in good shape but they didn't have any testers at Walgreens and as I said this was not at all the color I had hoped it would be so definitely keep that in mind. 

** I just pulled the product out to swatch it on my hand so I could put a picture here of a swatch the when I pulled the lid off THE WHOLE PRODUCT CAME OUT, it was broken!!! I just bought this last night and used it once. Now I definitely wouldn't recommend it!! **

2. L'Oreal Voluminous Butterfly Intenza Mascara, Waterproof - Carbon Black

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Let me just start off by saying that the regular voluminous butterfly mascara by L'Oreal is one of my absolute favorite mascaras of all time, so I was really interested in trying the intenza version and I absolutely hated it. First of all I bought waterproof which was my own mistake because I absolutely HATE waterproof mascara but because mascara isn't cheap I figured it was an annoyance I could overlook. What I found interesting about this product that is different than the regular one is the shape of the wand and how its actually hollow in the center, turns out that is not a good thing. I found very quickly that all the product gets stuck in the hollow center and therefore when applying the mascara it clumps on your lashes like CRAZY! Applying the product was absolutely miserable, I have pretty long and easy to work with lashes so it was definitely the mascara and most likely the wand. There is really nothing you can do to get it out of the center of the wand and when you do it happens all over when you dip it back in to pick up more product. I dealt with this twice and tossed it all.. don't waste your money or time. 

3. Sonia Kashuk Clear Brow Gel

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I believe that Sonia Kashuk is exclusive to Target so I'm not sure this is a product that will be available to you in Canada but if not you aren't missing out! There is nothing necessarily bad about this product but there is nothing great about it either. I don't find its great or has a very good lasting power. It is said to cost $5.99 on the Target website but I am positive I paid $3.99 so I am not complaining too much. I would suggest trying another brow gel over this one. 

4. Pantene Pro-V Blowout Extend Dry Shampoo

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Dry shampoo is a funny thing.. everyone has a different preference and depending on your hair type some may work for you and some may not. I have tried a TON of different dry shampoos and sadly this one did not work for me. I found it on sale for super cheap at Shop Rite one day so I grabbed it, I don't use a ton of dry shampoo so they tend to last me quite awhile. At first I thought I liked this one but truthfully you have to use it prior to feeling any greasiness in your hair because it definitely does not soak up grease. I would recommend this more for adding texture and grit to your hair for an updo or curls rather than trying to get another day out of your unwashed hair. I use texturizing spray so I personally would not purchase this again. 

5. Sinful Colors Professional Nail Polish - 113 Dream On

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I was looking for a cheap nail polish because most often I cant bring myself to spend $9.00 on a bottle of nail polish. Anyways I grabbed this one at Target one day and basically you get what you pay for. This line they are all $1.99 and they basically wear crappy. They apply alright but they are by no means long lasting and needless to say I wouldn't recommend it them. If you are looking for something for one day and you need a color you don't have they have a huge variety so grab it for cheap and use it for one day.. but that's about all they are good for. 

6. Sally Hansen Nail Treatment, Mega Shine Extended Wear Top Coat

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I was looking for a cheaper alternative to my OPI top coat because its $10.00 and well I guess I'm cheap. Truth be told I should have spent the money (and might have if they had it at Target when I went to look) because this one sucks. When I use the OPI topcoat on basically any nail polish it lasts me 3 weeks generally before I have to paint my toes again (I only paint my toes). I used this and by the end of the week I have chipping and because I'm a little OCD I have to repaint. Not cool. I say go cheap with the nail polish and spend the cash on the top coat.. just one girls opinion! 

7. Sonia Kashuk Twist Up Long Wear Brow Pencil - Taupe 15

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I went out looking to purchase the new NYX brow pencil because I've heard its a dupe for the Anatasia Brow Wiz but it was sold out everywhere that I looked. I always hear amazing things about Sonia Kashuk from everyone and so I thought I would give her brow pencil a try as it was in the same price range as the NYX one I had been looking for and was a good color match for my brows. This product retails for $7.99. 

I really don't like it, you cant sharpen this so it gets extremely dull and therefore has no precision in applying. The texture is waxy and I don't care for the way it applies or wears throughout the day. Its not a terrible product but its not a great one either. With all the brow products out there these days this would probably be one of the last ones I would reach for. 

8. Glade Wax Melt - Apple Tree Picnic

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I love the smell of anything apple and now that fall has officially arrived I wanted the house to smell accordingly. I have always enjoyed Glade candles and wax melts in the previous years so when I saw this years fall scents I couldn't wait to grab one! These did not smell AT ALL, I couldn't smell them while they were burning, not even if I was standing right beside the burner. It was only $2.29 but that's not really the point. I don't know if I got a bad package or if its this particular scent because today at Big Lots I grabbed the Maple Tree scent from last year and its fabulous! So I suppose you could give it a try but I wouldn't recommend the apple scent sadly because it doesn't smell at all. 

So there you have it, a few disappointment products! You are never going to love everything you purchase and I don't come here to complain about them but more so to share my experience and possibly prevent you from wasting your money. 

I hope you are all having a great week! Thank you as always for stopping by! 

Products Review 9.16.15

Good Morning,

I thought I would stop by today and review a few products that I have recently tried, I haven't done one of these posts in a long time because I am no longer getting a Birchbox which is extremely sad I know and on top of that I really haven't spent all that much time at Target lately which is an out and out tragedy.

So here are a few products that I have yet to talk about here and what I have been thinking of them. Like I always say when I review products these are entirely my opinion and what did or did not work for me, you may have a different skin type, or hair type and have a completely different result.

Lets jump in!

Jouer Luminizing Moisture Tint in Pearl

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This product retails for $40.00 full size which it pricey I am aware but I am totally in love with it. I love that it is basically a BB cream with a bit of glow and sunblock without smelling of it! I do believe with this product you get your moneys worth because a little really does go a long way. I had a sample size from a Birchbox and I used it for about a month which is pretty significant for the size of a sample. If you are a little on the fence about spending that kind of money I highly recommend going into a Sephora, Ulta or Birchbox and trying it out, a lot of these stores will give a small sample upon request and I think you will really enjoy it. Obviously its not full coverage which for me is perfect, its really a your skin but better look.. healthier eve. It was great for summer because its not heavy on your skin at all and it will be great for winter giving your skin an extra bit of moisture. This is a big win in my book! 

Temple Spa Good Hair Day Shampoo & Conditioner

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These products are $14.00 for the full size, they have a botanical infused formula that cleanses and repairs damage, it is said to add volume and shine. The conditioner is made with refreshing peppermint and is said to detangle, hydrate, soften and tame frizz. The one good thing I have to say about these products was I really enjoyed the packaging, I thought it was super nice... but as far as good things to say that is as far as it goes. The smell was INTENSE and I didn't like it, I didn't feel that the product did anything it said it was going to do either, my hair didn't feel super soft after or detangled by any means, possibly if you have thinner straight hair it would work for you. I would not spend the money to purchase these products or use a sample if I ever received another one. 

I will say I haven't had much luck with shampoo and conditioner samples from Birchbox, it very well could be just me. If you have tried this product and liked it please tell me about it in the comments. 

L. Erickson Grab & Go Ponytail Holder

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I received one of these as a free gift in a Birchbox a couple of months ago and I am always excited to try different hair ties and what not because I tie my hair up a lot. I generally stick to the Goody ones you can get at Target but these ones are completely different so I was anxious to give it a try. Unfortunately my hair is super thick and this baby did not work for me, it would not go around my hair enough times to actually tie it up and stretching it enough was not going to happen. Again this didn't work for my super thick hair but I think if you had thinner hair it would be great. They do offer a variety of different colors if you are interested in giving these a try, for a package of 15 they retail for $18.00. 

Benefit Cosmetics Foundation - The Big Easy 

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This is another sample I received in a Birchbox and I will say this was the SMALLEST sample ever, enough for just one application and for some people maybe not even that. It claims to be medium coverage and that may be possible but you would have to use a lot more product, it also claims to control oil and I didn't feel that was the case. I liked the way it applied, I really liked the look of the foundation on the skin. I am pretty neutral on this product but considering it retails full size for $38.00 I don't believe I would purchase it, I have found a lot of drugstore foundations that I like just the same if not better. 

Murad Essential C Day Moisturizer with Broad Spectrum SPF 30 & Environmental Shield

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One morning Tanya and I were walking in Time Square and outside of Ricky's someone was handing out samples of this moisturizer, I was super excited as I love trying new products as you probably know. Sadly the product got thrown in my box of products to try and got lost in the mix of moving and so on and I just recently came across it again and decided to give it a try. First thing I will say it this stuff smells like straight up sunblock and its STRONG! I know a lot of people don't love that and I am one of them. On top of that it was really thick and greasy in consistency and my makeup did not sit well on it. After just one use my skin broke out terribly! I'm not saying this is a bad product but it definitely didn't work for me. If you aren't planning on wearing makeup and don't mind the smell of sunblock you may really like it. It does retail for $60.00 full size, so I am assuming someone likes it! 

Real Techniques Foundation Sponge

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I was like most everyone else and dying for a beauty blender, the hype was so extreme that I felt like my life was not complete until I gave it a try.. having said that I didn't have an issue with my brush application so biting the bullet and spending $20 on a sponge that I might hate held me at bay. For Easter this year Jason surprised me with an Easter basket and in it was a Real Techniques beauty sponge, he said he asked at Ulta for a Beauty Blender and they gave him this. I wasn't by any means disappointed as some people prefer this sponge over the Beauty Blender and those who don't often refer to it as the closest dupe. I really love it, for $6.00 you really cant go wrong and I promise you will see a difference in your foundation as well as concealer. Basically you dampen this sponge and use to it pat our your foundation and concealer. For me I feel like it makes things look so much more natural and blends so extremely well. If you are not looking to spend the money on the beauty blender but want to try a sponge this is definitely the one for you, I highly recommend it! 

NYX Stick Blush in Tea Rose

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I am a lover of cream products, blushes are up there on the list! I became a huge lover of the Maybelline Dream Bouncy Blush that I've talked about here before so when I was wondering around Ulta a couple of weeks ago and this stuff was on sale for $2.99 I was excited to give it a try. I went with a little bit of a darker color because I wanted something different from the products I already have and I am so happy I did. This stuff is great, its super pigmented, a little goes a super long way and it blends out like a dream! I dab a little on my cheeks and blend it out with a duo fiber brush and it works fabulously. If you by chance feel like you've put a little too much product after blending it out you can go over it lightly with your powder brush and it softens really easily. I really like this product and feel it has really great lasting power compared to a lot of brushes. They have a great color variety and I think its definitely worth a try! 

So that's what I have for today! I hope you enjoy these posts, I love watching and reading product reviews because a lot of times its a huge money saver! In fact I have recently come across Beauty Broadcast Express which is another Youtube channel by beauty guru Emily who I think is fabulous! This channel of hers is strictly to review beauty products and all videos are 5 minutes or less! If you are thinking about purchasing a new product but haven't heard a lot about it or would like to know a little more I highly recommend checking out her channel, flipping through her videos and seeing if what you are looking for would be there. 

I hope you guys have a fabulous day and are having a great week! Thank you as always for stopping by! 

In Case You Didn't Know..

Good Evening,

I know this is a random time to post, or I suppose more so this just isn't a typical time that I would post! Either way I didn't figure I would blog today because I just haven't had a lot to say lately, shocker I know.. but then I got an email from Tanya that inspired me to stop by and fill y'all in on a few things, because why not?

Did you know that the Honest Company (Jessica Alba is the founder) has recently released a line of makeup and skincare? ME EITHER! Well until today when Tanya sent me an email informing me! As you know the Honest Company is an organic based brand developed with safe ingredients for your family and their well being. I have tried a few things from the Honest Brand here and there and have absolutely loved everything so I was super anxious to check out what they were offering for makeup.

The range is really new and therefore limited, just a few items for each area of makeup which is a great way to start I would think, test the waters and get some feedback. The packaging is gorgeous, and the prices are extremely reasonable. Makeup prices can range from drugstore which is reasonable and within most peoples budgets to medium priced items such as MAC and then you can go super high end as in Dior and Burberry which are very expensive and although I haven't tried any of these products judging from the company and products I have used that they have developed and the prices on their new makeup and skincare line I would absolutely give them a try!

If you wold like to check out the Honest Beauty you can do so by clicking HERE.

While I was on the makeup kick and checking out things online it reminded me to check back and see if one of my favorite brands were doing online shopping yet. If you remember when we lived in Jersey City they Newport Town Center had one of the very few Kiko Milano cosmetics stores in the States and at that time they did not offer the ability to shop online which was a major disappointment! I miss that store a ton, their makeup is high end quality for super cheap pricing and you really cant beat that. WELLLL... when I checked today you can officially shop online and get free shipping with any $35.00 purchase!!! If you have not checked out their makeup or skin care I cannot recommend it enough!

You can visit their website, HERE.

While we are on the makeup talk I have to just throw it out there that E.L.F (Eyes Lips Face) is a super unrated brand and they always have AMAZING deals online. If you follow them on Instagram you will see all the amazing sales and deals they offer on a very regular basis. You can purchase the basics in Target and quite a few other places now but nothing like they offer online. I have personally used items from their new skincare line and I absolutely love them, in checking online today I have noticed that since the last time I visited the store or online they have actually expanded their skincare range to include cleansers and exfoliators. They have released an amazing new brush line as well as added to their makeup line tremendously. Many of these items are often reviewed and raved about by YouTube Beauty Guru Kathleen Lights and if you visit her channel you can see those. If you are interested in checking out the ELF website you can do so HERE.

As if all that wasn't good enough, Ulta is currently doing their 21 days of beauty, you can view what they are offering each day online and I highly recommend you do! Everyday there is a special and often there is up to 50% off products, this week there was 50% off Too Faced lipsticks!! AMAZING! Today Stila eyeliners are buy one get one for free! If you are interested in what is coming up you can view that HERE.

So there you have it, lots of amazing products for really great prices online and available to you!

If you are not into online shopping.. I don't know why that would be.. BUT if you prefer to go into the store than I have a tip for you as well. Milani has recently released a limited edition liquid matte lipsticks! I wont lie I made a special trip to Walmart to get one or two and they didn't have them, so I made a special trip to Ulta and they didn't have them!!!! I have yet to make it to the Walmart here but its on my list!

I also need to find the pecan pie M&Ms but that's a whole different story!

Anyways I don't have a TON to say these days but I thought I would stop in and share these bits on info with you, because I would want to know!

I am off to get ready for the big game tonight.. I am SO HAPPY football is back!!! In case you were wondering NFL Shop has a ton of sale right now too. Just sayin'... but I'm done now!

True story... mostly. 

Hope you guys had a great day!  

New York Color BB Creme 5 in 1 Instant Matte Skin Perfector Review

Good Morning,

As I have mentioned before I have been in love with the Maybelline Dream Pure Skin Clearing Perfector BB Cream for quite some time now, but as my skin type has changed from the dryer side to the more oily side (so annoying) I have been finding that the Maybelline BB Cream just isn't working as well with the change in my skin so I needed to look for something else.

I was flipping through a magazine a couple of weeks ago and came across a picture of NYC cosmetics and amongst the goods was a picture of their 5 in 1 Instant Matte BB Creme, so I took a picture on my phone so I would remember to check it out! While we were home last week I grabbed it while at Target one day and have been using it since. I think I have used it enough to form a good opinion so I thought I would stop by and share it with you guys!

NYC 5 in 1 Instant Matte Skin Perfector BB Creme 

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Now because I had only seen a picture in a magazine I was basing my interest on the fact that it was a BB cream which is what I wanted as well as the fact that it said 'instant matte' which is exactly what I need right now. Unless your skin is super dry I think the matte option is great for summer in general, unless you are really going for the super dewy look! 

When I picked it up in Target it said 5 in 1, which is referring to offer the following:

1. Provides instant mattifying coverage

2. Minimizes appearance of pores and lines

3. Beautifies & Smooths skin

4. Minimizes appearance of skin imperfections

5. Brightens skin tone for healthy, flawless complexion. 

I will say I absolutely agree with all of the above except maybe number two! I'm not sure it really minimizes my pores at all but 4 out of 5 isn't bad and if that is an issue for you there are definitely primers that will take care of pores that you can apply prior to the BB Cream. 

This product cost is $3.49 compared to the $7.49 for the Maybelline one that I have been using which is a plus considering I will definitely say I like this product better. If you have dry skin with dry patches this will definitely NOT work for you as it will cling to your dry patches no matter what. If you are interested in trying this product there is a regular option as well as a bronze radiance which will add a slight tan like tint to your skin. 

I really love this product, it absolutely brightens my skin while still leaving it completely matte. I am really impressed about how well it holds up in the hot summer weather, naturally nothing is going to hold up perfectly against extreme humidity but I am really impressed with how long it does last. Obviously an oil free primer as well as a setting spray will also help the length of time your makeup lasts. 

The product itself is thicker than a lot of BB Creams I have tried therefore a little goes a long way and I don't find that it looks cakey on your face by any means. In the past I have always applied my BB Creams just like I would a foundation, with a dense kabuki brush and buffing it in but I have been applying this one with my fingers (make sure to wash your hands first, so not to spread bacterial all over your face) rubbing it in like I would a moisturizer and I really like the way it applies. I think you could use a brush and it would give you a more sheer coverage then it already it but the product itself is buildable if you would prefer to use a brush and just add an extra layer. 

I am really happy with this purchase, I have tried quite a few BB Creams and always end up returning them because I don't like the way they apply, sit on the skin or couldn't find a good color match for my skin. I will say the color range for this product is limited which is a downfall, I am really fair and 01- light is a great match for me, but I highly recommend swatching it in stores before buying it to make sure it will work for you. 

All in all I highly recommend this, I don't know why when looking at makeup I always skip over the NYC section, but now that I know they have great products these are a few things I would consider picking up in the future:

1. NYC Sun 'n Bronzing Powder - $4.49

You can purchase this in Tan which is matte or Radiance which would give you a sheen. 

2. NYC Color Wheel Mosaic Face Powder (Blush) - $4.49

This as well can be purchased in a variety of colors depending on your skin tone. 

3. NYC City Proof Eye Shadow in Brooklyn Mocha - $2.79

This is a chubby stick cream eye shadow which I really love, I have recently been into cream products and I find they look a lot more natural and in the summer last longer! 

Have you tried anything from the brand NYC? If so what did you think?

Just a side note, we are heading home really early tomorrow morning! Today is Jason's last day of work here and then tomorrow morning we will be on the road again. We will only be there until Tuesday and I am hoping that between now and then I will be able to pop in and give y'all an update but if that doesn't happen there may be some down time on the blog until next week when we are settled and have internet and stuff again!

I hope you all have a great weekend! Thanks as always for stopping in!

Products I've been Trying & What I Think 7.7.15

Good Morning,

If you have been following along in the past few weeks you might have heard me mention Big Lots and how I have been finding amazing deals on makeup there and therefore trying more things. Contrary to popular belief (by men) you can never have enough makeup! So I thought I would pop in today and share with you some things I have been loving that you may love too!

1. L'Oreal True Match Mattifying Mineral Finish - Translucent. 

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I don't actually use a lot of powders, I have a Sephora pressed powder and two powders in my Blank Canvas cosmetics palette but when I saw this I was intrigued. I don't know if its because its the summer months or what by my skin has become so oily and I'm not going to lie its been awful. I thought I would give this powder a shot because it was only $2.50 (no I'm not kidding) and I would say it was definitely worth the $2.50! I don't generally care for loose powders but I would say the packaging makes it really easy to use! You can get this to match you skin color as well and I would definitely recommend it. 

I don't know if the things I have found at Big Lots can still be found in store, but if you happen to come across it or be by a Big Lots its definitely worth popping in!

2. Maybelline Dream Lumi Touch Highlighting Concealer - Nude

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Now this I know you can still get in Target and Walmart because I have been eyeing it for quite some time, therefore when I came across it at Big Lots for $3.00 instead of the $7.00 + dollars I have seen it for I grabbed it. I purchased the nude color because that's all that they had and figured it might work for me having a little bit of color from summer sun.. sadly it was still a little dark for me but no fear, I found another use for it. I recently ran out of an eyelid primer and just haven't purchased a new one yet and this works PERFECT for that! It conceals the veins on my eyes and because its luminous gives a nice bright base for my eye shadow! I would definitely purchase this in the lighter color to use as a highlighting concealer but for now I am super happy with how this is working out as eyelid primer! 

3. L'Oreal Telescopic Shocking Extensions Mascara - 983 Carbon Black

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Always on the hunt for the perfect mascara? Well you can stop looking because I just found it for you! This mascara is AMAZING!!! The wand is absolutely PERFECT and so is the formula! This stuff makes me lashes thick and gives great volume, it lasts all day long and never flakes! With such a small wand it is also perfect for your bottom lashes and wont get it all over your face! These are $3.00 at Big Lots so I wont lie I have stocked up! $3.00 for mascara is super cheap, let alone for this mascara! This does also come in waterproof. 

4. Body Image Body Benefits Face & Body Faux Sea Sponges

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I bought this mostly for the little sponge, I have been looking for a little sponge like this for washing my face and this is absolutely perfect. It was $1.80 for both sponges which is a great deal, I would have paid that for the little one! It basically works as a light exfoliator with my cleanser and I definitely feel that with using this my skin feels a lot cleaner and fresher after cleansing. 

What do you use to wash your face? Any recommendations?

5. Maybelline Bouncy Blush - 15 Rose Petal & 40 Pink Plum

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I had never used cream blush before and I was really interested as everyone said it was much more natural looking than your regular powder blush. I came across this at Target quite some time ago and decided to give it a try. I purchased 40 Pink Plum first and totally fell in love with it! I apply it with a duo fiber stippling brush and it applies so amazing and blends out seamlessly! You can apply it with your fingers if you would like, I have seen a lot of people do it that way but I really like the brush. I like this stuff so much that I purchased another shade! 

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You can picture a few of the colors available above, there is really something for everyone. They definitely are so natural looking and if you are new to cream blushes this would be a great option for a beginner! 

6. Rimmel Scandalize Waterproof Eyeliner - Kohl Kajal

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The color that I have (Kohl Kajal) is the dark blue, third from the top! But let me tell you after finding this picture I plan to purchase the brown one on top! 

People have been raving about these for a really long time because they blend wonderfully and have great straying power for your water line! The nude one is the most talked about shade but for me because I wear glasses I use a white Wet n' Wild eye pencil for my water line.. the brighter the better! I decided I wanted to branch out and try a different color for my eyes and although I always thought blue eye shadow and eye liner wasn't for people with blue eyes I have learned that done right it absolutely can be. These eye liners are very pigmented and blend out so nicely so a little can go a long way. You can go for a really deep dark line or smoke it out with a brush and it looks great too! I think these are $4.00 or $5.00 and well worth it! 

7. Milani Lipstick - Nude Creme

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I have been wanting this lipstick for soooooooo long and don't know why I didn't ever buy it! Milani isn't sold everywhere and I don't go to Walmart all that often so when I came across it a couple of weeks ago I bit the bullet and got it because I thought it would be really great for summer. First let me just say I absolutely LOVE the packaging, its super classy, the lipstick itself smells very strongly of watermelon and I don't know how I feel about that, but its not terrible. The formula of the lipstick is great, this is the only Milani lipstick I won and I would definitely purchase more. I think this color would suit all skin types, its a great everyday color! 

So those are a few products I have been trying in the last little while, I would love to know what you guys have been trying and would or wouldn't recommend. The great thing about sharing what you like and don't like is you can potentially save someone else money by giving them the down low first! 

I hope you are all having a great week, thank you for stopping by!!

Birchbox Finds & Review

Good Morning,

As you know I have been getting Birchbox for quite some time and on the months that I receive them I try and make a point to come here and share what I got inside that months box and then I try to come back after I have used them and let you know what I think and if I think they are worth purchasing and if I would purchase them in full size. I cant remember the last time I wrote one of these posts and I was flipping through my note book of all things blog and noticed that I had written down reviews for a few products and I thought I would stop by and share my thoughts with you today! I know that Birchbox is widespread these days and so many people get them, I would love to hear what you guys are receiving and what you think of the products as well.

I would also like to state that these are my personal opinions, beauty products are so individualized and what works for one person may not work for someone else. Just because I don't like something or if I love something it definitely doesn't mean you will feel the same way.

So lets get into it!

1. Marcelle Gentle Makeup Remover for Sensitive Eyes.

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This product is a hypoallergenic formula that's tough on even long-lasting makeup but gentle on eyes. It retails for $15 for a full size bottle. 

I have to say I didn't find this stuff to be gentle on my eyes, my eyes are pretty sensitive but overall I found when I used it my eyes would start stinging. This is an oil based formula which sadly is just not for me, I don't like the way it feels on my skin at all and so for me this is not something that I would consider purchasing after I have used my sample. If you have dry skin this would most likely be a great product for you because its oil based its not going to dry you out more like some makeup removers can do. I do think this product worked, the formula just wasn't for me. 

2. Number 4 Clarifying Shampoo

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This product has vitamin-rich botanicals that gently purify hair while restoring lost moisture & shine. Work small amounts into a lather with damp hands, apply to wet hair and then rinse. You can purchase this product ranging in price from $32.00-$72.00.

Sadly this product wasn't for me either, I wont lie I am not keen on getting shampoo samples anymore but none the less I always give them a try and this one was probably the worst one I have ever gotten. Most of them smell good and work well but I just don't see a huge difference in them compared to a drugstore/cheaper one. This one in particular made me feel like I had mud in my hair, it was really hard to wash out and took a lot of rinsing, it didn't smell good at all. Honestly there was nothing at all that I liked about this product and I definitely would not purchase it nor would I recommend you do so! 

3. LAQA & CO Sheer Lip Lube Pencil - Shade "Honeypot"

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This lip lube pencil is said to be perfect for spring, this high gloss, semi-sheer lip gloss glides on buttery smooth, has buildable pigment and smells minty fresh. You can purchase this product in full size for $20.00. 

I absolutely LOVE this product! I honestly wish that I had more of them in all the other colors because they are that good! I really love the color, they are right in their description that it is absolutely perfect for spring! It does have a buttery creamy texture when applied to your lips which is great because it also leaves your lips feeling moisturized! Lip products can come in all different scents but I feel like minty is a universal crowd pleaser and this one has a really fresh minty scent that leaves your lips feeling a little cold and tingly and I absolutely love it! I cant recommend this enough, especially because you can use it sheer or build it for lipstick opaqueness. 

4. Whish Shave Cream in Blueberry

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A shea butter packed shaving cream with a delectable scent. You can purchase this product in full size for $20.00.

I have a mixed review on this, the one thing that I absolutely hated about this product was the smell. I don't know how I got blueberry when there were so many scents because blueberry is one scent that I absolutely cant stand. It didn't smell like fresh blueberries either it smelled like a candy blueberry scent and let me tell you guys, it was STRONG and it lingered after using it which because I hated the smell was not a good thing. Besides the scent though I really liked this, it was really moisturizing and if you have trouble with razor burn I think this would be a great thing for you to invest in. I generally use lotion on my legs after I shave them but I think if you used this product regularly you could avoid that steps and still not be dried out from shaving. I would try this in another scent but I would not purchase this scent in particular. 

5. Coastal Scents Revealed 3 Eyeshadow Quad

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I have received a coastal scents eye shadow quad before, I believe from the second palette they came out with and I really loved it, that quad was all neutral tones, warm browns and such which is totally up my alley and I thought it was absolutely great for travel purposes as well. This on had more shades that were a little outside my comfort zone but I have been trying to step outside the box with my makeup looks so I was super excited to give it a try. All in all regardless of the color these eyes shadows are fantastic! They are buttery and have great color payoff with minimal to no fallout which is always a great thing. When traveling 4 eye shadows allow you to create multiple looks so throwing this in your makeup bag will take up a lot less space then most palettes will. I really actually liked the colors, although they are different they are subtle as well. The color is buildable if you wanted to go for a more dramatic look as well. I really love Coastal Scents eye shadows and you can purchase the whole palette with 20 shades for just $20.00 which is a fantastic deal! 

6. Harvey Prince Fragrance - Sincerely

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Sweetly spicy scent with Indonesian clove bud, Indian tuberose, and Japanese orange flower. Spritz onto pulse points and see where this intriguing scent takes you. Depending on the size you wish to purchase this product it ranges in price from $26.00 - $55.00. 

As I may have mentioned when I wrote about all the products I received in this particular Birchbox I have been fortunate enough to receive many of the Harvey Prince scents and I have absolutely loved them all, this one was no exception. Not only are the scents absolutely amazing I feel like you get a decent amount for a sample and I cant tell you how fantastic it is to get samples that you can spray. A lot of scent samples you just have to dab your finger into and then apply where you want, the spray ones are just so much more convenient. I stuck this in my purse this past Saturday when we spent the day in Atlantic City and it was fantastic. I loved the scent, it was really rich and lasted for such a long time! I highly recommend all of the Harvey Prince fragrances, especially because they are such a good price! 

One more to go! 

7. Marcelle Waterproof Eyeliner in Blue Lagoon

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Hypo-allergenic & perfume free this blendable waterproof eyeliner goes on smoothly and lasts all day. You can purchase this in full size for $11.00. 

I wont lie when I saw this in my box the color was a little intimidating and I wont lie it kind of still it. As I mentioned above I am trying to step outside the box with my makeup looks and just prior to receiving this in the mail I had purchased a navy blue eyeliner that I really like. Obviously this is a super bright color and I am not sure how I feel about it just yet on my eyes because it is so different I think it will take some getting use to, but what better time to experiment with bright colors than in the summer! I will say though if you do plan on using this I would do one eye at a time, especially if you have any intention on buffing it out! This stuff dries super fast and once it dries it ain't goin' no where!!! I swatched this on my hand when I first got it to check out the color and it dried really quickly and then there was no getting it off! I hand washed a bunch of bras and when I was done it was still there, I tried wiping it off... no dice! I ended up scrubbing at it with a makeup removing wipe many hours later and it finally came off. You can look at this as a good and bad thing I suppose. I personally don't often go for waterproof eye products for this exact reason, but at least you know your eyeliner is going to last all day!! 

So that's all I have for right now, I hope you found the reviews helpful and if you have received any of these products I would love to know what you thought of them. Also if you have any recommendations from products you have received and loved then please do share!!

Thank you as always for stopping in, Have a great day!!

Products I'm Loving 4.21.15

Good Morning,

I thought I would pop in today and share with you a few products that I have been loving lately!

1. E.L.F Skincare Daily Hydration Moisturizer

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As soon as I heard that e.l.f was coming out with a skincare line I was SUPER excited to give it a try. I personally think that e.l.f is an unrated brand and most people don't try it because they think because its cheap to buy its probably a cheap product and not worth it, I would say with these products most often them would be wrong. I use a ton of e.l.f products and have nothing but good things to say about them. Tanya and I were in the city a couple of weeks ago and popped into the e.l.f store, while looking around we both noticed how absolutely gorgeous the girl working there was, her face had this amazing glow and we had to ask her what products she was using. She said it was the skincare line, she said she wouldn't rave about it if she didn't truly believe it but her skin has felt and looked incredible since she started using it, then and there I knew I had to buy it. 

This stuff is AMAZING! First of all I absolutely LOVE the simple packaging and the pump top! It has no parabens or sulfates and the ingredients are as follows: Purified water and essential nutrients help hydrate and nourish for glowing, healthy looking skin. This lightweight, lightly fragranced moisturizer is infused with skin nourishing Jojoba, Aloe, Vitamin E, and Cucumber to sooth and protect delicate skin. It's also rich in antioxidants such as Shea Butter, Grape, and Orange. 

I have been using this for a couple weeks as my daytime moisturizer and I cant say enough good things about it. It is lightly scented but the scent does not linger, its lightweight and my makeup goes on flawless over top. You really cannot go wrong for $8.00 and I will definitely be repurchasing this!! 

2. E.L.F Golden Bronzer

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You might see a theme in the beginning here! I also recently purchased the e.l.f golden bronzer from Target for $3.00 after seeing a bunch of beauty vloggers rave about it on Youtube! There are 3 different shades that can be purchased depending on your skin tone so there really is something for everything. I am all about the bronze my friends, I use a bronzer every single day to tone down my ghostly-ness and as I am currently running out of the one I use everyday I thought I would give it a chance, how can you not for $3.00?? This particular shade has a sheen to it which I wouldn't usually go for in a bronzer but I really like it, it really warms up your face but doesn't look glittery. I don't use this to contour, or I have but just to give my face some overall color. I use a larger fluffy brush and swirl it around then apply it lightly to me face, it works fantastic. Its really blendable and doesn't cake or blotch on your face.. honestly you cant go wrong. If you are looking for something that will warm up your face as you are anxiously awaiting a tan then I suggest giving this a go! 

3. E.L.F Baked Highlighter in Pink Diamonds

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I have been on the hunt for a powder highlight for some time, I think a highlighter can really change your whole look but good lord are they super expensive. I have a liquid one from MAC that I really like but I just thought a powder one would be nice to compare. I had hoped that e.l.f would have the baked highlighter in Moonlight Pearls but it was sold out in store and is online as well. I decided that I would try the Pink Diamonds as its basically going to blend with my blush anyways so the pink tone really shouldn't make that much of a difference. This stuff is AMAZING! Again for $3.00 you can't really go wrong, but I would seriously pay $10.00 for it now that I have used it! Its beautiful, the color is fantastic, its buildable and blendable and I cant get enough. This is really a great time of year to brighten up your look and if you are looking for a highlighter check out one of the three shades e.l.f offers! 

4. Revlon Ultra HD Lipstick in Hydrangea 

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I wont lie, I bought this because I had a coupon that basically made it half price.. what can I say I am a sucker for a good deal, plus I love lipsticks. When I went to Target to take a look at them I was really intrigued but the packaging, its super sleek and pretty and that definitely draws you in. All the colors are named after flowers too which is just too cute! I had saw these lipsticks talked about online and so I figured why not give it a try. I went with hydrangea because it was different from anything that I had and I thought really nice for spring and summer. This stuff is SUPER pigmented and if you are looking for a bold lip this is definitely up your alley. Its long lasting which is great and wears super nicely, doesn't feel drying or anything. I have been putting on a regular lip balm and then lightly dabbing this lipstick on to give my lips almost a tinted gloss look and I really love it. There is a huge variety of colors (20) and I believe something for everyone. 

5. Wet n Wild White Eyeliner

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Sadly I cant find a really good picture and the link above is actually to the 'buff' color because I can't find the white one anywhere. I purchased mine at Target and I believe I paid $1.00 for it! I was looking for a white or nude color for my waterline as it REALLY brightens up your eyes, I hadn't actually tried this method at the time so I didn't want to spend a fortune on something I wasn't sure I would get use out of if I didn't like what I had bought it for. I came across the Wet n Wild stuff in Target one day and right there was a white eyeliner, I have heard people rave about their eye shadow palettes although I have never used one so I thought why not give it a try. Let me tell you it serves its purpose well. This stuff is pigmented, it goes on flawlessly and works great to brighten the inner corner of my eye as well. I don't wear a ton of eyeliner but if I was looking to try different colors or something I would definitely repurchase these! 

6. No7 Stay Perfect Smoothing Eye Shadow in Irredescent Purple 

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This isn't really something I would normally buy, especially in this color but I was touring around Target one day (big surprise) and found this on sale from $7.99 so $1.12 or something crazy like that so I figured why not give it a try! Turns out its absolutely amazing and so I literally ran back to get more and they were all gone! Just my luck. Funny story I was super disappointed and then I lost the one I bought for a really long time, not to fear though I eventually found it. This stuff is really great, You can wear it by itself or over a nice base color, it has great staying power as well. I generally put a base on my eyelid, either a tinted eye shadow primer or a cream colored shadow and then I dab this over my lid and sweep it out with a brush to even it out. If you wanted a more bold look then you could use the applicator to blend it out if you would prefer. I really like this, its different and really makes your eyes pop, this is my first liquid eye shadow experience, well like this one and I must say.. I'm hooked! 

That's it for today, I am sorry I know there are a few of you that read who aren't into makeup and I completely understand that but sometimes you just have to share the goods with others! If any of you happen to give any of these products a try or have please let me know!!

Thank you for stopping by! Have a fantastic day!