I don't think there is one person in this universe that is NOT on a constant hunt for the holy grail mascara. If you're a makeup snob like me, you're looking for many holy grail mascaras. You hoard them. You never give up. Well, I found a product that may change all of that. Don't run and throw out your 17 tubes of mascara ranging from Covergirl to Givenchy, read through this review and decide if it's for you (probably will be.)
REVIEW: REDKEN BLONDE IDOL CUSTOM-TONE CONDITIONER (BEFORE + AFTER)
6.09.2014
All my fake blondes out there know just how hard it is to keep that pain in the ass brass away. You try to do everything you can, but even then it just isn't enough and you find yourself standing in the bathroom rolling your eyes as you impatiently rub toner into your hair. If you're not busting the doors down at the salon with $60 in your hand, that is. I have a cabinet full of purple and blue tone products that are supposed to fight brass and tone your hair, which most of them are a flop. That doesn't stop me, though. I don't give up hope!
REVIEW: GLAMGLOW THIRSTYMUD
6.01.2014
"GLAMGLOW was originally designed for exclusive professional backstage use in Hollywood. In 2011, GLAMGLOW became available to consumers worldwide and is now one of the hottest brands in skincare. Known for fast-acting and innovative mud treatments, their patent-pending formulas combine real pieces of leaf with high-end technology to deliver instant, visible results."
MY SUMMER FRAGRANCES
5.06.2014
FRESH'S CITRON DE VIGNE
4.22.2014
Fresh describes Citron de Vigne as, A sparkling blend of citrus notes and a pinot noir accord that fills the room with the essence of champagne.
If you're a Citron de Vigne fan or you're interested in smelling it, you can purchase the candle here. You can purchase the fragrance here.
HOW TO BE THE PERFECT FAKE BLONDE - CARING FOR BLONDE HAIR
2.03.2014
If you're planning on going blonde, you need to be sure you really want to be a blonde. I tried going blonde 3 times before, all times I got impatient, gave up, and dyed my hair back to black. I know this isn't what you want to hear, but it is a process. It's a (slow) gradual process. You could bleach your head 3-4 times and have gorgeous yellow mush on your head, but I don't recommend it. This takes me to my first tip:
1. GO SEE A PROFESSIONAL!!!!!! - NO you don't know what you're doing and NO your hair probably can't take 4 bleachings to get you from black to platinum. I made the mistake of trying to go blonde on my own and it was a disaster. I had about 3 years of black dye on my hair and it took about a year to get down to the light blonde I am now, with the help of an amazing hair stylist of course. I'm still not where I want to be. I get full or partial highlights every 6 weeks along with my roots. Find a talented stylist you trust and you will be fine. Going blonde gradually is so worth it when your hair is in good condition. Cotton candy hair isn't cute, white or not.
2. Moisturizing and Repairing Shampoo (Wen by Chaz Dean) - I use Wen by Chaz Dean and I swear by it. Go pick yourself up some now! It is sold at Sephora or you can order on QVC for great deals. When your hair is being tortured by bleach, you really want to be using a moisturizing shampoo. Stay away from clarifying. Lather is not your friend. You think it is until it turns on you and turns your beautiful hair into a brassy mess. I can't say that my hair is damage free because of this, but it's almost damage free.
3. Purple/Blue Shampoo (Schwarzkopf Color Save Silver Shampoo) - This is the only purple shampoo I recommend (Step away from the Shimmer Lights!). It is the only purple shampoo I've used that actually kills the brass. It leaves you with a beautiful clean yellow and orange free blonde in just 1-4 minutes! If it's left in too long or used to often, it can give you a purple tint. Use it once or twice a week. It can also be a bit drying, so be sure to use a...
4. Deep Conditioner (Bumble and bumble Mending Masque) - A blonde's best friend. A deep conditioner is the most essential part of a fake blonde's hair care routine. You can use it every time you wash your hair if your hair really needs the moisture, or you can use it after every time you wash with purple shampoo. Leave it in for 5 minutes to 2 hours, too much moisture isn't such a bad thing. I recommend the Bumble and bumble Mending Masque. It was introduced to me by my hair stylist and it is gold. It's almost unbelievable how soft it leaves your hair!
*These are all the products I recommend and work for me, but feel free to substitute with your holy grails. Mine are better, though.
HOURGLASS AMBIENT LIGHTING | DIFFUSED LIGHT
1.30.2014
Yes, it really is worth the hype. I'm obsessed.
MY SKIN CARE ROUTINE
1.03.2014
CLEANSING & MOISTURIZING
Clarisonic - This is the most important part of my skin care regime. If you don't have a Clarisonic yet, please RUN and get one. You will never have clean face like you get with this! I started using it about three years ago and it completely cleared up my acne. I still get the occasional hormonal breakout and some pimples, but nothing like it used to be. I owe it all to Clarisonic! I use the Deep Pore brush head, and it is a little too rough for me. If you have normal/sensitive skin try out the Normal brush head.
Philosophy Purity Made Simple - Another must-have for me. I will go and try a million different face cleansers and always come back to this one. It is fragrant free and doesn't leave your skin dry. Super gentle and removes the toughest eye makeup without burn or irritation. I use it with my Clarisonic to remove my makeup.
Thalgo Pure Velvet Cleansing Cream - I just received this for Christmas in a skin care gift set, and so far so good. Thalgo is gentle on my skin and smells amazing! I use this as my second cleansing after I remove my makeup with Purity Made Simple.
Thalgo Super Lift Tonic Lotion - This came in the skin care set as well, I'm not completely sold on toner but I will reach for it sometimes for an extra fresh feel.
MAC Studio Moisture Cream - My holy grail moisturizer. I always come back to it! I have fairly dry skin so I love a thick and creamy moisturizer and this is perfect! I use it day and night and it keeps my face moisturized for hours.
TREATMENTS AND MASKS
Thalgo Freshness Exfoliator - I also got this for Christmas, and I LOVE it. It is my go to exfoliator now. It doesn't dry or irritate your skin, and has an amazing minty cooling feeling on your face when you're working it in. I don't find it rough on my skin at all, so I use it every other day.
Philosophy Miracle Worker Retnoid Pads - I just purchased these pads this weekend in a set with the Dark Spot Corrector during the Dillard's New Years Day Sale (full price set here - still a great deal!). The pads are supposed to fight wrinkles, fade discoloration, and give clarity to the skin. Yes, please! When you first get it, you need to pour the liquid onto the pads. Kinda fun! It doesn't burn when you apply it to your face and it seems like it absorbs in immediately.
Philosophy Miracle Worker Dark Spot Corrector - I am desperate for this to work!!! I've heard nothing but great things and I am very hopeful. I have fair skin and very, very, very red acne scarring on my cheeks and nothing seems to help fade them. I've been using it every night after using the Retnoid Pads. It's a strange brownish bronze color, totally looks like you're putting self tanner on your face! Don't worry, it applies clear on the skin.
LIP CARE
Lush Mint Julip Lip Scrub - This all natural lip scrub from Lush is amazing! I constantly have dry lips and they get sooo flaky. This scrub always takes care of me! It's easy with no mess. You can even eat it, too!
Jack Black Lip Balm - Jack Black is a men's skin care line, but this lip balm is amazing! It's thick and minty, I love putting it on after exfoliating with the Lush scrub at night.
Fresh Sugar Lip Treatment - This is my favorite everyday lip balm...ever! I'm on my third or fourth one now, it's the only lip balm I've completely finished. It's very soft (be careful) and moisturizing, it leaves your lips the softest they've ever been. Oh, and it has SPF 15! If you're a fan of quick on-the-go lip colors, check out the Fresh lip treatments in colors.
BUMBLE AND BUMBLE
12.29.2013
Bumble and bumble Mending Masque /Bumble and Bumble Straight Blow Dry
/Bumble and Bumble Tonic Lotion
/Bumble and Bumble Hairdresser's Invisible Oil
/Bumble and Bumble Surf Spray
/Bumble and Bumble Tonic Lotion/Bumble and Bumble Hairdresser's Invisible Oil/Bumble and Bumble Surf Spray
Lately, I've been so into Bumble and bumble products. I was first introduced to them when I started going to a new salon who carries Bb exclusively...I was hooked right away.
I am on the long journey to going blonde (almost there!) and the Mending Masque is a holy grail. I notice the greatest difference immediately! I swear by it, and I WILL HAVE IT FOREVER!!!!! The Straight Blow Dry is also fabulous, get that salon blown out perfection at home. I use Tonic Lotion and Hairdresser's Invisible Oil right out of the shower, I find it is all I need. I've even left my macadamia oil and other leave-in conditioners for these two products. Now for my favorite, the Surf Spray. This is perfect for the messy be achy wave look. A lot of products promise that, but this one really does it. It leaves your hair with a salty piece-y authentic right out of the ocean look. Mermaid hair. Literally.
I have a hair tutorial lined up this week using the Surf Spray, be sure to check back!
ONE STEP LASHES + LINER
12.13.2013
One of my favorite YouTube gurus Wayne Goss (gossmakeupartist) just uploaded a short video on how to apply eyeliner while curling your lashes. I thought it was brilliant, why didn't anyone think of it sooner?!
I don't wear eyeliner on my top lid because my eye shape simply doesn't allow it, so I would add the eyeliner on the bottom for an easy, less tearful tightline (don't forget to clean it off after!).
Nail Of The Week 003 | For The Twill Of It
10.17.2013
I HAD to pick up this color from Essie's Fall 2013 collection. The rest were pretty, but they weren't completely unique like this color. There were only three left and I considered picking up two because I loved it so much, but I want someone else to enjoy it as much as me!
Essie describes "For The Twill Of It" as a medium brown with green shimmer. To me, it looks more of a steel gray with purple-ish, greenish, turquoise-ish shimmer. You can't capture the beauty of this through a computer screen, so I suggest you run to the store and check it out!
September Favorites
10.04.2013
1. 3.1 Phillip Lim for Target Mini Satchel in Taupe - I'm sure you've seen this little bag on everyone's blog. Well, there is a good reason for it. This tiny (but very spacious, believe it or not!) Pashli-like bag is great for day and night, throw it on cross body or just on your shoulder. I wasn't able to grab the black one which I had originally wanted, but I'm glad I got the taupe because I got black in all the other 3.1 Phillip Lim x Target collaboration!
2. Black Orchid by Tom Ford - I am the worst person at describing scents, so I will not even get into it! However, if you are a fan of dark woodsy perfumes, this one is for you. It is the perfect fall/winter perfume and for some it may be too strong to wear during the day. This is my first Tom Ford scent and definitely not my last.
3. H&M Jacket with Faux Leather Detailing - I ordered this blazer on a whim while placing an order on H&M, and I am so glad I did. The jacket is SO slimming and makes you look 20 pounds thinner, and i'm not exaggerating. The faux leather arms and shoulder detailing giving a subtle edge perfect for fall.
4. Just Fab "Monroe" Pump - D'orsay pointed toe pumps are everywhere this year, and there is no sign of them going anywhere. I had debated for a good week on getting these shoes, and when I saw heels.com's "Heels At Home" program, I decided to throw them in the cart and try them on for myself before committing. These are one of the most comfortable pair of pumps I own and can walk around for hours in them. You already know I'm going back for the black pair!
5. Madden Girl "Lopezzz" Bootie - These were a shoe sent from the heavens. I had been eyeing the Steve Madden Panelope booties for a while, and when I placed my Heels At Home order I picked them up as well to try. Well, that was before I read the reviews and everyone mentioned they ran too small and we're horrible tight on the ankle. They were right. The Lopezzz bootie is exactly the same as the Paneolpe bootie, only in regular leather instead of suede. I sized up in these booties as well so I can wear them in the winter with socks, and they are perfect.
6. Audrey Brooke "Hylda" Pump - I grabbed these gorgeous d'orsay pumps for a wedding I attended this month, and they are already up at the top with my all time favorites. The heel isn't so high you can barely stand, and the ankle strap helps so much. They can be worn casually with boyfriend jeans or formally with a party dress.
*As I'm writing this post, I realized the shoes in the collage are NOT the Audrey Brooke shoe, silly mistake by me! The actual shoes are in the collection on the right side of the page. :)
7. Bath & Body Works "Leaves" Candle - This candle is the true scent of Fall. If you haven't smelled it yet, you need to get to your local Bath & Body Works and smell it now. You won't regret it. Every so often B&BW has their 3-wick candles at 2 for $20 (which is a steal considering one candle alone is $22!) so you can grab your other favorite scent, too.
Nail Of The Week 002 | Glitter Dipped
9.08.2013
I remember seeing a photo of nails like this a long while ago, and I used to do it all the time. While painting my nails with my new Zoya polish, I found I wasn't completely happy with how the polish applied. I originally planned to do just one glitter-dipped accent nail, and it quickly got out of hand and...I went glitter crazy!
It was rather simple to do, all you need is a nail polish, clear coat, and a fine glitter of your choice. If there is interest, I'll post a picture tutorial. These nails can be neutral with a natural shade of polish and glitter, or a huge statement with a bright polish!
Products Used:
Zoya "Jacqueline"
LA Splash Glitter in "Enlightened"
Nail Of The Week 001 | Mermaid Nails
8.28.2013
This week I'd like to say farewell to summer by having my nails nude one last time, but this time with a be achy twist. I had purchased a limited edition Essie nail polish named "Shine of the times" that has glitter-y foil-y pieces that reflect light and resemble fish scales. I put it over Essie's nude "Vanity fairest" for a subtle look. When you put Shine of the times over black, it's not so subtle...
You can purchase "Shine of the times" on Amazon.
You can purchase "Vanity fairest" on Amazon
or at your local Walgreens.
Red Apple Lipstick
7.03.2013
Recently I had been contacted by lovely Lauren at Red Apple Lipstick, a brand that is just as delicious as the name sounds. Red Apple Lipstick is a cosmetics line that is all things safe. According to the Red Apple Lipstick website, all cosmetics are handcrafted here in the USA and have been lab tested and are 100% gluten free. In addition to gluten free, they're paraben free! Just keeps getting better, right? It doesn't stop there. Red Apple Lipstick is also vegan, soy free, cruelty free, and allergen free. If you don't understand the importance of gluten free cosmetics or why it is harmful, I urge you to read a great article on their website here. The Red Apple Lipstick offices are even located in Houston, right here in Texas!
Being on my healthy eating and diet kick I'm currently on, I was excited when I had the chance to review some of these awesome products that would fit in perfect with my new lifestyle. I picked out three items including a lipstick, an eyeshadow, and a lip exfoliator in a lipstick form (you're going to want to read about this one!)
When I received my little package, I had to resist tearing it all apart and going swatch crazy. Everything was packaged so nicely, cute little bag and wrapped to perfection! It was hard to bring myself to tear open the packaging.
The first item i grabbed out of the bag were the lipstick boxes. "Yes!" I've become a huge lipstick snob over the past few months, it's a nice change from my heavy eye makeup habit.
The lipstick i picked out is called Pinky Promise. It's a light to mid tone frosty pink-ish coral with tiny silver flecks of glitter. Don't be afraid of the frost or glitter! It does not swatch frosty, the shimmer just gives the lips a beautiful hydrated look, you really don't even need a gloss over this color. The glitter is not visible either, it's just enough to give your lips a brightened look. It applies smooth and creamy, not settling in your lip lines which is a HUGE deal for me! That is my most common problem in lipstick next to heavy perfumed scents. Which brings me to the scent of the lipstick, it has an extremely light (light as in you have to put your nose right up to the lipstick to smell) scent of candy. It's an all familiar scent, taking me back to elementary school and my extensive collection of Lip Smacker chapsticks. However, the scent does not linger and you cannot smell it while wearing the lipstick. The lipstick does last a long time. It has a nice consistency, not too thick or thin- just the perfect amount to stay on throughout the day. I applied at 11:30am and wore it until 6:00pm with only one tiny touch up after lunch. I'm definitely impressed with the lipstick and how long lasting it is!
The eyeshadow I picked out is called Sand Castles. It's a nude beige color with pretty pink undertones and a soft shimmer. Think Stila's Kitten eyeshadow, minus the annoying shimmer and glitter that falls out all over your face. Once again, don't be afraid of this shimmer! It doesn't not have a frosty glittery look on the eye, but a nice sheen. Since it's not glittery or overly-shimmery it makes for a perfect face highlight as well! It looks gorgeous over the top of cheek bones, top of nose, and on cupids bow. I love colors that are multi purpose, it makes throwing it in your makeup bag a breeze without taking up so much room having a ton of products in it. I couldn't test out the true wear time of this eyeshadow, since I do have to wear eyeshadow primer or my eyes will become a huge oil slick mess! Over the primer, this eyeshadow lasted beautifully. I really enjoyed the packaging of this eyeshadow. It was in a plastic holder with two little magnets stacked to keep the eyeshadow from sliding all over the place during shipment and possibly breaking or cracking. The magnets on the back of the eyeshadow can be of great use, simply take off the paper, stick the magnet on the back of your eyeshadow, and stick it right in your eyeshadow pallet! I'm not sure if it was planned that way, but I love it.
Now, the best for last...
When I checked out the Red Apple Lipstick website, I was immediately drawn to this product. I was a sufferer of chronic dry flaky lips and CANNOT wear lipstick without exfoliating my lips. I'm a huge fan of lip exfoliators, but the mess they make? Not so much. This lip exfoliator in a lipstick tube and form has to be the greatest thing ever created. So simple and convenient, I will be purchasing one for my purse (and every other room in my house) so I can exfoliate easily wherever, whenever. The exfoliator has a strong scent of mint, almost like toothpaste but I don't mind it at all. It brings a freshness and clean feeling to your mouth, hopefully making your breath smell the same! I cannot rave enough about the product, it truly has made my life so much easier. This will be a staple in my routine forever!
Overall, I'm very impressed with Red Apple Lipstick. I love the made in the USA and safe cosmetics, and I'm sure a lot of people will as well. I highly suggest trying their products if you are watching your gluten or soy intake, especially if you have allergies or Celiac disease.
To go through all their beautiful lipstick and eyeshadows and pick up the exfoliate stick (I know you will) check out their website here.
Thanks so much to Lauren for reaching out and contacting me. I'm so glad I learned about Red Apple Lipstick and I hope you all go and check out their cosmetics, you won't be disappointed!
How Much Is My Face Worth?
6.19.2013
While going through my Bloglovin' feed of the blogs I follow, I found a post by Laura Neuzeth where she did a tag on "How much is my face worth?" Well, being the complete beauty and cosmetics snob I am I HAD to participate in this tag! Let's jump in because this can get long!
Make Up For Ever HD Microperfecting Primer: $34
Make Up For Ever HD Foundation: $42 (highly recommend!)
MAC Studio Finish Concealer: $18
MAC Mineralize Skin Finish(I use two shades of this product, hence the x2!): $30 x 2 = $60
NARS Light Reflecting Pressed Setting Powder: $34
MAC Temperature Rising Bronzer in Soft Sand: $25
MAC Blush in Peaches: $21
MAC Extra Dimension Skin Finish Highlighter in Whisper of Guilt: $30
MAC Fix +: $21
Sugar Lip Treatment: $25
TOTAL: $310
Anastasia Brow Wiz: $21 (highly recommend!)
Maybelline Eye Studio Eyeliner in Brown (used for eyebrows): $8
Urban Decay Primer Potion: $20
MAC Paintpot in Painterly: $18
Make Up For Ever Concealer Palette: $38
MAC Eyeshadows (I usually use only two colors daily, hence the x2): $15 x 2 = $30
MAC Haute and Naughty Mascara: $20
Benefit They're Real! Mascara: $10 for mini, $23 for full size
TOTAL: $178
GRAND TOTAL: $488
Wow, I wasn't expecting that. I know I spent quite a lot on my cosmetics, but I wasn't thinking that much!
I do think you should invest in good makeup (especially foundation!) and skincare since it is on your face and it's extremely sensitive.
Have any product suggestions? Use the same products? Let me know in the comments!
I would love to see how much your face is worth, so I tag all of you! If you do this tag, leave the link in the comments also and I'll check it out!