March 2017 Favorites

Rimmel “Match Perfection” Concealer – This concealer is truly amazing. It does a great job of covering up redness and dark circles under my eyes, but still looks natural. It doesn’t crease anywhere and lasts all day long.

Makeup Revolution “Matte Blush” – I don’t know that I have ever tried a more pigmented matte blush! This has a smooth, creamy formula and the color payoff is incredible… so be sure to go in with a light hand. I have the shade Nude and love it!!!

Nine West “Dress Pump” – Now that it is (finally) warming up where I live, these babies have been on repeat. They are versatile and comfortable. What else does a girl really need?!

Sofia Vergara “Tempting” Body Spray – While I’m not much into fragrance, I bought this on a whim at Marshall’s and have been loving it. It has scents of vanilla, tropical fruit, and flowers. I can’t get enough of it lately!

Short and sweet this month. Have you tried any of these products?!

February 2017 Favorites

Bob Marley “Legend” – If you keep up with my blog then you know I just came back from Jamaica a few weeks ago. This cd was on serious repeat in January and February to get amped up for the trip and to transition back home. No problems, mon… just situations 🙂 . It brings me right back to that beautiful, tropical island.

Nth Degree “Moroccan Argan Oil & Keratin Hair Serum” – To be honest, I ran out of my regular hair serum and wanted to put off buying a replacement because it’s so expensive. I used this, which I got in a past Ipsy bag, as a fill in for the month and it worked out well! Try putting it just on the ends of your hair for a less oily look, that’s what I did.

Too Faced “Hangover Primer” – I typically have very oily skin, though this winter find that I need just a little extra moisture. This primer has been working wonders for me. It is high quality, smells amazing, and gives my skin the love it has been needing. I do pair it with a pore filler primer, which I use just on the areas I need it the most. This baby goes on all the other parts of my face.

Almay “Clear Complexion Concealer” – This is a great, full coverage drugstore concealer. I have been a fan of Almay for years and find that this gives me a really nice, smooth finish all the while brightening up my undereye area.

O.R.G. “Mineral Peel Face” – Probably my absolute favorite exfoliator!!! I like to use this before I shower by spraying a few pumps on to my hands, patting it onto my face, and rubbing the product around for a good 10-15 seconds. The amount of dead skin this product gets off of your face will seriously amaze you. I have been using it at least once a week on my full face and sometimes a second time just on the driest parts of my skin.

 

This month I also (somewhat impulsively) chopped 5 inches of my hair!!! I haven’t had an actual style in close to two years and have just kept it long and layered. My husband got me a gift card to my favorite salon for Christmas and I decided (while waiting for my stylist) that I wanted to put the money to good use and try something new. I’m so happy with the result!!! XOXO

Clinique Beyond Perfecting Foundation

Welcome to another foundation review! This time I’ll be laying out the pros and cons to the Clinique Beyond Perfecting 2 in 1 Foundation and Concealer. Let’s jump right into it…

Pros:
-Full coverage
-Matte finish
-20 available shades
-Doesn’t settle into lines

Cons:
-Heavy formula
-Looks somewhat cakey
-Oxidizes
-Messy applicator

After weighing out the pros and cons, I will say that I do like this foundation, but don’t like it enough to wear it every day of the week. I have oily, acne prone skin so a huge pro is the matte finish but a huge con is that this formula feels very heavy on my skin. For me it’s a better fit in winter in regards to the formula, however it does oxidize quite a bit so that’s not great either. I do enjoy the coverage it gives me because, after all, it does double as a foundation and a concealer. It definitely covers up any imperfections in my skin, blemishes, and scars while also not settling into fine lines or wrinkles. The price point isn’t too bad at $27, though once I run out I likely won’t purchase it again. I don’t hate it but it isn’t worthy of a rebuy in my opinion.

Ipsy Review – January 2017

Pacifica – Blushious Blush – Besides lippies, blushes are my favorite item to find in my bag! I got the color Wildrose and while it isn’t a shade I would normally go for, I do like it, for winter especially. There is a really pretty sheen that makes this blush super unique.

Purlisse – Blue Lotus Mud Mask – Nothing beats a good mud mask. I plan to save this sample for traveling, when my skin typically needs a little bit more love. The size makes it really travel friendly and I have loved this brand in the past so look forward to trying it out.

It Cosmetics – Bye Bye Undereye Concealer – This concealer is supposed to illuminate your under eyes and double as an anti-aging product. I can totally see what they were going for, but for me personally it didn’t quite work out. I found that it actually brought more attention to my under eyes in a non-flattering way. I’ll stick with the regular Bye Bye Undereye concealer because the coverage is still amazing.

Temptu – Matte Primer – I have been enjoying this primer quite a bit! It’s great for everyday priming around the perimeter of my face, though I do go in with a separate pore-filling primer to take care of my stubborn t-zone area. The only thing I don’t really care for with this product is the smell, which is chemically.

theBalm – Matte Bronzer – Talk about an item I was excited to see! This is a cult favorite and I got the shade Bahama Mama. It is on the cooler tone side and pretty dark for my skin currently, but I think it will work well for me in the summer months… ohhhh summer 🙂 .

 

This month was a definite hit for me!!! Recently I have only been excited for one or two items in my bag, but January was good to me. I see myself using all of the items except the concealer, which I plan to pass along to a friend. Click here to sign up for Ipsy, it’s something I look forward to each and every month, XOXO.

August Favorites

Bad Moms: If you haven’t seen it yet, you need to!!! Even my husband loved it.. don’t tell him I told you 🙂 . I haven’t laughed so hard at a movie in a really long time.

Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Concealer: Super full coverage at an insanely affordable cost… what more could you ask for?!

Loreal Paris Brow Stylist Definer: I love the small tip on this applicator and that it comes in such a wide variety of shades. The product stays put all day and gives your brows a natural look.

Lularoe: My most recent obsession!!! I LOVE Lularoe. It is a clothing company that makes and sells adorable, comfy, and fun pieces all while empowering women and encouraging them to love their own bodies. Stay tuned for an upcoming post showcasing my most recent purchases.

Lose It!: I have used this app since the beginning of the year to manage my weight and have successfully kept off 24 pounds. If you’re looking to get fit I would highly recommend this app. I’ve used others in the past and this one is my favorite, XOXO.

My Year With Ipsy

It’s official… I have officially been with Ipsy for a year now! What better time to look back through my  collection of samples and reflect on some of my favorites. In no particular order, here are the stand out products (including the super cute bags) that have been a tried and true for me from Ipsy within the past year.

In my opinion, Ipsy is the best beauty subscription service out there within the $10 a month price range. I have subscribed to Lip Monthly and Birchbox in the past, but those only lasted a few months each for me… Ipsy is surly here to stay.

What do I love so much about Ipsy? I’m glad you asked 🙂 . What has kept me subscribed for a full year first and foremost is the strong focus on makeup rather than skincare and haircare. Yes, Ipsy does include a wide variety of products, however my bags typically have more makeup than anything else, which I love. Ipsy also has a great customer service department and I know this firsthand. Two months I inputted my first complaint to Ipsy, which was based on a missing item. I emailed them, got a quick response, and with ease was sent my product. And I can’t forget to mention that Ipsy sends so many amazing brands that are unique, well-known, and trendy. Plus HELLO have you seen the cute bags they send you?! Another plus.

If you’re interested in signing up for Ipsy you can click here to see for yourself just how amazing it really is, XOXO!!!

June Favorites

Thirty-One

I have talked about this line before on my blog and truly believe in the product. This month I traveled quite a bit, sometimes planned and other times unexpected. I found myself using Thirty-One in all areas of my life and it always made things easier. Because my sister is a consultant, I have a good amount of the line in my personal collection and can vouch that the products are amazing.

Dermalogica Clear Start Matte Moisturizer

On very recent trip to a very humid set of islands (stay tuned for Florida Keys posts 🙂 ) I learned the importance of prepping my face for the weather. This oil-controlling moisturizer really does the trick. Use it once daily in between your face wash and makeup primer for a matte finish.

Perfectly Posh Bath Salts

There is something about a nice long bath that is so irresistible to me, yes even in summer! I love these salts because they are all natural, reasonably priced, and smell amazing. One pack lasts 2-3 baths. When you pour the product into the tub you may notice a thin layer of oil at the top. That’s the yummy goodness that you want rub all over your body for super soft skin.

Bye Bye Under Eye Concealer

Anyone else out the struggle with seasonal allergies? This baby has been a God-send for me this month. It’s perfect for covering up dark and itchy eyes. The formula is thick so you don’t need much and the effect is flawless.

Shahs of Sunset

Again… don’t judge me, XOXO.