Tuesday, April 14, 2015

New Faves

Hi Friends. Haven't had much time to write with a new busy assignment at work and two little ones taking up all my free hours. But...that doesn't mean I've slipped in my makeup game :)

Here are a few new favorites with a quick description. Search these on Sephora's site so you can read more about them there.

Urban DecayAll Nighter Long-Lasting Makeup Setting Spray

Kinda odd to mist your face (eyes closed please!), but after foundation or concealer or powder or bronzer or blush...DO IT!! It really makes it last all day. I need this to not look all worn out after a long work day. Or for long social events.

There's also an oil control version which I prefer to use.

DiorContour Lipliner Pencil

I've never been a lip liner user. But after seeing its great faux plumping effects, I gave it a try. This Dior one in the color Greige is super subtle but just enough to give you a fuller look.

Living ProofSatin Hair Serum

Love this as after washing and before blow drying for a great finish with no frizz and no residue!

SEPHORA COLLECTIONPro Flawless Airbrush #56

If you are gonna get a new brush...any kind...try the airbrush ones from Sephora. They feel amazing and give a flawless, perfectly blended look. I have this one and a concealer one.

Amazing CosmeticsAmazing Concealer

AND

MAKE UP FOR EVERFull Cover Concealer

My two new fav concealers!! Great full coverage for people with major dark circles. If that's not you...I would not recommend it as it's way too heavy. But it's perfect for me, expertly blended with my Pro Airbrush Brush :)

Friday, November 7, 2014

Look no further for the perfect foundation - Hourglass Immaculate

I'm not a foundation person....until now!! In the past, the cakey look as well as makeup lines really turned me away from anything but a simple blotting powder. The only "coverage" I typically use is concealer for acne spots and under eyes. I first heard about Hourglass when I bought their AMAZING blush. This foundation is coverage without any signs of caked on makeup! It basically disappears onto your skin in a perfect matte finish. No shine, no line.

Hourglass
Immaculate Liquid Powder Foundation Mattifying Oil Free

It's great for everyday use or just when you need that extra bit of coverage for a smooth finish. Use an airbrush style brush to apply. I use Sephora Pro Airbrush. And you also have to work fast because it dries up very quickly. It's an Allure Best of Beauty Winner for a reason...you will not find anything else out there like it!

Thursday, August 14, 2014

More Mascara Madness

For the first time ever I've got 4 mascaras in rotation right now. Good idea?...NO, because its pricey and I don't know if I will get through them all before its time to toss. Fun idea?...YES, love trying out new mascaras and love all 4 I am currently using.

CHANEL LE VOLUME DE CHANEL

Does it all...lengthens, thickens, adds lots of drama. You really only need a couple strokes to avoid clumping

YVES SAINT LAURENT VOLUME EFFET FAUZ CILS

Love the false lash look I get with this one. Do a couple coats in short feathery strokes

DIOR ADDICT IT-LASH VOLUMIZING

If you've read my blog before you know I'm obsessed with Dior mascaras. This one doesn't disappoint. I think its more for lengthening than it is for the bold drama. It's a great daytime mascara! And the bottle is super-cute!

SMASHBOX FULL EXPOSURE

Great for adding multiple layers with no clumping. Less drama than Yves or Chanel but it's a really clean feel for this one.

If I had to pick a winner....Chanel

(Sorry Dior...still love you :)

Wednesday, May 21, 2014

More Baby Fun! The Honest Company

Seems like every day there are more and more products out there for your little one, and I find it just as fun to buy for my babies as I do for myself! ...Maybe even a little more fun.

I'm currently obsessed with the Honest Company. Their products are free of any harsh chemicals and are perfect for your precious little guys and gals. They are made with the safety of your kids in mind and offer a wide range of baby, bath, and cleaning products.

Here are some of their products I have tried and loved. (I probably own one of everything on their website, and its fair to say you just cant go wrong with them):

Organic Healing Balm

Great for the diaper area and anywhere you see dryness, redness and ouchies!

Multi Surface Cleaner

What my baby touches and breathes matters too, and this cleaner definitely makes me feel better about not using toxic chemicals and still getting great sparkle and shine!

Conditioning Detangler

My 3 year old has very long hair and after every shower this is a great way to get those tangles out without a fight! It also moisturizes her hair, smells great, and she thinks it's really cool to "spray" her hair!

Sunscreen

There are plenty of great organic sun care products out there. I find this one less greasy and strong enough to power through the day.

Baby Teether

It's super cute, and perfectly safe for your little babies teeth. Easy to hold and munch on!!

Honest company comes out with new stuff all the time, and each item really takes into careful consideration what the needs of a natural and organic loving mommy are! Cant wait to try more...

Monday, May 19, 2014

A Blush Sensation.... Hourglass Ambient Lighting Blush

For those obsessed with NARS blushes, yes they are some of the best out there, wait until you try Hourglass Ambient Lighting. It will replace my NARS blush for good!

HOURGLASS AMBIENT LIGHTING BLUSH
http://www.sephora.com/ambient-lighting-blush-P384963?skuId=1581339

It comes in 6 gorgeous shades that I think will flatter a wide range of skin tones. I use Mood Exposure, but am looking forward to trying the other colors as well. This blush can take you from day to night. There is no super-shimmery effect perfect for just that little color and definition you need all day, but layer on a little extra for a perfectly chiseled look at night. Any time of day...you will GLOW! It's got an illuminating effect I have not seen with any other blush. It blends well, and really makes your entire face look radiant, even though the product is just on your cheekbones.

Buy it, Love it!!

I'm Back!

Sorry for the VERY LONG hiatus but I had another baby! Love her, but she and her sister definitely take up ALL my time!! However, being busy definitely did not change my love of finding new products to try. I think my posts will be a little shorter (with work and kiddos taking up so much time), but the info, I promise, will be worth it!

Friday, July 19, 2013

Bed Head Must Have

Fighting frizz is a daily issue for many as well as myself! Many products claim to do it, but few actually truly leave your hair with zero frizz AND no greasy product weighing it down.

I recently discovered Bed Head by Tigi After Party

I apply about a nickel size amount all thru my hair after its washed and still damp. After a very quick blow-dry, my hair is silky smooth but not greasy at all for up to 3 days! No frizz, great definition in my layers, and really only need a touch of dry shampoo on the front scalp if I'm trying to go into day 3 without shampooing.

I have tried many products that claim to diminish frizz by applying before blow-drying AND leave no sticky residue AND give you an at home finish you can normally only get at a salon.....mostly more pricey than this one. But only Bed Head actually worked! Love it!!

Monday, May 13, 2013

Mascara Madness - My Top 10

May 26, 2013 is Nordstrom's Mascara Madness where you can buy any 2 mascaras and get 1 free (mix and match from any cosmetics line). In honor of the event, I've creating a list of my Top 10 mascaras....

#10 Lancome Hypnose

An old fav that is still one of the best even years later when so many other mascaras have taken over the market including its own offshoots (one appears below). Great volume, little clump, small bristles reach every lash.

#9 Buxom Lash

A thick teeny tiny bristled brush helps to create a fuller look. And if you are looking for something natural, it's got no parabens, sulfates, phthalates!

#8 Sephora Outrageous Volume Mascara

When the $24-$30 price range on these mascaras seems a little steep, head for this $15 mascara by Sephora. Its creates lots of volume and length without hurting the wallet! ...And it performs right there at the top with the rest of these.

#7 Givenchy Noir Couture 4 in 1 Mascara

Gotta try this one just because the brush is so fun and different. "4 in 1" is promising volume, curl, length, and nourishment...meaning some long term improvement of your naked lashes themselves. It should say "5 in 1"...because I think definition is the main thing you get from Givenchy.

#6 Clinique Bottom Lash Mascara

I am NOT a fan of adding mascara to your bottom lashes unless you really feel like you need it...too much of a raccoon eyes hazard for me. However this is a great mascara for top lashes when you want just that little bit for a quick trip out of the house. Just to add a little something special to your look without the drama that you get from all my other choices.

#5 Lancome Definicils

I had to include this grandmother of mascaras because I think it was my first love over 15 years ago! If you don't want too much drama but want basic definition, this is still a great staple! I like the drama...so I've moved on, but it deserves the credit!

#4 Diorshow Iconic Overcurl Mascara

This is the newest mascara in the Diorshow family. And after much hesitance due to the other offshoots being less than expected, I tried it and loved it! Length, length, length...that's all you need to know!

#3 Lancome Hypnose Star

I tried this on the recommendation of a friend and it really is a Lancome's newest success! Great for fuller lashes because of the super black shade (lots of pigment) that helps to create major umph!

#2 Benefit They're Real! Mascara

Falsies without real falsies! See my prior post ("I cheated on my mascara"). A true 2nd runner up!

#1 Diorshow

THE ORIGINAL, THE BEST, THERE IS NOTHING LIKE IT! Again...just look at my previous post on why I love it so much. DRAMA, DRAMA, DRAMA... 'Nuff said!

Tuesday, April 30, 2013

BB Cream Update

In an earlier post I ranted about how I wasn't falling into the BB Cream (or CC cream for that matter) hype...because I didn't like the multiple uses in 1 idea.

HOWEVER...

I got a sample recently and I got hooked!

Smashbox Camera Ready BB Cream
http://www.sephora.com/camera-ready-bb-cream-spf-35-P300339

I tried it and loved it for the SUPER lightweight coverage. I am NOT a foundation user and don't want to be one, but this goes on like any other face cream (so you don't have to worry about lines) and it basically fades right in without any cakey feeling. So how the heck does it add a slight coverage?...who knows, but it sure does for this girl! I use the light shade and it's just right for priming and evening out skin tone. Also doesn't hurt to add SPF and oil control (I still also apply an oil control SPF moisturizer before applying this for added oil control).

I haven't used it long enough to see if it has any over time skin improvement effects, but it's become a staple now in my everyday routine!

Thursday, April 4, 2013

How do all these little treasures travel?! Makeup bag review

After many a random makeup case has been sitting in my bathroom (mostly from some sample give-a-away), I finally decided maybe I needed a more chic traveling makeup bag. Normally my caboodle-like carrier does the trick...but lets face it...its not pretty. :( And how can all this beautiful, pricey goodness not travel a little more luxuriously.

I started by looking at bags by Marc Jacobs, Kate Spade, etc...However, while these are all super cute, its really just a bag with no organization and little space. And that's just not good enough for a makeup junkie! So I settled on this...

http://www.sephora.com/core-bag-collection-black-P298739?skuId=1357136

Sephora Collections Large Hanging Travel Bag (Retail - $48)

The one on top is the closed view, the one to the left is the open view.

Its a big bag...bigger than it looks here, but PERFECT to carry everything you need. Especially brushes...which I like to keep as clean and upright as possible. Those suckers are pricey!! It's also nice to use all the different pockets for clear, quick-use organization. I haven't used the hanging feature yet, but I assume it may come in handy for a hotel with little counter space.

And...Sephora has a "chicweek" coming up. 15% off between April 11-22!!

Thursday, March 14, 2013

The Diorshow Saga Continues...

Every time I enter my fav makeup closet....Sephora...it seems that another Diorshow mascara spin-off has been born. And if you read from my earlier post...I have hated them all as none compare to the original. Plain old Diorshow that I love more than any piece of makeup I own! The rest are either too clumpy, do not act as promised, or difficult to use. Well, here we are again with...Diorshow Iconic Overcurl.

http://www.sephora.com/diorshow-iconic-overcurl-mascara-P377821

It promises '"spectacular" volume and curl. Here's what else the Sephora website description from Dior says...

"Diorshow Iconic Overcurl Mascara embodies a host of key technologies. Its K-Polymer Formula combines lifting, coating, and fixing polymers for instantly dramatic curves and long-lasting wear. Its waxes and oils offer a volumizing complex that boosts adherence, coverage, and smoothing for a dramatic lift. A lipid complex of abyssinv oil and pseudo-ceramid strengthens lashes to prevent breakage, while plant nectar boosts the development of keratin, reinforcing lashes. Skinsoy supports natural cellular regeneration for maximum lash growth and vitality. "

I don't really know what any of that means except that it's promising quite a lot of happy stuff that I am skeptical of. I have tried its sibling Diorshow Iconic which I did not like at all as I felt the brush truly did nothing amazing for my lashes and clumped. So if this is an offshoot of an offshoot, I'm not too convinced. However, the Sephora reviews look good (claiming lots of volume and curl) and because I'm a sucker for Dior, you know I will be trying it and getting back to you on what I think!

Thursday, February 14, 2013

My Coveted Eye Cream Guide! (and a little tip)

It's about that time I tread into some murky waters...a heavily forrested area and hotly debated war zone. Okay, its not that serious. But, if you have ever found yourself in search for the perfect eye cream, you kinda get my point!! There are so many choices out there, all with varying promises depending on your concern, lots of different price points, and no way to truly know what works best for you until you try it out. And trying it out, means several weeks to notice a difference.

On top of all this, it's the most concerning area when it comes to preventing the signs of aging. Wrinkles around the eyes, bagginess, dark circles...are every girl's worst enemy. And let's be real...most of this will never fully GO AWAY with some cream, because so much of it has to do with genes, sun exposure, diet, hormones, etc.

But a girl can try! Or at least try to prevent it from getting any worse, and looking younger for as long as possible!!! As you should know, I have tried many, many an eye cream, and am ready to share with you my favorites. Remember, everybody's face is different, and so they may not all work for you. But if you have been navigating the oceans that are eye creams, these may give you a little guidance.

FOR DARK CIRCLES:
Kate Somerville CytoCell

This is my current favorite eye cream. It's a dark circle corrector but also works on wrinkles. The key is a collagen stimulator that fills in lines while also brightening the eye area. I have noticed a vast improvement on my eye area in terms of overall brightness and hydration. It goes on very lightweight, so you don't feel too much goopiness. And guess what it doesn't have...
NO
- Parabens
- Sulfates
- Synthetic Fragrances
- Synthetic Dyes
- Petrochemicals
- Phthalates
- GMOs
- Triclosan

Pricey but totally worth it!

FOR PUFFINESS:
Clinique All About Eyes Serum De-Puffing Eye Massage

All About Eyes is far and away the BEST eye massage you can give yourself! Yes, I said eye massage...because everyone needs one of those on an exhausting day. This cooling roll-on feels so smooth and cold, it instantly feels like you are de-puffing a long day or a late night. I don't think it has long term effects like the anti-aging eye creams, but it does have caffeine. Another important ingredient in brightening and fighting puffy eyes. I use it because it's just so lovely to put on!

FOR WRINKLES:
Shiseido Benefiance WrinkleResist 24

Fights EVERY SINGLE wrinkle, past, present, future :) Or so it claims! However, it's quite potent and attacks crows feet, lid creases, undereye creases, you name it! It's quite rich in its consistency so I do not use it everyday. Just once a week or so and I definitely haven't seen any new lines. It's good for hydrating and doesn't clog under your makeup. Very important if you are using your eye cream during the day as well as night.

Give them a try and see what you love best! These have really worked for me. I have yet to try the oh so coveted La Mer, but am working my way up to it!

And here's my fun little TIP: Back in the day the best eye makeup remover and arguably even still today was cold creams. All your moms used them and they actually did pretty well in removing those last traces of liner. We've all graduated to the more directed removers now, but why not use a little dab of your eye cream on your cotton ball to remove that last little bit. It really works!! It's cooling and soft, it takes off mascara, and you are gonna apply that eye cream there anyway! Just don't go overboard, its not a great way to use these pricey creams, and remember, they can be heavy.

Tuesday, February 5, 2013

To BB or not to BB (cream)

In the last year or so, I cant help but constantly see new product guides that include a BB Cream. That's because every brand has jumped on the BB Cream bandwagon and is rolling out their version as we speak. But what the heck is a BB cream...

BB in its origin means beauty balm or blemish balm. It was first formulated in Germany but became ridiculously popular when it reached the Asian market. It's basically an all-in-one product...moisturizer, primer, foundation, anti-aging serum, SPF. Or as some reviews call them, "tinted moisturizers on steroids".

So basically instead of layering on all your products, you may be able to achieve the same affect with just one. However, key word is "may". I have yet to try one and am kinda against it. Remember when you thought Pert Plus the shampoo and conditioner (all in one) was cool because you didn't have to wash and rinse your hair twice, but then every magazine editorial said these were no good because they just don't perform the way separated hair care does? Well, I believe it!! I just don't think that this one product, no matter what brand, can give me the same results I expect and actually get from each single product I use. Mind you, products I've scoured the market for and finally settled on as perfect for each need and/or concern.

If you have tried one, let me know your thoughts.

If you really want to try one, I have read that some of the most effective are by Smashbox, Clinique, Too Faced, and Estee Lauder.

While I have seen BB creams come out one after another, what I have not seen is consistent positive reviews and/or beauty editor ravings about them. I think it's a fad that may carry on for awhile but will not amount to a miracle product. Miracle = retinol (remember?) See previous post on my "drug" of choice. :)

Monday, January 28, 2013

Butter London - Natural Luxury

Per a recommendation from a friend (Thanks Sandy!), I recently tried Butter London nail polish. Butter London "3 Free" that is! Because it contains NO formaldehyde, no toluene, no DBP (dibutyl phthalate). No, this stuff isn't going to kill you, but with the new waive of ultra natural and ultra organic products...why not try something you just may love that's super safe for you too! Especially if pregnant, or nursing, or on your little one's toesies!

(Insert this into my previous posts on Pregnancy Switch-outs and Baby Luxury). Multi-tasking :)

http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/butter-london-3-free-nail-lacquer/3117709?origin=keywordsearch&contextualcategoryid=0&fashionColor=&resultback=393

Lots and lots of colors to choose from along with several glittery ones, metallic ones, matte ones, and new shades I have yet to see somewhere else. Love the bottle, love the easy application!

The big question...chip factor?? I'm not going to say it doesn't chip. But to me it chips like every other polish out there. It depends on how much you use your hands and for what. No nail polish is a miracle worker when it comes to chipping, except if you get gel manicures. I like this simply for the color selection, and the "3 free" lacking ingredients. I put it on my little girl's toes, she loves it, and I feel good that random chemicals are not invading her body. I have also of course used it on my own toes, and for me, it did last a long time. I have not tried it on my finger nails and probably wont because, as you know from my last post, I'm a slave to gel manis.

I think I also like it because the "3 free" seems to add a luxury to it, that you all know, I'm kinda addicted too! :)

Friday, January 4, 2013

New Year, New You (and gel manicures)

Resolutions aside, it's time to make a change in that boring routine makeup and fix those flaws that have plagued you all last year!! Try some new products and new colors to change up and re-awaken your look!! I have plenty good ones from my previous posts...let me know what you tried and loved or didn't.
However, if you discovered something you loved last year, don't change it!!

My biggest indulgence last year and one that will continue forever is gel manicures!! They last people! Literally for weeks. I have never seen a chip in any of my gel manicures even through lots and lots of heavy dish washing, weightlifting, baby care-ing! :) That being said, their are some cons (but none to make me stray)...

PROS -
- last for 2-3 (sometimes more) weeks
- great for french manicures because when your nails grow you cant tell that the bottom of the nail is showing (not so great though for dark colors)
- dries upon contact at salon, so you can immediately pay, get car keys, whatever you want (no waiting to dry and no being extra careful when you leave)

CONS -
- more expensive than a regular manicure (but justified for the time is lasts)
- kinda annoying to take off and you usually have to go back to salon (although with some patience you can do it at home)
(so no CONS - woohoo!)

As for the argument about your nails being under that UV light repeatedly and that being harmful to your skin...I have researched this. Most of the research says the amount of exposure is very minimal and therefore not a problem. Also, I have noticed that my local salon, and probably all the experienced ones, put a glove on your hands which just exposes the nails.

Several companies are now offering at-home gel mani kits. (Sephora by OPI gelshine and Sally Henson) They come with the polish bases and top coats, a small UV machine, buffing tools, remover tools etc. I have yet to try these, as to me, the salon is just so much more convenient.

Here's Sephora's...pricey but is it worth it over time?? $160.00
http://www.sephora.com/gelshine-at-home-gel-colour-system-P374809?om_mmc=Googlepla&_requestid=42976&cm_mmc=us_search-_-GG-_-pla-_-{keyword}&ci_src=17588969&ci_sku=1434554

You can remove at home with some patience...just file of the top layer and then soak your nails in acetone or soak cotton balls and attach to your nails with foil. Wait like 10 minutes and then start buffing away.

I love a good manicure! I think they make you look polished and put together. So, for 2013, why not show the world how flawless you truly are!!

Monday, December 17, 2012

On the Wishlist!

Christmas gift to myself this year....

Urban Decay's Naked Basics Palette
http://www.sephora.com/naked-basics-palette-P376213?skuId=1458157

Very excited to try this one out!! The Naked palettes line by Urban decay is a HUGE best seller for several reasons. They make the most wearable colors all in one set, the array of shadows blend well together, they are rich in pigment, and one little portable case has every eyeshadow you could want for a day to night look!

That being said...I do not own a Naked palette. Naked (1) has been around for some time and Naked2 made its debut earlier this year. The second naked swapped out a few more basic colors from the first. Why don't I have a Naked palette yet? Well...because I kinda hate palettes!! I don't like little windows of eyeshadow all in one package because typically I'm just not going to use all of them. I usually will stick to 1 or 2 and then the rest is a waste. And most of the time, you can get that exact shade you use more frequently in its own little pot!

However, along came Naked Basics...and that means along came my favorite types of shadows....MATTE!!!!!! See earlier posts on where I rant and rave about how I love everything Matte!

This palette has your everyday basic shadows all in one place. For the smoky eye look, the golden taupe look, the pink look, the natural crease look, the fully awake look, and even slight concealing and setting! (Yes, I made up some of those names but I can picture in my mind what the look is, and can send pics and info if you so desire :). Naked Basics may not translate to night if you want some shimmer, however, any well blended shade can be enhanced by a separate shimmery topping...a little frosting on top as I like to call it!

I plan to buy it soon...review to come!

Thursday, December 6, 2012

Luxury is for Babies Too!!

Before and after the birth of my daughter...baby products have been very high on my shopping list. And not just any product...the BEST, SAFEST, and MOST LUXURIOUS! Considering how much time, effort, and money I put into the products I buy for myself, how can I not want the absolute best for my little one?!

We all know baby skin is super duper sensitive and so only the most natural and gentle products will do. However, gone are the days where Johnson and Johnson ruled the market...as now you can find literally 100s and 100s of babies and kids goodies online and in stores.

Here are some of my favorites. There are actually many more brands that I use, but these are probably my most favorite. I did not include a description on each of them because I love them all for basically the same things.
They are:
- Organic and/or Natural
- No: Sulfates, Parabens, Phthalates
- Gentle
- No odd scents or odors
- They do what they claim to

Sunscreen
LaVanilla The Healthy Baby Block
http://www.lavanila.com/The-Healthy-Baby-Block-SPF-40_p_64.html