Friday, January 29, 2016

Beauty Trends For 2016!

Before I get into the trends of the new year, I want to make a bit of a disclaimer.  These are the trends that you will see more of this year.  I am not saying that you have to do this and stop doing the bigger trends of years past.  I feel that makeup, fashion, hair, etc. is just a creative way to express yourself and how you feel that day.  It shouldn't be taken so serious.  I don't care if something has been "out" for 20 years, if you love it and you feel good wearing it, then do it!  I know that I wear what I want, when I want, and how I want, because that is what I like.  This is just a guide of a few things you could try if you want to update your look and try out some current trends.

-  Glowing Skin:  I am so glad this is a huge trend for the year!!  As I have said before, I am NOT a matte kinda girl.  Not a fan of the matte lips and skin, and we saw so much of that in 2015.  It was like every foundation and lipstick that came out during the year, was matte!  I love the J. Lo glow, and think it makes the skin look healthy and youthful.  I have some glowy foundations like L'Oreal True Match Lumi, and I also like Maybelline's Super Stay Better Skin Foundation.  It has a fresh looking luminosity that isn't too much.  If you need to use up your more matte foundations, try adding a liquid highlight to it, like NYX Born To Glow Liquid Illuminator or L'Oreal Lumi True Match Liquid Glow Illuminator .  Looking for a good powder highlight?  Try Mac Soft and Gentle for a more natural look, while Becca highlighter in Opal and The Balm's Mary Lou Minizer is great for a more dramatic glow.


*I did this look almost 2 years ago.  I used NYX Born To Glow mixed in with my foundation.

-  Bangs or Fringe:  I did not realize that this was going to be a 2016 trend when I cut my bangs in December, but I can see why it is!  I think that bangs can give a more youthful appearance, but are also very versatile.  You can push them back with a headband, twist and pin them to the side, wear them straight across or part them to the side.  I love having options with my hair and looks, and that's exactly what bangs provide.



-  Vibrant Lips:  The past several years, nudes have really been the go to color for lips, but this year the trend is a little more daring.  Vibrant lips, especially reds, are making a statement.  Pair them with a neutral eye look for an updated, yet not overstated look.

-  Bronzer:  Bronzing isn't a new trend, but I think you will see more bronzing than some of the harsh contour that we have seen.  When deciding on a bronzer, pick a shade that is close to what your natural tan color looks like.  Sweep it across the high points of your face, where the sun would naturally hit your face.....forehead, cheeks, and a little across the nose.  You will instantly look  healthier and like you just returned from vacation.

-  Blue Eye Makeup:  Yes, blue eye makeup!  I picture a bad 80's look with big, bleached blonde hair, hot pink cheeks, and electric blue eye makeup as far as the eye can see!!  That is not the look that was hitting runways for this year.  Cobalt blue is the blue of choice.  It has been used to create a smokey eye or to just add a pop of color on the lower lash line.  For a long time now, if I want to add color to an eye look, but not feel overpowered by the color, I do a neutral eye with brown or black liner on the top lash line.  Then, I throw a liner of color on the bottom lash line.  It is just a fun little update you can do that is quick and easy, and great for a night out!


*Another look from awhile back.  I have black liner on the top lash line and turquoise blue on the bottom.

Pink & Peach Eye Makeup:  I love this trend as much as glowing skin!  Pink and peach eye makeup really gives a soft, natural, feminine, pretty, youthful look.  No matter your age or skin tone, this look can work for you.  Just try to choose a color with the same undertone as you.  For example, if you are a warm undertone, pick a pink that leans a little towards coral.  If you are a cool undertone, pick one that leans more purple.  I love using pink and peach in a monochromatic makeup look.  Beauty and fashion is all about knowing what works for you....your skin tone, body, hair type, face shape, and bone structure.


*I did this look over the summer.  I not only did all pink eye makeup, but I did a full face monochromatic look.  I used the UD Naked 3 palette, which is a beautiful rosy pink palette.


Hair Accessories:  I love hair accessories!  I think that add so much to a look without being overdone.  The 1940's is my favorite era for many reasons, but I really love the makeup and fashion of the time.  It was feminine, simple, and not overdone.  Women of that time did not wear a lot of makeup, but they did spend a lot of time creating more intricate hair styles, and they were not afraid of a little embellishment with their hair looks to really pull an outfit together.  From a pretty head band to a hair clip or a flower, you can really create a pretty look that stands out in a crowd.  I especially love fancier hair accessories for a wedding, prom, or special occasion.

I enjoy doing these posts, because I think that everyone needs a little update sometimes or just a few ideas of something fun to try.  Have fun with it and don't take it too seriously.  Wear what you like, and don't be afraid to try something new!!

Tuesday, January 26, 2016

Recipe: Lower Carb Creamy Cauliflower Soup

Last night, I made this for dinner and it was my first time ever making or having a soup like this.  It was really good and took on a similar taste to a loaded baked potato soup (but without the potatoes)!


INGREDIENTS

-  1 8oz package of cream cheese
-  1/2 cup heavy cream
-  1 1/2 cups milk
1/4 cup butter
1/3 cup unbleached all purpose flour
-  3 cups low sodium chicken broth
- 1 tsp minced garlic
3 tsp chicken bouillon
- minced onion to taste
-  garlic powder to taste
- salt pepper to taste
1 cup sliced carrots
2 1/2 lb head of cauliflower, chopped
1 medium onion, chopped
2 bay leaves
4-5 bacon slices
2 green onions chopped
cheddar cheese, shredded

First let me say that I am not the kind of cook who follows recipes or measures most things.  If I am baking I do, but not cooking.  I have been cooking for a long time now, so I know what to add and omit in a way that we like.  I use recipes just as an outline or guide.   I love to use lots of different seasonings also, which I never measure.  If I were a betting gal, I would say I used a teaspoon of the ones above.

First, chop up the cauliflower, carrots, onion and green onions.  Set green onions aside, these are for topping.  Melt the butter in a large pot on medium heat.  Add cauliflower, carrots, onion, and salt & pepper.  Saute until veggies start to become tender, stirring occasionally.


Add flour and garlic to veggies, mix completely.


Add chicken broth and 2 bay leaves.  Bring heat to medium-high.  Once boiling, reduce heat and simmer adding a lid.  Let cook for 15-20 minutes, until veggies are tender.


Add milk, cream, chicken bouillon, and seasonings to taste.


  Cook until thoroughly heated.  Remove bay leaves.  Serve and top with cheddar, bacon crumbles, and green onions.


Voila!!

Sunday, January 24, 2016

Low Carb Taco Meatballs

These were very easy to make, and very good also.  I do not follow a low carb diet, but I do follow a lower carb diet.  I have always said that sugar is what makes you fat, not fat itself.  So, I have been making up some things to have on hand, because if I get too hungry I will eat anything, which just ruins my progress.  So, I like to make sure I have plenty of things on hand at home and also to pack lunches for my husband.  


INGREDIENTS

-  2 lbs of Laura's Lean Ground Beef (93-7)
1 block of sharp cheddar cut into about 25 chunks
2 green onions, cleaned and ends cut off
1 tsp minced garlic
1 packet of taco seasoning
2 eggs


Put all ingredients in a bowl.



  Using your hands, mix all ingredients together.


  Roll the meat into medium balls.  Stuff the cheese into the center of the ball, and work the meat around it.  Place them in a baking dish.


Preheat oven to 425 and bake for 10 - 12 minutes.  Cooking time can vary depending on your oven and size of meat balls.

Wednesday, January 20, 2016

My January Boxycharm Review!

This is my 13th Boxycharm, and I have to say, this is my favorite beauty subscription that I have had.  It is $21 a month, and my boxes have retailed from a little over $100 to around $160.  This month's total came to $108.92.  You get 4 - 5 products.  Most, if not all, are full size.  The rest are deluxe sample sizes.


This month was a great box!  It included 4 full size products.  I got the Revealed Smoky Palette.  Since I became a subscriber of Boxycharm, I have received Revealed 1, Revealed 2, Revealed 3, and Revealed Smoky.  Each palette is very similar to the UD Naked Palettes of the same number.  I have been happy with all of them and think they are of great quality.  One difference is that the Revealed palettes actually have 20 shadows, instead of 12.  Rounding out the box, was everything you need to finish an eye look.....mascara, eye liner, and eye brushes.  All full size products!!

20 shades from light to medium to dark, gives you a lot of variety in one palette.  You can do a natural daytime look or a smoky evening look.   Looking through the palette, there are 4 matte shades, 3 satin, and the rest go from shimmery to very shimmery.


Coastal Scents Revealed Smoky Palette $39.95

This mascara claims to be lengthening and volumizing.  It applies like a traditional mascara, but forms water resistant tubes around the lashes, keeping the mascara from smudging or flaking during wear.


Blinc Mascara Amplified $26

This black liner has a felt tip pen to make application easier.


Starlooks Lux Longwear Eye Liner Pen $19

You get 3 brushes in this set....a detail brush, crease brush, and smudge brush.  These brushes have synthetic vegan fibers that feel like natural brushes.  They can also be purchased individually for $7.99.  These brushes are very soft and are substantial.  They definitely feel more high end.


Royal & Langnickel Brush Set Revolution $23.97


Boxycharm comes once a month.  I get mine mid month.  Your payment automatically comes out at the beginning of the month.  The monthly charge also includes shipping.  You will receive an email when your box ships, along with a tracking code.  This box fits inside a standard mailbox, so you don't have to worry about it being left outside on your step.  If you are interested in subscribing or getting more information, Click Here!  Boxycharm also offers a great program, so you can earn more product.  Once you use the products in your box, simply log on to their site and give a quick review.  You will earn charms that you can use to get free product.  I recently picked a pretty blush that I got for free, including shipping!  

If you are interested in trying out a new beauty box, I highly recommend this one.  It think it is an outstanding value that will introduce you to new brands and also send products from well known brands.  If you have any questions, please leave them below and I will respond as quickly as possible :)



Friday, January 15, 2016

Drugstore Beauty Deals: 01/17/16 - 01/25/16





Rite-Aid has the best ad this week, but if you are in need of some Maybelline products, they are on sale at all 3 major drugstores.

CVS

-  All Maybelline Cosmetics:  Spend $15 get $5 Reward Bucks

Walgreens

-  Cover Girl Face, Lip & Nail Cosmetics:  Buy One Get One 50% Off

-  All Maybelline Eye Shadows:  Buy One Get One 50% Off

-  Revlon Nail Enamel:  Buy One Get One 50% Off

Rite-Aid

-  Maybelline Face & Eye Products:  Buy One Get One 50% Off

-  Revlon Eye Shadow:  40% Off

-  Rimmel Cosmetics:  Spend $12 Get $5 Plenti Points

-  Almay Softies Eye Shadow: Buy One Get One 50% Off

-  L'Oreal Infinite Eye Shadow:  Buy One Get One 50% Off

*These are national deals and can vary from state to state.

Thursday, January 14, 2016

Face Of The Day: Using Mostly ELF Products!

I first started wearing ELF several years ago, and I was more than skeptical.  I though surely these were crappy, powdery, kiddie type makeup, because they were so inexpensive.  I am an avid youtube watcher, and saw quite a few girls talking up the brand.  I was still skeptical, but decided to try it for myself.  I was so surprised!!  I truly could not believe the quality, because the price was so low.  As the years have passed, they have released many new and even better products to their line.  I am always excited when they launch a new product, and am very rarely disappointed!

So, for those of you who may still be skeptical, I wanted to do a FOTD using mostly ELF products.  Below are the products I chose to use, along with the look.


Products from Left to Right:  Perfect Finish HD Powder, Clay Eyeshadow Palette in Smoked To Perfection, Blush Palette in Light, Illuminating Palette, 3-in-1 Mascara, High Definition Under Eye Setting Powder, and Extra Thick Ink Eyeliner in Blackest Black.


This was just an everyday look....a typical Wednesday for me running errands and doing my stay at home mom duties.  Nothing fancy :)

Some of these products were new to me, and some I have been wearing for a long time.  Some were purchased in store, some were bought online, and some were sent to me from ELF.  If I had to choose my favorites from what I used, I would pick the blush and illuminating palette.  You get larger size pots that are interchangeable, so you can customize your palette, and they have large, full size mirrors.  They also are pigmented, blend well, and have little to no fall out.  

I have lots of drugstore makeup and lots of high end makeup.  I think they both have their place.  I think there are excellent products from both.  I don't, however, think you have to spend a fortune to get a great, long lasting, look!  If you are budgeting or just looking to try some new things, try ELF.  They have a lot of great products and are always having great sales on elfcosmetics.com.

Tuesday, January 12, 2016

My Top Beauty Products Of 2015!

Some of my favorites are products that I just found this year, while others have been staples for me for years.  I put a lot of thought into what I have loved the most over the past year, and here is my list!



Olay X Pro Face Brush

I bought this brush back in May.  I had been wanting a brush like this, but wasn't willing to pay the price of the Clarisonic.  I thought why not try this one first to see how I like it?  I instantly loved this brush!  I used it as soon as I got home and immediately noticed a difference!  My skin looked smoother and brighter.  After a week or so, I noticed that my pores had become smaller.  After I wash off my makeup, I put my face wash on the brush and get a deeper clean.  You will notice even more makeup coming off that you didn't even know was there!  When I first bought this I used it day and night.  Now, I usually use it once a day.  I like to do it before bed to make sure that my face is really clean and exfoliated so my serums, moisturizers, masks, etc. can really penetrate my skin.  My mom also bought one for herself on the same shopping trip.  She is 55 and noticed the same things that I did.  We are so happy that we spent $40 instead of $150-$200.  Plus, the replacement brushes for these are much cheaper and easier to find.  I buy mine on Amazon.  I get 2 for $8.  The brush is battery powered and I have not had to replace mine yet.  This brush did not come with a storage or travel bag, but I use an Ipsy bag for mine and it fits perfectly.  As far as brush maintenance, I rinse it really well after each use and clean with bacterial soap.  I then let it air dry.  Make sure you keep your brush really clean, so you don't cause any unnecessary breakouts or irritation.


Dr. Dennis Gross Daily Alpha Hydroxy Peel

This is a more recent skincare find for me.  I started using these in November.  I received 3 samples from Sephora with an online purchase.  I had never heard of them before, nor had I ever tried an at home chemical peel.  I had no expectations, but when it comes to skincare I am happy to try it all!  All I can say is WOW!!  These things made a noticeable difference INSTANTLY!  It was unbelievable!  My face was brighter, smoother and softer after the first use.  After a few more treatments, my freckles and brown spots are lighter, my skin is tighter and lifted, my texture is so soft and smooth, and fine lines are far less noticeable.  I knew that I could not ever be without these, so I immediately placed an order.  At first I used the peels 3 or 4 times a week.  Now I use them twice a week on Tuesday and Saturday.  These can be used twice a day, but after some time using them I think you can back off a bit.  It's all in the results that you see and how fast your skin reacts to the treatments.  Mine reacted very quickly.....immediately!


 L'Oreal True Match Lumi

This foundation was on my best of list last year.  If you like a light to medium buildable, luminous finish,with a great color selection, that has the look and feel of high end packaging at a drugstore price.....this is for you!  It lasts well on me and doesn't make me oily or breakdown.  I do always set my foundations with powder and often use a setting spray, so that will also help with longevity.


 Kat Von D Lock It Tattoo Foundation

This was in my December favorites, and even though it is new to me, I don't have anything quite like it.  I know I will be wearing this foundation for a long time.  This is the first product that I have ever tried from the Kat Von D line.  I am excited to try more to see if I like the line as a whole.  As I mentioned in my favorites, this is most comparable to the Estee Lauder Double Wear.  For me, I like the finish and coverage better though.  The finish isn't quite as matte as Estee Lauder.  It is more of a natural or satin finish, and I think the coverage is a little better.  I think the longevity is the same, and the price is the same as well.  I do like the Kat Von D packaging much better though.  The bottle is a lot prettier, plus it has a nice pump, where the Estee Lauder doesn't.  I really couldn't be happier with this foundation!



Too Faced Amazing Face Foundation Powder

I started wearing this powder over a year ago.  It is still my favorite face powder.  It gives extra coverage, doesn't cake up or look dry, and has a satin to matte finish.  I use this twice when applying my makeup.  First, I apply it after applying foundation.  Then, I apply it once all of my face makeup is done by lightly buffing it over everything just to give a smoother, flawless, blended finish.  I do not apply this under my eyes.  I have had some trouble finding it, but can still find it from time to time on Hautelook.com.



 Laura Geller Baked Blush N Brighten

This year was the first year that I had ever tried anything from the Laura Geller line.  I bought a box set of 5 items or so around my birthday, because I really wanted to try the brand.  Two products really stood out to me.....this blush and their Baked Balance N Brighten Foundation Powder.  This blush is just gorgeous and long wearing, but what makes this one a little different is that it is a two-in-one product.  It is a marbleized blush as well as a highlighter.  Because it is marbleized, you get that dimension on your cheeks that I really like (I mentioned using several cheek products to achieve this look in my last post).  Therefore, I think this blush is great for everyday, when you don't have a bunch of time to get ready and are heading to work or school  You just take a few second to blend this on your cheeks and you have everything you need for cheek products!  We are all looking for simple, quick, and easy with great results!


Tarte Lights, Camera, Lashes

For the second year in a row this mascara along with the Better Than Sex mascara has been my favorites.  I sometimes wear them separate, but really think I get the best results when wearing them together.  Lights, Camera, Lashes has more of a gel consistency with a slightly smaller yet traditional type of brush.  It really separates and lengthens, which is why I like to apply it after the Better Than Sex.  It is also great for the bottom lashes.  It does not transfer or flake on me at all.  When I am going for a quick, more natural look, I wear this on it's own and looks great also!


Too Faced Better Than Sex

This mascara is equally as good, but different.  It is very much a volumizing/thickening mascara.  It really gives you the thick lash look.  It isn't so much separating, which is why I like to use the Tarte mascara afterwards.  The only potential problem that I could see with this mascara is in the brush size.  It is extra large, so if you have small eyes application may be difficult and messy.  If they are average size or bigger, I think you will be just fine.  I do not recommend using this on the bottom lashes though, because of the size.  The Tarte and the Too Faced mascaras together are just an excellent combo.  They give you the false lash look without the false lashes, which is why I rarely ever wear them anymore!


Wen Cleansing Conditioner

I have been using Wen for 31/2 years now, and I love it!  I grew my hair out from a very short pixie, and now it is in the middle of my back.  I really attribute Wen for making my hair so healthy during the growing out process.  It doesn't break.  I don't have a single split end, and I color treat my hair often and the color lasts and lasts!  I use Wen once a week, and just recently added the 6 13 Wen product to it.  I also do a Wen hair mask once a week and leave it in overnight.  Every few days, I use dry shampoo instead of washing, and that's it!  I know that some people do not like Wen, but I think that depends on your hair type and I do think there is a descent amount of user error with it, because it is so different from regular shampoo.  I have medium hair that is silky soft, much like Asian hair, but is also naturally wavy.  I typically get mine from QVC and they have a 30 day money back guarantee if you are unhappy with any product, so I think it is definitely worth trying.


Too Faced Love Flush Blush

These just came out this year, and I instantly fell in love with them!  I bought two.....love hangover and your love is king.  Then, they came out with a limited edition blush palette and I just felt like I had to have it!  It is so beautiful!  The line has a great shade range, adorable packaging, adorable names, and the colors are so pretty, pigmented, and last all day!  I love blush and I love the Too Faced brand.  The entire palette is $36, which if you know what one full size blush costs, you know this is a good deal!  If you are interested in the palette, don't wait too long because it is limited edition.  FYI:  This is not sold in Ulta stores, but on ulta.com.  You can also purchase on toofaced.com.



Too Faced Chocolate Soleil Bronzer

This product was on last years favorites list as well.  I like this one so much, because I think it works well as a contour or bronzer.  It isn't too cool or too warm.  It is matte, so not sparkles, which you wouldn't want that to contour.  This product has lasted me so long that it's ridiculous.  I haven't had to purchase it alone.  I keep getting it as a deluxe sample with points or in a Too Faced kit.  It is so pigmented yet blends so nicely.  I have no complaints.  I would recommend this to everyone.  If you are very fair to light, they have the milk chocolate bronzer.  If you are darker than medium, they have dark chocolate, so all the shades are covered.


*This is a deluxe sample that I have been using for over a year!  Obviously, a little goes a long way.  I love that this shade is neither too warm or too cool, so it works for contouring and bronzing.


First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream

I'm not sure when I first tried this.  It had to be at least a year or so ago.  I just impulsively picked it up in that "we'll getcha before you leave" section at Sephora.  I grabbed it because it claimed to be good for eczema.  My psoriasis shows up first on my hands and feet, so I like to put this on regularly. I keep one in my purse and one on my nightstand and use it daily, especially in the winter.  One day during the summer, I got a real bad patch not the side of my foot by my big toe.  You could see it because I was wearing sandals.  I was at Easton with my family, and when I got in the car I applied the lotion.  A few days later my mom was over and I was bear foot and she checked to see how my psoriasis was doing, and the patch was almost gone!  I told her that I hadn't applied the lotion since that day in the car and she couldn't believe it!!  I have also recently started using tea tree oil on my psoriasis spots and it really helps as well.  If you suffer from dermatitis, psoriasis, eczema or any other skin condition, gives this cream and tea tree oil a try!


Coconut Oil


If you want one product that is inexpensive, natural, good for you, and is an all in one for a variety of things.....you NEED coconut oil!  We have all heard a lot of hype about coconut oil in the past few years and for good reason.  It's benefits are enormous!  When it comes to beauty, I use it as a makeup remover, eye makeup remover, hair mask, face moisturizer, and all over body moisturizer.  I can spend anywhere from $8-$15 for a jar and ir will last me forever!  I do buy the virgin, organic, cold pressed.  For as cheap and long lasting as it is, I figure I should get the best I can find.  Your skin absorbs 99% of what touches it, so it's basically like drinking whatever products you use.  Think about that!!  Another reason why I love coconut oil is that it is antimicrobial, antibacterial and has a natural SPF in it.  It can also help aid in weight loss!  Many years ago, farmers started giving their cows coconut oil in an attempt to fatten them up even quicker., but what happened was just the opposite.  They actually lost weight!  So whenever I make a smoothie, I like to add in a tablespoon.  It is also great to use in baking to replace your traditional oil.  Quite some time ago I did a post on coconut oil.  If you would like to learn more, Click Here!


So, that's my list!  Of course, I found many, many great products this year.  Probably more this year than in any previous year.  If you are watching your budget and only want to invest in a few things, I suggest investing in skincare.  No matter your age or condition of your skin.  Your face is the first thing that people see, the first thing that you see, and the first thing that ages.  Take care of it.  It deserves the extra time and attention.  I don't care how much makeup you have or how expensive and wonderful it is, if you have bad skin that you don't take care of, the makeup won't do much to help you.  If you are young and think that skincare is unnecessary for you at this point, I promise you that you couldn't be more wrong!  The neglect may not show up on your face today or tomorrow, but I promise that it will and it will show up quicker than it should.  Take care of every aspect of your body.....EVERY ASPECT!  That is the best advice that I can give you, because if you don't, one day it will be too late and you will be stuck with the result of years and years of neglect.  Life is too short to be unhealthy, unhappy, in pain, insecure, and living a life that is less than who you are.


Wednesday, January 6, 2016

My December Beauty Favorites!



Maybelline Concealer - This concealer is truly excellent!  I needed to get my Mac Pro Longwear Concealer in a lighter color for the winter, but didn't want to go to the mall while I was out.  So, I stopped in Target and picked this one up instead.  I think it is every bit as good as my Mac and less than half the price!  It is lightweight, but offers complete opaque coverage.  I always set my concealer with powder, so I haven't gotten any creasing.  Such a great drugstore find!!

First Aid Beauty Face Wash - The first product I tried from this line was their Ultra Repair Cream.  This skincare line has no parabens or sulfates and is good for eczema and psoriasis, which is why I wanted to try it.  I get psoriasis on my hands, feet, and legs.  I loved the Ultra Repair Cream so I bought a variety box of some of their popular products to try for my birthday.  The first product I went through was their face wash.  A little goes a long way and it is very gentle yet cleanses well. It does not irritate or dry out my skin.

First Aid Beauty Lip - Most of us experience some chapping in the winter months, but if you have fuller lips, you probably get it even more!  I had been using the Elizabeth Arden for over a year, and it is a great product.  The First Aid Beauty brand is just as good though, and half the price!  I typically do a lip scrub several times a week during my evening skincare routine, and immediately apply this afterward.  Even without the scrub, I use this daily to keep my lips comfortable.

Too Faced Star Dust by Vegas Nay - I got this as a Christmas gift from my sweet friend and hairstylist for almost 10 years, Julie.  I had been wanting it, just hadn't purchased yet.  It is gorgeous!!  Too Faced and Tarte are my favorite high end makeup brands.  The quality is definitely there!  The colors are smooth and very blendable, no patchiness.  It is also very pigmented.  I love this palette because you can easily do a very neutral everyday or smokey look, but you also have other shades that are stunning for a night out or holiday look.  A very universally flattering palette.  It has some matte, satin, and shimmer shades, so you get a great variety here.


Too Faced Love Flush Blush in Love Hangover & Your Love Is King -  I had heard a lot about these blushes on youtube.  I love the Too Faced brand and blush, so I really wanted to try them.  These are my first blushes of theirs and they are sooooo pretty!  They are soft and smooth, blend well and are very pigmented.  You will only want to tap your blush in the pan to apply.  It is easier to build the color then to try to blend it away.  These are 16 hour blushes.  While I don't wear my makeup for 16 hours, these definitely hold up throughout my days.  Love Hangover is the prettiest peachy-pink shade.  I think it will flatter skin tones from very fair to tan.  I like to bronze or wear a darker blush on the back of my cheeks and put this color right on my apples.  That doesn't mean that this color isn't beautiful on it's own, because it is, I just love to wear a few blushes with bronzer and highlight to vary the dimensions.  That is just my preference.  I love these blushes so much that I just ordered the Love Flush Blush limited edition palette from Ulta.  The palette includes 6 shades, and they all are named after love songs.  How adorable is that??  :D



Tarte Silk Amazonian Clay Eye Liner - I got these liners in a big Tarte kit that I ordered from QVC.  I keep reaching for these because the liners are so smooth, creamy, and pigmented.  Once they set, I have no smudging or smearing.  I gave a few to my friend who also likes them as much as I do, and is planning on getting her mom some for her birthday.  You can definitely tell that these are of great quality as soon as you apply them.  I will definitely repurchase these.  I'm surprised that I haven't heard more people talk about them.  I very rarely wear liner in my waterline, but I think these would stay put once they set, if that is how you like to wear your eyeliner.  I am also a contact lens wearer and these cause no irritation.


I wanted to show how long wearing these are.  This is after i wiped and wiped my arm with a kleenex, and then washed my arm with antibacterial soap and it was still there.  It didn't come odd till I took a shower and used my loofah.  


Tarte Vitamin C Eye Cream - I also got this cream in the Tarte kit.  I have dark circles, especially under my left eye.  They get worse depending on my allergies, sleep, and if I am fighting a sinus infection, like I am now.  I do think that this cream has lightened them a little since I started using it a month ago, but I also love it because it is versatile.  I wear this at night before bed, but I also use it in the morning before applying makeup and my makeup stays in place.  A little goes a long way, so this jar will last me probably 6 months.

Kat Von D Lock It Tattoo Foundation - I only tried this foundation because I got a free sample from Sephora.  Amazingly, the color matched perfectly (this was sent to me from a previous order).  I just loved the coverage and finish!  The closest thing that I can compare this foundation to is Estee Lauder's Double Wear.  I think the coverage is even slightly better and I like the finish better.  Estee Lauder is quite matte, but the Lock It foundation is a satin to natural finish on me, which I prefer over matte.  This line also has quite a good color range to choose from.  Picking just the right foundation....color, finish, coverage, etc., can be very tricky.  I suggest going to a store like Sephora where you can have an associate color match you and even give you a sample to take home before purchasing.  Sephora is excellent about providing samples to their customers.  They also have an excellent return policy, so no need to be stuck with something that you don't love.


Airspun Translucent Powder - I remember seeing this powder many years ago in my grandma's bathroom.  After seeing several youtubers talk about it, I thought I would try it for myself.  I purchased it to use it for my under eye concealer to "bake" with.  It works great and I am really enjoying it!!  It is a loose powder that is very finely milled.  I dampen my beauty blender with my L'Oreal Infallible makeup spray, dab it into the powder, and let it bake under my eyes for five minutes before wiping away.  My under eyes stay bright and crease proof throughout the day!  This is an inexpensive powder that you can find at most drugstores and discount stores.  You get a lot of product, so it should last you at least a year, even if you use it on your entire face.

Benefit Erase Paste in Medium - Like I mentioned earlier, I have dark under eyes.  I had been using Pixi's Eye Corrector, which I liked, but I wanted to try the Benefit corrector because I heard it was similar, but a little better.  I do like this better than the Pixi product, and here is why.....this is more on the pink side as opposed to peach and it is much creamier than the Pixi corrector.  I use this under my concealer and powder.  It covers my circles, doesn't crease, and lasts me all day.  This one is around $10 more than the Pixi.  If you are budgeting, try the Pixi, maybe you will be completely happy with it.  Just remember that you can easily return to Ulta and Sephora if you aren't happy.