Nails Of The Week

OPI - Lincoln Park After Dark

We don't say hate in my family, but let me say that I extremely dislike summer!!  I know it isn't a popular opinion, but I am completely fed up with it!  That is why I have such dark nails this week.  I'm dreaming of fall and winter :)  

Spa Gift Certificate Giveaway!!

Thanks to my wonderful Esthetician, Kayla, I have TWO $25 spa gift certificates to giveaway!  I have been seeing her once a month since May and I have had excellent results!  She is very kind and knowledgeable, and provides a calm, comfortable, and relaxing environment.  If you are in the Columbus area, don't miss out on this great opportunity to have some me time!  Click Below :)

  a Rafflecopter giveaway

Review - The Lorac Pro Palette, Plus 3 Eye Looks!

I have been wanting this palette for a LONG time.  I remember around the holidays, I went to Sephora to buy it.  They had just sold out of it, and said that they weren't going to be carrying it anymore.  That same month, I had bought my first Urban Decay Naked Palette, Naked 3, and wondered if I would like the original naked better than the Pro Palette.  After researching both, I decided to buy the Lorac palette, because it has 8 matte shades and 8 shimmer shades.  The naked palette only has 2 mattes, with a total of 12 shades.  It also retails for $12 more.  Plus, the Lorac palette has some great colors that are jewel toned, not just neutrals.

Here is the packaging.  It also came with a 0.19 oz. of the Lorac Behind The Scenes Eye Primer.  Even though this is a small sample, you need such a small amount, that it will last a long time.  This primer does help my shadows stay on all day.  My eye looks do not budge!  It has a silky feel, and goes on clear.  It does not conceal any redness or veining that you may have.  This was a nice little bonus to get along with the palette.

So, let's get to the main attraction.  There are 16 shadows in total.  The top row are the mattes and the bottom are the shimmer shades.  As you can see, they range from white all the way to black.

Let's start by taking a closer look at the mattes.  They are as follows (from left to right) white, cream, light pink, mauve, sable, espresso, and black.  Below you can get a better look at the way they swatch. 

The shimmer shades are as follows (from left to right) nude, champagne, gold, light bronze, pewter, garnet, deep purple, and slate.

You can see from the swatches how pigmented these are, and they are very buttery.  I have had no fallout at all, and they blend out beautifully.  These are definitely high quality shadows.  

With so many colors, the looks you can create are endless!  Here are three looks that I recently created, 2 are more daytime, while the last one is a more dramatic evening look.

Colors Used:

Lid - Champagne (shimmer)

Crease - Taupe & Mauve (matte)

Outer V - Espresso (matte)

Brow Bone - Cream (matte)

Inner Corner - Cream (matte)

Colors Used:

Lid & Inner Corner - Nude (shimmer)

Crease - Taupe (matte)

Outer Crease - Mauve (matte)

Brow Bone - White (matte)

Colors Used:

Lid (inner) - Nude (shimmer)

Lid (outer) - Pewter (shimmer)

Crease - Sable (matte)

Outer V - Deep Purple (shimmer)

Brow Bone - White (matte)

Lower Lash Line (outer half) - Deep Purple (shimmer)

Lower Lash Line (inner half) - Pewter (shimmer)

I used no liner for any of these looks.  I did use shadows as my liner for this last look.  I used them dry, and still got a very pigmented look.  The key to all these looks is blending.  Always use a blending brush to blend where the colors meet.  This will give you that gradient affect, like one color seamlessly transitions to the next.

I think this palette would look great on everyone no matter your hair, eye, or skin color.  It is universally flattering.  With so many possible daytime and evening looks, this also makes a great travel palette.  You would need NOTHING else for your eyes!  Not even liner!  The palette is very thin and lightweight, and takes up minimal space whether you are packing it in a suitcase or just your everyday storage.  It also has a good size mirror, which is very convenient.  You can purchase the Lorac Pro Palette at www.ulta.com for $42.00.  Now, I have more drugstore makeup than I do higher end makeup, but I must say that this palette in size and quality is unmatched to anything that you will find at the drugstore.  In my opinion, it is well worth the $42 price tag.  With 16 shadows, that turns out to be only $2.63 per shadow!  

If you are in the market for a new palette or have been thinking about purchasing this one, I hope this review helped.  Have a great weekend!!

Review - Live Love Dew's New Slick Lip Dew Natural Lip Gloss

From top to bottom - Black Cherry, Sundewed, Dew Love Pink, and Tequila Sunrise

Live Love Dew is starting to venture out into makeup, and I am so glad, because I love their skin care and all natural makeup is definitely hard to find!  They do have Tinted Lip Dews, but these are different.

Let me start by saying that I have worn these for two weeks, so they have been thoroughly tested.  There are six colors to choose from.  I tested out Black Cherry, Dew Love Pink, Sundewed, and Tequila Sunrise.  They also offer Clear and Plum Wine.

So, let's look at the colors......

Black Cherry

Black Cherry With A Pink Lip Liner

Dew Love Pink

Dew Love Pink With A Pink Lip Liner

Sundewed (darker neutral shade)

Sundewed With A Neutral Lip Liner

Tequila Sunrise

Tequila Sunrise With A Neutral Lip Pencil

As you can see, these glosses give a sheer wash of color and a lot of shine.  You can deepen the color if you like by using a lip pencil.  These would also be great to top off any of your favorite lipstick colors.  The slick Lip Dew's are very moisturizing and hydrating.  There is no thickness or stickiness like so many lip glosses. 

 These are lightweight, sheer,  and easy to apply.  I love to throw these in my bag for a quick application on the go!  They have a hint of peppermint oil, which naturally plumps the lips, and makes them look fuller.  It also brings out your natural lip color, because it encourages blood flow to that area.  After application, you will feel a SLIGHT tingle.  It is in no way irritating like some lip plumpers I have tried.  Because there is no stickiness to this formula, these are not a long lasting gloss, so you will need to reapply throughout the day.  

I think these are perfect for preteens and teens, who are just starting to experiment with makeup.  I also think these are great for a more natural everyday look.  They are versatile, and you can get so many different looks depending on how you choose to wear them.  

I am wearing the black cherry with a lipliner, for my recent natural face of the day.

Be on the watch for 3 - 4 more colors to be released!  These are currently available to order online at, www.livelovedew.com and at any events/shows that Live Love Dew attends.  They typically retail for $10.00 a piece, but try them now at an introductory price of $8.50.  If you have never worn natural makeup or natural lip glosses, this is a great product to try!

Health Tip Of The Week - The Benefits Of Apple Cider Vinegar!

I have heard about the benefits of ACV for years, but just recently decided to try it.  ACV is made in a two step process.  First, crushed apples, or apple cider, is fermented and turned into alcohol.  Then, bacteria is added to the alcohol, which further ferments it, turning it into acetic acid.  The main compound in vinegar.  ACV has so many health and beauty benefits, but is also great for all natural cleaning and deodorizing.  Here are 9 reason to start using ACV today!

1.  Natural Cleanse/Detox - This is why I started using ACV.  I have had problems with this my entire life.  I was tired of senna, stool softeners, and laxatives, all which only work temporarily if at all.  For  three weeks now, I have taken one tablespoon in a glass of water twice a day.  During this time, I have not taken a single senna, stool softener, or laxative.  I am so happy this has worked for me, because I have never found anything that works as well.

2.  To Regulate The PH Balance To Your Skin - Dilute ACV with two parts water and apply over your face with a cotton ball.  This will take the place of your toner.  You can use this in the morning and evening after cleansing your skin.  Apply a small amount overnight to help fade dark spots.

3.  It Helps To Balance Your Entire System - Our bodies are always trying to achieve balance.  ACV helps the body to achieve a healthy alkaline PH balance.  Research show the the lower your PH balance the more likely you are to feel fatigued, and get infections.

4.  Improves Your Lymphatic System - ACV helps to breakup mucous and cleanse the lymph nodes.  Research has shown that it can actually improve allergy sufferers, because of it's ability to break up mucous and help combat sinus infections, sore throats, and headaches.

5.  Aid In Weight Loss - Drink two teaspoons in 16 oz. of water, and sip throughout the day.  Research shows that in 12 weeks, subjects saw significant declines in weight, abdominal fat, and triglycerides.

6.  Whitens Teeth - Rub ACV on your teeth and rinse with water.

7.  Soothes Sunburns - Add one cup to your bath and soak for ten minutes.

8.  Room Freshener And Cleaner - Mix 1/2 cup of ACV with one cup of water, and use this solution to clean kitchen surfaces, microwaves, windows, and glass.  To refresh your toilet, pour ACV into the toilet and allow to sit overnight.  It can also be used as a substitute for dishwasher detergent.  No more worrying about toxic fumes and chemicals in our cleaning products!

9.  Keeps Your Hair Shiny And Full Of Body - Use ACV as a rinse after shampooing.  Recycle a shampoo bottle and add 1/2 tablespoon with one cup of cold water.  Use several times a week for great results!

When choosing an Apple Cider Vinegar look for one that is organic, raw, unfiltered, unpasteurized, and "with the mother".  ACV is naturally gluten free.  I have been using Bragg's ACV, but it can be hard to find.  I got mine at Kroger, but not all of them carry it.  Click Here to find retailers close to you.  You can also purchase at braggs.com or amazon.com.

Quote Of The Week

The individual who says it is not possible should move out of the way of those doing it. - Tricia Cunningham

Nails Of The Week

Sally Hansen Nail Effects Reverse French - 002 Side Swept

FOTD - Pink & Purple Summer Look!

On this evening, I was going out with my husband and son.  I have always loved doing pink and purple looks, but It had been quite awhile since I had used them.  This is the look I came up with.

Products Used

Face 

Revlon Colorstay Whipped Foundation

 Maybelline Dark Spot Eraser - Brightener (highlight under eyes, center of nose, center of forehead, and chin)

Revlon Nearly Naked Powder

Too Faced Chocolate Soleil Bronzer (contour around hairline, hollows of cheeks, jaw line, and the side of the nose)

 Maybelline Master Hi-Light Blush - Pink Rose

Mac Lipliner - Magenta

 Mac Lipstick - Asian Flower (sheen supreme)

Eyes 

 Maybelline Color Tattoo - Inked In Pink

 Maybelline Color Tattoo - Pomegranate Punk

 L'Oreal Infallible Eye Shadow -Strawberry Blonde

 L'Oreal Infallible Eye Shadow - Perpetual Purple

 Urban Decay Naked 3 Palette - Limit (matte light to medium mauve) & Strange (matte white)

L'Oreal Million Lashes Mascara - Black

L'Oreal Butterfly Mascara - Black.

For my base, I used the Color Tattoos.  I applied Inked In Pink on the lid, from the inner corner to the center of the lid.  I applied Pomegranate Punk on the lid from the center to outer corner.  I blended these with my finger.

For the shadows, I applied Strawberry Blonde on top of the Inked In Pink base.  I used a flat brush, and applied with a patting motion.  I used the Perpetual purple on top of the Pomegranate Punk, using the same brush and technique.  Using a base first, help make the colors of the shadows more vivid, and keeps them from creasing and makes them last longer as well.  Though the infallible shadows have a very long wear on their own.  Blend where the two colors meet on the lid for a smoother transition.

I applied Limit from the Naked 3 Palette to my crease with a blending brush.  This just softened the transition in the crease.  Take your time blending with this shadow to get the gradient look to the shadows.  I applied Strange on my brow bone, under my eye brow, and also a bit in the inner corner.  

I used to liner, and applied two coats of each mascara.  I like to apply the Butterfly Mascara first, and voila....you're done!!

Quote Of The Week

To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment. - Ralph Waldo Emerson

Nails Of The Week

Sally Hansen Nail Effects - 440 Animal Instincts

These aren't something I would typically choose, but my husband found these and picked them up for me, so I thought "why not?"  Once you get used to the application, it is easy.  These last 10 days on the nails, though I have had mine on for two weeks before.  Just make sure you use a clear top coat to seal them on.

My July Favorites!!

I don't have a ton of favorites this month, but I have truly loved all of these products.  Some are lifestyle or fashion products, but I know a lot of people like to hear about those, so I included them.

Revlon Colorstay Whipped Foundation - I found this foundation sometime last year, and I love it just as much now as I did then.  I like to wear it on extra long days or days that I will be outside in the hot weather.  It absolutely doesn't budge.  I can't even sweat it off!!  It gives me a satin/natural finish.  It blends easily, and requires no touch ups!  I haven't found a better foundation!!

This pic was taken on Saturday.  My mom and I went out of state to a concert.  I applied this foundation at 9:30 a.m.  This picture was taken around 4:30 p.m., and at 1:30 a.m. it still looked the same, with NO touch ups and NO primer!!

Apple Cider Vinegar - Like most of us, I have heard a lot of good things about apple cider vinegar, though I had never tried it.  It is good for so many things like detoxing the body, as a hair and face product or as a cleaning product.  I didn't take it for 2 days, because I went out of town, and it made a HUGE difference!!  I will do a post soon about my experience, and all of it's benefits!

Sperry Parrotfish Sandals - This is was my first pair of anything Sperry.  In fact, I didn't even realize that they made sandals.  This pair is very casual, they go with most anything, and they are soooo comfortable.  I can be on my feet for hours with no problems at all!  My mom usually can't wear sandals with a thong.  She has the same pair, and loves them as well!  I was really surprised by these.  I will definitely buy more next summer!

Jennifer Lopez Handbag - Gloria - If you read my blog (especially lately), you would know that I have developed a love for all things J Lo.  Her clothes, handbags, and perfumes are my favorite, but she also has beautiful home goods and shoes.  This is my latest J Lo item, and I love it!!  I fell in love with it immediately.  It has an embossed snake skin look, with a silver chain that lines the sides.  This bag is actually a knock off of a Stella Me Cartney bag called Falabella.  That handbag has been carried by many celebrities including J Lo, Kate Hudson, and Kim Kardashian.  So, how great is she that she made a similar style that the rest of us can get our hands on??  Not only is it stylish, but it is comfortable to wear.  I am very picky with things, especially my handbags.  I like a certain layout inside, and handles.  I have to walk around the store with it a bit before buying to make sure it is comfy.  I test all the zippers and compartments as well.  I have nothing bad to say about any of her products that I have tried.  It is a great value for the price.  Her line is available at Kohl's.  Now if she could just do a makeup line, my life would be complete!!

Retails for $109.00

This is the Stella McCartney version that retails for 1,295.00

Bun Maker - This is the longest my hair has been in many, many years.  The last time I had long hair that I fixed was 20 years ago!!  So, needless to say, things have changed.  First of all, styles are completely different.  The hair tools are completely foreign to me as well.  When I had long hair, I had a spiral perm (it was the 90's), and all I did was put gel in my hair, blow dry it, and style it.  I was very good with my hair, but I was never big with hair tools.  Now, there are curling irons, curling wands, bubble wands, in stylers, rollers, straighteners, and all sorts of things that I had never used.  Needless to say, I have had a lot of learning to do recently in this department.  Now that my hair is long enough to pull up and do different styles with, it makes hot summer days so much easier.  The bun maker has helped, and I love the polished look that it can give or I can make it messier as well.  It has really helped me and made my life easier, along with some hair tutorials on youtube, of course!

Dove Refresh+Care Dry Shampoo - I really love the Batiste Dry Shampoo, but that isn't available everywhere.  So, I decided to try something new.  I chose this dry shampoo, and really like it.  It has a nice, fresh scent, and really refreshes the hair.  It isn't gritty, and it doesn't weigh the hair down.  It does come out white, but once I rub it in my roots and brush my hair, you can't see it.  I like to spray my roots, let it sit for a minute or two, rub it in my scalp, and then brush it out.  I will definitely repurchase this.  It retails for $4.99.

If you have recently found a product that you are loving, please leave a comment below.  We would all love to hear about it!!

Quote Of The Week

The way to get started is to stop talking and begin doing. - Walt Disney Company