Tuesday, April 21, 2015

Nails Of The Week


OPI - My Chihuahua Bites

Thursday, April 16, 2015

25 WAYS TO SAVE ON MAKEUP!

COUPONS - Of course we all know about coupons, but you need to know how to get the most bang for your buck!  Stores like Target, CVS, Walgreens, and Rite-Aid, take their store coupons along with manufacturer's coupons so you can stack them up on the same item.  If it is a sale item that week, you get an even better savings.

EBATES.COM - This is a website that you go to first before making online purchases.  It is free to sign up.  They give cash back on your online purchases, and send you a check quarterly for those purchases.  They work with hundreds of stores, and you can still use your coupon codes on the stores site.  It is super easy, just Click Here!

SIGN UP FOR THE STORE'S EMAILS - This will increase your daily email load, but you can really get some great savings this way.  They will contact you with sales, coupon codes, and/or free shipping.

KOHLS CASH & REWARDS CARD - Most of us are familiar with Kohl's Cash.  For every $50 you spend, you get $10 in free Kohl's money to use at a later date.  They have recently come out with their own rewards program as well.  You get one point for every dollar spent.  Once you reach 100 points, you get a $5 coupon.  Kohl's sells everything, including makeup.  I have seen Lorac and The Balm there, along with their regular brands.

WATCH THE WEEKLY ADS FOR UPCOMING SALES OF ITEMS ALREADY PURCHASED - Every store has a different policy on how long they will do this, but if you buy an item and in the next week or two it goes on sale, go back to the store with your receipt.  They will give you the difference.

CARTWHEEL FOR TARGET, TARGET.COM COUPONS & THE RED CARD - Cartwheel is an app that has coupons in every category.  You can also print lots of coupons from Target.com.  If you sign up for the red card, you get 10% off your first purchase, 5% off all other purchases, free shipping from Target.com, and an extra thirty days for return.

COUPON.COM - Last week, I knew I would be going to CVS for a few things.  I didn't have a lot of makeup coupons, so I went to www.coupon.com to find what I wanted and printed it off.  It was so easy!  I combined them with the CVS coupons that printed from the kiosk in the store and saved 60%!

GROUPON.COM - Always check on groupon!  They have makeup and beauty services.  If I know we are going out to dinner, I always try to check their deals also.

ULTA & SEPHORA REWARDS - Ulta and Sephora both have rewards programs.  If you spend a certain amount per year, you can also be able to get an extra percentage off during certain sales of the year at Sephora.  Ulta always has $3.50 off coupons online and in their monthly flier/magazine.

COUPONMOM.COM - This is really a great site.  Not only does it tell you what is on sale each week, but it also tells you where to go and which coupons to use for the best deals.

ASK FOR SAMPLES - Sephora and Ulta do have samples for a lot of products, so don't be afraid to ask if you are unsure of a purchase?  Looking for a new foundation?  Most high end brands will apply  for you to try in store and/or you can get a sample to try on your own.

KEEP YOUR RECEIPT - Foundation color a little off or just not liking that bright lipstick?  Take it back!  Most places high end or drugstore, will take back gently used products if you have a receipt.

BIG LOTS & DOLLAR STORES - Don't forget about these stores!  They have heavily discounted drugstore makeup every single day!

BEAUTY SUBSCRIPTIONS - I have five or so beauty subscription box services.  For a low monthly fee, you get a box of beauty goodies delivered to your door.  Every month is different.  I have been able to try a lot of products, that I had never tried or even heard of before.  Many of these subscription services send coupons, offer deals, and have a points/reward system that can get you free product by referrals or reviewing what you have tried.

RECYCLE OLD MAC, KEIHL'S, AND LUSH PACKAGING - These companies accept some old packaging with the incentive being free product.

BUY A Z PALETTE - If you have a Z palette, you can buy makeup that is the the pan only, from companies who offer it.  That way your makeup is easier to store, and you save a few dollars on each eyeshadow and blush.

CHECK YOUR PRICE PER OUNCES - It isn't always cheaper to buy the larger size of an item.  I ran into this recently with Mac's strobe cream.  I could buy 3 of the smaller sizes, and get more product cheaper, than buying the full size.

FIND DRUGSTORE DUPES FOR HIGH END PRODUCTS - You can search online, and especially youtube for dupes on high end products.  I love watching dupe videos.  If you are on a budget or just don't have a lot of high end makeup in your area, you can still get the look for a lot less!

HAUTELOOK.COM - Is a site that does flash sales for 3 days.  Every day they get new brands of beauty products, clothes, shoes, home fashion, jewelry, etc.  I have bought and seen a ton of high end brands on this site.  Some can sell out quickly though.  The sales start at 11 am eastern time, so you want to check them out as close to that time as possible.

DISCOUNT CODES FROM YOUTUBERS - I love my youtube beauty girls!  I watch them everyday, and communicate with a few on a regular basis.  Not only have I learned so much from them, but they often offer discount codes for high end brands!

TJ MAXX AND NORDSTROM RACK -I love TJ Maxx!  Nordstrom Rack is basically the same concept on a bigger scale.  You can get deep discounts on everything!  You never know what you are going to find.  Their inventory changes quickly, but I think that is part of the fun....the hunt!

OUTLET MALLS - Outlet malls are very much the same as TJ Maxx and Nordstrom Rack.  Lots of good surprises as a deep discount.

LOOK FOR AUTOMATIC COUPONS IN THE BEAUTY AISLE - Some items will have a sticker attached to them or a tear pad sticker on the display.  Always keep your eyes open for these!

DON'T FORGET THE CLEARANCE AND CLOSEOUT ITEMS - Always check these aisles first.  I know that Target puts makeup on markdown on Fridays.  Sometimes the makeup is with all the makeup in the correct slots, but some of it is also on end caps in the health/beauty section.

YOU DON'T NEED EVERYTHING - This is definitely a good tip for me!! I love makeup, I truly do.  For me, it isn't a vanity thing.  It's a hobby, just like scrapbooking, knitting, baking, gardening, etc.  My husband and son will say, "why you putting makeup on we aren't going anywhere??"  Because it is a hobby that I enjoy doing.  When I was in Junior High and High School, I spend numerous nights home, just practicing with different techniques and looks.  Plus, I am a bit of a collector, and I have a beauty blog.  But at the end of the day, I don't need EVERYTHING!!  I won't even use everything more than once or at all.  I may just end up giving it away.  Not everything is a necessity.

Tuesday, April 14, 2015

My Spring Peach & Coral Look!


I love corals!  I bought some new coral lipsticks from Maybelline, Peach Poppy & Coral Burst.  These colors inspired an all peach and coral look.  This was my first time wearing only this color family.  I wasn't sure how it would come out, but I really liked it.  It is very spring/summer appropriate, feminine, and just gives a fresh,  look to the face.  



Face Products

- Mirabella Prime Face Primer

-  Revlon Colorstay Whipped Foundation

-  Mac Pro Longwear Concealer: NW20

-  Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Dark Circle Eraser: Brightener

- NYX Radiant Finishing Powder: Brightener - To set concealers

- Too Faced Chocolate Soleil Bronzer - To contour cheekbones, jawline, sides of nose, and forehead

-  Sonia Kashuk Blush:  Sunset - Applied to the backs of my cheeks

-  Hard Candy Baked  Blush:  Honeymoon - Applied to the apples of my cheeks & highlight area.  This is really a blush and highlighter in one.  Beautiful color.  Hard Candy products are only sold at Wal-Mart.

- Too Faced Amazing Face Powder:  Honey Beige

- Starlooks Lip Liner:  Tipsy

- Maybelline Color Sensational Lipstick:  Coral Burst from the Rebel Bloom Collection


Eye Products

- NYX Eye Primer:  Skintone - Applied all over eye lid from lash line to brow bone.

- Mac Eyeshadow: Free To Be - Applied to the crease

- Mac Eyeshadow: Brûlée - Applied on entire lid from lash line to brow bone, and inner corners

- Wet N Wild Fergie Palette: Dessert Festival


     ~  After applying the eye primer, I used brûlée and free to be.  Next, I applied the bottom left shade from the Wet N Wild palette (terra cotta shade), on my entire lid.  I applied the top right shade (coral color), to the outer crease just to deepen the look.  I used the top left shade (tan color) in the inner corner on top of brûlée.  Finally, I used the center dark brown shade as my liner.  I ran it along the outer two- thirds of my top and bottom lash line.



- Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara: Black - 2 coats on top lashes

- Tarte Lights Camera Lashes Mascara: Black - 1 coat on top lashes, 1 coat on bottom lashes

- Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Pomade: Dark Brown

- Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Gel: Chocolate


If you don't have many peach or coral shadows, try using peach/coral blush.  It works well, and will get you the overall look.  If you are fair with a cool undertone, these warm peaches and corals may be harder to pull off.  Pink goes great with your skin tone, so you could recreate the same look just with pink!

I got the Fergie Collection Wet N Wild palette sometime last year, but it is still a part of the permanent line, so it shouldn't be hard to find.  I just saw it last weekend at Walgreens.  It is a unique palette with good quality for only $4.99.

Monday, April 13, 2015

My Health & Fitness Essentials

Everyone has their own journey, what they enjoy, and what works best for them.  I had to learn everything on my own.....workouts and nutrition, because I have never had anyone in my life who lived a healthy lifestyle.  I didn't know where to start.  Over the years, I educated myself and found my way.  Looking back, these tools have made my journey successful.

~  The Eat Clean Diet Book by Tosca Reno:  I remember after having my son, my weight was over 200 pounds, and I had no idea where to start to get my health and fitness back on track.  I went to Barnes & Noble to find a "diet book."  It took 2 trips, because I was so overwhelmed.  Somehow I found this book, and it changed my life.  I read it from cover to cover and applied it to my life.  My life changed, and I transformed back to the old me again.  Tosca is 55 years old, a mother of three, and was previously very overweight. My husband and I had the pleasure of meeting her some years back, and she was so sweet, genuine, and personable.  It was great to meet the woman who helped change my life!  She has several variations of the eat clean book and also a few cookbooks.


~ Workout DVD's

     ~  Jari Love's Ripped Workout Series DVD's:  I have always loved weights.  I started weight training in high school, but this workout takes it to another level!  Depending on your video, you can workout 30 minutes or over an hour,  If you are a beginner, I suggest watching the workout first, and using no weight or maybe just 2-3 pounds for the upper body.  If you can't make it through the entire workout right away, don't worry.  Just do your best.  I did the entire workout with weights from the beginning, because I always have something to prove to myself (my mom and husband say I enjoy pain), and I hurt soooo badly.  I live sore everyday, but this was an extreme.  Don't do that, because it is likely that you won't want to do the workout again.

     ~  Jackie Warner DVD's:  I never heard of Jackie Warner until she had a reality show called Work Out.  I loved the show and fell in love with her.  After that she started coming out with workouts and books on health and fitness.  I love her videos.  It is circuit training, weights and cardio, so you can get twice the workout in a shorter period of time.  I do my own circuit training when I am low on time, but popping a DVD in makes it even easier!

     ~  Jillian Michaels DVD's:  I started using Jillian's DVD's many years ago.  I fell in love with her on The Biggest Loser.  She has a large array of workouts, that are sure to get sweating and burning calories.  Her videos are more in the style of Jackie Warner's videos.  She also offers yoga and kickboxing, along with her circuit training workouts.


*My Tip:  Not sure what workouts are best suited for you or what you would enjoy?  Check out your local library!  I request and pick up workout dvd's all the time.  That way you aren't wasting your money on something you may not like.  Getting them from the library gives you the ability to try it out before purchasing.

~  Dumbbells:  I started out using kitchen items as weights before I had a full dumb bell set.  I used cans, milk jugs, 2 liters, etc.  Then I got 3 pound weights and went up from there.  I love weight training, because it is the only workout that will give my body the shape that I want.  I don't just want to be thin.  I want a certain shape.  Plus, the more muscle you have on your body, the faster your metabolism will be.  That means you will even burn more calories while you sleep.  Also, your body goes through what is known as after burn.  It is the elevated rate of your metabolism after you workout.  For cardio, after burn is fairly short lived.  After weight training, your after burn can last for 24-48 hours depending on the intensity of your workout.


~  Comfortable Shoes:  We all know how miserable it can be to spend any amount of time in a bad pair of shoes, but to workout is even worse.  Invest in a good pair of shoes that comfortably form to your foot.  Also, get a type of shoe that is designed for the activities that you will be performing.  Myself, I mostly weight and circuit train, with smaller bouts of cardio.  So, I like to get cross trainers.    It is also wise to go to a good athletic store with knowledgeable staff.  That can make a huge difference.  Good quality shoes are usually an investment, but it is worth it if it keeps you on track and progressing with your fitness.  You won't be working out if you have rubbed raw spots and blisters on your feet.


~  Good Workout Music:  I wouldn't be able to last more than a few minutes without my workout music!  With it, I can go on for a very long time (time permitting).  It gives me motivation, energy, excitement, and just makes me have a much better time with my workouts.  I have a large surround sound in the gym.  It may be bothersome at times to others, but it keeps my butt moving!! Make a play list of your favorite energetic songs, and watch how positively it affects your mind and body!


If you are unaware of my past health, nutrition, and fitness struggle,  Click Here to read my story!

*My home gym








I love having this space to workout, destress, and unwind.  Of course, when I first started doing full workout routines, all I had was a TV, VCR, and a few VHS tapes in my living room (I know, I'm showing my old age).  I had no privacy, and I was completely out in the open.  We all have to start somewhere and use the tools that we have.  I put my gym together over the course of a few years, piece by piece.  I do love having it and the privacy that it provides.  It also gives me no excuse to not workout!

Please remember, at the end of the day we are all human.  Even after working out for somewhere around 25 years and becoming a certified personal trainer, I still have setbacks and obstacles to over come.  It's not about being perfect everyday, it's about doing your best everyday, and your best can differ from day to day.  You will have failures.  There is no getting around that, but it doesn't mean that you have failed unless you stop picking yourself up and moving forward.  Success doesn't just  happen to the smartest, luckiest, prettiest, richest people.  It happens to those who never give up!

Sunday, April 12, 2015

Nails Of The Week


Time for a pop of color!!  

wearing Wet N Wild - Be More Pacific.  I love their polishes.  Hoping the new ones hold up just as well.  They do have a very opaque formula.  I did two coats, but could have easily gotten away with one.

Thursday, April 9, 2015

Drugstore Products That Are As Good As High End!!

I wanted to do this post for people who are really watching their budget, or just don't have higher end makeup in their area.  I am a drugstore girl at heart.  I didn't purchase any high end makeup until 2 years or so ago.  I love drugstore products and always will!  Here is a list of my favorite drugstore products, where if it was in high end packaging, you would never believe it was an affordable drugstore product!  Why spend more if you don't need to??


~  Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Concealer in Brightener - This has been a holy grail favorite of mine since I first tried it years ago.  I definitely have circles, but not bags.  My circles have gotten worse with age, and I have been battling insomnia for 12 years, which doesn't help the situation.  I use at least 2 concealers, sometimes 3.  This is the only brightening concealer that I use, because it does exactly what it is meant to do.....brighten!  It has a very thin but pigmented formula, that blends in quickly.  It is very pink, which really cancels out the blue under the eyes.  I do my prolong wear concealer first, and apply the Instant Age Rewind Concealer, followed by my NYX Radiant  Finishing Powder in Brightening.  I can't live without this concealer.  I always have a back up!




~  L'Oreal Infallible Pro-Matte Foundation - This is my newest foundation purchase.  I watched a lot of reviews before purchasing.  My hesitation was the that it is a matte finish.  I prefer a natural to luminous finish.  I didn't want it to be matte, flat, and have no dimension.  This foundation doesn't look like that at all!  It has a natural to semi matte finish on me.  If you are very dry or very oily, it may look different on you.  I have normal to oily combo skin.  Mine has been very normal for many months, but I can already see my t zone starting to get oily with the weather change.  This foundation stays in place, without looking too oily or too matte.  If I want my luminous look, I either add Mac's Strobe Cream under my foundation or a powder highlighter.  That way I have my luminosity without looking oily or my foundation breaking down.  It has great staying power, so I believe it will hold up well in the summer months.  This product is on the higher end for a drugstore foundation.  I have seen it anywhere from $11-$15, but it's performance makes it worth the higher price point.



~  L'Oreal Infallible Setting Spray - There aren't many drugstore setting sprays, so I was happy to hear of this one.  It's performance is outstanding!!  Not only will it increase your foundations wear time, but it will also help to minimize a cakey looking face, that can happen by using too many powder products.  This too is on the high side for a drugstore purchase (up to $15), but if your makeup lasts from morning to night without touchups, like mine, it is worth every dollar!


~  L'Oreal Infallible Eye Shadows - These shadows have been out for years, and I have yet to find anything quite like them.  They are a pressed pigment.  They have the intensity of a pigment, but they aren't as messy.  They have a creaminess to them, that makes them stick better than a regular pigment.  I still like to wear them with a color tattoo underneath, but it isn't necessary.  The longevity of these shadows are amazing, and I have never had one crease on me.  I have most of the colors in this line, and have never been disappointed with any of them.  I think these are great to add to any eye look, but they are just as great on their own!  I like to apply the shadow to my lid using a flat shadow brush,  then take a fluffy blending brush and blend it out into my crease.  It is a fast, everyday look that looks great.  I love to use the color Amber Rush for the one shadow look.  It is a beautiful rose gold that is flattering for all eye colors!  If you only buy one, I highly recommend Amber Rush!!




I feel like this picture isn't doing the shadow justice.  It has a beautiful metallic/duo chrome sheen to it.  Not all of the shades have this finish.  Some are matte also.

~  Milani Baked Blushes - Up until a few years ago, I was not at all familiar with Milani products.  They have such a great line with so many beautiful products, but in my opinion, their blushes are the best!  They have a smooth silky texture.  I  have most of the colors, and I love all of them!  My absolute favorite though would have to be Luminoso.  It is a pinky peach with gold shimmer.  It is so beautiful, and flatters everyone!  Most of the baked blushes have shimmer in them, so they also give a highlighted/glowy affect, but it isn't too much.  They also have two matte baked shadows that are great for anyone who doesn't like a shimmery blush.  These blushes are very pigmented, so keep that in mind when applying.


*Colors from left to right & top to bottom - Fantastico Mauve, Red Vino, Delizioso Pink (matte), Luminoso, & Dolce Pink



~  Revlon Color Stay Whipped Foundation - I love this stuff!!!  It is my favorite drugstore foundation, ever!  It has a full coverage, and lasts soooo long.  I can't sweat this stuff off if I want to!  It is a thicker formula, but that doesn't bother me.  It doesn't get cakey.  It has a natural finish.  It didn't break me out or cause me to get oily.  This product is great for long summer days, super long days that you want your makeup to last, and for a full coverage night out.  I have Estee Lauder Double Wear, and I like this foundation just as much......if not better!!  It comes in a glass jar, which sets it apart from other drugstore packaging.  Some may not like that, because it doesn't have a pump, but it is too whipped/thick for a pump.  Also, this way you are sure to get out all the product.  I feel like a lot of foundation is wasted in other packaging.



~  L'Oreal Million Lashes Mascara - All of last year, this mascara was my love!  I had tried a few high end mascaras and were never impressed.  I have always liked L'Oreal's mascaras, and I really fell in love with this one.  It is neither too wet nor too dry.  I am not a fan of the wet formulas.  It lengthens, separates and gives volume.  It never clumps or flakes on me either.  Some mascaras are good for one thing or the other, but this is a great all around mascara that you can find for around $8.



~  Maybelline Master Hi-Light Blushes - I have four of these shades, and all are beautiful!  I have posted about these before, but they are worth mentioning time and time again.  If you don't like a shimmer or highlight, you will not like these.  If you do, you will absolutely love them!  These are a great 2 in 1 product, perfect for a quick look.  They are also great used as a topper over your favorite blush.  I use my coral one the most, but all of them are very pretty.  The only ones I don't have are the nude and light bronze.  I have heard that the nude one is a dupe for Mac's soft & gentle, which I LOVE and own, but I haven't tested that out for myself.


*Colors from left to right & top to bottom - pink rose, deep bronze, mauve, and coral.



High end makeup has it's place.  I love it.  I love the packaging and more luxurious feel, but I feel like these drugstore products are beautiful, and perform just as well.  Many times, you can find drugstore dupes for high end makeup, but the difference is usually in the formula, packaging, and longevity.  Aside from some packaging, I don't think these products are lacking in any way.

* Remember, always keep your receipt for your makeup purchases.  If you are unhappy with the product, or the color just doesn't suit you, you can always return for a replacement or refund.  Don't waste your money on products you won't use!  Are there any drugstore products that you feel are just as good as high end or better?

Tuesday, April 7, 2015

My February & March Beauty and Lifestyle Favorites!

BEAUTY


Tarte Bronzing Serum- I received this full size product in one of my boxycharm boxes.  It is a light self tanner for the face that gives a gradual, subtle color that is not orangey.  It dries so quickly that I can put it on right before my makeup application.  I apply a thin layer to my face and neck, and in no time it is dry, so I can complete my look.  As with all self tanners, you want to thoroughly wash your hands after application.  This will give you a natural tan color, but not a deep full on tan.  Just a nice sun kissed glow with no streaking!

Too Faced Chocolate Bar Palette- I know I am late to the chocolate bar party, but I found such a good deal on HSN that I just couldn't pass it up any longer!  I received the palette, Better Than Sex Mascara, Shadow Insurance Eye Primer, and LA Creme Lip Cream all for $48, plus easy pays!  I got it for the palette, but all the products are great.  I also found one of my holy grail mascaras!!  This palette comes with 16 colors that are mostly neutrals, but there are some in the purple/pink/burgundy family.  The colors range in finishes from matte to satin, and shimmer also.  With so many colors and finishes, you can come up with a multitude of beautiful looks for everyday, work, weekends, or evening/holidays.  The palette alone is $48, and well worth it in my opinion, but with the bonuses, it knocks it outta the park!  Whether you are a beginner or professional with your makeup application, you won't be disappointed.  Always check HSN and QVC for awesome beauty deals!


Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara- This mascara.....Oh My Gosh!!  If you have read most of my previous posts about mascara, you know that I have always been a drugstore mascara girl.  I never really found anything high end that I was impressed with until January.  In January I found the Tarte Lights Camera Lashes Mascara.  I instantly fell in love with it!  Then in February I got the Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara, and I hit the jackpot AGAIN!  It is very different from the Tarte, but equally as good.  Paired together.....BEAUTIFUL!  They both do very specific things.  The Too Faced is a lengthening and volumizing formula that is dryer (I'm not into really wet formulas), but not too dry.  I have posted pics on my IG and FB accounts using both, and the results are undeniable.  I haven't worn false lashes or felt like I need to.  I could say so much, but soon I will do a mascara routine post to really get into the details of the formulas, steps, and application techniques.  Better Than Sex Mascara retails for $23.

*Results using the Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara (2 coats) and Tarte Lights Camera Lashes Mascara (1 coat)

L'Oreal Infallible Pro-Matte Foundation- This is L'Oreal's newest foundation.  I had heard several reviews, so I wanted to try it out for myself.  I loved it from the first time I used it!  It is a medium coverage foundation that is somewhat buildable, with a satin/semi matte finish.  It is very long wearing, doesn't oxidize, or break down on my skin.  Whenever I wear this makeup, my mom always asks, "What foundation are you wearing?"  It doesn't cake or settle into fine lines or pores.  It is on the higher price point for a drugstore foundation, around $12, but it worth the price without a doubt!  If you are looking for a medium coverage, natural finish, long wearing, affordable, everyday foundation, this fits the bill!


L'Oreal Infallible Makeup Setting Spray- What a drugstore gem this is!  The drugstore doesn't make many setting sprays.....ELF and NYX are the only brands I can think of.  I have the elf, and it is ok.  I haven't tried the NYX, but this one is fabulous!  I use around 3 sprays to lightly mist my face once all of my makeup is done, and everything stays so nice!  This is great for everyday, but will especially be  nice in the warmer months.  Not only does my foundation stay in place, but my blush stays just as vibrant throughout the day, which is usually the first product to fade.  It is pricier for the drugstore at around $14, but is worth every penny!


Too Faced Amazing Face Foundation Powder- I was looking for a face powder that not only would set my makeup, but would give extra coverage as well.  This is the first Too Faced powder that I have used and it is great!  It sets, adds coverage, but never makes my skin look cakey, dull, or too matte.  I have used it almost everyday that I wear makeup since purchasing.  I even throw it in my purse, just in case.  I rarely do touch ups, but just feel better knowing it is with me :)  I apply mine with a big fluffy brush, and it really gives me a flawless finish.

*I am wearing the L'Oreal Infallible Foundation and Setting Spray, along with the Too Faced Amazing Face Foundation Powder.  This pic was taken at the END of my day last weekend.  This is what it looked like after 9 1/2 hours of wear with NO touch ups!  I am also wearing the Chocolate Bar Palette on my eyes, along with the Better Than Sex Mascara & Tarte's Lights Camera Lashes Mascara, my favorite combo!

Tarte Maracuja Oil- I received a sample of this in my Ipsy Bag.  At my core, I am a skin care girl.  I believe in it and practice it daily.  The benefits are undeniable.  I have tried a plethora of products since I started my routine at 11 years old, that's 26 years of experimentation!  And I really like the Maracuja Oil.  I used it as my final step before bed.  It is an oil, so you only need a small amount.  Overnight, it soaks into the skin.  In the morning, your skin is so soft and supple looking!  It really gives a youthful appearance.

Urban Decay Naked Basics 2- One of my more recent posts was my 10 minute makeup routine.  In my makeup bag, I keep all of the essentials for a quick, yet put together look.  In February I used the Naked Basics 2.  It is a very small and compact palette great for your bag or travel, and has everything you need for a basic everyday eye or smokey eye.  The palette is a cooler version than the first Naked Basics, but the quality is what you expect from UD.  Having this in my bag made my eye looks quick, simple, yet polished.  I even used the shadows as my liners.  If you would like to see my previous in depth review, Click Here!

LIFESTYLE

The Mentalist-  A few months back, I went through all the criminal minds seasons.  After that I started, The Mentalist.  I have watched it since it first aired, but wanted to go back and watch it again, because you forget a lot.  Plus, I love Patrick Jane!  I got my mom to watch it with me, and she quickly became addicted!  It's just something we enjoy doing together.  I got most of the seasons from my library.  It isn't on netflix or hulu :(


Guns N Roses T Shirt- I found this at forever 21, and love it!  I collect rock t shirts and sweatshirt. This one I love in particular, because it is very soft and light weight.  All of the rock t shirts and sweatshirts that I have bought from Forever 21 have been so soft and comfy.  You can really wear this year around.  I love throwing this on for errand running or going to the movies.



Purse Organzier- For my birthday, my mom bought me a Michael Kors bag.  I love it, but it is just one big bag with one zipper and two slide pockets.  It is actually a tote, so you could lose a lot of your stuff in it.  I found on amazon a purse organizer that was very inexpensive, and really works!  It keeps everything so organized, plus now it is even easier to change to a different purse.  I found mine on Amazon for around $8.


Jari Love Ripped & Chiseled Weight Training Workout- I have been doing Jari Love workouts for many years, and I have never done a workout like it.  It is all weight training, but it's different.  It isn't conventional weight lifting.  She really breaks down the muscle to make it stronger and leaner.  She plays with the counts on the eccentric and concentric movements.  So, when you are lifting you may lift for four counts and lower for two counts, and vice versa.  She also does a lot of pulses, which really burns, and isometric holds.  If this sounds complicated to you, it's not!  But this is a very challenging workout.  It is good for beginners to advanced, because you can start doing these exercises with little to no weight at all.  She does A LOT of reps per exercise.  Around 100 to 120 for most of them, so you can't lift the same weight that you normally would obviously, but you will definitely be challenging those muscles!  The most important thing in this workout, or any weight training workout, is your form.  If you don't have proper form, you are likely to injure yourself.  She does give instructions on form, but you may want to watch the workout before doing it, which is what I did years ago.  If you want a challenge and results, this will do it!!


If you have any questions, please leave them below.  Have a great week!

Friday, April 3, 2015

Wal-Mart Beauty Box Unboxing: Spring 2015

This is my second Wal-Mart Beauty Box, so I thought it would be nice to do an unboxing, because not a lot of people know about this beauty subscription.  This box is delivered seasonally.  It costs $5 per box, only $20 a year.  It comes with 5 items.  Most are deluxe samples, but I have also received full size products.  In addition, you also get coupons and small samples.  They automatically take your payment from your account, and send you an email to let you know your box has shipped.  There is no contract, and you can cancel anytime.  This box is a little bit bigger than my boxycharm, but should still be able to fit in a standard mailbox.

So, let's take a look at the Spring box!




~  Lady Gaga Fame Perfume

~  Caress Fine Fragrance Body Wash in Adore Forever

~  L'Oreal Total Repair 5 Restoring Shampoo

~  L'Oreal Total Repair 5 Restoring Conditioner

~  Palmer's Cocoa Butter Formula Lotion


~  Burt's Bees Renewal Intensive Firming Serum

~  Palmer's Cocoa Butter Formula Skin Therapy Oil


~  Free Dry Spray Antipersperant (up to $5.47 value)

~  Palmer's Cocoa Butter Formula Eventone Suncare ($1.00 off)

~  Burt's Bees Renewal Item ($3.00 off)

I did not receive any makeup in this box, but I did in my winter box.  I also received a full size lipstick in that box.  So, the boxes will differ from season to season, but as you can see, you get the value just in coupons alone.  I think this box is good for someone who likes to try new products, but doesn't always want to spend the money on full size items.  Because you receive a variety of products in smaller sizes, they are also great for someone who travels a lot.  I buy so much health, skincare, haircare, and beauty products, that I also enjoy the coupons.  I do feel that this subscription is worth the $5 price tag!  If you have any questions, please feel free to leave them below :)