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.

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.

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.

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.

My November Beauty Favorites!

November was a great month of beauty finds for me!  This month's products were all new to me.  I have been trying a variety of things, but these were my standouts.  I am so impressed with all of these items that I think they will work for most everybody.

Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Hydroxy Extra Strength Daily Peel

     I received these from a Sephora shipment as a sample.  I have never used an at home chemical peel treatment, so I really had no expectations, but was very curious to see the results.  I have been going to an esthetician once a month from a year and a half now.  I have had many chemical peels during that time, and wanted to see how these at home peels compare.  I was actually shocked with the results!!  They instantly made my face look brighter, smoother, softer, and more plump.  I really couldn't believe it!  It is an easy 2 step process.  After cleansing your face, you use step one (a small cleansing towelette) all over your face and neck in circular motions.  After two minutes, you move onto step two, which is another small towelette and repeat what you did on step one.  When you are finished, you will feel a bit of a tingle, but nothing uncomfortable.  You do not rinse or wash your face after the treatment.  Just apply moisturizer as usual.  You can use this treatment daily, in the am or pm.  I have done six treatments myself and I am just so happy with the results.  I have purchased more and now have my mom using them, and she loves them as well.  I have told all my friends about them and anyone else who will listen.  I love skincare and always have.  I have found 2 great skincare products this year, and this is definitely one of them.  They come in 3 different strengths......sensitive, regular, and extra strength.  I have used the regular and extra strength without any problems.  If you are interested in trying them, you can purchase 5 treatments for $16.  I just received my order of 35, because I never want to be without these.  You can use them daily, but you don't have to.  I have used 6 in two weeks with excellent results.  You can only find these at Sephora. My best friend went to purchase these last weekend, and they were sold out, so you may want to purchase online.

Too Faced Sun Bunny Natural Bronzer

*swatches: Top - swirled together 

Middle - left side of bronzer

Bottom - right side of bronzer

I bought a small kit from Sephora that included many deluxe samples of products that I have been wanting to try.  This bronzer was included.  I have been wearing the Too Faced Chocolate Soleil Bronzer for a very long time now, and really love it.  This is also a very pretty bronzer, but looks quite different from the Chocolate Soleil.  This product comes with two different bronzers.....one lighter and one darker.  Both shades have a soft shimmer in them, that gives a warm sun kissed look.  You could apply these separately or swirl the two together.  I prefer to swirl and apply all over my face on the points where the sun would naturally hit.  The Chocolate Soleil I use as a contour.  This product is definitely best as a bronzer, because it is more golden and adds the soft shimmer.  This bronzer looks great on it's own without blush or highlight, which is great for everyday wear.  Who doesn't love an all in one product when you are rushed for time and trying to get out the door??  This bronzer retails for $30 in the full size.

Too Face Love Flush Long Lasting 16 hour blush - Justify My Love & Love Hangover

*Love Hangover & Justify My Love

These also came in the same kit as the bronzer.  I had heard a lot of great things about this line on youtube, and definitely wanted to try them since I am a total blush junky.  These are gorgeous!  They are soft and apply so smoothly to the skin.  They are also very pigmented and very long lasting.  For many people, blush is the first product to fade throughout the day.  These don't fade on me at all!  I can't say if they wear for 16 hours or not because I don't wear makeup that long, but they definitely last until I remove my makeup at night.  These blushes retail for $26 for the full size and the line offers 6 different shades.

Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector in Opal

Most beauty junkies know about this highlighter, because it is a cult classic.  Probably the most popular item from Becca, yet I had never tried it.  This highlighter really packs a punch!  It is not for someone who likes a more natural or subtle makeup look.  It is a champagne gold and looks so beautiful and illuminating.  It is very pigmented so you don't want to go too crazy with it, but it blends into the skin flawlessly.  I find it to be similar to The Balm's Mary Lou-Minizer in pigmentation, but think it is a little more golden.  If you love to have that "shine bright like a diamond" highlight, you will love this!  I think this will be gorgeous for the holidays.  It retails for $38 in the full size.

Buxom Bold Gel Lipstick - Sultry Mauve

Another new product for me!  I had never tried a Buxom lipstick before, but had heard good things about this line.  I know that matte lipsticks and liquid lipsticks are so popular right now, but I am not a fan of those.  I find most of them uncomfortable and I really don't like anything that is a matte finish.  That's just my preference.  These lipsticks are just the opposite in look and feel.  They are a gel formula, so they are very moisturizing and have a shinier look to them, but not too shiny or frosty.    And even though they are a shinier formula, I don't find that they slip outside my lip line or fade too quickly.  These are not long wearing nor do they claim to be, but they do last me quite well.  I also love this color for the fall and winter months.  The packaging is also really good.  It is a black shiny bullet that also has a magnetic close, so you don't have to worry about the lid coming off and getting makeup all inside your purse (I think we have all been there).  The only negative I have on these is that the actual lipstick bullet is on the big side, which makes it a little more difficult to apply, especially if you have smaller lips.  It doesn't have that point at the top like a traditional lipstick does. I think that's a small thing though compared to the formula, packaging, and beautiful colors that the line offers.  This line offers 30 beautiful shades and retails for $22.

Am-Big-U-Ous You Mineral Blush - Rosy Cheeks (matte) & Peachy Glow

*peachy glow & rosy cheeks

I live in the Columbus, Ohio area, and I found this natural mineral makeup line at a vintage store that I love to go to, De Mar's in Grandview Heights.  It is just a few steps away from my favorite tea house, so I like to stop there after my afternoon tea.  To my surprise they carry an ALL NATURAL, VEGAN, HANDMADE, LOCAL  skincare and makeup line.  My husband actually saw it first and brought it to my attention. Having eczema and psoriasis, he knows that I like to use as many natural products as possible.  Though I have tried and liked very few brands.  It has always seemed to me that many natural makeup lines don't give the same pigmentation and quality as traditional makeup lines.  The lasting power usually isn't the best.  After trying the samples, I saw that the pigmentation was there without a doubt.  My first purchase was the rosy cheeks blush.  I love this blush!  It is the most gorgeous deep rose blush shade!  It is super pigmented, and long lasting.  It goes great with whatever makeup look I am doing, whether it is more natural or more dramatic.  The product comes loose and in a sifter container.  You need to apply very sparingly, because it is so pigmented.  It blends out to be silky smooth and can build up without looking cakey.  I absolutely loved it so I bought the peachy glow blush on my next trip.  This blush is different, but equally as beautiful.  I love peach blushes, because they compliment my warm skin tone, but this blush for my medium skin color is really a highlight.  It has soft, golden shimmers that give a gorgeous reflection on the skin that blends out softly and doesn't look gritty.  This is the same type of loose powder as my previous blush, and requires just a touch to really get that sparkle.  If you are quite fair, you may get some peach color to your face, but if you are darker than that it will look like a golden highlight.  These blushes sell for $12 for 20g of product.  With as pigmented as these are, I promise that this will last an eternity.  This line also offers bronzers, foundation, mineral veil, eyeshadow, and a large assortment of skin and bath care items.  I have not tried any of these, but definitely will in the future.

If you are in the Columbus area, you can go to ambiguousyou.com to find out what locations they are being sold at and any upcoming craft fairs that they will be attending.  If you are outside the Columbus area, or just prefer to shop online, you can find them at https://www.etsy.com/shop/AmbiguousYou.

Too Faced Small Cosmetic Bag

I ordered this bag from Sephora just to up my purchase price, so I could get free shipping.  With all my Ipsy bags I really didn't need it, but it is the cutest little makeup bag ever!  I have some of my essentials in it that I like to keep in my purse.  It has a plastic over coating so it will not get dirty or grimy, you can just wipe it with a damp cloth.  It is small in size, so this won't replace your makeup bag, but it is perfect for throwing in your purse or computer bag when you are on the go!  It retails for $5 on sephora.com

I hope these reviews are helpful, and if you have any questions, please leave them in the comments section below.  I hope everyone is having a great week, and a happy holiday season!

My Newest Find: A Drugstore Dupe For Mac's Pro Long Wear Concealer!

I have been wearing my Mac concealer for a long time now.  I think 2 years or so.  I had it in 2 colors, NW 20 and NW 25.  I go a shade lighter than my foundation color to highlight my under eyes.  In the summer, I was tanner so I was using NW 25.  I gave the NW 20 to my mom, because she ran out of hers.  Then fall came, and I was paler as usual, but I no longer had my color.  So, I ran to the drugstore to pick up a concealer in a hurry.  I ended up picking up the Maybelline Master Conceal Camouflage Concealer and loving it!!  It is so  similar to the Mac that if it was in different packaging, I wouldn't know the difference.  It is a thinner consistency, but has full coverage.  I set it with powder as I do all my concealers, and get no creasing.  I have high end and drugstore makeup, but I get so happy to find the drugstore equivalent of a high end product, because it is usually at least 50% less than high end.  I find the Maybelline concealer to be just as good, if not BETTER, than the Mac!

Mac Pro Long Wear Concealer in NW 25

Maybelline Master Conceal in Light

The Maybelline Master Conceal comes in a range of colors......Fair, Light, Light/Medium, Medium, and Medium/Deep.  It retails for around $9, and can be found at your local drug or discount store.  While Mac retails for $20.  If you have been wanting to try Pro Long Wear or currently use it, but don't like paying $20 per bottle, give the Maybelline a try.  I don't think you will be disappointed!!

My October Lifestyle & Beauty Favorites!

I haven't posted in awhile, because a lot has been going on in my life, but I think things are getting back to normal.  I didn't wear a lot of makeup in October, but when I did I was always grabbing the same things.  I was on a no buy for the month of September.  I didn't buy anything till almost 2 weeks into October.  I guess once I got out of the habit of buying, I just didn't have that itch to do so.  I ended up buying a Laura Geller Beauty Box that had a lot of products in it.  This was my first Laura Geller purchase, and I did like everything in the box.

Laura Geller Baked Balance & Brighten Blush - Tropic Hue &  Berry Trifle - I love blush, and I am a total blush junkie.  I was so excited to try these, because I have always heard great things about this line.  I really enjoy these blushes!  They are pigmented, apply smoothly, and give a soft glow to the cheeks that really brightens up the face.  This is very much a two in one product.  There is no need to add a highlight to this blush.  Funny enough, on the day that I purchased this blush, I also got a deluxe sample of it in my monthly subscription service (Ipsy, I believe).  I'm loving both shades and wearing them often.

Tropic Hue & Berry Trifle

Laura Geller Spackle Tinted Under Makeup Primer - Champagne - I love face primers and use them most of the time.  I am also a fan of a luminous or natural finish to the skin.  This primer definitely delivers, if a luminous finish is what you are after!!  The primer is lightweight and doesn't make my face oily, and I have normal to oily skin depending on the time of the year.  This primer luminates so well that I don't wear a highlighter with it.  I like to wear this with more of a natural to matte foundation.  I think it would be too much with my L'Oreal True Match Lumi.  If you are looking for that J. Lo glow and only want to use one product to achieve it, this product will easily and quickly give you that glow!

Laura Geller Baked Balance and Brighten Foundation Powder - I love my Too Faced Amazing Face Powder, so I was kinda iffy about whether I would even use this product.  I am glad that I have it though.  It is very different from my Too Faced powder.  The Too Faced is a powder foundation that adds extra coverage, but can also be worn on it's own.  The Balance and Brighten powder has a much lighter feel to it.  It doesn't add any additional coverage, but it does blur any imperfections and brighten the complexion leaving your skin looking fresh.  I think this powder is more of an everyday powder when you are going for a more natural daytime look.  It has never become heavy or cakey on me.

Benefit They're Real Push Up Liner - I knew of this product, but hadn't tried it.  I was so surprised when I went to my hair appointment, and my hair stylist had bought this for me as a nice surprise!  I really have enjoyed this product!  It makes doing a cat eye so much easier.  Cat eyes have been the hardest thing for me to master.  Makeup application has always come so easy to me, but the cat eye technique can be so frustrating.  It takes practice for sure.  I wish I would have found this product a long time ago.  It has more of a gel liner consistency than a liquid one, which I have always preferred gel to liquid.  I find it easier to work with.  The color is very black, but dries nice and matte.  I like to do a cat eye, because I find that if I do, I don't need to do much else to my eyes.  I usually do a light overall lid shade, and a medium brown in the crease for definition.  It's a great addition if you want to go from a day look to an evening look.  Just add the cat eye, and a deeper lip color.....VOILA!

ELF Eyeshadow Quad  - Tantalizing Taupe  - I wasn't sure about this product at first.  I have used lots of good ELF products, but with the shadows being strips, I wasn't sure that I could get to the product well.  I was wrong.  I had no problems getting my brush into the shadow, and I was so surprised at how much I loved this palette!  My looks came out great every time that I have used it, and my shadows never faded or creased.  I used an eyeshadow primer, but I use one with all my shadows.  I didn't get much fall out either.  This is a versatile, inexpensive palette that is great for everyday, natural looks as well as a more dramatic smokey look.

L'Oreal True Match Lumi - I have done a full review on this foundation, so I won't spend too much time on it, but it is one of my favorite drugstore foundations.  With the weather turning cooler, I really like to have more of a luminous finish.  I don't wear this foundation as much in the summer, because I can get too oily.  It is perfect for the colder months or someone with normal to dry skin.  If I want more coverage, I mix it with my Estee Lauder Double Wear foundation.  If you would like to see a full review, Click Here!

Black & White Toile Curtains - I love to decorate my home, and I always have!  My home is quite modern, but I have always loved toile.  I really never thought that it would work with my decor, but I found these on Amazon, so I had to try them.  I am a prime member, so I received them in 2 days.  They look even better than I imagined!  They are great quality with a great price.  Toile is so hard to find, and when you do it is usually very expensive.  I am so happy to have found these.  They also come in red and blue.  My mom loved mine so much that she got some for her home in red.  She is very happy with hers as well.  If you are interested in a closer look or purchasing them just search for Victoria Park Toil Curtains on Amazon.

*These panels are not as wide as standard panels.  I have two on each of these windows, but had to use four for the slider in my dining area.

This toile comes in different curtain lengths, a cafe curtain, and a few different styles of valances.  The panels also come with tie backs.  I didn't use them, because I have hardware tie backs.

The print in red.

DoTerra Petal Diffuser - I started using DoTerra about a year ago.  It has helped me with multiple ailments, and I am thankful that I found it, but this is my first DoTerra diffuser.  I have two others that I bought from Amazon, which I like and am happy with.  This one is a little different though.  It runs for one, two or four hours.  It has a soft white light that can be turned off if you prefer, but what really sets this diffuser apart from my others is the gentle water sound that comes from it.  It sounds like a small fountain or stream that is so relaxing.  It is also very easy to clean and operate.  I use my diffuser most nights before bed, and in the afternoon if I am taking some time out to relax or read with my tea.