Road Trip Beauty Essentials: Blog Hop

Good afternoon my lovelies! It’s time for another fun-filled blog hop! March’s theme is “Road Trip Beauty Essentials;” where you pick only 5 beauty items that you would grab for a last minute road trip. You read correctly my dears, FIVE ITEMS ONLY! I only recently started getting into makeup and even I found this limit nearly impossible! But nevertheless, I accepted the challenge!

Luckily, the 5 items are in addition to the necessitates (toothpaste, cleanser, moisturizer, deodorant, shampoo, condition, body wash, etc.). My skincare regime alone takes up its own suitcase!

This was technically due two days ago (shame on me), but I had an interesting weekend, to say the least, and am finally getting around to posting my response. To make things interesting, my road trip destination will be Portland, OR. And to be perfectly honest, the main reason why I want to visit Portland is to check out Voodoo Doughnut!

 

How utterly delicious does that look?!

 

Granted I may gain about 400lbs indulging in their creative creations, but it would totally be worth it! And with my 5 must-have beauty items, I’ll be a stylin’ doughnut hungry fiend! Voodoo Doughnut is only a 3 hour drive away from where I live and could be done as a last minute weekend get away!

To help ensure that I am one gorgeous diva, I would elect to bring the following 5 must-have items:

 

Black Magic Mascara by Eyeko – This baby is a MUST HAVE for gorgeously defined, long, and curvaceous lashes!

m.Powerment Lipclick Luxe Lipstick by mark – I bought this lipstick as a duo in support of Domestic Violence Awareness Month. It was introduced by mark (a company associated with Avon) and it came with the lipstick, which is in a shade called “m.Powerment Petal,” and a bedazzled compact mirror. Unfortunately, you can no longer buy this shade or set; at least I cannot find it. This lipstick is perfect for elevating your natural lip color, while simultaneously adding a pop of color. It goes on smooth and has a nice magnetic closure with the lid to ensure the cap doesn’t come off. It’s definitely my go-to lip color!

Great Lash Clear Mascara by Maybelline – This is a MUST HAVE and is actually my number one item. I cannot STAND having fussy and unruly brows. This puppy keeps my Amazonian brows under control and I would be utterly lost without it.

 

Peek-a-Bright Eyes by Benefit – This is an amazing eye illuminating kit that not only highlights and contours, but I use the warm chocolate contouring shadow to shape and define my brows. It includes: a buff base shadow, a warm chocolate contour shadow, a pearly pink highlight shadow (my favorite) and eye bright (a creamy brightener). The added benefit of this pallet is that it also includes two brushes, but one is double-ended; concealer brush, contour brush, and liner brush.

My brushes are not depicted in this picture because I was actually cleaning them (first time ever!)

Fine-One-One by Benefit – This is my FAVORITE blush ever! It’s actually a sheer brightening cheek and lip color, but it looks gosh-awful on my lips. The three different shades included are: pink champagne, sheer watermelon, and soft coral. You can make it extremely subtle, or build it up for a big pop of color!

Swatches!

From Left to Right

(Peek-a-Bright Eyes) Eye Bright, Buff Base, Warm Chocolate, Pearly Pink Highlighter, (Fine-One-One), (m.Powerment Petal Lipclick)

If you were limited to only 5 beauty items for a weekend getaway, which 5 items would you choose? What could you ABSOLTUELY not live without?

 

Want to check out other amazing Road Trip Beauty Essential Blog Posts? Take a gander at these lovely ladies:
 
Michelle at Pretty in the East
Brittany at The Beauty Deputy
Kristina from The Feminine Files
Christine from Simply Stine
Anna Belle from http://theannabelleblog.com/
Jeni at Gracious Luck
Karen at Unpack the Box
Kimberly From Socially Awkward Fashionista
Lisa from Subscription Therapy
Jenn at A Little Bit of Girl Geekery
Jen at Jen Likes Polish
Heather from Coconut & Cotton
Sammi at College Beauty Buff
Nancy at Jumping Mouse 9
Angela at The Makeup / Photography Whisperer

FOTD: Face of the Day!

Hello my lovelies! I thought I would put together a quick FOTD (Face of the Day) post!

 

I only recently started getting into makeup and actually wearing it on a regular basis. In the past, I would doll-up for special occasions, but I was a Plain Jane and hardly EVER wore makeup. This year, well…. More like about two weeks ago, I decided to make a goal of wearing makeup to work every day (Monday through Friday) and especially when I went out into public.

As you can imagine, I’m an extreme newbie when it comes to makeup and am still learning what goes where and what colors go well with my skin tone. I may not blend correctly and I am probably applying my makeup like a chimpanzee, but it’s a work in progress!

Today I am wearing the following products:

[BASE / FOUNDATION]

 

The POREfessional by Benefit

Benefit Retail Price: $30.00 (0.75 fl. oz.)

 

I received a teeny weeny sample tube in my January Ipsy bag and am planning to order a full size tube soon! This stuff is amazing! I could totally see myself wearing this alone on my very light days.

 

Clean Whipped Crème Foundation by Cover Girl

Color: Ivory

Wal-Mart Retail Price: $6.94 (0.06 fl. oz.)

 

I bought this on a whim one day, trying to force myself into wearing foundation and am SO glad that I did! It’s my favorite foundation, by far, and it feels like you’re wearing nothing on your face at all; yet, it provides a great amount of coverage. And, I swear this jar will last me for years! I haven’t even touched the foundation IN the jar, I have only been using what had collected on the lid.

Balance-n-Brighten Baked Color Correcting Foundation by Laura Geller

Color: Fair

Laura Gellar Retail Price: $33.00 (0.32 oz.)

 

I actually bought this quite a while ago when I was attempting to wear makeup. I only recently started using it again and I LOVE it as my foundation finisher. I use it to lightly sweep across my entire face and neck area to ensure that my foundation is even and set.

SIDE NOTE: I always try and put a small amount of foundation on my neck area because I’ve seen waaaay too many ladies who made their face gorgeous, but the skin doesn’t match the rest of their body at all. It’s like the skin on their neck is one color and POOF! Their face is an entirely different shade. That is no bueno.

[EYES]

 

 

Shadow Insurance Primer: Anti-Crease Eye Shadow Primer by Too Faced

Too Faced Retail Price: $20.00 (0.35 oz.)

 

I snagged this puppy from HSN not too long ago. It was grouped with a Too Faced eye shadow pallet, of which I have yet to use. I’ve NEVER used an eye shadow primer before so when I used this for the first time, I was smacking myself in the face for not knowing about these before! This is literally the BEST investment in any beauty regimen ever! It doesn’t matter if you use cheap or expensive eye shadow, this baby makes your shadow last all day, it prevents creases 100% and the smallest dab will do you!

True Color Eye Shadow Quad by Avon

Color: Purple Haze

Avon Retail Price: $7.00 (0.176 oz.)

I actually have the older designed compact of this eye shadow, but it still does the trick! My favorite part about this eye shadow, besides its affordable price tag, is the fact that it’s fool proof. The compact tells you which shade to use, and where to use it! Let me just tell you that this is a newb’s dream!

 

BADgal Liner Waterproof by Benefit

Color: Black

Benefit Retail Price: $20.00 (0.04 oz.)

I received this in an HSN Today’s Special along with a butt-load of other awesome Benefit products. I have yet to use the sponge-tip (which is meant for blending and creating a softer line) as I am afraid I’ll turn myself into a raccoon! I LOVE how easy this liner goes on and that it stays in place! I applied this liner to my upper lid. I know there’s a technical name for that part of your eye, but for now, I’m going to call it my upper waterline? LOL!

 

Evercolor Starlight Waterproof Eyeliner by Mally Beauty

Color: Starshine (silver)

Mally Beauty Retail Price: $15.00 (0.04 oz.)

 

I received this wonderful liner in my February Ipsy bag and LOVE, LOVE, LOVE using it on my waterline. It creates a nice pop to my eye and actually brightens my entire face!

 

Big Beautiful Eyes by Benefit

Benefit Retail Price: $32.00

 

I only used the “Rich Chocolate Brown Liner Shadow” in this pallet and actually applied it to my brows. I already have pretty defined brows, but adding just a hint of this shade makes them pop! I personally don’t want my brows to look like I pained them on my face, so I only use a very light dusting of this shade to fill in the areas that are not as full.

Great Lash Clear Mascara by Maybelline

Ulta Retail Price: $5.99 (0.44 oz.)

I used this to set my brows. After applying the Chocolate Brown liner from the “Big Beautiful Eyes” pallet, I use this mascara to ensure that I don’t have ski-womp-ous brows. I also use this for my bottom lashes. I try not to apply colored (black) mascara to my bottom lashes unless I’m going out at night. Using the clear mascara defines my lashes but doesn’t make my eyes look harsh.

 

Black Magic Mascara by Eyeko London

Color: Black

Eyeko Retail Price: $24.00 (0.07 oz.)

I received a generous size sample of this magical mascara in one of my Birchbox boxes last year. I sat it aside and finally got around to using it. The wand is amazing and really applies the mascara evenly while creating a nice curved lash. I applied this to my top lashes.

[CHEEKS]

Fine-One-One (sheer brightening color for cheeks and lips) by Benefit

Benefit Retail Price: $30.00 (0.28 oz.)

I received this as one of the many Benefit products included in an HSN Today’s Special. I have never really been a fan of blush, thinking us big girls don’t need that junk! We’re always rosy in the cheeks! But oh boy, was I wrong! This is my absolute holy grail of blush! It’s super easy to use and you can even use it on other parts of your face. It blends in wonderfully and it’s easily buildable.

[LIPS]

 

Lip Crayon by Be a Bombshell

Color: Shameless

Be a Bombshell Retail Price: $14.00 (0.09 oz.)

 

I received this in one of my very first Ipsy bags and instantly fell in love! It was my first introduction to lip crayons and I was instantly converted! This stuff goes on so easily and lasts for several hours! The color stains your lips and gives you a great pigment throughout the day. I frequently use this as a base and then add a nice gloss on top.

 

 Baby Lips Dr. Rescue by Maybelline

Color: Soothing Sorbet

Ulta Retail Value: $4.49 (0.15 oz.)

I’ve been dying to try ANY of the Baby Lips lip balms and finally settled on the Dr. Rescue line. I figured I may as well be nourishing my lips and looking fabulous! I used this a nice top coat to my lips for shine and added color. I apply this throughout the day as I see fit.


Have you tried any of these products? What do you think? And what are your every day go-to cosmetics?

 

 

 

 

February Ipsy Bag!

I finally decided to jump on the Ipsy Bag review train!

Ipsy is a monthly beauty subscription service created by famous YouTube star Michelle Phan. For only $10 a month, subscribers receive a cleverly designed cosmetic bag filled with deluxe samples and full-sized beauty products.

The month of February was all about love, of course, and the Glam Bag theme was “The Look of Love;” how adorable! The items I received in this month’s Ipsy bag were:

 

Plump Pout Mini by POP Beauty

Color: Peony Petal

Full Size: $16.00 (0.3 oz.)

Size Received: $1.88 (4 g.)

This plumping pout perfector combines the high-shine of a lacquered glass with the long wear of a stain and is packed full of lip-plumping peptides and avocado and jojoba oils. Lightweight, creamy texture immediately merges with lips and delivers intense glossy color for an extremely long-lasting finish!

My Thoughts

I loved this gloss! It was extremely moisturizing and glided on with ease! The color I received was perfect for my complexion and the size of the mini was adorably convenient! It provided long lasting color and gave a nice shine to my lips without turning them into a hot mess. I didn’t really notice any plumping-like qualities, but I still give this product two thumbs up!
 

 

Zoya Nail Polish

Color: Odette (light lilac)

Full Size: $9.00 (0.5 fl. oz.)

Size Received: $9.00 (0.5 fl. oz.)

 

This season’s Zoya Nail are full of pure pigment, intense color and modern complexity that are a perfect transition into Spring. Odette can be best described as full-coverage, sultry orchid maroon cream.

My Thoughts

When I first opened my bag and saw that famous Zoya nail polish box I was so excited to finally try Zoya! But my excitement was quickly deflated when I saw the color. It’s a pleasant tone, but just not for me. I ended up putting this on eDivv (a beauty swamping website) and am expecting a nice Ruby Red toned Julep polish in return; my first Julep ever!

 

 

With Flash

 

Without Flash

 

Evercolor Starlight Waterproof Eyeliner by Mally Beauty

Color: Starlight (silver)

Full Size: $15.00 (0.04 oz.)

Size Received: $15.00 (0.04 oz.)

This creamy formula glides effortlessly onto the lid and locks into lower rim to beautifully define your eyes. Create a fine line or a thicker line with no pulling or tugging. Wear it as a shadow by applying to the lid and smudge. Rich and full, this liver will give a strong coverage that lasts all day.

My Thoughts

I was ecstatic to see a Mally Beauty product in this month’s bag. I’m an avid QVC shopper and love Mally’s products; especially her bullet-proof eyeliners. I wasn’t too keen on the color, at first, but after applying it to my waterline I was impressed! It gave me a nice pop of color and brightened my eyes. I would recommend any Mally Beauty products; especially her eyeliners. I’m a newb when it comes to makeup and Mally makes her products fool proof!

 

 

Be Matte Blush by City Color

Color: Fresh Melon (coral-like)

Full Size: $2.99 (8.9 g.)

Size Received: $2.99 (8.9 g.)

This silky-smooth, highly pigmented matte blush compliments and blends evenly with your skin’s natural glow. Extremely buildable to create a subtle or dramatic look.

My Thoughts

I was delighted to see that I received a nice coral-like color. I’ve been dying to see if coral looks good with my skin tone and it does! I do have to warn those who wish to purchase this blush that a little goes a loooooooong way. When I first applied this blush I picked up a LOT of powder on my brush and once I applied it to my face… holy clown-face, Batman! I had to blend it in like crazy and cover it up with foundation because it was so pigmented and bright. Now that I know how to properly apply the blush, it goes on beautifully and lasts all day. I think this compact will last me years!

  

Eyelashes + Eyelash Glue by J. Cat Beauty

Style: EL 15

Full Size: $3.99 (1 set)

Size Received: $3.99 (1 set)

Cause a ruckus as you bat your voluminous faux eyelashes! Each includes an individual eyelash adhesive for endurance through a night on the town! Eyelash glue is latex free, perfect for sensitive eyes, lashes can be used up to 10 times, creates the perfect natural look.

My Thoughts

I was born with obnoxiously long eyelashes; don’t get me wrong, I love them and they’re gorgeous, but when you’re a newbie trying to apply mascara… things can get a little bit tricky. I’ve now mastered the art of applying mascara without getting it on my lid, most of the time, but I will probably never need fake eyelashes. I considered giving this product a try, just for fun, but figured another girl would get more out of them than I would; so I listed it on eDivv. I am happy to say that I am expecting a purple twist tie, one of those fancy knotted hair ties, in exchange.

Cost of Bag: $10.00

Value of Bag: $32.86

 

Overall

This bag definitely had some hits for me, but it also had a couple of misses. I was really only able to use three out of the five products, but all three were fantastic! I cannot complain because the value of the bag was over three times the cost + I received the adorable cosmetic bag; you can’t argue with that value!

What did you receive in this month’s Ipsy bag? Did you have any favorites?

If you’re interested in trying Ipsy yourself, here’s my referral link!

 

Numi Organics SAVORY Tea!

Hello my lovelies!

I recently decided to actually start using some of the very different items that I received in a “Conscious Box” before the holidays. I never recorded an unboxing video or wrote a blog about the box because it was just too different for me at the time. However, after taking a second look at the items I received, the contents of the box were actually quite usable and wholesome; but I digress. This post is about Numi Organics Savory Tea.

 

YES, “savory tea”! Thank goodness I read the label on this adorable tea sample as I was about to enjoy it for breakfast with sugar; yuck! After taking a closer look at the tea, I realized it was meant as a savory snack alternative; therefore, I decided to save it for before my lunch hour.

 

 

The sample that I enjoyed was “Fennel Spice”. It is described by Numi Organics as follows:

“Coaxed by the soothing scents of freshly cut fennel, this crisp concoction will transport you to the enchanting European countryside. The soaring flavors of sweet licorice envelope the earthy fullness of celery root while slivers of orange peel and decaf green tea delight the palate.”

YUM!!! I was especially intrigued by this tea because I’ve been on a diet for about two weeks now and thought this would be a perfect “snack” for when I was craving something earthy and salty; without adding a ton of extra calories! Plus, it gives me an additional cup of water – score!

ALL of the ingredients in “Fennel Spice” are organic and as follows:

• Fennel
• Celery Root
• Orange Peel
• Onion
• Dill
• Decaf Green Tea
• Honeybush
• Black Pepper

Numi Organics offers much more than just savory tea, but since I had never even heard of savory tea before, I was eager to learn more! They offer a total of six flavors:

• Beet Cabbage
• Broccoli Cilantro
• Carrot Curry
• Fennel Spice (the one I tried today)
• Spinach Chive
• Tomato Mint

 

I enjoyed my first, and definitely not last, cup of Numi Tea before my lunch hour and instantly fell in love. In fact, I already ordered a box of their “Garden Sampler” for $7.99. The Garden Sampler includes 12 bags of their 6 savory tea flavors; 2 of each. I am most excited to try the “Tomato Mint” and “Carrot Curry;” they sound divine!

TIP: If you sign up for their newsletter online, you receive 10% off your first order!

The moment the bag began to steep, I could smell each ingredient. My office cubicle smells amazing; like I’ve been working in the kitchen for hours over a delectable broth base. I could totally see myself enjoying this before lunch and as a late night snack. I love that the tea contains no caffeine, it is extremely satisfying and tastes delicious!

 

 

Overall, the “Fennel Spice” is probably not my favorite flavor out of their options (only because I’m not a huge fan of fennel), but I cannot WAIT to try the other 5 savory treats!

On the back of my tea sample, Numi provides several examples of when to drink their savory tea:

• As a satisfying snack alternative to hold you over
• As a great compliment to a light lunch
• As a savory way to mix-up your tea routine
• As a comforting cup when you’re under the weather
• As a snack on your next hike or camping trip
• As a delicious brew for cooking rice or noodles
• As a tasty addition to your next cleanse
• As a great companion to keep at your desk or take on the road

Have you ever tried Numi Organic Tea? Would you be tempted to try something as bold as savory tea?

 

 

 

Feeling Great with Fiber One Protein Cereal!

 

Hello my lovelies!

I thought that I would post one more review of my new favorite breakfast cereal; Fiber One Protein! I was lucky enough to receive two free boxes from General Mills along with a handful of great $1.00 off one box coupons! I actually have 3 coupons left and will mail them to the first three comments on this post; just message me your address on Facebook or send it to me via email (a.eyler06@gmail.com).

I used to HATE eating breakfast. I know it’s the most important meal of the day, but I just didn’t like eating it and when I did, it was very minimal and probably lacking a lot of key nutrients. When I was first introduced to Fiber One Protein Cereal, I ate it like any person would eat cereal; with milk.

 

This is the delicious Maple Brown Sugar flavor; my favorite!

Then, I decided to get a little crafty and add this deliciously crunchy cereal to other breakfast-y items.

 

They make an excellent crunchy topper to pancakes and waffles!

 

The PERFECT crunch to my favorite Greek yogurt!

The other flavor option to this brand of cereal is Cranberry Almond. It is delicious as well, but disappointed me in the lack of actual “berries”. I decided to amp things up a bit and add a nice little mixture of dried berries myself.

 

Blueberries, green raisins, goji berries, and cranberries… oh, my!

Have you tried the new Fiber One Protein Cereal or any other Fiber One products?