February 2014 Favorites

Hello my lovelies!

Although it’s a little over a week into March, I wanted to start featuring monthly favorite posts; beginning with February. I did not necessarily receive these products in February, but I started using them on a regular basis during the “month of love”.

100% Pure Coconut Nourishing Body Cream

I received three foil packet samples of this lotion in a previous Birchbox and although I truly dislike foil packet samples, I was blown away by the scent and quality of this lotion. I immediately ordered a full size tube of this wonderful concoction from the Birchbox shop. I have always loved tropical scents, but have recently developed an intense addiction to anything coconut-y; possibly wishing for a tropical paradise vacation.

This is one of the most luxurious body lotions that I have ever used and I LOVE that it is 100% natural and 100% vegan. I normally don’t care if a product is “natural,” but I have lately developed a penchant for all things wholesome. I use this almost every day and will soon need to restock. Even though this lotion has a scent, I am able to apply it to extremely sensitive areas that are prone to dryness and cracking; and it not only seems to “cure” that area, but the scent does not at all cause irritation.

Black Magic Mascara by Eyeko

 

I received this generous sample size of mascara in a previous Birchbox and although I was immediately drawn to the unique packaging and curved wand, I tossed it aside as I was not “into” wearing makeup at that time. I picked it up about a month ago and decided to start experimenting. I have a handful of different mascaras, but find myself constantly using the Eyeko tube. It provides length, separation and definition, volume, and gives your lashes a great curl! It is extremely easy to use and the perfect size to stash in my purse if I didn’t have enough time to apply my makeup before running out the door!

Malin + Goetz Mojito Lip Balm

 

This fun find was in a previous Ipsy Bag and although the application process is not ideal, I love the formula, the scent, and how hydrating it is for my lips. I only use this product at night before bed and lather it on like there’s no tomorrow! Even if my lips are cracked, after one night of using this lip balm, I wake up to nourished and silky smooth lips. The mojito scent is fun and provides a nice tingling sensation. The only downside to this product is that the ingredient list is about a mile long; but as stated above, that doesn’t currently deter me from using products.

Smooth Minerals Lip Gloss in “Crystal Coral” by Avon

 

 

As a previous second job, I was an Avon Representative; and because of that, I have gobs and gobs of lip gloss tubes. Although most are nearing their expiration and will soon be tossed, I recently rediscovered this gem and love, love, love it! I keep this baby in the glove box of my car and apply it EVERY time I buckle-up. It’s a beautiful natural looking color, but still provides a nice pinky petal touch to my lips. It adds gloss, shine, and just enough color to really make my lips pop! You never know when you’re going to run into Prince Charming (or Princess Aurora) at a stop light.

***You can no longer buy this from Avon, but it can be found on eBay :(

Balm Me Up Organic Sweet Cocoa and Tangy Body Balm by Balanced Guru

 

I was lucky enough to be introduced to this company via my January Ipsy bag. This jar of heaven is beyond moisturizing. It is not something that I would use at the office, as it does not immediately absorb and can be slightly greasy, but oh my goodness is it phenomenal! I love anything and everything that provides moisture and this body balm is certified organic to boot! It has an enticingly sweet and tangy scent and provides long lasting moisture. Just like the Malin + Goetz lip balm, I apply this body balm at night before bed. I use it on my hands, elbows, knees, feet, etc. The essentials contained in this formula are: Cocoa Butter, Babassu Oil, Shea Butter, Sweet Orange, Lime, and Mandarin. From the picture, you can see that I’ve almost licked the jar clean. I plan on purchasing a full size jar in the near future.

Shea Sugar Body Scrub in “Coconut Lime” by Tree Hut

 

 

I’m almost embarrassed to say how long I’ve had this product and have only recently started using it. I was fortunate enough to score this Body Scrub (along with a gorgeous green loofah and Body Lotion) in a previous giveaway by extraordinary beauty blogger, Michelle from Beautiful Goodies. I’ve tried countless body / sugar scrubs, even extremely expensive brands, but have never come across one as superb as Tree Hut’s formula. It is extremely thick, not at all watery, and has a uniform consistency; even to the last drop of the container. This was my first introduction to Tree Hut and I couldn’t be more pleased. It provides an excellent exfoliation, the scent is divine, and it doesn’t irritate my sensitive skin. I have a ridiculous addiction to baths (bubble baths, oil baths, milk baths, baths with fizzies, etc.) and have found myself constantly using this Sugar Scrub near the end of my evening baths. Once this jar is empty, which is bound to be any day now, I will be on the hunt for another jar!

 

Have you tried any of these products? What were your February Favorites?

FIRST Mani Monday!

YAY! My first ever Mani Monday!

When it comes to applying nail polish, I’m still very much a newb. If I want a new set of color on my nails, I typically apply it on a Friday or Saturday night; allowing the excess / smudges enough time to vanish before I return to work on Monday.

Sadly, I was in a bit of a dark place Saturday night and decided to use a mood-fitting color. I’m struggling with a few things in life right now and am just trying to “keep calm and carry on”. Perhaps I’ll touch on this more in a future post… onto the mani!

For this week’s manicure, I decided to feature a dark purple; almost plum color as the base and regardless of my mood, I can never say no to sparkles. As a top coat, I used a glitter polish that has several different sized glitter flakes and appear slightly green / turquoise after application. Then finally, I used a recent purchase from Sally Beauty Supply (future mini-haul post in the works) to speed up the drying time of my polish.

Base Polish: “Midnight Plum” by Avon (Nailwear Pro Nail Enamel)

 

Top Polish: “Kristal” by Nubar

 

 

Top Coat: “RapiDry Quick Drying Top Coat” by O.P.I.

 

 

What do ya’ll think about this color combination?

 

 

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?