The Beauty Blender Just May Be the Best Thing Since Sliced Bread

Greetings!

If you've been living underneath a rock for the past two years then you probably have no clue what a Beauty Blender is, if you haven't then I'm sure you already know what it is I'm about to present to you.  I've always understood the Beauty Blender to be a rounded cone shaped sponge that one could use to apply foundation either wet or dry, nothing special, right?  Wrong!  I tried it and fell in love instantly because of its ability to blend seamlessly into my skin, leaving me looking flawless!

The Beauty Blender on the left is dry and is smaller and has been used to apply my foundation, when the Beauty Blender is wet the sponge expands like the one seen on the right.  When I apply my foundation I like to mist my sponge so that the foundation can spread easier leaving me to use less so that I'm not caked up, although there are days when I leave it dry because there are days when I don't mind being caked up. :) 

This picture shows the bottom of the sponge, this is the side I like to use to apply my foundation, it covers a decent amount of my face at a time and feels smooth, I've heard that the knockoffs feel hard during application, not the case with the original.  

This side shows the rounded tip, the side I use to blend in my concealer underneath my eyes, it gets in there easily and I don't have a problem with it getting into the crevices of my undereye area.  

 
Here I wanted to show you all how pliable it is, the material does not feel like it will tear but I'll be sure to keep you updated on whether it does but I doubt that it will unless I let my nails grow out, lol.  If you are new to makeup I would totally recommend this product as it makes applying foundation that much easier, as long as you pat the Beauty Blender gently your makeup will come out looking polished, perfect for achieving that blended canvas.  I purchased a double pack from Amazon for a decent price of $21.99 but I'm told that it's more expensive if you get it from Sephora.  There are three color options to choose from, pink, black, and white. 

It's a great product and ever since I've been using it my makeup looks much more refined, like I did more than I actually did, just apply your foundation, concealer, and BLEND FOR YOUR LIFE! 

Maybelline Does It Again! Maybelline Color Elixir Lip Color Swatches

Hey Y'all!

Recently Maybelline surprised us with another addition to their amazing lip color line, the Color Elixir Lip Colors.  When I first saw these in store I did not know what to expect from them being that the case looked like it housed a lipstick instead of a lip gloss, I passed.  After weeks of seeing a particular color pop up on the blogosphere I decided to mosey on down to the nearest drugstore and get it for myself, problem was, I couldn't find it, yup, purples are always the hardest to find.  Long story short, I eventually stumbled across it yesterday and decided to pick it up along with another color.  Here's what I picked up!

Left to Right: Fuchsia Flourish & Vision in Violet

Top: Vision in Violet Bottom: Fuchsia Flourish (FLASH)

No Flash

Indoor Lighting

These colors went on very smoothly and reminded me of a luxury brand consistency, well done Maybelline!  There is a scent that reminds me of cherry bubblegum but isn't noticeable once applied to the lips.  The gloss wand is a doe foot applicator and allows for smooth application.  The price is $7.49 at your local drugstore which is a decent price for the quality.  I can't wait to wear these!  Have you tried them yet?  Tell me in the comments!

So me and Black Dahlia are Official!

Greetings!

Remember earlier this week I posted my quick Sephora haul, if not, click here.  I wanted to share with you all what this shade looks like on me in a very quick face of the day, this has become my go-to look as of late with minimal makeup and a bold lip so Black Dahlia definitely fit the bill!  Check it out!

Black Dahlia is a lip tar that can be purchased online either at Sephora or at the Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics online store.  Whether you get a full size or a mini like I did it won't skip on the color or the longevity of the shade.  I'd totally recommend it! 

A Quick Haul from Sephora!

Greetings!

It's been a while since I came to you all with a haul and it is a bit misleading considering I have purchased makeup since my last beauty haul posted here on the blog, forgive me, I will do better.  :) It's almost finals time and soon that will be occupying all of my time so I figured I'd come to you all with the fruit of my retail therapy. 

During this time of year brands repackage some of their bestsellers in gift form so that the newbie or even the expert can have a taste of what's been talked about the most this past year.  Of course I'm down for the cause since I love a value so I chose to partake in the new Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics mini lip tar sets, you could four miniature lip tars for just $20!  These babies normally range for $18 each in regular size, yeah, you may not get as much product but you do get to try three more than you normally would for just two bucks extra! The colors that come in the gift set are Memento, NSFW, Anime, and Black Dahlia (my current fave!).

I also decided to go ahead and purchase the mini Lorac Tantalizer bronzer, I saw the big one and made the clutch decision that I didn't need THAT much bronzer, lol.  The price differential was also a swaying factor me as well, this wonderful bronzer was only $7!  

(Flash) Left to Right: Memento, NSFW, Anime, & Black Dahlia 

(No Flash) Left to Right: Memento, NSFW, Anime, & Black Dahlia

Pretty, right?  I know!

LORAC Tantalizer bronzer

LORAC Tantalizer bronzer

with flash

no flash

no flash

Overall, I'm happy with my purchases and I look forward to divulging my cosmetic needs with VIB Sephora sale coming up, my list is long and my budget is short, PRAY FOR ME Y'ALL!  LOL

On A Trip to Wet N Wild Land....

Greetings!

Okay, so the title of this post is a bit corny but that's okay, it's with good reason.  :)  The seasons have changed once again and that means in order to brighten up our sometimes dreary moods that accompany such change we can always look to our nails for a sunnier disposition.  Today I bring you another nail color from Wet N Wild cosmetics called On A Trip, a bluish-purple nail color that I've fallen in love with.  I love how it isn't neon but it is bright enough to be considered a fun color!  This is a gorgeous cream color that I would recommend to anyone on the market for a blue based purple, consider it blurple, lol.  Look for yourself!

Wet N Wild Megalast- On A Trip

Wet N Wild Megalast- On A Trip

So what do you think?  Yay or nay?  For less than two bucks and found at almost any drugstore I call it a steal!

So Many Options I Need Protective Style Suggestions!

Hey Beauties!

Please trust that I have been taking pictures with the full intention of posting them to the blog with awesome reviews and recommendations but I have been busy with school and work and that takes priority over everything, SORRY!  But I will start to make time to devote solely to blogging, I just need to figure out when that time will be, so stay tuned!

In the meantime, I need some serious help from you all and all suggestions are welcome!  I'm a protective style fiend and I'm always looking for the next style but for some reason I am stumped on what to do next, I know I want braids of some variation but I'm not sure what style, there's just so many options!  LOL  Below I'll include some pictures of ideas I have in mind but you are also free to tell me of some other styles that you may have tried and how you liked them.  Please keep in mind I live in South Florida and I am sensitive to heat and my hair....I am the type to take my hair out if I feel like it's too hot after a few days...yeah. 

So go ahead, help ya girl out, I'd appreciate it!  Oh, and those big poetic justice braids are out of the question, I did those this past summer and my edges did not appreciate the heaviness of each braid.  All images provided by Google.

September 2013 Hit List (Favorites)

Hey all!

That's right everyone, it's that time of the month where I present to you the products that I've been using consistently for the month of September.  Surprisingly enough all the products for this month are drugstore products which may be beneficial to you all on a beauty budget.  For this past month I literally used all of these products everyday and that says A LOT considering how many products I own, I have the tendency to bounce around several products because I don't like neglecting my products, LOL.  Enough of the small talk let's get to the goods!

Milani Baked Bronzer in Glow--This is a great product for those of us that like to look like we've been basking in the ambience of fairies.  What I like most about this product is that it is super easy to blend and pretty much fool proof to use.  Some highlighters or bronzers can leave you looking a plum fool if you apply too much but with this, if you apply too much you can easily bring it up to your temples without looking overdone.  It is a baked product if you wish you can also dampen it with your brush to go full force with your highlight.  It's only $5.99, you can't beat that!  Oh, yes you can, with the next product....lol

Jordana Blush in Cinnamon Spice--After reading about all the buzz about Jordana blushes on a ton of blogs this past summer I initially thought that I would pass on getting more blushes because I felt that their PR overdosed on their exposure to the masses, I don't like to feel forced to get a product so I passed.  It wasn't until I received a gift card from Cherry Culture that I went ahead and purchased one blush from the line.  I decided to go with this shade because it seemed neutral enough for a brown girl like me and the price is only $2.49!  I'm glad I made the purchase because it's one of my go-to's for an easy going day look!  It's super pigmented and a great blush for those who are still on edge about roaming into blush territory.  GO GET YOU ONE!

NYX Nude Matte Eyeshadow in Dance the Tides--Easily a dupe for MAC's Brown Script, this is the ultimate crease color for me, not too red, not too orange, not too dark, perfect!  I actually stumbled across this because I couldn't find Brown Script at any MAC counter or online which is weird.  I went to Ulta one day and this seemed close enough, lo and behold it's now become my favorite.  So much so I purchased four more to put in my quad eyeshadow palettes so I can always have a transition color when I'm traveling.  It's only $4.99 and you are likely to snatch it up in a promotion that Cherry Culture, Ulta, or Target is having on beauty products.

Maybelline Baby Lips--Finally, I put this off as well because of it's overexposure, I figured it would be another lame product that I would end up tossing, not true.  After application Baby Lips leaves my lips feeling smooth and supple, never to have that dreaded white line of demarcation after a series of conversations, you know what I'm talking about.  It varies in prices from $3.99 to $4.99 so it won't break the bank.  It comes in cute colors and depending on how fair or deep your skin is you can actually get a little color payoff if that's your thing in a lip balm.

Welp, that's all folks!  What were some of your favorites for the month of September?  Do share!

Clockwise: Milani Baked Bronzer in Glow; Maybelline Baby Lips; NYX Nude Matte Eyeshadow in Dance the Tides; Jordana Blush in Cinnamon Spice

How I Deep Clean My Makeup Brushes--Super Easy

Greetings!

Today I come with a post that pertains to something that we all hate to do but certainly must and that is washing our makeup brushes.  For years I took the route of washing my brushes, no matter the bristle type, with baby shampoo and then rinsing them off with lukewarm water.  That method took longer than I liked and to be honest I wasn't noticing that deep clean that one should notice when they spend Saturday nights deep cleaning their makeup brushes.  I would always notice residual product in my brushes which would force me to re-wash my brushes with the baby shampoo a number of times before all product was completely washed out.  I'm not about that life.

Enter my new found love:

As we already know, I love Shea Moisture products and recently I came across this post by the lovely beauty blogger, Fancie of Fancieland.  Needless to say she sold me on the product and a few days later I was hitting the pavement to get my own bar of soap.  Let me just tell you that it only takes one wash to get ANY brush completely washed, this is love.  It does not leave a scent behind once dry but when the brushes are wet you can smell a mix of lemon and ginger which thankfully dries down.  Below are before and after pictures of my dirty brushes, I've compiled them side by side so that you can have a clear picture of the sorcery that happens after cleaning them with the soap. 

 You'll need about a cup of water and of course the bar of soap handy. :)

First I dip the bristles into the cup of water and then I swish the brush around the bar of soap making sure to build up a lather, then I gently massage the brush and proceed to rinse with lukewarm water and voila!  My brushes are still soft and none them fell victim to shedding.

See that?  My e.l.f. foundation brush is practically like new again because of this hefty soap.  8 ounces of this soap is sure to last me a while and at $4.99 I would say it's a steal because of the amount of product you're getting, it's dual purpose (you can also use this to shower/bathe), and it's an all natural product.  I would definitely recommend if you're in the market for a brush cleaner that actually works and won't break the bank. 

Have you tried this before?  I'd love to hear from you!    

CoverGirl Queen 3-in-1 Foundation Review

Hey All!

It's been a while and I thank you all for your continued support of my blog.  I want to let you know that I appreciate it and look forward to providing you all with content that is useful to you.  :)

Today I come with a review on a monthly favorite that was last seen on this post.  Since then I have been using this foundation for all of my looks because it really is that good.  Normally I would provide a picture of my bottle of foundation but since my bottle looks a mess I'd rather spare you and instead insert a stock picture so you know what to look for the next time you're in your favorite drugstore or mass supermarket chain.

Let's begin with the coverage of this foundation, this is a medium to full coverage foundation but can easily be considered in the full coverage arena because of the thickness of this product.  I'd recommend steering away from this product if you're more on the "less is more" spectrum of makeup wearers because I'd consider this  a foundation for those of us that are more interested in the flawless, "beat face" categories.  It can be mixed with your daily moisturizer to be a tinted moisturizer but then it'd limit the full capacity of such a great foundation.

What I like about this foundation the most is its ability to provide your face with an even canvas without looking overdone, it just looks like you were born with great skin.  A lot of times full coverage foundations can make us look "cakey" with little product, not the case with this, it offers a beautiful finish and because it is a part of the Queen line it comes in several brown girl friendly shades that range from light skin to dark almond skin tones.  For your reference my shade is in rich mink.

There is no discernible scent to this product and that is much appreciated because I am not a fan of scented foundations because those always seem to irritate my skin.  I also appreciate the fact that this comes with a pump for easy usage and a clear glass bottle so that you are able to see how much product is left over time.

It's been a while since I last finished a bottle of foundation and that's because I always felt the need to switch things up for different occasions but for this I was able to switch this product for work, a late dinner, and for glamorous events.  It's definitely multifaceted in that it can be built up or can be muted and I really like that!  I would definitely recommend this to everyone because it certainly is worth it since it is reasonably priced and easy to locate.  As an oily skin consumer this is also the cream of the crop because this foundation was able to keep my face matte for the majority of the day and leaving me semi-matte in the later hours so if you're looking for a foundation that won't grease you up, this is it.

Have you tried this product yet?  Did you like it?  Tell me in the comments.

Sinful Colors Has Got You Covered with Oasis

Greetings!

As you may already know, I never shy away from a pink nail color, pink lipstick?  Yes, but pink nail polish?  I'm all over it, KNOW ME.  Now that we've got that out of the way, let me introduce to you what's adorning my nails this week. 

Sinful Colors in Oasis

Sinful Colors is a drugstore brand that offers reasonably priced beauty products, my favorite from them are their nail colors because you can find an array of colors for $2 a piece, not bad.  I've never had a problem with the consistency changing in warmer temperatures so that's a plus.  The color is not unique but it is pretty so if you're in the market for a pink nail color, you should try this one out. 

What are you wearing on your nails this week?  Tell me in the comments! :)

May 2013 Hit List (Favorites)

Greetings!

This month was a great one makeup wise, I was reminded of the things that I love wearing when I went rummaging through the stash to decide what adjustments were needed for the new season.  I came to the realization that "less is more" and my makeup is more reflective of that notion.  So here are the things I reached for the most this past month.

Clockwise:  CoverGirl 3-in-1 Foundation in Rick Mink, CVS brand Sunscreen (SPF 30), MAC Extra Dimension Skinfinish in Glorify & C.O. Bigelow Rose Salve

 CoverGirl 3-in-1 Foundation-- I can't get enough of this foundation, it provides great medium to full coverage and keeps my face semi-matte, I do find that the power of this foundation is based on the face primer you use underneath.  I tried two different kinds and one definitely had me looking greasy in contrast to the other.  Of course my Revlon PhotoReady face primer was the one that kept my oilies at bay, the other one, not so much.  My shade is in Rich Mink if you're curious.

CVS brand sunscreen in SPF 30-- Honestly, it doesn't matter what sunscreen you use just as long as it's sunscreen over SPF 30, it's summertime folks, be safe out there and don't get burned!  :)

MAC Extra Dimension Skinfinish in Glorify-- Of course this glorious invention was discontinued but unlike it's collection sisters, Superb and Whisper of Gilt, from it's original release last summer this one did not receive as much shine.  I think this shade looks stunning on darker skinned women and when applied on the high points of the face all you have to do is turn around and watch your skin beam with radiance.

C.O. Bigelow Rose Salve--  Summer staple under all of my bright colored matte lipsticks from MAC, because let's be honest those things dry out your lips but with this underneath you are saved from chapped and cracked lips.

Want a full review on any of the products mentioned?  You got it, just tell me for which one in the comment section.  :)

Could It Be That I've Found the Greatest Pink Lip Ever?

Greetings!

Let's get this clear, I'm not a huge pink lipstick wearer, I'm more partial to the red, nude, and orange persuasion so that fact that I decide to even pick one up and to then proceed on applying is a big deal.  When I picked this particular color up one day while perusing Target I figured I'd try it out, I mean if I don't like it I can always return it, right?  Right.  A few days pass and I don't wear it, a week passes, still, no luck, fast forward two weeks and I'm in a rush out the door and it's the first tube I see on my way out the door, I haphazardly apply it on my lips in my car and to my surprise it's nothing like what I expected which is a good thing.  

Enter said lipstick here:

CoverGirl Lip Perfection in shade Tempt, 355, is everything I would want a pink lipstick to be, it is not gaudy and is dark enough not to be considered childish in the office.   I think it is a very sexy color on it's own but if you'd like you could darken it up even more by applying a dark lip liner or wear it straight like I do.  The consistency is very smooth and glides on the lips, it does have a sheen but isn't glossy, it feels moisturizing on the lips and lasts pretty much all day, even through eating.  At lunch time I gnawed on a Subway sandwich and after checking my lip situation the color was still there, THIS BABY STAINS!  I love the fact that it is long wearing and for those who hate reapplying throughout the day, this is for you.  

Overall, lovely shade and the price is very reasonable, so go check it out and tell them I sent you (well, not really, they won't know who you're talking about but you get my drift, lol).  

Are you on your way to the store yet?  Go! 

Shea Moisture African Black Soap Cream Mask--Review

Greetings!

The weather has gotten increasingly hotter here in South Florida and with that my face is at war with me but don't fret, I have plenty of things to combat this, enter Shea Moisture.  I really can't say enough great things about this line because everything I've tried from them I've raved about including this cream mask.  You may be familiar with this mask as it was featured in my April favorites post, go check it out!

This particular mask targets those stubborn blackheads that seem to emerge during the hotter months for me.  I've been using this product for a solid six months and the results are impressive.  I usually apply it on my face when I begin to notice a blackhead emerging.  There really is no scent which is also a plus since I'm not a fan of scented face masks.   The price is reasonable at $11.99 found at Target, mine was purchased with a gift set so it is smaller than what you would find if purchased individually.

Ideally I would apply this on my face and show you all what it looks like on my face but.....it's black, lol, no black face here.  The mask does not get hard and it is advised that you wear for 15 minutes before rinsing it off.  It isn't the driest face mask and depending on where you leave it it can be a bit watery in consistency, so make sure that it doesn't drip on your fine linens.  Would I recommend?  Absolutely!  Shea Moisture continues to please me with their products, I will definitely be adding more of their products to my collection.

So what do you think?  Have you tried this before?  Tell me in the comments!

April 2013 Hit List (Favorites)

Greetings!

I hope April was as gorgeous for you wherever you are as it was in sunny Florida!  The sunny and breezy weather was a warm welcome to the new season and with this change so has my skin been adjusting as well.  During warmer months I typically change up my skincare routine to accommodate the climate change, otherwise, my face would be craters full of unidentifiable objects.  This is why my favorites for this month are skincare related except for two products, well, kind of, one does have SPF, so I guess it is skincare related, lol.

Here are my faves for the month of April:

Clockwise: Walgreens Apricot Scrub, bareMinerals Touch Up Veil in translucent, Shea Moisture African Black Soap cream mask & Maybelline Dream Matte Mousse in Dark 3

First up is the Walgreen's generic version of St.Ives apricot scrub, I've never tried that one but if it's anything like it's knock-off cousin then just as soon as this one runs out I'm getting that one!  After use of this scrub my skin is left feeling super smooth and refreshed, there is no dry feeling for me afterward either!  It is also paraben free which is a plus for skincare products, this ensures that harmful chemicals aren't entering your system.  SCORE!


Next is what is a foundation, it is the Maybelline Dream Matte Mousse foundation in the shade Dark 3.  I've been using this foundation for quite some time now and I am in love.  In the heat of Florida I'm never concerned about foundation dripping down my face because of sweat, it stays put and does not leave me feeling like a cake face.   Overall, I love this!

Then we have bareMinerals touch up veil in translucent with an SPF of 15.  It comes in a cute compact with a powder puff stamped with the bareMinerals logo.  It is imperative that you pat this product on as opposed to wiping it on, if you wipe it on you will look ashy and that's just not cute!  I always use this on top of my foundations to give me that extra finish, very rarely must I touch up during the day with this on.

Finally, we have the Shea Moisture African Black Soap cream mask, wonderful for removing blackheads which are a concern for me.  Unlike other facial masks this product does not become hard on the face but rather sets to a clammy texture on the face, the directions advise that you leave on the face for 10 to 15 minutes but I normally do rebel things so I leave it on for 20 minutes.  I use this at night so that I can see the full results once I wake up in the morning.  I wake up to clearer skin and less blackheads.

That's it for this month!  Let me know what you think and tell me what's been your favorite go-to's for April!  See you in the next post!

Zoya Nail Color in Dree--Color of the Week

Greetings!

I'm back again and this week I figured I'd go the more toned down route and wear a color that's more work appropriate and came across Zoya's Dree.  This is a subdued neutral based green that wears well and looks professional.  I love Zoya polishes because they last long and deliver a shiny finish without the need of a top coat, and did I mention how dry they fast too? 

Here's what Dree looks like...

This is a cream finish and delivers fully opacity in two coats, the pictures above are two coats, no top coat!  Great, right?  I think so too.  You can find this color on Zoya's website for $8, not too shabby for a high quality polish like this one.  What are you waiting for?  Go get you one! 

In Need of a New Moisturizer--Suggestions from the people?

Greetings!

Once again I'm coming to you all to help in my search of a product that I'm in the market for.  Recently, my Cetaphil moisturizer has run out and now I need something else to replace it.  Although the Cetaphil moisturizer did the job it would leave my eyes burning for a few minutes after applying and we all know that that is NOT CUTE!  So I'm looking for a replacement that is just as moisturizing minus the burn.  I have oily skin so an oil control and SPF lotion is very necessary. 

Do any of you have recommendations?  What works for you?  Please share in the comments section!  I love to hear from you all! :)

New Nail Color of the Week--KleanColor Nail Lacquer in Pastel Teal

Greetings!

Did you miss me?  I said, DID. YOU. MISS. ME?!?  Remember that episode from Martin with Tommy Davidson?  If not, then you're probably too young.  LOL  Well, while I've already aged myself let me redirect your attention to what I'd like to refer to as a powder blue nail color, don't fret because the name throws me off too because it is not a bit of teal but don't worry, I've got you covered.  This IS powder blue, not teal.  Got it? Good.

I figured that since spring is here we ought to be rocking pretty pastels and this is one of them.  Check it out!

This color is a cream and reaches full opacity with two coats but I applied mine with three coats because I'm overzealous. :) If you're looking for something that definitely stands out in the crowd then this is your color, especially since it's springtime!  Go ahead and grab yourself a lily and start prancing around in your lace tops and pleated skirts, this color was made for you! 

The price ranges but it still remains pretty cheap, I got this as a gift but you can find these nail colors at Beauty Joint for $1.75!  Go ahead, and splurge and buy two, maybe three, or four.....

P.S. If you didn't get the Martin reference from the jump, click here to get up to speed.  Funny, right? 

What are you wearing on your nails this spring?  Tell me in the comments!