Sunday, September 4, 2016

NEW L'Oreal Pure Clay Masks - Exfoliate, Detox, Purify

I am soo very excited to share this post with you all today. I've been making sure to make skincare a top priority over this year and masks have been a major contributor to attaining the smooth flawless skin I strive for. That being said, you can imagine my anticipation and excitement when L'Oreal Paris released a line of Pure Clay Face Masks. This line of skincare is an outstanding example of a sophisticated and affordable option for skincare junkies. With 3 options to choose from, L'Oreal did a great job of providing options for every skin type


1. Pure-Clay Exfoliate and Refining Treatment Mask
2. Pure-Clay Detox and Brighten Treatment Mask 
3. Pure-Clay Purify and Mattify Treatment Mask 

All three masks contain a blend of 3 pure clays as the base for each mask, as well as a specific key ingredient, giving each a specific purpose. 

Koalin ; a highly effective natural clay which absorbs impurities and excess sebum
Montmorillonite; a mineral rich clay that helps to illuminate imperfections
Ghassoul; a highly concentrated pure clay enriched with minerals known to help clarify your complexion


Beginning the the Exfoliate and Refining Mask, this acts as a double duty skincare heavy hitter by first clearing out clogged pores while the mask dries, then once water activated, turns into a tough yet gentle exfoliant, sure to remove any stubborn dirt and grime deep within pores. It's key ingredient, Red Algae, gives this mask it's noticeable red color. This immediately became my favorite of the bunch, I love when a product gives you the most bang for your buck. This two-fer is definitely a keeper. 


The Detox and Brighten mask is loaded with the power of charcoal, this masks essentially acts as a magnet for dirt in clogged pores, extracting the dirt to the surface of the skin, revealing a clear and radiant complexion for all skin types. After using this for an entire week, my skin was truly glowing from the inside out. My favorite thing about this mask is, while the mask lays on clean dry skin you can actually see it pulling the dirt to the surface of your skin.


The last of the bunch is my favorite to use before a night when I want my skin to be babydoll perfect. Loaded with Eucalyptus, this masks purifies and mattifies the skin while providing a soothing and tranquil experience. Also, the smell of eucalyptus lingers on your skin until it dries flat.
Once washed off with warm water, skin is matte, but moisturized providing a clean blank canvas for makeup.

I've been thoroughly impressed with these babies since the moment I tried them.
My favorite way to indulge is to use them all in specific targeted areas to get my skin absolutely flawless.
They retail or anywhere from $11.99-$15.29 at drugstores and big box retailers.

So, have you tried these? Which one(s) will you be picking up, and why ?

Thanks for stopping by, XO

Monday, August 29, 2016

August 2016 Favorites and Regrets

Hey, Hi, Helloo !!
Alright, so this month I tried a ton of new products and didn't love them all. I figured I'd share the products that didn't work out for me to help you, help yaself. 

Let's jump right in 


1. Eylure Luxe Lashes in Gilded
During a July trip to Ulta, I noticed a gorgeous new line of faux mink lashes by my favorite drugstore brand. So I obviously had to try them. 
Eylure released three styles in a new Luxe line of lashes, I purchased two in the styles Gilded and Opulent. 
I've been wearing Gilded nonstop this entire month. 
The band is extremely thin, lightweight and flexible. The lashes themselves are so thick, glossy and beautiful, they've replaced my Ardell Demi Wispies as an everyday lash. 
They're not as natural looking by any means as the Demi Wispies, but they instantly take an average easy makeup look to another level. And if you're like me, being a little extra is never a bad thing. 
If you're looking for some affordable, game changing lashes go pick up a few pairs of these babies. 


2. Makeup Revolution Baked Vivid Highlighter in Golden Lights
If you follow me on instagram, you may have already noticed an increase in use of Makeup Revolution products in general, and for good reason. I plan on doing an entire brand review for you guys, because Makeup Revolution doesn't get enough hype as far as I'm concerned. But that's coming up very soon. 
A few months ago I bought a baked highlighter in the shade Radiant Lights from this brand, and was immediately impressed. The pigmentation is ridiculous for the price ($5.99 at Ulta), so naturally I picked up Golden Lights. 
You guys, when I say this is the most beautiful, creamy, irridescent white gold highlighter I have EVER used... it's a big deal. 
When I try to go back to other highlighters, I'm underwhelmed (is that a word?) Even adding just a soft touch of this on top of any other highlights just amplifies the glow, and when you wanna be seen from space, and you want to blind people with your highlight. This is definitely for you. 

3. Lancome Visionnaire Nuit Beauty Sleep Perfector
I've always been weary of expensive night creams, mainly because I'm broke, and ballin' on a budget has always been my motto when it comes to skincare, but I'm not 18 anymore and my skin is beginning to show it. Which is normal. This entire summer I've been on a mission to clear up my skin completely, a task I didn't think would be too difficult, but I've bought, tried, and returned more skincare products in the past 3-4 months than I have in my entire life. So after doing some research and searching for advice, my roommate recommended this night cream to me. 
I have mild-moderate texture on my cheeks and jawline. It's more annoying than anything, and I've never been able to get them to go away and stay away for more than 6weeks. 
I've been using this night cream, without fail for the past 5 weeks and the texture is almost gone.
I apply a thin layer onto skin after removing my makeup and washing the day away. And it's made a huge difference. 
After the first week, my skin glowed in the morning. 
After the second week, I noticed less texture and a more even skin tone 
The results keep coming and I am nothing less than ecstatic. 
Especially with being a beauty blogger, I notice more imperfections than most people on my own skin, so the possibility of getting completely flawless skin is amazing. 

4. Morphe M437 (not pictured)
I've been using this brush for sculpting my face the entire month of August, and it's made applying and blurring out the contour powder an absolute dream.
If use to side of the brush to pick up product and initially place the product on to my cheekbones.
Then using the very top of the brush for blending out the lines and perfecting.
If you're looking for a new favor contour brush. This one might be it.
I have a few other brushes that I'm trying for contour, but this had been by far the standout brush of the month.


5. Lancome Grandiose Extreme Mascara
I wear falsies literally everyday, and have for the past 6months or so. So you could say I'm extra. But whatever.
I picked this up after throwing out 12 tubes of mascara (I know !) and I'm so happy I did.
It has a swan neck wand that allows for the most precise application even on the teeniest lashes.
The applicator does an amazing job at lifting, volumizing and separating my sad baby lashes, and ever since purchasing this mascara I've opted to go without a false lash if I'm just running errands.
It may not seem like a big thing, but it is you guys. It really is. 

6. L'Oreal Paris Pure-Clay Exfoliate & Refining Treatment Mask
If you didn't know, L'Oreal Paris released a brand new line of Pure-Clay masks that you can pick up at your local drugstore. I've been obsessed with perfecting my skin to create an even canvas for makeup for a few months and this has been a game changer. I'm working on a full review that will be up early next week, so I don't want to go into too much detail, but if you're looking for an affordable 'do-it-all' mask. I highly recommend this.

Now,  a few products that just sucked for me. 

1. Airspun Translucent Powder
The only reason you might not be familiar with this product is if you're an Alaskan Bush person and dwell in trees and under rocks. This powder has been talked about all over the internet and social media for what feels like forever and I've never tried it. I 100% completely regret this powder and here's why.
I used this first for setting my liquid foundation one day, after snapping a few selfies noticed the most intense white cast. Okay, so then I tried setting my undereye concealer with this, and it made my oily undereyes look like paper machet. Then finally, just for shits and gigs, used this to bake different areas of my face. And it was terrible. The only way to get rid of the awful powdery residue on my face was by dousing entirely too much setting spray or misting water which usually resulted in my foundation then looking patchy, or eye product dripping on to my skin.
If you like this awesome, but if you're weary I would stay away.
Especially if you're dry. Even a little.


2. Makeup Revolution Mermaids Forever Palette
I'm still shocked that this baby is on the regrets list. I'm going to keep trying it out just to be sure that is actually sucks, but... you guys... this palette just did not work for me.
This palette with 30 shimmer eyeshadows is worse than the old BHCosmetics palettes to me.
The eyeshadows just do not adhere to any brushes.
Synthetic, Natural hair, lip brushes, eye brushes, fingers, nothing.

3. St. Ives Even & Bright Pink Lemon and Mandarin Orange Scrub
Ohmygod, this thing is awful.
It did not exfoliate my skin at all you guys. Like I hated myself for buying this after the first time I used it. In May (!!!) It's been sitting in my shower, and I've been trying to love this stuff, but it's just really really not good. The consistency is enticing, it's creamy with small moderately abrasive granules to get deep down into your pores and release all the dirt, but when applied to the face it truly feels like you're just rubbing a thick lotion into your skin.
After washing this off my face has never looked any different or better, even with continued use.
I really tried to love this, but ugh, it's just bad.


Thanks so much for stopping by, XO


What products were you loving / hating this month ??




Friday, August 19, 2016

G L O // U P

Hey, hi, hellooooo !
Okay so if you've been following my blog journey for a while now, then you know I started this little baby when I was away at school a few years ago.
Since then I've had a few hiatuses and periods where I truly just didn't have the mojo or inspiration to keep this blog a float.
That being said, I think it's important to reflect on the growth I've had over the years.
I deserve it. 

So, I went back in to the archives and found a few of my most viewed posts and I've decided to recreate those looks, or re do them completely using the same color scheme. 
Now lemme preface this by saying, back in the day....ya girl didn't have the skills or tools she has now, so prepare yourself to be shocked by the amount of unblended creases, badly shaped eyebrows and other really terrible things. 
Progress is a really beautiful thing. Ha. 


So let's jump into it. Now that you've readied yourself. 
The first installment of these posts is a redo of my White[Gold] Hot look.
If you wanna check out the original post with details and other unflattering images from 2011... feel free. 



And here is my updated 2016 take on this look.
EYES
Anastasia Dipbrow Pomade in Chocolate
Wet N Wild Beauty Photofocus Primer
BHCosmetics 120 Palette
Morphe Brushes eyeshadows in Caramelized, Rosewood and Secretive
NYC Color Cosmetics Liquid Liner in Jet Black
Eylure Luxe Lashes in Gilded

FACE
Lancome Teint Idole Ultra in 470 Suede
Nars Creamy Radiant Concealer
e.l.f. cosmetics High Definition Undereye Powder
Ulta Mineral Powder in Translucent
NYX Cosmetics Powder Blush in Spice
NYX Contour Kit
Makeup Revolution Baked Highlighter in Golden Lights

LIPS
Maybelline Color Jolt lipcreme in Nude Thrill

Thanks for stopping by, xo !

Friday, July 1, 2016

June Favorites 2016

Alright, I hate to harp on how quickly this past month flew by, but really... June came and went faster than a one night stand dude. Truly. 

One day I was dating everything 6/1 and then what seemed like a week later, rent is due. Yet again. 
I don't have any brand new items to talk about, here's my list of items I couldn't stop using this month. 

Hope you enjoy. 

Clinique Take The Day Off Makeup Remover
When I first started getting really into makeup during college, Clinique was the first 'high-end' brand I could afford, and I used their 3-step skincare for a few years without even trying this makeup remover. 
This was also before liquid lipsticks became my obsession and my nemesis. But now that I have close to 50 of these badboys, mama needs a remover that won't completely ruin my lips. 
In step Take The Day Off Makeup Remover. 
I can't speak on how well it removes foundations and eye makeup because I solely use it when I'm wearing stubborn lipstick (ie liquid lipsticks), and it works wonders for me !
I apply it liquid on a cotton pad, and start wiping my lips from the lipline in and when I'm finished there isn't a trace of product on my mouth. 
If you're having trouble finding a product gentle enough to remove your liquid lipsticks, I recommend this. It's not a drugstore price, but you get what you pay for.

Clinique Rinse-Off Foaming Cleanser
I rediscovered how much I love this phucking stuff when my roommate(who works for a Lancome Counter) brought home a bunch of these little sample bottles. 
You've probably noticed in up-close photos, I have a bit of texture on my cheekbones, this shit made it vanish.  
With using half a dime size amount of this every morning and evening my face is as clear as all hell, and I ain't mad at that. It lathers up really nicely when activated with water, and when rinsed off leaves your face feeling clean, moisturized and ready to go. 
Can you ask for anything more?

Eylure x Vegas Nay Grand Glamour Lashes
I truly don't have a negative thing to say about this product, for around $7 at Ulta or Target you can buy these incredible triple stacked lashes and easily take any eye look to the next level. 
These wear beautifully on the eye and with decent maintenance they can last for weeks. 
You need to try theses if you haven't yet. 

Maybelline Fitme! Liquid Foundation in 335 Classic Tan
For the longest time I was mixing 2 colors of this liquid foundation to match my skin tone, but a month or so ago the brand released a few new shades and this is the perfect color for me. 
I've been using it non-stop and for $6 it's definitely one of my all time favorite drugstore products. 

NYX Lipsuede in Soft-Spoken
I've had this lipstick since it released, and it's never let me down. But recently I rediscovered it and fell in love with it all over again. It's a beautiful mauvey-brown when it dries down and it just suits almost any neutral look perfectly. I had to buy a backup of it, that's how much I've been using it. 
If your skin tone is close to mine, or not this would probably look beautiful on you 

Thanks for stopping by, XO


Sunday, June 26, 2016

Strawberry Champagne - Day 6

Hey everyone !
This the last day of Morphe Week, did you love it, or was it too much ?
I'm all about hearing your feedback because I'm still figuring this whole blog thing out
I really hope you loved it, if you missed any days you can check them all out here
Day 1, Day 2, Day 3, Day 4, Day 5
If you guys liked this I'll try to do more swatch posts.
But like I said, here's the last look

ENJOY !

EYES
Colourpop Brow Pencil in Bangin' Brunette
L.A. Girl Pro Conceal in Honey
Ulta Translucent Mineral Powder
Morphe individual eyeshadows in Caramelized (transition), Fiesta (crease), Rosewood (crease), Secretive (outer v), Glisten (brow bone)
Eylure Lashes in 145 Exaggerate
Loreal Telescopic Mascara

FACE
Milani Prime Perfection 
Ulta Demi Matte Foundation 
L.A. Girl Pro Conceal in Honey - to highlight and conceal
e.l.f. High Definition Undereye Setting Powder
Ulta Translucent Mineral Powder - to set entire face
e.l.f. Blush Palette in Dark
Wet n Wild MegaGlo Highlighting Powder in Precious Petals

LIPS
NYX Cosmetics Lipsuede in Vintage

Thanks for stopping by, XO


Friday, June 24, 2016

MORPHE WEEK - DAY 5

Okay everyone, today's post is all about Morphe individual shadows.
If you haven't seen the other posts from Mophe Week, definitely check them out 
Let me start out by saying they're $2.29 each but is comparable in quality to Makeup Geek and Anastasia. These are phucking amazing. 
Seriously buy a few of these. You won't be disappointed. 
You'll notice that 1 of the pans is larger, that's because I have one of their Premium eyeshadows ($6) and the quality is just insane. 
For $6 it should be an okay color, with okay pigmentation and okay staying power.. but it's so much better than okay. 
Morphe is killing it when it comes to affordable makeup. 

Let's jump in to it. 



from left to right 
Burlesque, Dazzling, Golden Glory, Honey Baked, Glisten, Perfection(my favorite brow highlight at the moment)

Deep Cocoa, Nuts For You, Caramelized, Cafe Macchiato, Deep Skin
Deep Skin is almost the same shade as my skin, so whenever I use too much product or need to clean up edges, I always reach for this. 
It never hurts to have a shade identical to your skin simply for this reason. 


Rosey Posey (premium e/s) Wink For Pink, Fiesta, Sassy, Rosewood, Secretive
Rosey Posey is just a pinch more peach than Wink For Pink. I don't know if you're able to tell in photos. 

Tokyo Tea, Ocean Frost, B.A.M., Aloha, Breakfast At Tiffaneez, Naughty Girl. 
The only shadow that has less than excellent color pay off is Breakfast At Tiffaneez. 
I had to run my finger in the pan 4times in order to get this very light baby blue eyeshadow to even show off on camera. It makes it super difficult to use on my oily lids. After a few hours of it on, it truly just fades away which is sad, because it's such a unique matte baby blue shade. 

Dramatic Cat Eye - Day 4

Happy Friday !!
It's a beautiful day in NEPA and this week was equally as beautiful. 
My first full week in my new leadership role was amazing, and I'm finally enjoying going to work !
Speaking of things I'm enjoying, this cat eye thoooooughh...
If you're petty and wanna show your ex's new thing that they still ain't shit... 
This is how you do your makeup. 

If you've missed the previous Days of Morphe Week, check them out here

Now that you're caught up, enjoy Day 4 !!


EYES
Anastasia Beverly Hills Dipbrow Pomade in Chocolate
Morphe Brushes 35K
Maybelline Gel Liner in Blackest Black
Eylure xVegas Nay Grand Glamour Lashes

FACE
NYX Angel Veil Primer
Maybelline Fitme! Liquid Liner in Classic Tan (335)
NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer 
e.l.f. High Definition Undereye Setting Powder
Maybelline Master Fix Loose Perfecting Powder
NYX Powder Blush in Cinnamon
Makeup Revolution Baked Highlighter in Radiant Lights
Morphe Brushes 35K (used matte brown e/s to contour the nose)

LIPS
NYX Pencil Liner in Coffee
Colourpop Lippiestix in Flawless

Thanks for stopping by, XO

Thursday, June 23, 2016

MORPHE WEEK - DAY 3

Hi everyone,
Welcome do Day 3 of Morphe week here on the blog.
Check out Day 1 and Day 2 !
Today's post will be exclusively on the 35K Palette. 
I've been really digging this one for a number of reasons, it has both warm & cool shades, with a handful of really amazing shimmers with RIDICULOUS intensity.
This palette definitely doe not get the recognition I feel it deserves, if you're not a huge fan of warm browns, golds, oranges and red, this is your jam.
Perfect for everyday work or school looks, but with lots of deeper, darker shades that allow you to turn it up a bit. 

Without talking too much, let's just get to the swatches. That's why you're here anyways.
All the swatches are taken outside, with no flash so the colors are true to life.


ROW 1

ROW 2

ROW 3

ROW 4

ROW 5

Hope this was helpful guys
Thanks for stopping by, XO

Wednesday, June 22, 2016

G I L D E D - Using Morphe 35O

Hey everyone !
Today's look is using the Morphe 35O Palette, if you haven't been able to get your hands on it yet, follow the brand on social media, they always send out notifications when this beauty is back in stock.
I was one of the lucky few who were able to buy this when it first released last year, and it's been put to VERY good use. 
There are hundreds of Youtube tutorials and write-ups on major beauty influencer's blogs, so if you don't like the look I have for you today, don't worry. You will definitely find a handful of looks to fall in love with.
If you haven't seen this week's first post, you can check it out here
I love how this looks and the versatility of it. 
If you add some glitter in the center you can easily transform this from day to night. 

Let's jump into it !

EYES
Anastasia Beverly Hills Dipbrow Pomade in Chocolate
Wet n Wild Photofocus Eye Primer
Maybelline Master Fix Setting Powder (all over eye to make blending easier)
Morphe35O Palette 

I found the trick to an effortlessly blended halo eye is starting with your transition shade directly after applying your primer, and then layering and blending the outer and inner corners of your eyes and then lastly applying a color in the center of the lid. 
It took me a few days of practicing before creating this look. 

FACE
Nivea Men Sensitive Post Shave Balm
NYX Angel Veil 
Ulta Demi-Matte Foundation
Maybelline Better Skin Concealer
e.l.f. High Definition Undereye Setting Powder
Maybelline Master Fix Setting Powder
Milani Face and Body Bronzer in Tantasic
NYX Blush in Cinnamon
NYX Contour Kit

LIPS
Milani Amore Matte Metallic LipCreme in Chromatic

Thanks for stopping by, xo 

Tuesday, June 21, 2016

MORPHE WEEK - DAY 1

Are you guys excited?
I phucking hope so, I've been wanting to do this since this brand has BLOWN up on the interwebs. 
So welcome to Morphe week. This week there will be 6 days of posts.
Day 1 is full swatches of the 35O, Day 2 will be a look using 35O, Day 3 will be full swatches of the 35K, Day 4 will be a look using the 35K, Day 5 will be all on their individual eye shadows, and then Day 6 will be a look using some of the shadows.
Get excited, because this is kind of a big deal
So without anymore chit chat. Let's do it. 

If you haven't browsed the Morphe website, here's a quick synopsis of what you'll find, individual brushes, brush sets, individual shadows, eye shadow, brow, blush, and contour palettes all top quality, affordable products from a rather recent brand. I have been using Morphe products for about a year, and in that time I've seen an amazing growth, primarily from their partnerships with Top Influencers like Jaclyn Hill. Now that they're a powerhouse within the beauty community, all of their products are highly coveted, and with plenty of reason. They keep getting better and better. If you don't believe me, let's take a look at their most talked about product, the 35O palette.

Featuring 35 warm neutrals, pinks, and cream shadows with an assortment of finishes, Foiled eye shadows, with the perfect mixture of mattes, shimmers, lustres and satins right off the back you can see why this palette is ALWAYS out of stock. But it's worth going to the site and refreshing your browser page every 5minutes for, I promise.

With the success of the 35O palette, Morphe launched an all matte, and all shimmer version of this holy grail palette, demonstrating one of the many reasons I love this brand. They satisfy their customers 110% and continue to roll with the punches to ensure top notch quality and 100% customer satisfaction !

The 35O along with the other varieties of their signature '35' Palettes are $22.99 + tax &Shipping.
The packaging is comparable to the bhcosmetics palettes, they're a kind of plastic material, with no inside mirror. But for $23, I mean, does it really matter? The quality of the shadows are unbelievable.
Take a look for yourself. 

ROW 1
with flash

without flash

ROW 2
with flash



without flash

ROW 3
with flash

without flash

ROW 4

with flash

without flash

ROW 5
with flash 

without flash

Thanks for stopping by, XO
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