The Beauty Lover Tag

August 25, 20165 Comments

If you could have anyone in the world do your makeup, who would it be?
Joyce Bonelli, the go to makeup artist and friend of Khloe Kardashian.

What’s your top makeup tip?
Eye shadow primer. It makes ALL the difference.

What one makeup item could you not live without?
Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Wiz & Brown Gel

What one skincare item could you not live without?
Daily facial moisturizer

What are you worst at when it comes to applying makeup?
Highlighting/Contouring

What’s your biggest pet peeve when it comes to beauty?
Cost. Beauty is art but it’s also a trend that many companies are currently cashing in on. This increased hype and easy access to professional products has increased demand which means constantly increasing costs.

What’s your favorite makeup era?
The 80’s, all those electric neon colors.

What’s your guilty pleasure product?
Anything Christian Louboutin beauty.

What’s your underdog product?
Sephora waterproof liquid eye liner

What’s your favorite makeup product of 2016?
SEXY Too Faced eye shadow palette

Ipsy March Glam Bag Review

April 4, 2016June 2, 2016Leave a comment

NYX Cosmetics – Liquid Suede Cream Lipstick
nyxcosmetics.com

Full Size Retail Price: $7

I am new to the NYX liquid lipsticks but I love them. This Suede Cream lipstick is super lightweight and glides on effortlessly and dries to a highly pigmented matte finish. NYX boasts that it is also waterproof so it’s long wearing.

Final Verdict: NYX liquid lipsticks are a must try!

Starlooks – Luxe Longwear Eye Pencil in Jet
starlooks.com

Full Size Retail Price $19

Loving my introduction to Starlooks! This black eye pencil is highly pigmented and has a mechanical applicator. For those of you who remember life before mechanical pencils, for makeup and for writing, you know how great this is. The consistency is soft and glides on smoothly without pulling your eyelid which a lot of other eye pencils do.

Final Verdict: Must try up-and-coming beauty brand.

Living Proof – Perfect hair Day Dry Shampoo
www.livingproof.com

Full Size Retail Price: $12-$22

I do not typically use dry shampoo’s but I have tried other Living Proof products so I gave this particular dry shampoo a try. The application is easy and leaves no residue as long as you spray just a enough to coat the root and blend into your scalp. It smells great and doesn’t leave any residue or build-up behind.

Final Verdict: Living Proof is a fantastic haircare brand!

TEMPTU – Warm Glow Bronzer

temptu.com

Full Size Retail Price: $64 Sun Kissed AirPod Bundle

It is know doubt that TEMPTU products are uber professional and their AirPods give you an all over coverage that can only be applied via airbrush. If you have the money to spend on high quality makeup application then TEMPTU is for you. Their bronzer is full coverage and super lightweight. The shade I have is definitely too dark for me and even when applying a small bit of product I received a lot of highly pigmented coverage (see photo).

Final Verdict: Great for those who have the time (and $$$) to spend on their makeup.

Aphrodite Skin Care – Replenishing Eye Cream

www.aphroditeusa.com

Full Size Retail Price: $27.99

On Sale Now for $23.99

The only time I try anything “anti-aging” is when I get a sample. At almost 27 I am not yet concerned with aging. Even though I know it’s never to early to combat aging. This eye cream is definitely hydrating and comes full of all the best ingredients like 0rganic extra virgin olive oil and high levels of natural active ingredients such as Argan Oil, Evening Primrose and Shea Butter. The only thing I didn’t like was that it did not absorb very quickly even when using a small amount (smaller than a dime).

Final Verdict: Not for me. Well maybe in like 20 more years.

What Order Do You Apply Your Makeup?

April 2, 2016June 2, 20164 Comments

This is my everyday makeup routine, in order from the first item I put on my face to the last!

1. Moisturizer – I only use about a quarters size for my whole face and let is set before moving on to #2

2. Foundation – applied all over my face, including over and under my eyes

3. Concealer – under eyes and over any particularly bad acne spots

4. Bronzer – under my cheekbones, the edge of my forehead, jawline, and sides of my nose

5. Blush – brushed lightly across my cheekbones

6. Highlighter – under my eyes and the bridge of my nose

7. Eyebrows – filled in with a pencil and set with brow gel

8. Eyeshadow Primer – I dab it on my eye lids and the crease. I let it sit a minute so its feels sticky before applying eyeshadow

9. Eyeshadow – applied light to dark starting with the inside of the eye and ending with the crease

10. Eyeliner – always black with a little cat eye

11. Mascara – always black, waterproof for everyday

12. Lipstick – because after all that my lips look naked without it

In what order do you apply your makeup? When I wrote this all out now it feels like a lot but I can actually get it done in like 10 minutes. What do you think? Too much for an everyday routine?

5 Beauty Products I Can’t Stop Buying

July 15, 20158 Comments

Over the last four or five years my makeup collection has grown, especially during this past year. Though with all the new additions I find there are some products that I just can’t let go of. These are the products that if discontinued would drive me to tears.
Maybelline New York Dream Smooth Mousse – 200 Creamy Natural Foundation
This has been my foundation for the last eight years. Lately I have been finding it harder and harder to find which has me panicking a bit. For me foundation has always been a way to even my skin tone and cover up the occasional blemish. The Dream Smooth Mousse is perfect because it goes on light and smooth and doesn’t clog my pores.

Maybelline Dream Smooth Mousse

Urban Decay Eye Shadow Primer Potion – Original
This is the only eye shadow primer I use. And if I could get everyone in the world to purchase it I would. I love the formula, it never creases and the 24-hour wear it promotes is completely legit. Urban Decay recently updated the packaging and applicator. I have not had to purchase a new bottle yet but have tried out the applicator in store and I am not a huge fan. I prefer and am used to applying my primer with the original squeeze application and my fingers. It will be hard to get used to the new applicators. The .33 oz retails for $20 and is totally worth every penny.

Urban Decay Eye Shadow Primer Potion

Sephora 24hr Waterproof Colorful Eyeliner – Black Lace
I remember going to purchase a replacement and accidentally buying the non-waterproof and the applicator is different so I freaked out thinking Sephora had changed their applicator. That is when I realized I was hooked. If you have ever attempted to apply liquid eyeliner than you understand why I had a meltdown. Once you learn how to apply with a specific applicator it is very hard to learn any other way. The 24hr waterproof eyeliner is amazing. It is fast drying when applying and lasts all day, but not really 24hrs. The best part is that removal is so easy all I have to use in a makeup remover wipe. No waterproof remover needed. It comes off in almost a stretchy glue like consistency. Which is why I don’t really refer to it as 24hr wear cause if you rub those eyes or jump in a pool that stuff is coming off. This product retails at $12 and lasts for at least 3 months which is a total bargain.

Sephora 24hr Waterproof Colorful Eyeliner

Benefit Watt’s Up Soft Focus Highlighter
I got hooked on this highlighter after I received it as a free sample from Sephora a few years ago. I managed to get buy for a couple years on two samples but then came the point when my samples ran out and there was no new one to replace them. I will be honest $30 is a lot to spend on a highlighter especially for me as I only use it on my under eye/cheekbone area but I figured it would last awhile. While I love the formula and the shade I wish the retail version came in a couple of sizes as I find it hard to use the large .33 oz stick on small areas of my face. This product only comes in a .33 oz (unless you are lucky enough to get a sample) and retails for $30.

Benefit Watt’s Up Soft Focus Highlighter

Make Up For Ever Rouge Artist Natural Lipstick – N9
This obession also is due to a free Sephora sample. I do not remember why I received it but as soon as I put it on I knew it was MY everyday shade. It was like MUFE had created the shade just for my lips. It also helped that the formula was extremely moisturizing and of course its MUFE which means its instantly amazing. The only thing I would say is that it is not a long-lasting formula. That is reserved for the Aqua Rouge lippies that I love to wear matte. Those never come off! Anyway MUFE is my favorite brand so I am glad the have my favorite lipstick and I will buy this shade forever! As long as they let me.

Make Up For Ever Rouge Artist Natural Lipstick

Beauty Before Brunch | Sephora Event

April 13, 20158 Comments

As a VIB Rouge rewards member I received an invite to the Beauty Before Brunch event this past Sunday at Sephora. This was the first event I was eligible for and the first one I have attended.

Purchased Items

Sephora Green Tea Mask
Peter Thomas Roth Mini Masks
Tarte “the sculptor” face contour stick in “Park Ave Princess”
Tarte “Amazonian clay” concealer in “fair-light”
Sephora Collection waterproof liquid liner in “Black Lace”

Purchased Items | Sephora

Gifts/Samples

Living Proof night cap overnight perfector
Clarins Shaping Facial Lift
Marc Jacobs Daisy perfume
Too Faced Better Than Sex mascara (100 rewards points)
Tarte Flush cheek stain (gift after purchasing two Tarte products)

Samples/Gifts | Sephora

VIB Rouge Gift Bag

Fold-over Sephora pouch
Marc Jacobs Daisy perfume sample
Formula X Nail polish in “Paramount” (full size)
BUXOM Lip Cream in “Pink Lady” sample
Benefit Puff Off sample
Shiseido Ultimune sample
Caviar Repair Instant Recover Shampoo & Conditioner sample
Nude Omega treatment milk sample

VIB Rouge Gift | Sephora

As a new VIB Rouge member I was not sure what to expect as I had read reviews from other members that said Sephora events rarely happened and when they did they were disappointing. The Sephora I attended for this event was in Sarasota, FL at the new UTC Sarasota Mall. This mall opened back in October so it is still in its first year.

While the event was lovely and I received several sample gifts as well as the VIB Rouge gift bag. I felt a bit like the mini-makeovers and help I received was geared too much towards getting me to make a purchase. As a VIB member I have obviously spent a significant amount of money at Sephora. So I would really like to see the event be geared towards teaching me new beauty techniques, thanking me for my continued support of their store, etc. It felt more like I was at one of those at home jewelry parties that shove overpriced products down your throat while telling you how philantrophic the company is. That was my only suggestion but the event was fun, the associates were very friendly and welcoming. I cannot wait for the next event.

February Favorites

February 28, 20152 Comments

Lost Girl – February Favorites 2015

Beauty: MAKE UP FOR EVER
Basically anything from MAKE UP FOR EVER Professional. Their Rouge Artist Natural lipstick is to die for. My everyday shade is N9. I have finished my sample size I received from Sephora and already purchased a full size. If I could afford a lifetime supply I would purchase it now just to be sure I would never run out. And do not even get me started on their Limited Edition Fifty Shades of Grey collection. Check out these two posts to truly understand my obsession: Fifty Shades of Sephora and Dior & Fifty Shades of Grey.

MAKE UP FOR EVER & Fifty Shades of Grey

Fashion: Black
To be fair I have always been a fan of black. It’s slimming, it’s classy and it basically goes with everything. Lately though I have been doing a lot of all black outfits. This is something I never used to do because I just felt either too dressed up or too dark, it’s a fact that bright colors tend to make us happier. This past month I have really embraced the “all black everything” motto and I love it. If you haven’t given this classic look a try go for it! I still pair my all black outfits with a colorful shoe or at least a gray shoe just to keep it interesting.

Blogger(s):
VELVETGH0ST – Gabby is my #1 Youtuber so when she started her blog back up I could not be more excited. If you don’t know Gabby you are definitely living under a rock (or you just have more of a life than me). She is super sweet, down to earth, hilarious human being, and she has a killer accent since she is from the U.K. Go check her out if you haven’t yet!!

Technology:
GroupMe app by Mindless Dribble Inc. – This is app allows you to start group conversations with all the people in your life. You can name each group so you know who is in it, for example you can have a group for your work friends, college friends, and cousins all separately. The app allows you to send photos, emoji’s along with your typical text messages to all devices. So an IOS device can share emoji’s and photos with an Android device. The app has it’s own emoji’s as well as ones you can purchase through their store. You can also use your own emoji’s already loaded on your device. Try it out it’s wicked fun.

Food(s) & Restaurant(s):
Healthy Wraps – I make mine with sliced ham, cheese, lettuce, cucumber, and shredded carrots with ranch on the side for dipping.

The Rice Bowl in Bradenton, Florida – This is my go to when I am in the mood for sushi/maki. I am also a big fan of their beef lo mein.

Movie(s) & T.V. Show(s):
Fifty Shades of Grey – This does not need an explanation, go see it if you are over the age of 18. Here is the link to the Fandango site to order tickets, you’re welcome.

Cinebistro – Fifty Shades of Grey

Firefly – This is a space western T.V. show from around 2002, I know it sounds strange but watch it. There’s one season and then a movie to wrap it up called Serenity.

Music:
Fifty Shades of Grey Soundtrack – Again this does not need an explanation, go to iTunes and buy it. You’re welcome in advance.

A Perfect Circle Radio on Pandora – This is a station I listen to a lot at work. I have a very broad musical taste and this is not a mainstream top 40 type of station. If you like Tool, 10,000 Days or Puscifer you will like this station.

MAKE UP FOR EVER Fifty Shades of Grey - Give In To Me

Dior & Fifty Shades of Grey

February 15, 20151 Comment

This particular work week has been the toughest since starting at this new company about 3 months ago. So last night I needed some serious retail therapy and that means Sephora! Also I was trying to kill some time as I had tickets to Fifty Shades of Grey at 11:05 p.m. After Sephora I ended up in the cosmetics section at Dillard’s.

At Dillard’s I was drawn in by the Dior displays. I have always admired the Dior cosmetics for their flawless packaging and designer heritage but had never sampled any of their products. Currently I have a sample size of the Miss Dior scent Blooming Bouquet which I love so I stopped to smell the other Miss Dior scents.

The lovely sales woman got me talking about what type of make-up I used and what I had recently purchased at Sephora as I had the bag in hand. She could tell that I was fully stocked on the most essential beauty items so she brought me over to show me the new Dior Cheek and Lip Glow. I was instantly hooked by the product as it was a two in one item that was a lip gloss stain as well as a cheek tint. I do not have anything like it in my current beauty collection so I new I had to have it and that it would be a great first Dior purchase. Currently it only comes in the one shade 001 which is described as a “blushing rosy tint” so it is very pink. I am not sure if Dior plans on coming out with other shades but I believe 001 is a fairly versatile shade although I recommend going into sample it before purchasing. And if you go to the Dillard’s at the UTC Mall in Sarasota, Florida ask for Marlein at Dior she is wonderful. Before I left she made sure to make me an appointment for the Dior Backstage Artists who are coming at the end of the month.

Dior Cheek and Lip Glow – Shade 001

Last Sephora Saturday I wrote about my purchase from the MAKE UP FOR EVER limited-edition Fifty Shades of Grey collection so if you haven’t read that post I would read it now before continuing.

I know I said I was having a hard time justifying the purchase of the additional MAKE UP FOR EVER limited-edition Fifty Shades of Grey items but with the movie finally here I lost all self control and went ahead and purchased both the Give In To Me Makeup Kit and the Tease Me Lip Set in the shade Innocent.

MAKE UP FOR EVER – Give In to Me (keepsake box)

The Give In To Me Makeup Kit comes with four Artist Shadow palette in I-514, ME-612, S-556, I-625; a Graphic eyeliner; a Smoky Extravagant mascara; a Rouge Artist Natural lipstick in N4; a Lab Shine lip gloss in D14; and an exclusive keepsake box. The shadow palette shades are my typical everyday neutrals so it was a perfect purchase which I know I will get a lot of use out of. The lip gloss is fabulous although I realized when I got home that I already own the shade D14 which I purchased on Black Friday as one of the $10 Sephora deals. The graphic eyeliner is so precise I may switch from my favorite Sephora brand. This eyeliner applicator is made for perfecting a winged look or cat eye. The mascara I currently have a sample size of so I new the full size would make a great addition to my growing mascara collection. I have been thinking about doing a review on all the mascaras I own, let me know in the comments if you are interested in a post like that in additional to weekly Sephora Saturday’s. And if you did what I suggested by going back and reading last weeks post you know how I feel about the Rouge Artist Natural lipsticks. I will not stop until I own them all.

Artist Shadow palette in I-514, ME-612, S-556, I-625; Graphic eyeliner; Smoky Extravagant mascara; and Rouge Artist Natural lipstick in N4.

Artist Shadow palette in I-514, ME-612, S-556, I-625

MAKE UP FOR EVER – Rouge Artist Natural lipstick in N4; a Lab Shine lip gloss in D14

The Tease Me Lip Set in the shade Innocent includes an Aqua Lip lip pencil in 3C, an Aqua Rouge lipstick in shade 3, Clear and a Lab Shine lip gloss in D16 which also came with the Black Friday $10 Sephora deal. Currently the Sephora website no longer has the two shades of the Tease Me Lip Set available for purchase so I would hurry to your local Sephora before they are gone. Especially for the passionate shade as it contains the Limited Edition Shade 50.

MAKE UP FOR EVER Tease Me Lip Set – Innocent

Tease Me Lip Set – Innocent – Aqua Lip lip pencil in 3C, an Aqua Rouge lipstick in shade 3, Clear and a Lab Shine lip gloss in D16

All of the items that are part of the MAKE UP FOR EVER limited-edition Fifty Shades of Grey collection come with pamphlets on how to re-create Anastasia’s looks from the movie. I cannot wait to sit down and start re-creating looks from the hottest movie of the year. There are sure to be some photos to follow.

Let me know what you think of these products and be sure to see Fifty Shades of Grey which is in theatre’s now!!! “Laters Baby!”

Fifty Shades of Sephora

February 8, 2015February 8, 20159 Comments

This Sephora Saturday is all about Fifty Shades of Grey. I recently picked up some items from the MAKE UP FOR EVER limited-edition Fifty Shades of Grey collection. If you knew me personally you would know all about my obsession with Fifty Shades of Grey, I have read each book so many times I’ve lost count. So when I saw these limited-edition pieces from MAKE UP FOR EVER I knew I had to have them. All the pieces were used on the set of the Fifty Shades of Grey movie by Victoria Down, Head of the Makeup Department for Fifty Shades of Grey. Definitely check out Sephora’s Glossy interview with Victoria Down where she spills all her secrets from the set.

The first item I picked up is the Tease Me Lip Set in the shade Passionate (it also comes in a nude shade called Innocent). This set includes an Aqua Lip lip pencil in Matte Raspberry 10C, an Aqua Rouge lipstick in Limited Edition Shade 50, Clear and a Lab Shine lip gloss in D4 Shimmering Grenadine. The set also includes a pamphlet on how to re-create the different looks from the movie.

MAKE UP FOREVER Tease Me Lip Set – Passionate

Now let me just say my favorite, and everyday, lipstick is MAKE UP FOR EVER’s Rouge Artist Natural in N9. I love the quality, the moisturizing formula and how it just gives a little pick-me-up to my natural lip color. So I was not surprised when I tried on the Aqua Rouge lipstick and was blown away by the quality and long lasting wear. The first time I wore it was to a party where I was constantly sipping a cocktail and not one spec of that lipstick came off on my glass the entire night. That was the night I also realized that limited-edition Shade 50 is MY color. It packed just the right punch of sass without making me look like I had tried on my mothers lipstick. So basically no one buy it so I can purchase every last set. Just kidding, but not really. I would recommend this set to all and especially the Aqua Rouge lipsticks from MAKE UP FOR EVER. It is the perfect lipstick for all day wear, and special events where you need long lasting coverage.

From left to right: Aqua Lip lip pencil in Matte Raspberry 10C; Aqua Rouge lipstick in Limited Edition Shade 50; Shade 50 with Clear; and Lab Shine lip gloss in D4 Shimmering Grenadine

The second item I picked up was the Desire Me Cheek Set. This set includes three Artist Shadow blushes in I-526, I-808, S-748, a Travel Precision blush brush in 150 and an exclusive keepsake pouch. The set also includes a pamphlet on techniques and backstage secrets from the set of Fifty Shades of Grey movie. The set is designed to let you go from a healthy innocent glow to seductive flush of desire and everything in between.

Desire Me Cheek Set – Three Artist Shadow blush in I-526, I-808, S-748; Travel Precision blush brush in 150; and Exclusive keepsake pouch.

My favorite shade has been I-808 which I like to use on my brow bone and then also mixed with the S-748 on my cheeks. The S-748 is a lovely color but on my skin tone it looks a bit orange by itself which is why I combine it with the I-808.

From left to right: I-526; I-808; and S-748.

The one set I have not yet purchase because firstly its pricey and second I have just not been able to justify it is the Give In To Me Makeup Kit. This set comes with four Artist Shadow palette in I-514, ME-612, S-556, I-625; a Graphic eyeliner; a Smoky Extravagant mascara; a Rouge Artist Natural lipstick in N4; a Lab Shine lip gloss in D14; and an exclusive keepsake box. As the movie release draws closer I find I have less and less self control and may cave in and buy it.

Please let me know your thoughts on these products and the MAKE UP FOR EVER brand in general. Also let me know if you decide to go out and purchase these items after reading this. I love to know that I am not alone in my Sephora or Fifty Shades obsession. Be sure to come back next Saturday for my next Sephora Saturday post.

Sephora Satur… I mean Sunday

February 1, 20159 Comments

While I planned on getting my first Sephora Saturday post up on time sometimes life just gets in the way. So the first Sephora Saturday post has turned into a Sephora Sunday post.

I went to my local Sephora on Friday night with a friend because she really needed to pick up a few new items. While I wasn’t really shopping for anything myself I always find something I must have. This week I was introduced to the Sephora Collection Colorful Eyeshadow Custom Palette Case and MAKE UP FOR EVER Aqua Eyes.

The SC Custom Palette case comes in a 3-shade palette and a 6-shade palette but I decided to go with the 3-shade. My everyday routine includes an eye shadow look that typically is 3 neutral shades as I have blue eyes. I like to try new shades but am not interested in the large palettes with multiple colors I know I will never use. This seemed like a great alternative and I get to choose my own shades and Sephora has many to chose from. Also Sephora has a deal where if you purchase 2 or more shadows you get the 3-shade palette for free (a $12 dollar savings) and if you purchase 4 or more shadows you the the 6-shade palette for free (a $14 dollar savings).

The shadow shades I chose were: Girl talk N45, Safari N95, Sirens charm N111. My plan is to use the Girl talk on the inner of my eye as a highlight since it is a beautiful champagne color with sparkles, then use the Safari across most of my eye lid, and finally blend the Sirens charm across the brow bone and into the eyelid.

The other item I picked up was the MAKE UP FOREVER Aqua Eyes waterproof eye liner in the shade Turquoise 7L. This turquoise is so stunning I won’t even try to describe it, GO SEE IT IN PERSON. It is a beautiful blue with some sparkle and I would recommend it to everyone. This eyeliner with set you back $19.00 but since it is MAKE UP FOREVER it is totally worth the price. This brand is very quickly becoming my go to as their products are truly professional, long lasting and come in many diverse shades.

So my recommendation at this point is for you all to head to Sephora right now and try these products for yourself. After all you can’t believe everything you read.

Blogging 101 – Assignment #4

January 8, 2015January 16, 20153 Comments

Today’s Assignment: publish a post for your dream reader, and include a new-to-you element in it.

This assignment I found difficult because of what I know to expect when dealing with an online community. Unfortunately I think my dream reader is just what the name implies, a dream. My dream reader turned out to be a carbon copy of me which could turn out to be a complete nightmare. I went for it anyway and here are the results.

My dream reader would be anyone who reads my blog and can agree, relate, understand some of the crazy, rude, irrational, and sometimes inappropriate thoughts that I share. This ‘dream reader’ would totally love and understand my need to one day rant about how much I hate people who can’t drive and the next day rave about my newest Sephora purchase.

I am an onion. There are so many layers that make me who I am and I want my ‘dream reader’ to appreciate that. The only thing they can expect when reading my blog everyday is the unexpected. Since I blog when I am happy, sad, angry, excited and every variation in between you never know what your going to get. This blog is all about what goes on in my head and my ‘dream reader’ wants to get inside my head and know me better than anyone without judgement.

I want my blog to be a place I can go and share how I really feel unedited and without restraint. My ‘dream reader’ needs to appreciate that regardless of whether they agree or not.