Beauty Product Review: Sephora, Maybelline, Benefit, Buxom, Vaseline, & Urban Decay!

It is no secret that I am beauty product obsessed!  Luckily, with my Birchbox subscription and my Ulta and Sephora obsession, I am never too far away from discovering my next and newest favorite beauty product.  This post originally had double the products in it (I have been a busy, primping lady) but I cut it in half for maximum exposure.  In no specific order, here we go: one: Sephora Instant Moisturizer  First of all, I was sure that this moisturizer would be TOO heavy for my combination skin.  It is advertised as "intense," and I feel that is does just that without being greasy.  I LOVE the smell, and it feels great on my face. two:  Maybelline BB Cream  If I have tried one drugstore BB cream, I have tried them all.  I like the consitentsy of this one... it's a little bit thicker and not runny.  Save your money for the $40 BB creams from Bobbi Brown or Jouer.  It is worth it to see the results. three:  Benefit They're Real Mascara  I had heard raves and raves about this mascara that boasts to lengthen lashes that "you never knew you had."  I definitely agree. It coats really well and the bristles are staggered, even on the end.  Reading the directions leads to optimum lash lengthening. (After applying mascara while holding the brush horizontally it is recommended to coat the lashes while holding it vertically to lengthen! IT WORKS!) four: Buxom Insider Eyeliner  I loved the color I received as a free points reward gift from Sephora beauty insiders, and it stays on really well!  I love stick eyeliners that you do not have to sharpen!  It won't replace my one true love, Stila. five: Vaseline Spray & Go Lotion  I saw an ad for this in a magazine and instantly ran to Walgreens to find it.  Well, I finally found it at Target.  I really love the idea of this and it is perfect for lazy gals.  You still have to rub in it, but you are guaranteed total coverage.  Perfect for the summer time! (It comes in the cocoa butter & aloe lotions, too) six: Urban Decay Naked2 Palette  I will always love my NAKED palette, but I was read to mix things up and finally invest in the Naked2. I love the shades, all great UD quality, with a two sided brush. (My favorite colors? Pistol, verve, & YDK.)

Five Things Friday

Happy March!  Now, come on Spring Break... get here PRONTO! Here are five things I am loving today!
Drinking And Tweeting and other Brandi Blunders I am loving the tragic car wreck that is this book!  Do yourself a favor and grab your kindle and a glass of wine and devour this easy read!

ASOS Curve Shift Dress in Animal Print I have been toying with buying this dress for over a week now! It is a great style, print, and color.  The best news came Tuesday when Gwynnie Bee added it to the inventory!  I can rent it before I buy it.  Check out more Gwynnie Bee fabulousness here, here, here, oh and here.

Embryolisse Lait- Creme Concetre (24-Hour Miracle Cream) I got this great goodness in my October Birchbox, but did not get around to using it until recently and I. LOVE. IT.  It soothes this ridiculously dry face skin I have to deal with until winter decides to leave me alone.

The Minty Dog Cocktail

I have acquired a newfound affinity for gin and grapefruit juice lately!  Adding a tad of mint sugar and giving it a fancy name just makes it more fun!

(Gin, Grapefruit, & Mint Sugar)

Not Your Mother's Beach Babe Sea Salt Texturizing Spray

I am testing out this product for Influenster and I love the way it adds a unique hold to my hair.  Adding some dry shampoo and NYM spray helps give me great hair on day 2 AND 3 after shampooing! Woohoo!

Books, booze, and good beauty products are a guaranteed merrymaking combination. It's definitely the best way to relax this Friday!  What are you chickens getting in to this weekend?

Beauty Feature: On Your Mark! Round Five

ON YOUR MARK! A five part beauty feature taking us on the journey of finding the ULTIMATE eyeliner.
The Contenders: {Round Five} 5. TARTE SmolderEYES Amazonian Clay Waterproof Eyeliner (in Plum)

The Tarte liner is a thicker, crayon liner that comes with a smudging stick on the other end.  I love the purple color, and I don't normally go for the colored liners!  I think it makes my eyes greener, and the thickness of the crayon is easy for application.  All in all, it smudges like a champ and stayed in place all day!  Plus side: Vitamin E and mineral pigments give this liner a boost! THE PREVIOUS CONTENDERS:  Stila | SmashBox | Urban Decay | bareMinerals STAY TUNED FOR THE WINNER ANNOUNCEMENT POST! Disclaimer: I am not a beauty guru, makeup expert, circus clown in training, or anything of the like.  I am not reviewing these products for any reason other than sharing my experience with my faithful readers.  Hope you enjoy! Feedback welcome.

Beauty Feature: On Your Mark! Round Four

ON YOUR MARK! A five part beauty feature taking us on the journey of finding the ULTIMATE eyeliner. The Contenders: {Round Four} 
 4. bareMinerals Round The Clock Waterproof Eyeliner

I had never used bareMinerals products before, so I had no clue how I would feel about this eyeliner.  I know they are proud of their minimal coverage foundation and the shake shake tap of the brush or whatever.  On to the eyeliner... it was a creamy, smooth application that really impressed me!  It gave really good coverage and lasted ALL DAY.  They name this eyeliner very accurately.  Like a few of the past products I have tried during this feature, this eyeliner has no parabens or sulfates or any of that bad junk!  Now I won't think twice about trying more bareMinerals products.

PREVIOUS ROUNDS: Stila | SmashBox | Urban Decay
Disclaimer: I am not a beauty guru, makeup expert, circus clown in training, or anything of the like.  I am not reviewing these products for any reason other than sharing my experience with my faithful readers.  Hope you enjoy! Feedback welcome.

Valentine's Day Gift Guide 2013

I've never been a fan of Valentine's day...  for the conventional reasons.  While I think bouquets of red roses are beautiful, I get really sad when they die & you have to empty out the murky, weird water.  I would rather be gifted a bag of sweet 'n sour Twizzlers than a box of chocolates filled with unidentifiable liquids inside. But alas-  I'm a sucker for all things heart-shaped in the delectable color scheme that is pink, purple, and red... so even though Ryan Gosling did not (yet) accept my rose this year, all is not lost.  Here are some gifts safe to gift any gal on February 14th- whether it be mother, sister, wife, BFF, teacher, coworker, post woman, etc, etc. You don't have to be pro-Valentine's day to enjoy some pink pampering and a some ruby bling, ladies!

One: Flora by Gucci (Gift Set) | Check out the newest fragrance that this merrymaker is super obsessed with.  It's described as sensual and intense on the website... so what screams Valentine's Day more than that?!  Top notes of peonies are a plus.  
Two: Stila Valentine's Day Palette: | I'm a sucker for Stila products right now, and this gorgeous powder blush with gold shimmery LOVE on top is tugging on my heart strings.  Perfect gift for your big (or little) sister. Hint hint ; )
Three: West Mama Designs: You're Neat Card: |Etsy is full of handmade cards that I want to buy, put in cute frames, and add to a gallery wall!  Why not find a cutesy one (whiskey lovers, hello!?) to gift to someone you love! Keep it as a card, or frame it to keep it forever.
Four: Lipstick Queen Look Of Love Set:  | Three great shades of pink, designed by Poppy King, that can be used alone or paired together to create a custom look of love!  
Five: Ruby and Garnet Heart Stacking Rings: | Another Etsy score brings the happiness and lovely spirit of Valentine's Day that can be enjoyed 365 days a year!  Stacked rings are huge right now, and I love love love garnets!  

Beauty Feature: On Your Mark! Round Three

ON YOUR MARK! A five part beauty feature taking us on the journey of finding the ULTIMATE eyeliner. The Contenders: {Round Three}

3.  Urban Decay 24/7 Glide On Pencil in Perversion

I am obsessed with black eyeliners, and this was reviewed as being the blackest black you can get.  Also, the fact that it was matte was alluring.  I definitely love the color and pigment of the eye shadow, but it smudged a tiny bit more than the previous two eyeliners.  It stays soft for blending for about 30 seconds before drying and staying all day, so if you are a fan of the smoky eye- this is an ideal eyeliner for you!  My only complaint is that it is a REALLY soft pencil so you have to sharpen it frequently, and it did not sharpen evenly for me.  Just a little pet peeve!  Any thoughts on Urban Decay?
Coming Soon
 Round Four: bareMinerals
Previous Posts:  Stila & Smashbox
Disclaimer: I am not a beauty guru, makeup expert, circus clown in training, or anything of the like.  I am not reviewing these products for any reason other than sharing my experience with my faithful readers.  Hope you enjoy! Feedback welcome.

Beauty Feature: On Your Mark! Round Two

ON YOUR MARK! A five part beauty feature taking us on the journey of finding the ULTIMATE eyeliner. The Contenders: {Round Two}

2. Smashbox Jet Set Water Proof Eyeliner (in Deep Black) The only gel eyeliner in the group, I wanted to give a highly reviewed gel a fair chance.  It's very smooth to apply, almost like a cream.  Honestly, it seems like a tad more work to apply this evenly because its not as dark as some eyeliners.  Although, when working with a brush it is easier to get close to the brow line.  It lasted all day and did not smudge or end up under my eyes which is something I have experienced with previous gel eyeliners. | Did you miss it? |  Round One: Stila Coming Soon  Round Three: Urban Decay
Disclaimer: I am not a beauty guru, makeup expert, circus clown in training, or anything of the like.  I am not reviewing these products for any reason other than sharing my experience with my faithful readers.  Hope you enjoy! Feedback welcome.

Beauty Feature: On Your Mark! Round One

ON YOUR MARK! A five part beauty feature taking us on the journey of finding the ULTIMATE eyeliner. The Contenders: {Round One} 1. Stila Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eye Liner (in Black)

Stila was the first one that I tried, and I immediately liked it.  It is the only liquid contender in the group and from the beginning it is LEAGUES above other liquids I have used in the past.  And trust me, I have tried them all.  It is SUPER user friendly and makes a great cat eye for the weekend merrymaking events.  I have to be honest, I was really impressed with this eyeliner because it lasted through a two hour migraine headache nap without smudging a smidge.  If I love all of the eyeliners this much, then I will definitely have a problem picking a winner. Coming Soon  Round Two: Smashbox

Disclaimer: I am not a beauty guru, makeup expert, circus clown in training, or anything of the like.  I am not reviewing these products for any reason other than sharing my experience with my faithful readers.  Hope you enjoy! Feedback welcome.

Product Love: Big Sexy Hair Texturizing Hairspray

photo via

Big Sexy Hair FLIP IT OVER is my new best friend.  For those of you who do not know, I have naturally curly hair that I blow dry straight, followed by a flat iron or a barrel for waves.  On my wavy days, I have been searching for a miracle and at Ulta... I found it.
After I did a light wave today, I flipped my head over and sprayed and scrunched and by 4 PM, I still look fresh... even after battling pre-schoolers all day.
WINNER WINNER!
(P.S. I did a lot of soul searching with the wonderful employees of my local Ulta, and we decided on this one.  Had I not been completely satisfied, they have a 60 day return policy.  MONEY BACK- if there is still 50% left in the bottle!  You can't go wrong! Run out and try products to your heart's contents, my little chickens.  Report back.)

wishful wednesday

wishful wednesday: the purchased editionIf you reference last week's wishful wednesday, you will see a range of high prices beauty wishes.This week you will see a full makeup bag and an empty checking account.Bad Bekah.
Oh well, I guess if I don't have any money I will just sit around at home looking pretty...PURCHASED:

TWIRL gift set found at TJ MAXX for $35, originally over $80/(Thanks to my sister for spying it!)

Makeup Brush Cleaner, Urban Decay Naked Palette (not Naked 2, but still fabulous!) and NARS lipstick in Heat Wave.Let's just say I am a huge fan of both!

My third and final splurge were these Nine West (Clara) boots, they were over 50% off and just had to come home with me.

Looks like I will be eating cans of soup and grilled cheese until pay day, but you bet I will be dolled up!What are you wishing for this Wednesday? In the mood for a splurge?? :)

wishful wednesday

wishful wednesday: beauty editionHere are some things that this merrymaker is wishing for:Essie's GO OVERBOARD!It's the perfect jewel tone to wear until spring!(wishful wednesday cheat: I actually bought it today and I am SO obsessed with it.)

(via)UPDATE: The Go Overboard looks so dark on my fingers and maybe my two coats were too much (??) Let me know if you try this and get different/same results

I bought my sister-in-law a different, huge Urban Decay palette for Christmas... #1 because she already has this (lucky) and #2 she adores their pigments and shades.  I want to get this for myself because it's amaaaaazing and perfect for everyday wear. (You can get it online from Ulta with free shipping...I'll take one too! kthanksbye)

(via)
Kate Spade's eau de perfume Twirl is like a party for your nostrils.  I fell in love with it when I received a sample in my Ulta order, and I can't wait to save up the cash to buy this pricey baby.

(via)

The Nars lipstick, Heat Wave, has been heating up the blogosphere.  I'm all about it.  Not every lipstick looks fantastic on everyone, but I am willing to give this one a run-through at my local beauty sto'.Tried it? Want to try it? Own it? Let me know.

(via, via)

Lastly, I wish for the time to schedule my mani/pedi/margarita that I got with a Living Social deal. And for the courage to get my hair cut because for some reason, I keep chickening out.(I swear, that's a phobia, right?)

happy hump day.

white washed (wo)menswear

How are you doing this early morning?

I am a little washed out, out of focus, & overexposed.

But hey, it's only Tuesday...

I love reaching for black skinny pants and a WBD, kinda like the casual tuxedo.

Throw in a striped cardigan, that I am pretty sure two relatives of mine wanted to steal off my back... and you've got a parfait of practical, femme menswear.

But enough about me...

{pants: gap | button down: vintage | sweater: thrifted | leopard flats: payless}

I'm feeling pretty girlie lately... last night I watched Dancing with the Stars (who are you rooting for? I can't make up my mind between Carson and David), 2 Broke Girls (the blonde makes me laugh so stinkin' hard), and Tia & Tamera (long time fan, can't deny it) all whilst playing with my huge pile of free goodies, sample & full size, from Ulta!

If you don't have an Ulta near you... it's like a drugstore and Sephora had a beautiful love childI just went in for eyeshadow and polish remover- I came out with a cosmetic bag full of girlie goodness.

Pile on the left, I bought... the right: free swag.

It's okay to have a completely girlie squeal over that stuff, right?Now, maybe we can do something about this hair....

current obsession: {cosmetics review}

I'm not the kind of girl to find an AMAZING product and keep it to myself.Thus, I want to share with you TWO of the amazing drugstore cosmetics items I have purchased and tried out in the past few weeks.

via

1. L'Oreal Studio Secrets Professionals Color Correcting PrimerI purchased the Green for Anti-Redness.$12.99 at Walgreens.
Description: Professional Color Correcting Primers glide on smoothly to immediately correct and improve the look of your complexion. 
Review:I have had serious issues with allergy hives and welps all over my face and neck, and I was desperate to find a product that would mask the redness without being too heavy.  The green tint of the primer not only covered up the red FLAWLESSLY, but it works as a great primer for keeping my makeup in place all day.  I was so surprised to get such great results because some of the online reviews spoke of a "Shrek" like glow. But, listen chickens, if you HAVE redness cause my blemishes or what-have-you, then the green tint is PERFECT.
Conclusion:You will have to wear a foundation or powder over it.  It is not a one step fix it, but if you have redness that has not been fixed by any other product, give it a chance. I hope you try it and have good results, let me know!

via

2. Aveeno Active Naturals Positively Radiant Tinted Moisturizer (w/ SPF 30)

I purchased the product at Walgreens, for $12.99 on sale, regular priced $16.99

Description: 

Clinically proven Total Soy Complex and natural light diffusers work to naturally even out skin tone and immediately reflect light to bring out skin's natural radiance.

Review:

I have been out of tinted moisturizer for quite a while.  I used to use the Cover Girl product, but I believe it was discontinued.  In the summer months, I like the wear little makeup and the coverage of a tinted moisturizer is just enough coverage PLUS sun protection.  The Aveeno is everything I could have hoped for and more. The coverage is superb, and when I wear it on bare face, I don't have to wear foundation or powder.  We all know how important it is to wear SPF ALL the time, and this product makes it a one step #WIN.

Conclusion:

Don't forget how importnat it is to also apply sunscreen products to your neck as well.

The product is a bit steep, so check for a markdown for best deal!

I wear the primer under the moisturizer and have perfect color and coverage ALL day!

Let me know if you try any of these products.

Happy hump day, chickens!

lots of love + DIY

here are a couple things i am head over heels for right now:
my new (you guessed it) HEADBAND.it sparkles- it's stretchy- its from target.j'adore.

oh it's the simple things in life.pretty little liars, the tv show.it has become my secret (obvi, not anymore) guilty tv obsession.

via

my new Essie finger nail polish: Wicked.I love rockin darker nail colors and different shades of red and purple.This shade is like a perfect mix of all those.

via

My first spring/summer shoe purchase.
These studded gladiator flip flops were screaming my name at Target today.
They are so versatile + comfy.
They come in a lot of colors and I am definitely gonna splurge another $12.99 for the turquoise pair.

via

What are you LOVING these days, my little chickens?

Here's what I did over the weekend:

(besides eat and drink beer)

DIY: Spray Paint
My new additions to my room:
They were a gift from a family friend.
(there's a matching bookshelf, also)
I loved them + they are super useful.
BUT I was so not crazy about the formica fake wood.
woof.

Since my wall are like a medium gray, I wanted another deep color than could easily translate as I change and rearrange.  In my bedroom, I like darker neutrals with pops of color that I can change often, because I get bored easily.

(This is my first love affair with spray paint*, we didn't get along the whole day, but we may have a second date- it just depends)

FIRST, I primed everything.

THEN I PAINTED

yeah, i'm not that technical.

I wanted the nightstand to be different so I chose a purple to match my tapestry.

Oh and Ozzy really wanted to be a part of this DIY reveal.

What a ham.

For the dresser and bookshelf- I went with Valspar's Indigo Streamer.

It didn't photograph well and the lighting is HORRIBLE (its actually darker than this), 

but TRUST ME it looks FAB against the gray walls.

I will tackle the bookshelf another weekend.  I think I got carpal tunnel syndrome 

from holding the spray button for so long.

*I don't claim to have any knowledge of painting, and I am certainly not an expert. I live and learn from doing.  It was fun and if you want to spice things up in your area, it was pretty easy :)

XOXO