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.)

Beauty Feature: On Your Mark! And The Winner Is...

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

2. Smashbox Jet Set Water Proof Eyeliner (in Deep Black)

3. Urban Decay 24/7 Glide On Eye Pencil (in Peversion)

4. bareMinerals Round The Clock Water Proof Eyeliner (in Midnight)

5. Tarte SmolderEYES Amazonian Clay Waterproof Liner (in Plum)

AND THE WINNER IS....

STILA! I loved the super easy applicator of the liquid liner.  The best I have ever used.  It is impossible to mess this up! Fool proof beauty routines are a merrymaker's best friend!  I use it every day now and I am so obsessed with its perfection.  I think second place would be the bareMinerals liner. THANKS SO MUCH FOR FOLLOWING ALONG ON THIS BEAUTY JOURNEY! Have a beauty item that you would like reviewed on Matters of Merrymaking? Email me!
UPDATE: After a brief break-up, I have gone back to being friends with Bloglovin, so make sure you are following over there!

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 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.

Lip Gloss Obituary

Many of you are aware of my more recent obsession with Gossip Girl. Mainly, the obsession lies in Blair Waldorf. The clothes, lifestyle, uhumm Chuck Bass, champagne for breakfast is all rather thrilling. As I devoured the last two seasons, I couldn't help but be overcome with curiosity over her lip color worn in a certain scene. I won't preface why she is wearing it- to ruin the episode for you but after some extensive google-ing, I tracked it down to a makeup aisle at my local Walgreens (Revlon Super Lustrous in Pink Pop.) We lived a happy two weeks together. We were inseparable. Until, a dark and rainy night, the last night of 2012. You see, the gloss just tumbled out of my clutch and on to the hard ground where it came apart at its seams. Beautiful, pink gloss all over the ground was such a travesty and I was desperate to save it. Alas, I lost Pink Pop that day. She may be gone, but she will never be forgotten.


Shine on.

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)

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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.

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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.

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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.

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.

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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!

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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!

freaky friday

FBFF:

Today's topic:

BEAUTY PRODUCTS

We use 'em, we love 'em, and here is a little bit about mine:

drum roll, puh-lease...

I love makeup.  I always have. 

(it's not a secret)

(my secret santa at work got me a sephora gift card)

 I started wearing makeup in the fifth grade.

However, my mother will be proud that I can finally admit that: I didn't always apply correctly or choose the right shades.  But, just like my style, that is ever evolving, my makeup drawer is always in full rotation.

Below are some of my current faves and this week's FBFF questions.

1. What's your favorite drug store beauty product and what is your favorite higher-end beauty product? 

My favorite drug store product fluctuates, depending on my budget.  I used to live and breathe Covergirl products.  I love Physician's Formula Bronzer and I use Rimmel Glam eyes mascara- love it.

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When it comes to higher end products- I love my NARS blushes and all over stick.  I use shades Orgasm (I know... right?) and Super Orgasm (which has shimmer- for an evening out)

2. If there one product that is your go-to, that you cannot live without?

THAT'S EASY PEASY!

When it comes to makeup- I made a significant investment around Christmas time and bought this Sephora Blockbuster Palette.  It has everything I could ever need and more!

(and it closes up in to a cute box that looks like the Sephora bag)

Seriously- I died when I opened it.

3. What is the best hair product you've ever used?

My favorite hair product when I had a short, inverted bob was the Big Sexy Hair line.

NOW- It is Moroccan Oil.  It's Fabulous!

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4. Fess up- What's the worst beauty look you've tried to rock and look back at now with a little shame or apprehension that you actually did that?

In middle school, everyone wore WHITE eyeliner.  Everyday.  And I jumped right on that bandwagon.

White eyeliner coupled with blue mascara-- instant disaster.

Thanks to everyone who loved me through that stage.

and the glitter phase- but there isn't enough time for that debacle.  

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5. When it comes to beauty products, we all use the same basic products.  What do you use that helps show off your personal flare and personality?

I think I have always been drawn to colored eyeshadows.  I think they can really express your style, when done in a subtle way, or more dramatic.  I like to highlight my eyes and make them pop! And I will never be one to shy away from a bright, red lip :)

So clue me in- what are your favorite products?  And what is your item you just cannot live without?

Sadly, the FBFF awards that I wrote about last week were cancelled.  You can read about it here.

I'm bummed- but I am glad I got to showcase some of my favorites for y'all to check out.

If you haven't yet, click here, and read up on some of my fellow bloggers.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Have you ever had weeks where you've gotten so little done, yet it takes SO much out of you?Well- that is my week in a nutshell.I'm so exhausted.But looking forward to some time to fully maximize my weekend.(i.e. enjoy my adult beverages and relax on our new patio furniture)Cheers,