July Favorites

1. Revlon Scented Parfume Nail Enamel in Strawberry Cream: I love the color and when you put these on your nails and it dries it smells like strawberries! I read somewhere not to put a top coat on it or it will lose the smell. I loved this polish so much, I kept reapplying it as it wore off.

2. Clear Scalp & Hair Therapy in Strong Lengths Shampoo and Conditioner: I kept seeing the commercials for this and I finally caved in and bought them. I got them at Walmart and it was inexpensive. They clear your hair at the roots. My hair has been getting longer, so I feel like it works. It is good for someone with fine hair and their roots can get clogged from hair products.

3. Living Proof Nourishing Styling Cream: I got this as a sample from my June Glam Bag. It was a big sample sized product. I only use a small amount in my hair. It says, "stops frizz, period. weightlessly blocks humidity, smooths and conditions, no heavy silicones or oils." It works really well. This is my go to anti-frizz product of the moment.

4. Got2b Guardian Angel Flat Iron Balm: I use this on my hair before I straighten it. I heard about it through people on Youtube who had it in their favorite products of the months video. It has a 425 degrees Fahrenheit heat protection on it.

5. Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Body Mist Sunblock SPF 100+: This is the highest sunblock I have found in the stores. I wanted to be extra sure I wasn't going to get a sunburn when I go to the beach. Don't spray this on your face. I did, and my lips I think had an allergic reaction. They got very numb, and the only thing on my face was this sunblock.

6. Jordana Fabuliner Liquid Eye Liner in Brown: This is my all-time favorite liquid liner. It is so easy to use. It has such a fine point. It is also inexpensive. I found it in Walgreens.

7. Milani Liquif'eye Metallic Eye Liner Pencil in Brown: This is a very pigmented eye liner. I like to use this on the waterline and tight line. I don't like it so much to line my eyes because it is a very thick texture, it's ok if you want to smudge it out, but if you want a precise line it is hard to do with this.

8. Maybelline Eye Studio Color Tattoo in Bad to the Bronze: This is talked about a lot on Youtube videos, I've noticed. People use this a lot in their tutorials. I brought this with me when I went camping this month, and I just used this on my eyes. My eyes are oily, but this product stays well on me. It has a pretty color too. My swatch doesn't do it justice.

9. NYX Rouge Cream Blush in Glow: I love this color for blush. It is a corally-pink color. I used this camping. It looks pretty.

This is where you get the cheek tint.

This is where you get the lip gloss.

10. Pixi Succulent Lip Twin in Coral Camelia: This is another pretty pink, coral color. You can wear this on your cheeks or lips. I took this camping with me too. I heard about through Lisa Elridge, one of my favorite makeup artists on Youtube.

11. Wet 'n Wild Color Icon Eyeshadow Collection In Comfort Zone: I really love Wet 'n Wild eyeshadows. I think they wear well, they are inexpensive, and they make great dupes. This is a great palette.

Summer Makeup Looks Part III

I have found and tried some more makeup looks from Youtube that I would like to share with you.

1. Easy Glowing Summer Makeup by gossmakeupartist http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hwQaz0MkcSs
a. Highlighter: Hard Candy So Baked Bronzer in tiki
b. Blush: Milani Baked Blush in Luminoso
c. Eyelids: Revlon Illuminance Creme Shadow Quad in Moonlit Jewels, 2nd shade
d. Cupid's Bow: Wet 'n Wild Color Icon Bronzer in Reserve Your Cabana
e. Lip Gloss: Bonnebell Lip Lites in Cappuccino

2. Gold and Green Summer Makeup by LoveMelisaMichelle http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=97zuEsjdIcg
a. Inner Half of Eye: L'Oreal HIP in Dynamic, left side
b. Middle of Eye and inner half of lower lashes: Wet 'n Wild Comfort Zone, 6th color
c. Crease: Wet 'n Wild Vanity, 2nd color
d. Outer Corner: Maybelline Eye Studio Color Explosion in Forest Fury, dark forest green color
e. Outer Half of Lower Lashes: Wet 'n Wild Vanity, 3rd color
f. Highlight: Elf Shimmering Facial Whip in Lilac Petal
g. Lip Gloss: Elf Super Glossy Lip Gloss in Pink Pop
h. Last Lip Stick: Wet 'n Wild 903c
My Thoughts: At first I wasn't sure about it, but I like it. The whole look comes together.

3. Summer Hair & Makeup (Purple/Teal) by TheMakeupChair http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nbiCXfkCMig
a. Eyelids: Revlon Illuminance Cream Shadows in Va Va Va Bloom, 4th shade
b. Outer Corner: Maybelline Eye Studio in Mad for Mauve, 4th color
c. Inner Corner and Half of Lid: Maybelline Eye Studio in Legendary Lilac Eyeshadow Quad, 2nd color
d. Inner Corner Up and Lower: Wet 'n Wild Walking on Eggshells, eyelid color
e. Lower Lash Line: Wet 'n Wild Trio in Fauna, teal color
f. Waterline: Milani Eye Liner in Aqua
g. Blush: Milani Baked Blush in Luminoso
h. Lip Gloss: Bare Escentuals Buxom Lip Gloss in Amber
My Thoughts: It is colorful, but it's still cute. Purple on the lid, teal on the lower lash line.

4. Summer Turquoise Makeup Tutorial by MakeupbyTiffanyD http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N2NwX4dOZTI
a. Inner Corner: Pixi Nude Liner
b. Inner Corner and Under Brows: Wet 'n Wild Walking on Eggshells, highlight
c. Upper Lash Line and Lower Lash Line: Milani Aqua Liner
d. Upper Lash Line and Lower Lash Line: Wet 'n Wild Blue Had Me At Hello, 6th color
e. Crease: Maybelline Sunbaked Neutrals, top row, 2nd color
f. Blush: Rimmel Lasting Finish in Mauve Cool
g. Lip Gloss: Urban Decay Lip Junkie Lip Gloss in Midnight Cowboy

5. Natural Glow: A Makeup Tutorial by amarixe http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zpaQ2xxaFi4
a. Highlighter: Physicians Formula Mineral Glow Pearls in Translucent Pearl
b. Blush: Nyx Rouge Cream Blush in Glow
c. Inner Corner: Wet 'n Wild Vanity, 4th color
d. Crease and Under Eye Outer Corner: Wet 'n Wild Vanity, 2nd color
e. Outer Part of Crease and Lid: Wet 'n Wild Vanity, 3rd color
f. Middle Lower Lash Line: L'Oreal HIP Duo in Dynamic, left side
g. Under Brows: Wet 'n Wild Lust, 4th color
h. Lip Gloss: Pixi Succulent Lip Twin in Coral Camellia

6. Sexy Sunkissed Makeup Tutorial by xteeener http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Erat11fIw80
a. 2/3 Inner Lid and Lower Lash Line: Physicians Formula Brown Eye Candy, 8th color
b. Rest of Eye and Lower Lash Line: Maybelline Sunbaked Neutrals, top row, 2nd color
c. Outer V, Outer 1/3 of Lower Lashes: Wet 'n Wild Vanity, 3rd color
d. Under Brow: Wet 'n Wild Greed, 1st color
e. Blush: Bare Minerals Kiss
f. Highlighter: Physicians Formula Shimmer Strips in Vegas Strip
g. Lips: Revlon Colorburst Lip Butter in Brown Sugar
My Thoughts: This is a dark, smoldering eye look, but it looks good.

7. Light and Natural Summer Makeup by AllThatGlitters21 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rhp5XHsOSrA
a. Lids: Wet 'n Wild Walking on Eggshells, eyelid
b. Outer 1/3 of Lid: Elf Day 2 Night, last shade
c. Outer Corner and Crease: Wet 'n Wild Vanity, 6th shade
d. Under Brow: Wet 'n Wild Lust, 4th shade
e. Upper Lashes: Elf Day 2 Night, 2nd shade
f. Blush: Bare Minerals Kiss
g. Highlight: Physicians Formula Shimmer Strips in Vegas Strip
h. Lipstick: Revlon Pink Pout
i. Lip Gloss: Milani Crystal Gloss in Summer Baby
My Thoughts: This is one of my favorites of the summer makeup looks.

8. Getting Ready: Summer Days Edition! by xeverygirlx http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dTkhhEWPfEI
a. Blush: the Balm Stainiac in Beauty Queen
b. Highlighter: Boots No.7 High Lights Illuminating Lotion
c. Inner Corners, Under Brows: Wet 'n Wild Lust, 4th shade
d. Lip Gloss: Wet 'n Wild Glassy Gloss in Mow the Glass
e. Setting Spray: Elf Setting Spray
My Thoughts: It's very natural.

9. Golden Glow Summer Makeup Tutorial by xeverygirlx http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ajs1N4Ar8pE
a. Lids: Wet 'n Wild Greed, 2nd shade
b. Outer Corner and Crease, L'Oreal HIP Duo in Dynamic, left side
c. Crease: Wet 'n Wild Vanity, 3rd shade
d. Inner Corner and Under Brows: Wet 'n Wild Lust, 4th color
e. Upper Lash Line: Wet 'n Wild Greed, 3rd color
f. Blush: Wet 'n Wild Mineral Blush in Barely Peach
g. Highlighter: Boots No.7 High Lights Illuminating Lotion
h. Lip Stain: Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stain in Rendezvous
i. Lip Gloss: Palladio Herbal Lip Gloss in Clearly Coral
My Thoughts: Be careful with the 3rd Vanity color in the crease. It is really pigmented.

10. Bronzed Goddess Makeup Tutorial by frmheadtotoe http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F54cDfDgzxQ
a. Upper and Lower Lash Line: Wet 'n Wild Eye Liner in Copper
b. On Top of Liner: Wet 'n Wild Comfort Zone, 2nd color
c. Outer Half Near Lashes, Lower Lashes Outer Corner, Wet 'n Wild Greed, 3rd color
d. Under Brows: Wet 'n Wild Lust, 4th shade
e. Blush: Wet 'n Wild Mega Glow Illuminating Powder in Catwalk Pink
f. Lips: Pixi Succulent Lip Twin in Coral Camellia

My Favorite Brushes (and Summer Flowers)

I thought I'd do a blog post on all my favorite brushes. These are the brushes I reach for the most. To make it a little more interesting, I paired each brush with a flower blooming in my yard. You will see roses and dahlias.

1. This first brush I use for my mineral powder. It doesn't have a name on it, and I got it from my mom. I'm not sure where it is from, but I'm guessing it's from a Bare Mineral's collection my mom ordered from QVC several years ago. It feels wonderful.

2. Sigma Mrs. Bunny Large Powder F30 Brush: This is a very large, fluffy brush. I like to use it when I'm putting bronzer on my neck.

3. Sigma Mrs. Bunny Pencil E30 Brush: This has a fine point, which is good for the outer v or smudging liner. All the Mrs. Bunny brushes are vegan and are nice and soft. I got them in a collection. It is a dupe for the Mac 219 brush.

4. Real Techniques by Samantha Chapman Stippling Brush: I use this when I want a little bit of blush or when the blush I'm using is really pigmented and I want just a touch of it on my cheeks. This is from a line of brushes done by one of the pixiwoo sisters from Youtube. I've mentioned them before because I love their tutorials. I get their brushes from Fred Meyers. I was so excited when I found out Fred Meyers was selling them.

5. Sigma Mrs. Bunny Eye Shading E55 Brush: This is my favorite brush for applying eye shadow.

6. Ecotools Angled Brushes: I liked this brush so much I had to buy another. I use one for gel liner and the other for eyeshadow I'm using as a liner. I painted the tip of one of the brushes with nail polish so I could tell them apart. It is a dupe for the Mac 266 brush.

7. Confidential Foundation Brush: This was my first brush collection I ever bought. This is my favorite brush from the collection. I use it for highlighter. It is a dupe for the Mac 190 brush.

8. Sigma Mrs. Bunny Large Angled Contour F40 Brush: This is my favorite brush for applying blush. It is a dupe for the Mac 186 Brush.

9. Ecotools Crease Brush: This is a fluffy, angled brush. It is so soft. I like to use this to apply a highlighter under my brows.

10. Real Techniques by Samantha Chapman Contour Brush: I use this to apply bronzer on the contouring spots like the hollows of my cheeks, my temples, under the jaw, and sometimes I squeeze it and put it on the sides of my nose.

11. Real Techniques by Samantha Chapman Deluxe Crease Brush: I mentioned this in my June favorites blog. I love to use this for concealer. I've seen pixiwoo and pixi2woo use this in their videos to apply concealer too. That is where I got the idea.

12. Sigma Mrs. Bunny Tapered Blending E40 Brush: This is my favorite brush for blending out the crease. It is a dupe for the Mac 224 brush.

13. Sigma Mrs. Bunny Medium Angled Shading E70 Brush: I like this for applying eyeshadow and crease color. It has a tip, so it can get into the inner corner well. It is a dupe for the Mac 272 brush.

Midsummer Haul

I went shopping today, and decided to share what cute and interesting things I found. I hope you enjoy! :)

1. Studio 35 Beauty 100% Acetone Nail Polish Remover. I got this at Walgreens. I went to a women's camp this weekend and there was an area where we could do our nails. They had an acetone nail polish remover and I was surprised at how easy it was to take off my nail polish. I decided I needed to get something like that for myself.

2. Clean & Clear Continuous Control Acne Cleanser 10% Benzoyl Peroxide: I have been looking for this everywhere. Ever since my dermatologist recommended a Benzoyl Peroxide face wash, I have been using this. It is the only thing I have found that has it in a face wash. When I ran out, I looked at every store I could find and they were all out. I actually asked someone at Walgreens and they ordered it for me. This is my favorite face wash to help clear my acne.

3. Conair Pro Concentrator Nozzle: I got this because I've been watching Youtube videos on how to straighten your hair with a blow dryer. They recommend using this on your blow dryer. It helps to smooth out frizz I guess. I got this at Sally's Beauty Supply Store.

4. Wet 'n Wild Mega Last Lip Color in Pinkerbell: This is a corally pink color. It has been called a dupe for the Mac Viva Glam 2012 Nicki Minaj lipstick. I found this at Rite Aid.

5. I am in love with the Gwen Stefani Harajuku collection. I think it is so cute. Target has their back-to-school stuff out and I love to go see the new notebooks.

6. I love baby penguins. I thought this spiral notebook was adorable.

7. In the men's section at Target they have some really cute graphic t-shirts. I'm plus size, so I like that they are comfortable, they fit me, and they are inexpensive.

8. Up & Up Moisturizing Body Wash Antibacterial Compare to Dial Spring Water Body Wash: I have been using Philosophy body washes, but I've noticed dirty spots on my legs even after I showered. So I wanted to get a soap that would actually clean my body, not just have a pretty scent. I researched online and I guess it's good to look for a wash that says antibacterial on it. We'll see how it works.

9. Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Body Mist Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 100+: I have been wearing sunscreen this summer and have been careful not to get sunburns. Just to be on the safe side I got this for when I go to the beach in a few weeks. I wanted to find the highest SPF.

July Glam Bag

1. I really like the looks of this bag.

2. Yes to Cucumbers On-The-Go Facial Towelettes: I really like these little wipes. I brought the Yes to Blueberries wipes I got in my April Birchbox with me camping last month and they were really handy. I'm going to take these with me to the camp I'm going to this weekend.

3. Josie Maran Magic Marker Lip and Cheek Stain in Jitterbug. This is a bright pink color. It feels like you are using a highlighter to mark up your face. The color blends out on the cheek to give a pretty flush. And the lips look pretty.

4. Nu Me HydroPunch Hydrating Conditioner: It says to have Seratin-k, Sage Extract, Bamboo Extract, Argan Oil from Morocco, and no paragons or paraffins. It sounds good. I'll have to try it out.

5. Juice Beauty Green Apple SPF 15 Moisturizer: This says it has age defying antioxidants in it and  broad spectrum sun protection. I like to use what I normally use which has SPF 30. This is ok though.

6. Circus by Andrea's Choice Nail Color: This is a big tube like a package and inside is a full size nail polish!

7.  It's a pretty summer yellow color. The name is Somersault. I already have two nail polishes that are this color, so this is just ok to me.