Sunday, June 30, 2013

June Favorites!

Favorite Movie


Warm Bodies: I rented this movie this month. It is such a great movie! It is about a zombie and a girl who fall in love. It's sort of like Romeo and Juliet. The zombie's name is R and the girl's name is Julie. He rescues her from other zombies, and they become friends. The apocalypse has taken place, and some people have turned into zombies. The city is walled off to protect the people that aren't infected. Julie's Dad is in charge of the war against the zombies. It's a really sweet story. It's funny too.

Favorite TV Shows


1. The Real Housewives of New Jersey: I find it fascinating to watch these types of shows. I get interested in the conflicts these women have, and I'm interested in analyzing each person's personality.

2. The Real Housewives of Orange County: These housewives live in California. They are wealthy women, but they have problems and don't always get along with each other. I just find it really interesting to watch.

Favorite Book


Confessions of an Ugly Stepsister by Gregory Maguire: This book is such a great read! I highly recommend it! It tells the story of Cinderella from the point of one of the stepsisters. You hear her side of the story. It is more realistic than the fairy tale version. It is really well written. This is the first book by Gregory Maguire I have read. I plan on reading more of his books. He also wrote Wicked that was made into a famous musical.

Favorite Nail Polishes


1. Essie Nail Lacquer In the Cab-ana (from 2013 Resort Collection)


2. Wet 'n Wild Color Icon Nail Color in Frosted Over (from the Toppings Collection): These look like lollypops. I have a hard time describing this nail polish. This is a good description I found from this blog: http://xmakeupismyhobbyx.blogspot.com/2013/02/wet-n-wild-coloricon-toppings-collection.html
It "contains fine gold glitter and small multi colored hex-shaped glitter. Frosted has a prominent aqua iridescence. It also has slight duo chrome finish to pink/red. It's a possibility that Frosted may contain a duo chrome finish, but I'm not 100% sure. You have to really look at this shade to see the shift." I think I chose Frosted out of all of them because it had more of an aqua color, and that is my favorite color. I think this looks pretty in the sunlight. I like the way it looks on top of Essie's In the Cab-ana.


3. Essie Nail Lacquer in Cute as a Button


4. L'Oreal Nail Color in Creme Puffs


5. Sally Hansen Hard As Nails Xtreme Wear Nail Color in Mint Sorbet: I love this color. I've been into pastel colors recently.


6. L'Oreal Nail Color in Lacy Lilac

Favorite Drink


Dole 100% Juice in Pineapple Orange Banana: I have been craving pineapple lately. This is a good combination of flavors. It's very refreshing.

Favorite Perfume


Viva La Juicy by Juicy Couture: I don't remember when, maybe last Christmas I got a box of sample perfumes from Sephora. It comes with a voucher, so you can get one of the perfume samples in full size for free! It's a really great present. My favorite of all the perfumes was Viva La Juicy. I have never featured this perfume before on my blog. I just wanted to talk about it because it is still one of my all time favorite perfumes. I have a lot of samples of perfume, and I like a lot of them, but Viva La Juicy is just so beautiful. I feel good wearing it. I highly recommend it. Sephora says the notes are wild berries, mandarins, honeysuckle, gardenia, jasmine, amber, caramel, vanilla, sandalwood, and praline. The style according to Sephora is "tantalizing, teasing, and tempting." I don't know if that's how I would describe it. It feels really girly and fruity to me. It is a good summertime fragrance.

Scented Wax Warmer


I heard about this on Youtube and I thought it sounded interesting. I've said before that I'm afraid of candles, but this didn't seem scary to me. There is a lightbulb inside of the warmer and you put a cube of wax on the plate. All you have to do is plug it in and turn it on. It makes your house smell lovely! My bedroom is upstairs and the scent carries all the way down to the bottom level! There are so many wax warmers to choose from. I got mine at Walmart. I think they come out with special ones for the holidays. They had one that looked like a book that said "Imagine, Dream, Believe". I got the one called, "Antique Finish." I thought it looked pretty. There were so many to choose from!


From left to right: Better Homes and Gardens Scented Wax Cubes in French Lilac Flowers and ScentSationals in Cupcake

These are the two different cubes I've tried so far, and they smell so good! They are only $2. You get six wax cubes. You can reuse the wax too. At first I used the cupcake smell and it made me crave cupcakes so bad! Lately, I've been using the lilac one and it smells so good. It's a very relaxing smell to me.

Beauty Favorites


1. Elf Makeup Palettes: These are just a few I own. If you want to play around with color, I recommend getting an Elf Palette. They are really cheap, and they have good color pay off. Not all of the shadows do, but some of them do. It's sort of a hit and miss. I don't include these in monthly favorites because I don't use them enough compared to the other products that I end up featuring, but I thought it was worth a mention. Elf's website has 50% off deals, TJ Max, and Big Lots will sell the big palettes on sale too. I got the Elf 100 Eyeshadow Palette for only $10. The Elf Beauty Book Bright Eye Edition was $4.99 at Big Lots. I think I got the Elf Beauty Clutch from Big Lots too. You can get the Elf Beach Book for $3 on their website right now. I got the day palette, which comes with eyeshadows, lip colors, blushes, and bronzers. It's a really cool palette. I got it for $6 at Target.



2. Covergirl Lash Perfection Mascara in Very Black: I saw ciaoobelllaxo (a Youtuber I subscribe to) use this on top of her regular mascara. Her lashes look amazing. I decided to get it and try it out on top of Maybelline The Rocket Mascara. It makes me look like I have more lashes, and it is like hair spray. It makes my lashes stand straight up! It really holds the curl.


3. The Tangle Teaser: My hair gets tangled, and I have heard about the Tangle Teaser. I wanted something that untangles my hair, but doesn't rip my hair out, especially when I'm brushing it wet. I got this from Sally's Beauty Supply Store. It really works! I'm really happy with it.


4. Sally Hansen Creme Hair Remover Duo Kit for Face: This comes with a hair remover cream that you put above your lip and chin. I let it set for 8 minutes. Then you wipe it off with a warm wash cloth. Then it has a moisturizing lotion you put on after that. It doesn't hurt and it removes your facial hair. This is really easy to use.


5. Earth Therapeutics Loofah Exfoliating Scrub in Oatmeal & Honey: I exfoliate my skin once a week. This stuff smells really good. It isn't harsh.


6. Kleancolor Wizard Pads Nail Polish Remover Pads + Cuticle Oil: I got these from Plato's Closet. They were only $1.25. They come with 32 pads. I thought these would be good because it also has cuticle oil. I love these! And these are good at removing nail polish!


7. Body Fantasies Fragrance Body Spray in Cotton Candy: I heard about this from sparklyblonde1 (a Youtuber I subscribe to). She mentions this a lot in her videos, and how much she loves it. It isn't expensive. I got it at Walgreens. It only costs $7.79. You get a big bottle. This smells just like cotton candy! It is refreshing to spray on, which is nice on a hot day. This stuff makes you feel happy! I guess because it makes you remember your childhood having fun at a fair. I'm not sure.


8. Healthy Sexy Hair Soy Renewal with Argan Oil: I got my hair trimmed this month and the hair stylist used this on my hair after she blow dried it and then after she straightened it. It helps smooth hair and tame frizz. I got this at Super Cut.


9. Maybelline Baby Lips in Quenched SPF 20: I heard people raving about Baby Lips, but I felt like it was just a trendy thing. The packaging looks really cute, so I was drawn to it, but I didn't get it. Finally, this month I caved it and got it to see what all the hype was about. I really like it! It does moisturize my lips and I like how it has SPF 20 in it. I have been wearing this every day this month.


10. Rimmel Scandal Eyes Waterproof Kohl Kajal in Brown: This is a great eye liner.


11. Rimmel Scandal Eyes Waterproof Kohl Kajal in Nude: This is great for the waterline. I was using the Pixi liner, which I still like, but this Rimmel one is more affordable.


12. Maybelline Dream Sun Bronzing Powder in Matte Light: This is a dupe for my Mac contouring powder! I hope they make these permanent. I'm not sure if they are. It is great to find a drugstore matte bronzer for light skin. I use this to contour with and give a healthy glow to my face.



13. Maybelline Sunbaked Neutrals Palette: I love this palette! I mentioned this in my 2012 favorites. It has actually never made it to a monthly favorite. I don't know why. I use this every month and I love it. It is an inexpensive palette you can get at the drugstore. It has beautiful colors.

Favorite Songs

I have so many songs I like, and it is hard for me to narrow them down to just one or two. I've been keeping track of the songs I like listening to on the radio and the ones I've bought from iTunes. This is the long list of songs:

1. Addison Road - Hope Now
2. Adele - Set Fire to the Rain
3. Aerosmith - Dream On
4. Alannah Myles - Black Velvet
5. Ariana Grande - The Way (feat. Mac Miller)
6. Beyonce - Irreplaceable
7. Big Daddy Weave - Redeemed
8. Billy Idol - Mony Mony
9. Billy Joel - Only the Good Die Young
10. Black Eyed Peas - I Gotta Feeling
11. Brooks & Dunn - Boot Scootin' Boogie
12. Bruno Mars - When I Was Your Man
13. Carrie Underwood - Good Girl
14. Casting Crowns - My Savior Loves, My Savior Lives
15. Carly Simon - That's the Way I've Always Heard It Should Be
16. Carly Simon - You're So Vain
17. Chris Daughtry - Home
18. Chris Tomlin - Whom Shall I Fear (God of Angel Armies)
19. Coldplay - When I Ruled the World
20. Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young - Teach Your Children
21. Cyndi Lauper - Girls Just Want to Have Fun
22. Daft Punk - Get Lucky (ft. Pharrell)
23. Demi Lovato - Give Your Heart A Break
24. Duffy - Mercy
25. Electric Light Orchestra - Evil Woman
26. Elton John - Levon
27. Eurythmics - Sweet Dreams
28. Fergie - Big Girls Don't Cry
29. Flo Rida - Wild Ones
30. Francesca Battistelli - Free To Be Me
31. Grace Potter & The Nocturnals - Paris (Ooh-La La)
32. Gretchen Wilson - Redneck Woman
33. Heart - Alone
34. Heart - Straight On
35. Heart - These Dreams
36. Jeremy Camp - Take You Back
37. Joan Jett and The Blackhearts - I Love Rock 'n' Roll
38. Journey - Who's Crying Now
39. KC & The Sunshine Band - That's the Way (I Like It)
40. Kings of Leon - Use Somebody
41. Kool & The Gang - Celebration
42. Kutless - We Fall Down
43. Lady Antebellum - Need You Now
44. Macklemore & Ryan Lewis - Can't Hold Us (feat. Ray Dalton)
45. Madonna - Holiday
46. Maroon 5 - Moves Like Jagger
47. Maroon 5 - One More Night
48. Matt Redman - 10,000 Reasons
49. Michael W. Smith - Place In This World
50. Natalie Grant - Live for Today
51. Newsboys - God's Not Dead
52. Newsboys - Your Love Never Fails
53. Nichole Nordeman - Holy
54. Nicole C. Mullins - My Redeemer Lives
55. Prince - Kiss
56. Queen - Bohemian Rhapsody
57. Queen - We Are The Champions
58. Rascal Flatts - My Wish
59. Robin Thicke - Blurred Lines (ft. T.I. and Pharrell)
60. Simon and Garfunkel - Mrs. Robinson
61. Smashing Pumpkins - 1979
62. Steely Dan - Do It Again
63. The Human League - Don't You Want Me
64. The Mama's & The Papas - California Dreamin'
65. The Monkees - I'm A Believer
66. War - Low Rider
67. Wild Cherry - Play That Funky Music White Boy

I have so many songs. Whew! But I want to list them because I think songs are beautiful and they are my favorite. I'll try not to list repeat songs. So if any of these songs you don't know, you should give them a listen, you might find a new song you like.

I hope you enjoy my favorites for June! What was your favorite thing?

Saturday, June 29, 2013

♥ Nails Of The Week ♥

I have been loving this nail polish combination!


Wet 'n Wild Wild Shine Nail Color in Hallucinate 469 & L'Oreal Nail Color in Lacey Lilac 119


I like how the L'Oreal polish doesn't have any glitter in it, so I can wear it creamy or I can add a glitter top coat if I want to. The Wet 'n Wild polish isn't very expensive, it is in the permanent collection. The L'Oreal polish might be limited edition. I found this with a bunch of other pastel polishes. I think this is a Spring collection. It is so pretty! I also got the pink and yellow one. 

Thursday, June 27, 2013

Urban Decay Hautelook Haul!


Urban Decay was on Hautelook again, and I got some really great deals! I wanted to share with you. You can find these same deals if you go to Urban Decay's website too! http://www.urbandecay.com/urban-decay-cosmetics-sale-products/sale,default,sc.html



From left to right: Urban Decay Afterglow Glide-On Cheek Tint in Crush, Indecent, Quickie, and Fetish

These are cream blushes that originally were $24, but now they are on sale for $6!!! These blushes are buildable. They may look scary in the pan, but when you first put them on they are light. You can layer them on, and they get darker. They are nice and blendable. I love these!

To see a good review of these go to Temptalia's website: http://www.temptalia.com/urban-decay-afterglow-glide-on-cheek-tints-review-photos-swatches She does a better job than me of describing things. She swatched them on her cheeks. They got a grade review of B. Which is pretty good in my opinion. Cream blushes are good to wear in the summertime. Especially if you put a powder blush on top because they will last a long time.



From left to right: Urban Decay Stardust Eyeshadow in Moon Spoon, Diamond Dog, Retrograde, and Griffith

These are beautiful, glittery eye shadows. My swatch picture didn't come out as good as it looked in person. In real life they are more pigmented. They are extremely glittery. I think they are so pretty. They originally were $20, but are on sale now for only $6! Such a great deal.

I found Temptalia's review on these products: http://www.temptalia.com/urban-decay-stardust-eyeshadow-review-photos-swatches. They remind me of the new Urban Decay Shadows called Moondust. The Moondust shadows are $20.


From left to right: Urban Decay De-Slick Travel Size Setting Spray and All Nighter Travel Size Setting Spray.

These were initially $12, but are now on sale for $6.

The De-Slick is supposed to control oil. I'm using this everyday, so I will let you know how I like it. You spray your face just before foundation and then again after you are done with your makeup.

The All Nighter spray is supposed to make you makeup last a long time. You spray this on your face when you are done with your makeup.

These are both by Skindinavia which I heard makes really great sprays for the face. I have heard multiple positive reviews on these sprays, so I was excited to get them for myself.

I hope you enjoy seeing this haul. If you like Urban Decay, you should definitely check out their website because they have a great sale section. Their 24/7 Glide-On Pencils that are originally $19.00 are now $9.50. The Ammo Shadow Box which was $38, is now $12. I have that palette and it is beautiful. Their Deluxe Shadow Box is on sale for $10, originally it was $38. The tinted moisturizers were $30, now they are only $9! I promised I'm not sponsored by Urban Decay. I'm just a fan of their products and a fan of getting good deals. xD

New Makeup Organization

I have been watching Youtube videos where people show how they organize their makeup. This one girl does an amazing job. I'll give you a link to one of her makeup organization videos: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mcBptBR3eJI She finds these great organization acrylic trays at Target. She also finds containers at the dollar store. I was writing notes, and then planning on going out and purchasing these things. Before I left I noticed my stack of Birchbox boxes. I always save these boxes because they are so cute, and I always felt like they would come in handy at some point. The lightbulb went on! These would be great to put in my drawers! So I emptied out my drawers and sure enough they fit! Rather than having my makeup piled up messily in a drawer, I now can fit them neatly in these boxes!


1. For this one I have one box. The bottom of it is to the left and the top of the lid is vertical and in the upper right corner. This way I can see everything I have. These are mainly cream eye shadows and baked eye shadows. There are some palettes in the upper left corner.


2. The box bottom and lid are close to the same size. Here I have a vertical box on the top left and bottom right. Then I have a box going horizontally on the bottom left and top right. In this drawer I have blushes and eye shadows.


3. In this drawer I have the boxes arranged the same way as in the second drawer. These are all my blushes. (I have to stop buying blushes!)

I'm really excited that I had everything I needed all along! I just wanted to share with you in case you get Birchbox and are wondering what to do with the boxes. They also would make great boxes to put presents in.


Wednesday, June 26, 2013

Bath & Body Works Collection


I have been watching videos on Youtube where people are showing what they got from Bath & Body Works, and for some reason I'm finding this really fascinating. xD I decided to show my collection. I love everything I have. It is really great quality. I used to keep a car freshener from Bath & Body Works in my car, but it broke, so I've been using the little tree scents you can get from drugstores.


1. Anti-Bacterial Deep Cleansing Hand Soap in Fresh Market Apple: I am a teacher assistant and sometimes I get gifts from the teachers I work with. This was a gift from one of my favorite teachers. This smells so good. It is just like an apple. The ingredients say it has honey, coconut milk, and olive fruit extracts to nourish and soften the skin. It has exfoliating beads in it too. This is probably the best soap I've ever used! I love it.


2. Fragrance Mist in Country Chic: I got this as a Christmas present from my cousin. I normally like sweeter smells. I can't put my finger on what this smells like. Let me look it up... it is lemon, wildflowers, and "spring woods inspired by the fresh air and natural beauty of America's countryside." I can smell the lemon. The top notes are sparkling lemon, grapefruit zest, juicy pear, crushed leaves, and marigold. The mid notes are fresh raspberry, jasmine petals, day lily, gardenia, and orange blossom. They dry notes are peach nectar, vanilla orchid, hint of praline and patchouli, cedar wood, amber wood, and skin musk. This is my least favorite of the scents. But it isn't a terrible scent.


3. Fragrance Roll-On in Sweet Pea: This was also a Christmas present from my cousin. This is one of my all time favorite scents. It is a sweet scent. I'm guessing it smells like Sweet Pea. Let's see what the website says: It says it is a fruity floral scents. I've noticed those are the scents I usually like. "It evokes the intoxicating, floral-infused breezes of the Mediterranean." I didn't know that! The top notes are sweet pea, watery pear, logan berry, and rhubarb. The mid notes are cyclamen, freesia, and raspberry. I think I can smell the raspberry. The base note is musk. I would buy this in the body wash and lotion.


4. Body Lotion in Warm Vanilla Sugar: This was another Christmas present from my cousin. What a sweet cousin! I love this lotion! It is my favorite lotion I own. It smells like the name suggests. It is a very comforting smell. In the ingredients it says Jojoba Oil, Shea Butter, and Vitamin E, so it is very good for the skin. You can feel that is when you put it on.


5. Fragrance Mist in Rio Rumberry from the 2013 Escape Collection: These next three items I bought for myself. There was some sort of sale where you buy two, you get one free, or something like that. I don't really know what rumberry is. I guess that is the berry smell, this smells like. It smells like a berry smoothie to me. This is what the website says: "an island aroma of tropical berries, fresh papaya and warm vanilla blossom. The top notes are juicy thai papaya, tangelo, fresh coconut water, sparkling summer lemon. The mid notes are tiare flower plumeria, and watery starfruit. The dry notes are coconut cream, tahitian vanilla, and Indonesian sandalwood.


6. Fragrance Mist in Bali Mango from the 2013 Escape Collection: I love the smell of mango! This one smells like a mango smoothie to me. I'm craving a smoothie right now! This is a sweet smell. This is also said to be an "island aroma of juicy mango, rich sugar cane and luscious nectarine." The top notes are sparkling tangerine, Asian apple, and peony. The mid notes are Thai lychee, passion flower, pink rose, and nectarine. I think I can smell the rose. I love it! The dry notes are raspberry coulis, skin musk, and sugar woods.


7. Fragrance Mist in Twilight Woods: I think I heard about this on Youtube and one time I did a blog post of my perfume collection and someone commented they really liked Twilight Woods, so it got me curious as to what it smelled like. I smelled it in the store and I wanted to buy it. It smells so good, but I don't know what it smells like. It's so weird! It is a floral smell. I heard someone say it is good for Fall. I think if something smells good to you, you can wear it whenever you want! Let's see what the website says: "Apricot nectar, mimosa petals, and Tuscan cypress combine to create this hypnotic fragrance inspired by a romantic walk in enchanted woods." That is an imaginative description. I like that. It is a hypnotic scent. The top notes are juicy berry, sparkling mandarin, and coconut. The mid notes are cream frangipani, soft mimosa, wet honeysuckle, wild freesia, and apricot nectar. The dry notes are oud wood, musk, orris, vanilla milk, and warm woods.

My room smells so good now! I've been spraying all these scents. It's fun to look up what the notes are and try to smell them. I know I'm a dork! lol! This morning I read a blog post about the new fall items coming out. I want to smell the pumpkin cupcake one! Here is the blog post: http://www.musingsofamuse.com/2013/06/bath-body-works-fall-2013-sneak-peek.html

What is your favorite Bath & Body Works item(s)?

Monday, June 24, 2013

Summer Favorite Makeup Looks Part 3


I'm so happy! Today is the last day of work for the summer! I've had the kind of year where I'm burned out, and I'm really ready for a break. Working at a school is hard. It can be fun, but it also can be stressful. I really have been loving the summer makeup I've been trying out. There haven't been too many "duds." I still have a lot more looks to try out. I hope you like the looks I've favorited. If you try them out, please comment below! It would be interesting to see what other people think.

These are the products that I've used for almost every look, and I just list them one time, instead of every time I write a tutorial.

Concealer: Maybelline Dream Lumi Touch Highlighting Concealer in Radiant (under eyes), Hard Candy Glamoflauge Heavy Duty Concealer in Light (pimples), Maybelline Dream Lumi Touch Concealer in Ivory (eyelids, highlighting, around eyebrows, under eyes)
Bronzer: MAC Studio Careblend Pressed Powder in Medium Deep, Maybelline Dream Sun Bronzing Powder in Matte Light (dupe for the Mac powder!)
Eye Shadow Primer: Milani Eyeshadow Primer
Mascara: Maybelline The Rocket Volum' Express Waterproof in Very Black (top lashes), Covergirl Lash Perfection in Very Black (top lashes), Maybelline Lash Discovery Mini-Brush Waterproof in Very Black (bottom lashes)
Face Primer: Pixi Flawless & Poreless Face Primer in Translucent
Foundation: Revlon Colorstay Foundation for Combination/Oily Skin in Ivory, Rimmel Clean Finish Matte Foundation in Ivory
Powder: Maybelline Dream Matte Powder in Light
Lip Balm: Maybelline Baby Lips in Quenched
Black Eye Liner: Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil in Zero
Brown Eye Liner: Rimmel Scandal Eyes Waterproof Kohl Kajal in Brown
Black Liquid Liner: Jordana Incolor Fabuliner Liquid Eye Liner in Black
Black Gel Liner: Essence Gel Eye Liner in Midnight in Paris
Brown Gel Liner: Maybelline Eye Studio Gel Eye Liner in Brown
Nude Eye Liner: Rimmel Scandal Eyes Waterproof Kohl Kajal in Nude

1. Summer Makeup Routine by smlx0 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9xd0yhyzf0o
a. BB Cream
b. Concealer
c. Bronzer, hollows of cheeks, temples, jaw
d. MAC Warm Soul: Milani Illuminating Face Powder in Hermosa Rose
e. Bronzer on lid, blend into crease, lower lash line
f. Mascara
g. Revlon Lipstick in Soft Nude
My Thoughts: This is a really simple, natural look. It's good for when you don't want to wear a lot of makeup. I like it.

2. Get Ready with Me Summer Edition by TheMakeupChair http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HJC90rEJxjo
a. Concealer
b. BB Cream
c. Mascara
d. NYX Cream Blush in Glow on cheeks and lips
My Thoughts: This reminds me of the first look. It is easy and natural. Good to wear if you don't want to wear a lot of makeup.

3. Get Ready with Me! Beachy Glam Makeup by MakeupByAlli http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ijQsMlAZEB0
a. Foundation
b. MAC Saddle, crease: Wet 'n Wild Vanity, 3rd color
c. MAC Pressed Pigment in Day Gleam, eyelid: NYX Natural Eye Shadow Palette, 2nd color
d. MAC Pressed Pigment in Deeply Dashing, outer half of eyelid: Wet 'n Wild Nude Awakenings, 3rd color
e. Black Eye Liner, tight line, waterline, upper lash line
f. Urban Decay Naked Basics Palette in Faint, upper lash line: Revlon Color Stay Palette in Attitude, bottom left corner
g. MAC Saddle, lower lash line
h. Sigma Highlighting Pencil, matte side, under eyebrows: Milani Shadow Eyes in Almond Cream
i. Maybelline Age Rewind Concealer in Brightener under eyes
j. Revlon Colorstay Concealer in Light under eyes: Maybelline Dream Lumi Touch Highlighting Concealer in Ivory
k. Ben Nye Cameo Powder: I skipped this step.
l. Rimmel Stay Matte Pressed Powder in Translucent
m. Mascara
n. Bronzer, hollows of cheeks, hair line, temples, jaw
o. Milani Baked Blush in Berry Amore
p. Milani Baked Blush in Dolce Pink
q. Lip Balm
r. Maybelline Color Whisper in Petal Rebel: Revlon Lip Butter in Strawberry Shortcake
s. MAC Snob Lip Gloss: I skipped this because the lip butter is already glossy.
t. MAC Fix Plus: I skipped this.
My Thoughts: This is very different from the first two looks. This is a lot of makeup! Don't forget eye primer. She doesn't wear it, but I need it. I don't know about you. It's hard to see the Faint color on the upper lash line after using black liner there. I think that step can be skipped. The eyes are really dark. It's a lot of blush. Use a stippling brush. It looks like a lot of makeup on the eyes and cheeks. It is glamorous. I would wear it for a night time look, not for the beach.

4. Discount June! Get Ready with Me All Drugstore by Melmphs http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=za_gepllyaU
a. Foundation
b. Concealer
c. Powder
d. Bronzer, hollows of cheeks, nose, jaw, neck, chin
e. Maybelline Fit Me Blush in Medium Pink
f. L'Oreal True Match Blush in C1-2, Baby Blossom
g. Hard Candy Baked Blush in Honeymoon, top of cheeks, nose
h. NYX Jumbo Eye Pencil in Yogurt, eyelid
i. NYX Roll On Shimmer in Salmon, eyelid, flat shader brush and pat it
j. Wet 'n Wild I Heart Matte, 6th color, in the crease
k. Same Palette, 7th color, outer crease, outer corner of lid
l. Same Palette, 6th color, blend it out
m. Same Palette, 1st color, under browbone
n. Covergirl Champagne, inner corner, under brow
o. Black Liquid Liner, upper lash line
p. Brown Eye Liner, lower lash line
q. Wet 'n Wild I Heart Matte, 7th color, lower lash line
r. Mascara
s. Jordana Lip Liner in Baby Berry
t. Elf Matte Color in Natural
u. Essence XXXL Shine Lip Gloss in Big Night Out
My Thoughts: I love looks where it is all drugstore. I had all of these products. I didn't need to dupe anything. I normally don't like wearing two blushes because I feel like it is too much blush. But when you put Maybelline Fit Me Blush on you don't have very much blush. It isn't very pigmented. The L'Oreal True Match Blush is more pigmented. It makes me wonder if she first put on the Maybelline Fit Me Blush and realized it wasn't enough blush, so she put on L'Oreal True Match because it is the same color as the other blush, but is more pigmented. This look is really pretty. It looks good on me, even though I am warm toned and fair, while she is cool toned and tan. I have red hair, she has dark hair. It looks good on me and her. Don't forget eye primer! I forgot to use it, but the eye shadows were still pigmented. It probably won't last very long though.

5. Get the Look: Newport Nights: An effortless look that is essential for your cosmetic bag! (I changed the name, so it wouldn't confuse you like it did me.) This is from a makeup tutorial card you can get for free that was next to the collection. I think they made a mistake with the name of the cards.
1. This is using Wet 'n Wild Fergie Centerstage Collection Photo OP Eyeshadow in Newport Nights.
2. Apply top right color from lash to brow.
3. Arc bottom right color into crease.
4. Press bottom left color over outer half of lid.
5. Apply middle color at lash line as liner.
6. Finish with top left color at inner corner.
7. Apply gloss over lips for a soft, golden sheen. Wet 'n Wild Fergie Lip Gloss in Fergaluscious: I didn't like this, so I used NYX Mega Shine Lip Gloss in Beige.
8. Apply 2 thick coats of Fergie Turn Up the Volume Mascara for instant curl and length. (I did my regular mascara routine.)
My Thoughts: Alright, this will be long. I have a lot of thoughts about this look! The name on the card had the wrong palette on it, so it was confusing. I initially made a mistake doing these looks because I got confused with which palette to use. I used Shades of the Hamptons palette because that is the name of this look (on the card), but on the card the picture shows colors from the Newport Nights palette. I had to redo the looks on myself because if you use the wrong palette the look is bad. Once I used, the right palette, I really liked the look. I don't like the lip gloss. It is gold. I feel like it makes me look really pale. It's not flattering. In order to figure out what lip color and blush I should wear I used the tips from this website: http://www.makeupsgeek.com/makeup-basics/how-to-match-your-lipstick-with-eyeshadow/ I have mentioned these ideas in another blog post, I remember. I just can't remember which post it was. The idea is if your eye shadow is in the warm color family, you should wear a cool tone color on your cheek and lip. If your eye shadow is in the cool family, you should wear warm color tones on your cheeks and lips. If it is all the same color family, it will look 80's and just not look right. Watch the video if you want to see this explained better. I would say this eye shadow look is in the warm family. So I should wear a pink lip color. Makeup Geek's favorite cool lip gloss is NYX Mega Shine Lip Gloss in Beige. (It isn't really beige.) For a pink blush she recommends Tart's Blush in Dollface. My dupe is NYX Stick Blush in Tulip. This is a cream blush. I'm going to wear Physicians Formula Happy Booster Blush in Pink on top of it.

6. Get the Look: Shades of the Hamptons: This playful look offers a flash of color every time you blink! (I changed the name on the card.)
a. Wet 'n Wild Fergie Centerstage Collection Photo OP Eyeshadow in Shades of the Hamptons (They made a mistake with the name of the card. I think they also made a mistake with the drawing because the colors are on the wrong place.)
b. Apply top left color from lash to brow.
c. Sweep bottom right color across lid, keep under crease line.
d. Apply bottom left color at top lash line as liner.
e. Apply top right color at bottom lash as liner.
f. Finish with middle color at inner corner.
g. Apply gloss over lips for a soft wash of sheer coral. Wet 'n Wild Fergie Lip Gloss in Hot, Hot, Haute.
h. Apply Fergie Take On The Day Primer before eye shadow so color lasts longer and stays put. (I used the Milani Primer I usually use.)
My Thoughts: It's hard to see the blue on the top lash line. It's also hard to see the pink on the lower lash line, and I have fair skin. It just isn't that pigmented. Maybe I should have wet my brushes. Since the eye shadow is in the cool family, I'm going to wear a peach blush. For blush I'm wearing Covergirl Pretty Peach. Don't forget mascara! It's a pretty green color on the eyelid.

7. Accents of Maize, Caribbean Green, & Coraline Red Tutorial by cosmetic couturier http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=16ozT1kUSp0
a. Eye Primer
b. Inglot 111r, lashes to browbone: Wet 'n Wild Vanity, 1st color
c. Inglot 363 matte, outer corner, blend into the outer crease: Wet 'n Wild Vanity, 3rd color
d. Inglot 458, outer corner and diffuse it out: Too Faced The Return of Sexy Palette in Casting Couch
e. Inglot ABC Shine 403, edges of the brown: Wet 'n Wild Sparkle Til Morning, 1st color
f. Black Gel Liner, upper lash line
g. Nude Eye Liner in waterline
h. Inglot 504, lower lash line: Wet 'n Wild Fergie Photo OP Eye Shadow Palette in Maldives Sky, bottom left color
i. Inglot 403, lower lash line
j. Mascara
k. Foundation
l. Concealer
m. Powder
n. Bronzer, hollows of cheeks, nose, chin
o. Too Faced Snow Bunny, top of cheekbones: The Balm Mary-Lou Manizer
p. Illamasqua Powder Blush in Tweak: Sonia Kashuk Beautifying Blush in Flushed
q. Inglot Soft Precision Lip Liner in 72, line and fill it in: Rimmel Red Dynamite Lip Liner
r. Wet 'n Wild Megastay Lipstick in Coraline 909d: L'Oreal Infallible Le Rouge Summer Rose
My Thoughts: I like the eye look. This look reminds me of the 50's. The lip color is really beautiful.

8. Warm Summer Eyes with my nieces! All Drugstore! Discount June! by Melmphs http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0dsD0Yy9cTg
a. NYX Love in Paris Palette in Merci Beaucoup, red on bottom middle color, crease: Wet 'n Wild Nude Awakenings, 3rd color
b. Same Palette, top middle color, crease: Elf Beauty Clutch, 3rd row, 6th color
c. NYX Jumbo Pencil in Gold on eyelid: Elf Jumbo Eyeshadow Stick in Little Miss Thing
d. Same Palette, top left corner, eyelid: Elf Cruella Beauty Book, Coat of Dreams
e. Same Palette, top right, outer 1/3 of lid: Wet 'n Wild Color Icon Eye Shadow Medley (gold is first color), 6th color
f. Same Palette, middle color, outer v: Maybelline Sunbaked Neutrals, 5th color
g. Blend it out.
h. Brown Gel Liner, top lash line, outer corner of bottom lash line
i. Same Palette, middle brown, lower lash line, smoke it out: Maybelline Sunbaked Neutrals, 5th color
j. Mascara
k. Same Palette, middle right color, under brow bone: Wet 'n Wild Brûlée
l. Milani Lipstick in Flamingo Pose
m. Milani Baked Blush in Luminoso
My Thoughts: Coat of Dreams on top of Little Miss Thing is so pretty! The eyes as a whole look pretty. The Milani lipstick smells so good! It smells like watermelon! This is a pretty look for the summer. I like how she uses all drugstore makeup.

9. Get Ready with Me! Summer Makeup, Hair, and Outfit by missglamorazzi http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wfsqxUYMMgI
a. Urban Decay Deslick Setting Spray: I skipped this step. I just did my regular face routine.
b. Tinted Moisturizer
c. Concealer
d. Urban Decay Deslick
e. Powder
f. Eye Primer
g. Maybelline Color Tattoo in Bad to the Bronze, eyelid
h. BH Malibu Palette, right side, 2nd column, 2nd to bottom, shimmering sandy brown, eyelid: Maybelline Sunbaked Neutrals, top row, 1st color
i. Same Palette, left side, 1st column, 2nd to bottom, matte light brown, crease: Wet 'n Wild Color Icon 8-Pan Palette called Medley (first color is gold), 7th color
j. Black Eye Liner, tight line
k. BH Cosmetics Gel Eyeliner in Lily, outer half of upper lash line: Maybelline Color Tattoo in Painted Purple
l. BH Cosmetics Gel Eyeliner in Fresh, inner half of upper lash line: Maybelline Color Tattoo in Edgy Emerald
m. Same Palette, right side, 1st column, 2nd to bottom, lower lash line: Wet 'n Wild Vanity, 3rd color
n. Same Palette, left side, 1st column, bottom color, tear ducts: Wet 'n Wild Lust, 4th color
o. Mascara
p. Same Palette, top two blushes: Milani Baked Blush in Luminoso
q. Bronzer, temples, hollows of cheeks, jaw
r. Almay Liquid Lip Balm in Cantaloupe: Revlon Lip Butter in Juicy Papaya
My Thoughts: This is a pretty look. The top lash line colors don't look too clowny or anything. It's a subtle pop of color, perfect for summer.

10. Summer 2013: Wet 'n Wild "Newport Nights" Makeup Look by Beauty Gala http://www.beautygala.com/brands/summer-2013-wet-n-wild-newport-nights-makeup-look/
a. Middle color, eyelid, apply wet, lower lash line: I sprayed Elf Makeup Mist & Set.
b. Bottom right color, crease, lower lash line
c. Top left color, brow bone, and inner corners
d. Black Eye Liner waterline and tight line
My Thoughts: I love this look! This is from someone's blog. It is so easy and pretty. I just added mascara and a pink blush and lip gloss. For blush I used Physicians Formula Happy Booster Blush in Pink and NYX Mega Shine Lip Gloss in Beige.

I hope you like these summer looks! I still have more to come!

Wednesday, June 19, 2013

Urban Decay Naked Basics Eye Shadow Palette Dupes!

I have been hearing about this palette a lot on Youtube and on blogs. I've been keeping track whenever I hear someone say there is a dupe to a color in the palette, but it wasn't until today where I finally got a dupe to all the shadows! I have tried to use my own shadows to dupe makeup looks using this palette. So some of the dupes are my own based on pictures I've seen online, and some of the dupes are from what I have heard people say. I always pay attention when Temptalia says a color is similar to another shade, and Mel from Melmphs on Youtube loves to dupe eye shadows. Here is where you can find Temptalia's review of the palette: http://www.temptalia.com/urban-decay-naked-basics-eyeshadow-palette-review-photos-swatches. Melmphs Youtube channel can be found here: http://www.youtube.com/user/Melmphs. I don't remember which video I saw where Mel gave dupes, I just wrote them down. When she says a color is a dupe, she puts the original color on her hand and the dupe right next to it, so you can see for yourself the colors are a match. I don't remember where I got all the dupes from.

Venus
1. Wet 'n Wild Walking on Eggshells, highlight color (my dupe)

Foxy
1. Wet 'n Wild Vanity, 1st color
2. Wet 'n Wild Comfort Zone, 1st color (Mel's dupe)

W.O.S. Walk of Shame
1. Wet 'n Wild Newport Nights, top left color (Temptalia's dupe)

Naked 2
1. The Balm Meet Matt(e) Nude in Matt Abdul
2. Revlon Color Stay Palette in Attitude, top right corner (Mel's dupe)

Faint
1. Wet 'n Wild Vanity, 3rd color (my dupe)
2. Revlon Color Stay Palette in Attitude, bottom left corner (Mel's dupe)

Crave
1. Wet 'n Wild Greed, 3rd color
2. MAC Carbon
3. Elf's Beauty Book Neutral Eye Edition, 11th shade
4. Wet 'n Wild Blue Had Me At Hello, 4th shade
5. Urban Decay Naked Palette 2, Blackout
6. Wet 'n Wild I Heart Matte (or Drinking a Glass of Shine), black color

I would post a picture of the palette, but I don't own it and I don't want to steal anyone's pictures. If you want to see pictures just google the name of the palette. It seems like a really great palette, so I'm glad I have the dupes to it.

Saturday, June 15, 2013

June Birchbox



This is what it says on the introductory card: "Wanderlust: Hi there, Counting the days until your next takeoff? Mentally assembling the ultimate packing list for Bora-Bora? Corralling the family for a beach getaway? We feel you. When wanderlust strikes, it sticks. That's why this month's box is filled with samples from near and far that will serve you well on all your summer adventures. And what better way to kick things off than with a beauty-travel mash-up. We teamed up with Color Club to create a collection of exclusive nail polish shades, each inspired by one of our global offices. They'll look fantastic here, there, and everywhere in between. Away we go, Katia, Hayley & Team Birchbox"


1. Klorane Gentle Dry Shampoo with Oat Milk, Full-size, $18
What: Beloved by celebs, this award-winning oil-buster revives second-day strands.
How: Hold about 10 inches away from your head. Spray evenly on your roots.

I like how they are including a "how" section on the back of the card. That is really helpful to me. I have tried dry shampoo before, but it hasn't worked very well for me. I might not have been using it correctly. I will try this out and come back to this post and say how I liked this product.

Review: I think I may not like dry shampoo in general. This sprayed out very intensely. It left a white cast on my hair. It said to wait 2 minutes before brushing it out, so I waited but it was still white in my hair. I don't think it made my hair cleaner. It looks like I didn't put anything in it (other than the white part). I think I'm going to give this to someone who will use it.


2. Youngblood Mineral Cosmetics Hi-Definition Hydrating Mineral Perfecting Powder, Full-size, $36
What: A shine-zapping mineral powder that keeps oil levels in check.
How: Buff all over face after applying foundation.

Now that the weather has gotten hotter, my skin has gotten shinier. I hope this works well for me. I've never tried a hi-definition powder before.

Review: I tried this out today, and unfortunately it reminds me of the other powders that I use from the drugstore. I wouldn't purchase this. It is also messy because it is a loose powder. Today is a really hot day, so I've been shiny and the powder didn't seem to help with that.


3. 29 Cosmetics: 29 Preserves Skin Care Collection, Full-size, $68-175
What: An antioxidant-rich and eco-chic quartet that protects and firms skin.
How: Use cleanser and eye cream a.m. and p.m. Apply night cream before bed.

There is a lot of information on the packaging: "Grape Seed Age Protecting skin care and color cosmetics line from Napa, California, dedicated to protecting, improving and presenting beautiful skin. Preserves skin care formulas are all natural and pure with organic, sustainable ingredients, paraben and sulfite free. Featuring a natural preservative system with organic emulsifiers, potent essential oils, organic extracts and scientifically tested highly effective ingredients to protect the skin from harmful free radicals and environmental stress while visibly easing signs of agin. Each luxurious product contains the most current botanical actives for firming, brightening, cellular renewal, anti-acne protection, exfoliating and moisturizing. All skin care products are packaged in eco-friendly, reusable and recyclable packaging to lessen our impact on the environment."

It comes with four different products.
a. Cream Cleanser: "This balancing pore refining white lupin peptide cleanser retains skin's moisture levels, protects collagen while maintaining firmness and doubles as a replenishing mask."
b. Serum Extract: "A two-in-one serum and cellular renewing day moisturizer provides deep nutrition to the skin. 29's protein complex instantly firms the skin, stimulates pro collagen and promotes cell turnover. Use alone or under 29's Hydrating Foundation."
c. Eye Emulsion: "Powerfully firming with anti-wrinkle and anti-oxidant defense. Delivers anti-inflammatory properties, reducing the appearance of puffiness and dark circles. Nourishing and hydrating, leaving the eye area looking firm and youthful."
d. Night Moisture: "This nourishing creme is like a Shea butter moisture mask, rejuvenating the skin with vitamins and extracts for instant firming effect with long-term benefits. Protects and stimulates the production of collagen and provides soothing, calming properties to the skin."

I think I will try the Eye Emulsion and Night Moisture. I already have a cleanser I like and I put ointment on the skin, so I don't want to put a serum on. It seems like these products are expensive. I don't know if I would purchase the full size, even if I like it. I normally just get from the drugstore or use what my dermatologist gives me.

Review: I tried the Eye Emulsion, and my first impression is that it seems like other eye creams I have used before. There is nothing I don't like about it. It moisturizes my eye area. So it does the job. I don't know what the lasting effects really are because of course I haven't used it long enough to tell. I only have a little sample, and I don't plan on purchasing the full size. It doesn't irritate my eye.


4. These are postcards. "Destination Inspiration: Away We Go! We're dreaming of a great trip, and we're betting you are too. Inspired by our four global offices - New York, London, Paris, and Barcelona - we've created an exclusive set of postcards. Keep them at your desk to spark your imagination, or send them off to friends in far-off locales. xoxo, Birchbox Packing for your next adventure? Pick up carry-on must-haves and global beauty finds in the Birchbox Shop! Plus earn 35 Bonus Points when you spend $35+. Use code BBREFRESH at checkout."

On the back of each postcard it says how to have a perfect day at that city.

a. New York: "Get a culture fix with a tour of Chelsea art galleries before hopping onto the elevated High Line - be sure to stop by the People's Pops stand for an icy pick-me-up. From there, choose one of the West Village's cute, pleasantly buzzy restaurants - we're partial to L'Artusi."

b. Paris: "Head to Montmarte, stopping by Gontran Cherrier bakery for to-die-for bread and croissants. Jump on the Little White Train to see the neighborhood, then grab a Velib bike for a leisurely cycle to the Seine, Louvre, and Tuileries Garden. From there, stroll the streets near Saint-Germain-des-Pres and squeeze in some shopping."

c. London: "Start with coffee and eggs Benedict at the Riding House Cafe, just behind Oxford Circus. Saunter over to the iconic Liberty store, then relive the '60s by wandering through Carnaby Street. Jump in a black cab and marvel at the sights across Tower Bridge before finishing at the restaurant atop the Tate Modern - after checking out the latest contemporary artists, of course!"

d. Barcelona: "Hit La Rambla for tapas at Bar Canete, then wander through the Raval District, a cultural melting pot, on your way to the MACBA (Museum of Contemporary Art). Need to refresh? Visit Les Topettes for artisanal soaps and fragrances."

I feel like Birchbox thinks I have a lot of money. xD I can't afford to travel anywhere fancy this summer. Going to the beach is as far as I will go. The postcards are cute, though.


5. Birchbox + Color Club Wanderlust Collection, Full-size, $8
What: Exclusive neon pastel shades inspired by four of our favorite cities.
How: Two coats will give you an opaque, glossy finish.

I like the color I got. It's called, "London Calling." I don't have a nail polish this color.


6. Twistband Birchbox Nautical Hair Tie Collection, Full-size, $14
What: Seaworthy hair ties that will charm even the landlubbers among us.
How: Secure ponytails or buns, or just wear on your wrist.

I think this is cute. I wear ponytails most of the time. I like the little seahorses.

I will try this stuff out and come back to the post and write little reviews for the things I've tried.