Sunday, May 31, 2015

May Favorites

Favorite Movie


Pitch Perfect: I think the sequel to this movie came out this month. I am going to wait until it is able to rent. I saw this movie awhile ago, and I don't remember it being so funny! I also like the music in it. It has a cute story.

Favorite Books


The Longest Ride by Nicholas Sparks: I have been reading Nicholas Sparks' novels lately. I just saw the movie, and the book is so much better. It has two love stories. An old man tells his story about him and his wife, while you watch the story unfold of a city college art major girl with a cowboy bull riding guy. You don't know how the two stories go together until the end of the book.

Beauty Favorites


I wore this nail combination this month. China Glaze Flip Flop Fantasy on every other nail, then I got Torrid Nail Polish in Neo Green. This reminded me of the summer. I have been ready for summer to start. Torrid is where I get my plus size clothing. They also sell nail polishes. And it was good quality.


Mario Badescu Facial Spray with Aloe, Herbs, and Rose Water: I have been using this spray before I put on makeup to moisturize my face. It smells good, and feels good on my face.

My list is short this month. I hope you had a good month.

Saturday, May 16, 2015

May Birchbox



This is what the card looks like for this month. Very pretty! I actually tasted macaroons for the first time this month, and I liked them! They literally melted in my mouth! I can be a picky eater, so I didn't think I would like them. Let's see what the card says..."Beauty products have a way of instantly transforming my mood, whether I'm taking a bubble bath at the end of a long day or brightening up my look with an unapologetically bold lipstick. I love that simple products can have such a profound impact, which is why I'm thrilled to be curating the May Birchbox. My second book, Cupcakes and Cashmere at Home, also comes out this month and follows the same motto as my blog: 'Elevate Everyday Life.' My book is filled with entertaining ideas and home decor tricks that are aspirational yet attainable. I hope you enjoy my Birchbox picks and find plenty of applicable tips to help elevate your everyday life!" Looks like a Martha Stewart type person is helping to do the box this month.


Harvey Prince Sincerely Perfume: "Sweetly spicy scent with Indonesian clove bud, Indian tuberose, and Japanese orange flower. Spritz onto pulse points - and see where this intriguing scent takes you." I honestly don't like the smell of this. It is too spicy for me.


Dr. Jart + Ceramidin Day Tint: "This ceramide-infused balm hydrates, delivers sheer coverage, and packs SPF protection. Apply to face with fingers or sponge. Wear alone or under makeup." I will have to try this out. This might be a good face primer.




Benefit Lollibalm: "This mango butter balm hydrates lips and provides a sheer, candy-orchid tint. Sweep onto bare lips or over your favorite Benefit tint for instant moisture." I love Benefit products. I am curious to try this out. 


Juara Candlenut Body Creme: "Nourishing candlenut oil deeply penetrates for softer, smoother skin. Apply generously when needed, paying special attention to dry areas like elbows and knees." This may be a fancy lotion. I will try it out. Wow! This smells so good. I like it!


Parlor by Jeff Chastain Moisturizing Sea Salt Spray: "This celeb stylist's new nondrying spray gives you soft, beachy waves - and smells amazing. Spray evenly onto damp or dry hair and style with fingers for a tousled look." I am trying this out today. I love the beach wave look. I'm afraid when I try to achieve it my hair looks tangled and frizzy. Maybe this spray will have the magic touch.

My Thoughts: Overall, I like this box. There was only one thing in this box I didn't like.

Spring Makeup Looks


These are my 10 favorite makeup looks I have found for this Spring. I try out the different Spring looks from Youtube and figure out which ones are my favorite. I use my own makeup because I don't have everything the Youtubers use. When I find a dupe from the drugstore I will include that. I also will list the color, if you want to try to find a similar color that you have in your makeup collection. I'm just going to list the eye makeup, blush, highlight, and lip makeup because the face makeup I feel is personal preference.

1. 'Step Into Spring' Makeup Tutorial by Becca Rose
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XyLtcJdKsd8
a. Rodial Illuminating Highlight Powder (champagne candlelit glow), top of cheekbones, nose: Drugstore version - Hard Candy So Baked Bronzer in Tiki, Physicians Formula Powder Palette Mineral Glow Pearls in Translucent Pearl. I used Bare Minerals Flawless Radiance.
b. Tartelette Palette, Super Mom (light beige with subtle warm undertones and a matte finish), lid, tear duct: Drugstore version - Wet 'n Wild Brûlée. I used Too Faced Semi-Sweet Chocolate Bar Palette in Coconut Creme
c. Natural Beauty (subdued, pinky taupe with a matte finish and subtle warm undertones), outer half of lid, lower lash line: Lorac Pro Palette in Mauve
d. Power Player (warm, taupe brown with semi-matte finish), outer 1/3 of lid, outer v, crease, outer lower lash line: The Balm Balmsai Palette in Dig It
e. Blend it out.
f. Black Liquid Liner, upper lash line, wing
g. L'Oreal Colour Riche Extraordinaire Lip Color in Dancing Rose: Revlon Lip Butter in Berry Smoothie
My Thoughts: The eyes are neutral look, and there is a black wing. There is no blush. The lips are glossy and berry. I think it is pretty, and an everyday wearable makeup look.

2. Subtle Spring Pastels Makeup Tutorial by SMLx0
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YD8rbIjl4zw
a. Jaclyn Hill Morphe Palette, medium brown, 2nd row, 2nd color, crease: Wet 'n Wild Nude Awakenings, 3rd color
b. Bottom row, 3rd color, metallic purple, outer 2/3 of lid: Maybelline Eye Studio Color Explosion Amethyst Ablazed, left color
c. Top row, 3rd color, shimmery nude, inner 1/3 of lid: Lorac Pro Palette in Nude
d. Top row, 2nd from right, orangey brown shade, outer portion of crease: Wet 'n Wild Trio in Flora, orange color
e. Lorac Pro Palette in Cream, under brow
f. Same metallic purple, lower lash line
g. Brown Eye Liner, waterline
h. Black liquid liner, upper lash line
i. Tarte Blush in Amused: Rimmel Lasting Finish Soft Colour Blush in Tickle Me Pink
j. The Balm Betty Lou Manizer, cheeks: Hard Candy Blush Crush in Bombshell
k. Jordana Lip Liner in Tawny
l. Gerard Cosmetics Lipstick in Kimchi Doll, baby doll pink and peach nude: Wet 'n Wild Megalast Lipcolor in Just Peachy
m. NYX Butter Gloss in Creme Brûlée
My Thoughts: The eyes are purple with some orange in the crease. The lips are a really pretty combo, and it is inexpensive from the drugstore!

3. Spring Hair and Makeup Look by MsRosieBea
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FGILc9UTSXQ
a. Benefit Lollitint: NYX Cream Blush in Tulip
b. The Balm Bahama Mama, lid, lower lash line: Benefit Hoola Bronzer
c. Stila In the Light Palette, Sandstone, upper lash line
d. NYX Lip Liner in Natural: Jordana Lip Liner in Tawny
e. Revlon Colorburst Matte Balm 235 Mischievous, orangey peach: Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stain in Rendezvous
My Thoughts: This look is very easy to do. It doesn't have a lot of steps. MsRosieBea is once of a very few number of redheads on Youtube.

4. Easter Makeup + 2 Outfit Ideas! by Kalyn Nicholson
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vRPQBIr5uzk
a. Covergirl Quad in Notice Me Nudes, taupe matte color, crease: The Balm Balmsai Palette in Dig It
b. Pearly champagne color, wet brush, inner 1/4 of lid: Covergirl Eye Enhancers in Champagne
c. Metallic taupe color, center of lid, outer half of lower lash line: Covergirl Eye Enhancers in Tapestry Taupe
d. Champagne color, under brow
e. Annabelle Lip Liner in Nude: Jordana Lip Liner in Tawny
f. Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick in Coral Berry
g. Annabelle Blush in Coral: Sonia Kashuk Beautifying Blush in Sunset
My Thoughts: I think if you follow what makeup she used, it would be more inexpensive than what I used. I already had these things, so I don't need to go out and buy anything new. I have never seen Annabelle makeup where I live (Oregon). It may be only in Canada. I put the champagne color on the inner half of my lid. I wasn't sure if wetting the brush would work on a Covergirl eye shadow, but it does. It makes the shadow more pigmented. Then I put the metallic taupe color on the outer half. It doesn't make sense to me to put the champagne on the inner 1/3 and then the taupe on the middle 1/3 with nothing on the outer lid. Maybe she put the matte taupe color on the outer 1/3 of the lid. I like coral colors on me, and it is a pretty springtime color.

5. Spring 2015 // Makeup, Hair & Outfit Ideas for Spring by Tara Michelle
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wb2GejDmroU
a. Urban Decay Naked Basics Palette, Foxy, lid: Wet 'n Wild Comfort Zone Palette, 1st color
b. Venus, inner corner: Wet 'n Wild Walking on Eggshells, highlight color
c. Faint, crease, outer v: Revlon Colorstay Palette in Attitude, bottom left corner
d. Crave, outer v, lower lash line: Wet 'n Wild Greed, 3rd color
e. Black Liquid Liner, upper lash line, wing
f. Black Eye Liner, outer half of waterline
g. Milani Lip Liner in 03 Nude, line and fill it in, blend with finger: Jordana Lip Liner in Tawny
h. MAC Blush in Trace Gold: Milani Blush in Warm Petals
My Thoughts: The eyes, cheeks, and lips are all very neutral. The thing that makes this look trendy is the winged liner.

6. I Wish Lovely Spring Makeup by So Young's Beauty Room
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pEGAYKACWbc
a. BB Cream
b. Eyebrows
c. Concealer, under eyes and chin
d. Powder
e. Contouring, Benefit Hoola Bronzer, jawline, temples, nose bridge, contour eyelids in the crease
f. I Wish Concealer in Lovely Sepia, eyelids and blend edges with fingertips, lower lash line: Milani Shadow Eyez in Cafe Au Lait
g. Lovely Rosegold color, lower lash line and inner corners: Em by Michelle Phan Ro's Gold Waterliner
h. Memebox Eyeliner in Moonstone, upper lash line, brown eye liner
i. Curl Lashes
j. Apply multiple coats of mascara
k. Wish Lip and Cheek in Lovely Pink on lips and cheeks, apply to center of lips and blend out: Benefit Posietint
My Thoughts: I like this look. It has inspired me to do more looks like this on my own.

7. Spring Peach Peach Makeup! by So Young's Beauty Room
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AM38Q6VZbI0
a. Sun Screen
b. Foundation
c. Concealer, v in between eyebrows, triangle under eyes, around nose, cupid's bow, tip of chin, top part of bridge of nose, eyelids
d. Benefit Blush in Majorette, peachy orange cream blush: NYX Rouge Cream Blush in Orange
e. Translucent Powder, brush around face, sponge on eyelids
f. Memebox Eyeshadow in Almond Cookie, outer corners, crease, lower lash line: Wet 'n Wild Nude Awakenings, 3rd color
g. Espoir called Fanciful, lid, shimmery peach color: Pixi Petra Mesmerizing Mineral Duo in Apricot Glow
h. Marc Jacobs Twinkle Pop in Honey Bunny, inner corners, lower lash line: Milani Champagne Toast
i. Black Gel Liner, upper lash line, slight wing
j. Brown Eye Liner, outer 1/2 of waterline
k. Mascara
l. Espoir Cuture Touch Lip Fluid in Steeze, bright peach coral color: NYX Butter Lip Gloss in Apple Strudel

8. Everyday Spring Makeup Routine by SMLx0
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DFk35aqUEww
a. Foundation
b. Concealer, under eyes triangle, nose, forehead, eyes
c. Powder
d. Lorac Pro 2 in Lt.Brown, crease, lower lash line: Lorac Pro Palette in Taupe
e. Rose, lid, inner corner: Urban Decay Ammo Palette in Chopper
f. Blend it out.
g. Mascara
h. NARS Casino Bronzer, under cheekbones, hairline: Wet 'n Wild Ticket to Brazil
i. Tarte Blush in Glisten: Milani Baked Blush in Dolce Pink
j. The Balm Betty-Lou Manizer, top of cheeks, nose, chin: Hard Candy Blush Crush in Bombshell
k. LA Girls Lip Liner in Natural: Milani Color Statement Lip Liner in Nude
l. Color Pop Lippie in Bound, nude pink: Revlon Pink Pout
m. Setting Spray

9. Rosy Glow | Spring Makeup Tutorial 2015! by Kayleigh Noelle
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gA0j1DTnTpc
a. Eye Primer
b. Urban Decay Naked 3, Trick, lid, crease: L'Oreal Infallible Eye Shadow in Amber Rush
c. Blend it out.
d. Nooner, crease: Lorac Pro Palette in Mauve
e. Blend it out.
f. Brown Eye Liner, upper lash line
g. Mascara
h. Serum
i. Face Primer
j. Foundation
k. Concealer, triangle under eyes, nose, forehead, cupid's bow, chin
l. Powder
m. MAC Blush, rosey color: Milani Powder Blush in Tea Rose
n. MAC Soft and Gentle, top of cheekbones, nose, cupid's bow: Hard Candy Tiki
o. NARS Audacious Lipstick in Anna, cool-toned, muted medium-dark pink with a semi-matte finish, smokey rose: Revlon Colorburst in Soft Rose
p. NARS Lip Satin Pencil in Rikugien, skip
q. Urban Decay Factory, lower lash line: Wet 'n Wild Comfort Zone, 3rd color

10. Go-To Spring/Summer Makeup Tutorial | Blue & Peach by MakeupByCheryl
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_TELxLfEjto
a. Eye Primer
b. Anastasia Warm Taupe, crease: The Balm Rockstar Palette in Allegro
c. Makeup Geek Peach Smoothie, crease: Wet 'n Wild Greed, 2nd color
d. Illamasqua Emerge, lid: The Balm How 'Bout Them Apples in Cider
e. Josie Maran Coconut Watercolor Eye Shadow in Playa Del Pink, lid: Maybelline Color Tattoo in Inked in Pink
f. Black Liquid Liner, upper lash line, wing
g. MAC Deep Truth, over liner: Wet 'n Wild Pride, 6th color
h. Mascara
i. Concealer under eyebrow
j. Mario Badescu Facial Spray
k. Foundation
l. Concealer
m. Powder
n. Hourglass Bronzer Radiant Bronze Light, cheeks, hairline: Wet 'n Wild Bronzer in Bikini Contest
o. Contour, under cheekbones, sides of nose, tip of nose
p. Illamasqua Emerge as blush: The Balm in Cider
q. Hourglass Luminous Light, top of cheekbones, under brows, nose: Elf Blush in Gotta Glow
r. Light Blue Eye Liner, lower lash line: Rimmel Scandal Eyes Waterproof Kohl Eyeliner in Light Blue
s. MAC Deep Truth, lower lash line
t. Black Eye Liner, waterline
u. Mascara, lower lash line
v. MAC Stripdown Lip Liner: Wet 'n Wild Lip Liner in 666 Brandywine
w. MAC Shy Girl Lipstick: Rimmel Nude Delight
x. Setting Spray
My Thoughts: I thought this was a unique color combination of blue and peach. I didn't know if it would look good on me, but I think it is pretty.

Wednesday, May 13, 2015

May IPSY Bag


This is the IPSY Bag for the month. I think it is ok.


Urban Decay Revolution High-Color Lip Gloss: There are two sample lip glosses in here. The left one is called Failbait. The right one is purple and it is called Bittersweet. Failbait looks like a rose color. I might like that. I would not wear the purple one.


Urban Decay 24-7 Glide On Lip Pencil in Ozone: It says it "applies invisibly, glides on smoothly and grabs on to color to help it last. Use it to fill in fine lines, prevent feathering and correct mistakes! Our long-lasting, waterproof formula stays creamy (it never feels dry or cakey) and vitamin E, jojoba oil and cottonseed oil nourish lips." So I guess it is a lip primer. I will have to try it out. I love Urban Decay, so this is exciting to have.



Pixi Beauty Bronzer in Summertime: This is a glowy bronzer. I don't think it is matte. I think this is one you put all over the face, not to contour with but to give a bronzing glow. I'm not sure how this would look on me because I am so pale, I don't really have bronzed skin at all. In the picture it looks green, but it is more brown than that.


Klorane Smoothing and Relaxing Patches: I think these are eye patches. I wish IPSY would come with a card that explains what is inside the bag and how to use it. The directions say, "Remove the white protective film from the patch. Apply patch without pressing on the lower eye contour. Leave for 20 minutes and then slowly remove the patch, starting at the outer corner of the eye. Enhance its effectiveness by lightly patting the application area with the tips of the fingers." So I think this is like an eye patch for under the eye. It has soothing cornflower.


Organic Farm -a-ceuticals Style Me Roots To Ends Hair Oil. It says on the back of the bottle, "Good for all hair types. Enriched with argan oil and pumpkin oil. Helps to style and control flyways. Reduce frizz and control curls. Extremely lightweight and nourishing. Directions: Massage into your hair from roots to ends. Can be applied to damp hair for better definition, or to dry hair for more shine." I will have to try this out. It could be good.



Jesse's Girl Pure Pigment Eye Dust in Brown Sugar: This is a glowy brown eye shadow. I have so many brown eye shadows, this doesn't stand out to me as anything special. 

For me this bag was nothing very remarkable. I am most interested in the Urban Decay lip primer pencil. That may be something helpful.

Tuesday, May 12, 2015

Fortune Cookie Soap Box: Peter Pan


Peter Pan is the theme for this Summer season. Last season it was Alice in Wonderland. I love the fairy tale themes! The picture for this season's soap box is so cute and detailed! I really look forward to getting this in my mailbox.


When you open the card it looks like this. With a description for each item in the box. It has a funny line and says what the fragrance is. Since this is a summer box it has a lot of tropical scents. I am definitely in the mood for summer! I am loving these smells.


I like to show how the box was packaged because it pays attention to details. Last season there was a butterfly for Spring. This season there is a feather, I guess from Peter Pan's hat. I think the papers are teal like the water in Neverland.


1. Mermaid Lagoon - Two Phase Perfume Oil: "Our coconuts bring all the mermaids to the lagoon - but watch out, they'll probably drown you! Them beaches... To use: Shake it more than twice, it's fun to play with! May stain clothing (take it from Bill & Monica!)" I love how this smells! It smells like coconuts, but not like a sunscreen if that makes sense. The perfume contents look like a lagoon! 


2. Wendy Bird - Veggie Protein Deodorant: "Don't be afraid to raise your arm and flip the bird...the Wendy bird that is! What were you thinking?! Bright, green apple with a balmy, tropical twist." This is the first time I've seen them come out with a deodorant! I have been hearing lately how deodorant may cause breast cancer because of the ingredients. I wonder if this doesn't have those bad ingredients in it! I hope not. I still have to test this out to see if it works or not. It smells like apples, and it is clear.


3. Second Star to the Right - Fortune Cookie Soap: "A happy thought and a bit of pixie dust. Glitter can't make you fly, silly...this isn't an acid trip! Crushed berries and mint leaves with a splash of sparkling pomelo, served over iced sugarcane." I can smell the mint and a little bit of the berries. I like the way these fortune cookie soaps look, but I don't use them because I like using shower gels and putting them in my loofah for a nice bubbly lather in the shower. These soaps look really cool though. It even comes with a fortune! Mine says, "Crook..Crook..Crickety-crook, the croc is after Captain Hook." In the story there is a crocodile that bit off Captain Hook's hand, and once it got a taste of Hook it has been stalking him ever since. Captain Hook is terrified of him. The crocodile also swallowed a clock so it makes ticking sounds. I have read Peter Pan and it is one of my favorite books. I also liked the movies.


4. Tink - OCD Hand Sanitizer: "Do you believe in fairies? Ok, good...we can be friends. Fresh cherries in cream, sprinkled with toasted coconut and a fairy dusting of powder sugar." I didn't like the hand sanitizer from the Spring. It smelled like grass and dirt! This one is much more pleasant. I can smell the cherries. It also looks like it has silver glitter in the tube, but I don't notice it on the hands.



5. Lost Boys - Whipped Cream: "Get lost for peach sake! Just don't lose your marbles...Golden apricot muddled with fresh white peaches." One of the boys lost his marbles as an old man. I don't remember if it was in the book, but I remember in the movie "Hook" one of the boys as an old man was literally looking for his marbles (and senile). I can smell the apricot and peaches. The whipped cream is like a body butter, very moisturizing.



6. The Boy Who Never Grew Up - Salt Scrub: "Boys don't want to grow up & girls just want to have fun! Why can't we have both?! Tropical margarita - served with a salted rim." This smells so good! I am glad to have a body scrub!


7. The Captain - Steam Me Up Scotty! Call yourself a cod fish - don't smell like one!! Dewy magnolias and wild berries drenched with fresh cream." This you put in the shower to make a yummy smelling steam. In the book I think Hook called himself a cod fish or Pan did. It was funny in the story. This smells floral to me. I can't really smell it. I have to try this out.


8. Kiss - Lip Balm: "Here's a thimble, pucker up! Exotic watermelon, juicy pineapple and coconut water, bursting with fresh citrus juices." In the book, Wendy asks Pan for a kiss and he gives her a thimble. It smells tropical to me, but I can't distinguish the different scents. The texture as a lip balm feels very moisturizing.

I am very happy to get this! I love everything in the box. My only complaint is this is the second time they sent me two boxes! I thought I was off their mailing list. I only need to be on there once.