Tag Archives: Favorites

August Hits and Misses

Posted in Avon, Eyeshadow, Favorites, Hits, Hits and Misses, Make Up, Makeup, Mascara, MIsses, Powder, Uncategorized, Urban Decay by

Holy Cow its September! This year has really flown by, my mother was right time flies the older you get. Onward to hits and misses from the past month….

Tea Rose Perfume by Perfumer’s Workshop:: $12.40 from Amazon

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I love the scent of Rose and this perfume is perfect because it is light but still has a strong enough scent that you don’t have to douse yourself in it!  You all know what I mean, with some perfumes there is no middle ground, one spritz isn’t enough and two spritzes you smell like you have bathed in a vat of perfume!  The top notes are Rose, Bergamot and Lily, Middle notes are Tuberose, Jasmine and Cedar and the Bottom is Amber, Rosewood and Sandalwood. If you aren’t sure about this scent you can get the 1 ounce bottle for $7.99.  Some Rose scented perfumes smell like Granny or as my sisters and I called them growing up ” old lady perfume”.  But this has a nice fresh scent that isn’t too heavy and give off  that you live with 14 cats and are trying to cover the scent of mothballs.

Fresh Peach Bubble Delight Bubble Bath:: $8.00 from Avon

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I take a bath once a week to unwind and relax and that bath usually involves bubbles.  I have several different bubble bath scents from Avon, but I seem to be reaching for this one a lot. The scent is amazing and lightly scents your skin and Avon has the bubble formula down to a science, its amazing! They often run deals (seems like mostly in the summer) like 2 for $9.99.

Anti-Bacterial Pocketbac Sanitizing Hand Gel in Island Margarita:: $1.75 from Bath and Body Works

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This was gifted to me and I totally forgot about it until I was cleaning out a bag.  Island Margarita is one of my new favorite scents from B&B.  The scent is a blend of mandarin lime and white nectarine, it smells like a vacation to a tropical island.  B&B is also good about running sales and I have picked up these PocketBac Sanitizers  five for $5.00.

 Wash-Off Waterproof Mascara::  $6.50 from Avon

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I have talked about this mascara before and I used it all through the month of July.  As I’ve said before, I live in Florida, it is hot and humid here. During the summer months, make up tends to melt off your face and with mascara you can end up looking like a raccoon. This mascara does not melt or flake and gives lashes length and definition.  I was able to get two mascaras for $6.00 during a recent sale. 

Urban Decay Naked Basics:: Paid $15.00 Via Tophatter retails for $27.00

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This palette is matte and features six neutral shades. The colors included are  Venus (soft, off-white demi-matte), Foxy (cream bisque matte), Walk of Shame (very light nude matte), Naked2 (taupe matte), Faint (warm, dusty brown matte) and Crave (deepest, darkest brown/black matte).  Love love love this palette you can create endless eye looks just with the colors provided or use them as a base and add other colors from your eye shadow collection. Urban Decay has amazing eye shadow and I am very pleased with this palette. 

Physicians Formula Organic Wear Translucent Powder:: Paid $3.99 at Ross retails for $13.99

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I am labeling this one a miss.  The formula is pretty good but the packaging sucks!  The brush is horrible and it is a pain to get the powder out.  I have used other translucent powders just as good as this one that were not a pain to get out of the package.  And I have only been able to find this online and I will definitely not pay $14.oo for this product plus shipping.

What were your favorites from the month of August?  Have you tired any of my hits and misses?  If you haven’t used Tophatter check it out and use my code d966f to receive a credit of $5.00! 

July Hit and Misses

Posted in Accessory's, Argan Oil, Avon, Blush, Combination Skin, Dry Skin, Eyeshadow, Favorites, Hair, Highlight, Hits, Hits and Misses, Jewelry, July, Make Up, Makeup, MIsses, Moroccan Oil, Normal Skin, Oily Skin, Primers, Review, Shampoo, Skin Care, Style, Target, Uncategorized, Walmart by

July went by super fast! I seriously cannot believe we are now in the month of August. On to my hit and misses for the month of July….

Hot Mama Shadow/Blush from the Balm $20.00

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I received this as a sample in my Birchbox several months ago. This blush is super pigmented (as are most Balm blushes) so be careful or you could end up looking like a clown and have to do some retouching. This blush is a peachy pink hue and has a touch of shimmer. It is advertised as a blush and eyeshadow in one. I have not used this as a eye shadow but I could see with a neutral eye this would be a showstopping accent in the crease or corner. I am excited to try it as an eye shadow and I love products that do more then one thing!

Equate Everyday Clean Dandruff Shampoo $3.44

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As a teen my hair was crazy, I had super oily hair that I had to wash everyday but I also had dandruff. Go figure… In the past six months or so my dandruff issues have come back to visit. I think it is related to hormones as I only seem to have this problem one week a month…. If you catch my drift…. I was using Head and Shoulders which worked great but I am always on the hunt for a bargain. The Equate (Walmart house brand) is $1.53 cheaper then the name brand and works just as well. Although this is advertised as a two in one shampoo and conditioner I found that my ends were getting dry. So I stated adding a deep conditioner or mask just to the ends of my hair after washing, it seems to have done the trick.

Organix Moroccan Penetrating Oil $5.74

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I think this hair oil is just a good Josie Maran Argan Oil Hair Serum. And at a discount of $24.26 I will take the Organix! At target the Oragnix Moroccan Argan Oil is $5.74 for 3.3 ounces. The Josie Maran is $12.00 for .5 ounces, $30.00 for 2.0 ounces and $50.00 for 4.0 ounces. I have used both and I found that Oragnix works the same. A little goes as long way, I have been using this for over three months and I have barely put a dent in the bottle.

TRUE COLOR Eyeshadow Duo – Fiji Paradise in Sunkissed $3.49 Regularly $7.00

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I am rarely disappointed in Avon eyeshadows and this duo is no exception. I love the color combo of gold and coral. I have also used the lighter gold shade as a highlight and it looks amazing. These are creamy powders that apply easily with a brush or with your fingers. Love Love Love!!!

Charlotte Russe Layered Beads and Chains Necklace in Mint $6.oo

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I cannot go into Charlotte Russe without buying jewelry, I have tired many times and always walk out with something. I just can’t help it, they have on trend and classic styles at super affordable prices, I just can’t say no! Mint is totally in right now and I love how this necklace softly incorporates the on trend color with crystal and gold. Adore this necklace I wear it at least once a week.

Avon MagiX Illuminating Face Perfector $7.99 Regularly $10.00

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This product was a miss for me. I think for someone with drier or combination skin it would work well, but it did my super oily skin no favors. I did not really notice a reduction in the appearance of my pores but mostly my disappointment is that my skin was very greasy within a few hours of application. It did not do much of anything in keeping my oil under control.

What were your hits and misses from the month of July? Have you tried any of mine, if so what were your results? Let me know in the comments below or on Twitter!!

e.l.f. Essential Little Black Beauty Book – Eye Edition

Posted in Eyeliner, Eyeshadow, Favorites, Make Up, Makeup, Review, Uncategorized by

If you haven’t tried any e.l.f. products yet, stop reading this post, go online or to your local Target, pick up a few and them resume reading. I am still amazed that a company that sells their products for so little have such quality.  Seriously stop reading and do it…….. Ok now that you are back, I will share with you one of favorites from eyes lips face  aka e.l.f. ; the Essential Little Black Beauty Book-Eye Edition in cool and warm.  I received both of these for free during a promotion on their website.  (Side note:: they run promotions ALL THE TIME! And I usually get sucked in and buy what I don’t really need because its such a good deal, just a warning… ! )

e.l.f. Essential Little Black Beauty Book – Eye Edition in Cool and Warm –$6.00 each 

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I wasn’t so sure about using the cool palette as I am a warm toned person (an autumn if you are into season coloring) and I have never used pink or blue eye shadow before as I didn’t think I could pull it off and not look like a pre-teen who raided her mothers makeup bag circa 1983. But surprise as I am learning you can pull off pink and blue with a light hand and adding other colors.  I would not suggest only using blue or pink shades for an eye look.  Add a more natural color like grey, gold, or brown for a more sophisticated look.   I am really impressed with e.l.f. eye shadows, they don’t crease, have staying power and for the most part are very pigmented.  I have found a few of the matte colors can come off as a bit chalky but all of the shimmers are really pigmented. While on a business trip for 2 and a half weeks I took both of these palettes as my only eye shadows and liners and was able to come up with endless looks.  I love that they are so thin and portable and the color selection will keep you creative.

Have you tired this palette from e.l.f. or other e.l.f. products? What are your favorites? Let me know in the comments or on Twitter! 

June Favorites

Posted in Accessory's, Acne, Blush, Combination Skin, Dry Skin, Favorites, Hair, Jewelry, Make Up, Makeup, Masks, Normal Skin, Oily Skin, Skin Care, Style by

I cannot believe that we are past the half way point of 2013!!!  It is true that time goes by faster as you get older…. Onward to a few favorites that I discovered or rediscovered in the month of June.

Sigma F80-Flat Kabuki     $18.00

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I have been looking for a good foundation brush for a while and I couldn’t seem to find one that worked for all types of foundation so I ended up having multiple brushes for multiple foundations.  Also most brushes seemed to have a lot of fallout and I would end up with random hairs on my face.  Now this fallout could be related to how much I wash my brushes.  Due to my acne I wash my brushes every other use so I don’t spread the nastiness around my face, which means I wash my brush 2-3 times a week.  All of this to say I love this brush!  I was first introduced to this brush by Sam Schuerman via her blog and YouTube videos.  Shout out to Sam, she is amazing if you haven’t already check out her blog and videos.  I have been using this brush for almost three months and I love it!  Save your money and get one of these brushes you will not be disappointed.

Thayer Rose Petal Witch Hazel Toner     $9.23 for 11.5oz

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I have been off and on about using toner over the years, but in the past year I have been pretty consistent.  I had been using Lush Tea Tree Water which I liked but I like to have variety in my routine.  I remembered reading somewhere that Rose Water was good for acne and skin care in general  so I looked up ‘Rose Water Toner’ on Amazon to see what I could find.  This stuff is amazing, it smells heavenly and makes my skin feel amazing.  Best of all I can smell rose all day long after using it.  I see this as a perk, however if you are not fond of the scent you will probably not be pleased.  Thayer’s has several different types of Witch Hazel Toner including Lavender and Peach.

Stila Custom Color Blush     $20.00 for 0.17oz

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Blush that adjusts to the your skin? Yes it exists.  I had Birchbox Points that I needed to use so I bought a need (clarisonic brush head) and a want, this blush.  I have used several products that claim to self-adjust, some have been great and others have been duds. I hoped for $20 that this blush would fall into the great category.  Looking at the picture on the website I thought it looked like a bright pink but I was surprised when I open the package it was really really pink, like almost bordering on neon.  And  a little goes a very long way with this!  First time I used it I looked like a clown and thought that I would have to put this in the dud pile as I used a “normal” amount of blush.  With this product you really only need a very light swipe.  I now put mine on with a fan brush so I am sure to not overdo it.  In the long run this may be a good deal as I can see this lasting forever as I only use a tiny amount for application.

Caroline G. Bubble Necklace:White with Clear Beads     $19.99

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I discovered Caroline G. on Facebook and fell in love with their jewelry.  I think I have five piece right now and they are my go to for making a statement with a simple outfit.  Like the page on Facebook because they frequently have deals like only paying shipping on certain items.  I bought this latest purchase during their 50% memorial day sale and I think it is my favorite!

L’Oreal Advanced Haircare Total Repair 5 Damage Erasing Balm     $5.97 for 8.5oz

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Again with the outrageous claims, supposedly this hair mask will repair a years worth of damage in one use.  Will it make your hair super soft and manageable? Yes, but repair your hair? No.  But I give L’Oreal props for trying, a little goes a long way and I use this mask two or three times a month. It is super moisturizing and makes my hair silky soft.

What are your favorites from the month of June?  Do you use any of mine? Let me know via Twitter or comment below! 

May Favorites

Posted in Acne, Bronzer, Favorites, Foundation, Hair, Make Up, Makeup, Nails, Review, Skin Care, Style, Uncategorized by

Oh my word, time is flying I cannot believe it is already June!  Crazy I tell you, crazy.  This post is just about a few of my favorites from the month of May.

Ojon rare blend oil Total Hair Therapy     Birchbox $35.00

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I have had this oil since November but I have just recently started using it regularly and properly. The first few times I used it I put in way to much so my hair looked a bit slick (nice way to say a silo of oil).  So I assumed with my hair texture that I couldn’t use oils on my hair.  But I was wrong,  live and learn. You really need just a few drops, I use four drops on my thick shoulder length hair and it is plenty.  I have found one of the best ways to use this exquisitely smelling oil is on dry hair. Yes oil on dry hair, my mind was also blown.  I have been curling my hair with a 19mm NuMe Curling Wand from the Curl Jam set.  After I curl my hair I use my fingers to break up the tight curls into looser but still defined waves. I live in Florida, it is hot in Florida and we have this wonderful thing called humidity which wreaks havoc on hair.   After I break up the curls they sometimes (well in the summer all the time) get a little frizzy.  That is where Ojon rare blend is a god send.  I just put four drops in my palm and rub my hands together then lightly scrunch my hair. Voila its like magic!

Avon Nailwear Pro+ Nail Enamel in Rave   Avon $6.00

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Avon has pretty good nail polish.  It isn’t the best but it isn’t the worst either.  I have had this color for a while and rediscovered it while cleaning out my nail polish bin.  It is pinky copper glitter shade. I think that it is great polish for any time of the year because it has enough pink to look springy and summery and enough copper to wear into fall and winter.

Rimmel Clean Finish Matte Foundation in Ivory     Walmart $3.97

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Yes you read that right $3.97.  I will give this foundation 7 out 10 stars.  It is not the best I have ever used (that would be the Kat Von D Lock it Tatto Foundation) but Rimmel gives Kat a run for her money at a discount of $30.03 so yeah I am totally down with wearing a 7 star foundation!! It has fairly good coverage, but my main concern is staying matte on my super oily skin.  I still have to blot and powder at least once if not twice a day, but I can go longer between touch ups.  And for less then $5 you can afford to give this a try.

Physicans Formula pH Powered Bronzer     Walmart $13.23

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I have been searching for a bronzer that wasn’t too bronzy, ironic I know.  But with my fair skin it is hard to find something that gives me a natural looking tan/glow without looking like, “whoa, she overdid it with the bronzer!”  or being asked if I am auditioning for a production of ‘Willy Wonka” as a Oompa Loompa.  I am also not a fan of shimmer bronzer as for the most part I think it draws too much attention to the not so nice bits of my face.  But surprise this bronzer has a bit of shimmer but it isn’t over the top.  I was skeptically of the claim that the powder would self-adjust to your skin tone. However I was and still am pleasantly surprised. Not a fan of the brush that came with it but I use my E.L.F blush brush to apply a very light dusting on my face and neck.

Bath and Body Works Signature Collection Shower Gel in White Citrus $11.00

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I love citrus scents and I picked this up last year but finally got around to using it last month.  I don’t know about you but I always seem to buy shower gel when I have plenty in my shower, underneath the sink…you get the picture…  B&B have a pretty good formula for shower gel, and when you get it on sale it’s a good deal.  This particular scent has notes of Lemon, Tangerine and Grapefruit.  I love it, I am even tempted to buy the lotion. I have resisted so far as I have twice as many lotions as I do shower gels.

Share with me some of your favorites from the month of May and what products you are looking forward to using in June. 

Favorite Lush Products

Posted in Acne, Favorites, Skin Care, Uncategorized by

I love love love Lush, Did I mention I love Lush?!  I love that their products are natural and good for me but I also love that they work, it really is the best of both worlds.  So today I am going to share with you some of my fav products.

Ocean Salt $21.95 – $35.95 for either 4.2 or 8.8 oz

Using Ocean Salt is like taking your face and body on a trip to the beach. Sea Salt softens skin and is said to assist in scrubbing away dead skin for a bright complexion.  This scrub also has avocado and coconut both of which are known for their healing properties. I am not surprised Ocean Salt is a best seller for Lush, it is amazing!

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Herbaslism  $13.95 – $29.95 for either 3.5 or 8.8 oz

Herbalism is advertised as a cleanser for oily and acne prone skin (which is me). This cleanser contains ground rice bran which acts as a light exfoliate. Also in this green and earthy smelling manna from heaven is a blend of rosemary, nettle and chamomile which will help clear problematic skin.

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Schnuggle Body Butter $16.95 for 3.3 oz

The Lush website says “The absorbent powders in Schnuggle make your skin feel soft and not the slightest bit oily, as though you’ve been sprinkled with skin-smoothing fairy dust.”  Yes fairy dust it really is that amazing.  After taking relaxing shower or bath you simply massage this moisturizing bar which features cocoa butter into your skin. The scent of this body butter is a euphoric combination of lavender, chamomile, ginger and sandalwood.

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None of your Beeswax $7.25 for 10g

None of your Beeswax is a vegan lip balm.  This balm features a citrus blend of lemon and mandarin with a hint of vanilla. It also has extra virgin coconut oil, murumuru butter and carnauba wax (as an alternative to beeswax) to keep your lips oh so soft!

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Drug Store Wins!!

Posted in Favorites, Make Up, Nails, Style by

I have become a bit of makeup snob after trying some high end products.  Now more expensive does not always equal better but I have found in regards to makeup it can.  So onward to some products I picked up at Wally that I really like.

 

NYC Cheekglow in “Riverside Rose”

This blush on my fair skin gives me a nice healthy natural color.  It is not super pigmented but at around the $3 mark I can afford  to layer it up.

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Flower Nail’d It Nail Lacquer in  “NP10 What’s the Daffodilly-O”

This polish looked like a pretty coral color to me in the bottle. The formula is good consistency neither to thick or thin. It is also free of   DBP, toluene & camphor.  Best of all it is around $5!  I am excited to try more from this line, I love Drew  Barrymore’s style and the packaging on all the products is super cute.

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L’Oreal Voluminous Carbon Black Mascara 

I am a mascara whore, Yes I said whore. I cannot be faithful to one mascara, I am constantly on the search for the newest and best.  How difficult can it be to make a volumizing, lengthening and thickening mascara?!  Apparently impossible, but I still search for the holy grail of mascara. Until this day of miracles come around I will be content with trying every mascara under the sun.  That said, I may purchase this one again!  It does give me some volume and then I can put a layer of a lengthening mascara on top. And you can’t beat a mascara that cost around $6.

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