July Beauty/Health/Reading Favorites!

Above you can see all of the things that I chose as my "favorites" for this month. When I find something I really like, I pretty much obsess over it! haha There are a mix of haircare items/makeup and even my daily vitamins and an inspirational book I have been reading for a little over a month. Below I will say a little blurb about each item and ultimately why it made it into this post!

1. Daily Inspiration for Women by Helen Steiner Rice: I have instagramed an excerpt from this book and I have also mentioned it numerous times on my twitter/Facebook, I LOVE this book! It is so small so if I am going away I can even slip it in my purse and it even has that little ribbon bookmark which may seem pretty normal to you, but I always lose my place in books without a bookmark! The daily passages are very short and to the point which I love. I read one each morning before I walk out of the door. I do this because at the end of each passage it poses a question that I like to reflect on for the rest of my day! I got this book from Barnes and Noble. 


2.  Macadamia Natural Oil Deep Repair Hair Masque: I purchased this over a month ago and not only do I LOVE it, I also have so much left still! It is a bit pricey and I wasn't sure if all the "hubbub" about it could really be justified in the almost $30 price tag, but I am justifying it to myself because I only use it twice a week (or once sometimes depending on the pattern that I wash my hair) and because of that and how well I feel it works to make my hair soft and healthy I think this is definitely worth it.  *This smells wonderful too! I purchased mine off of www.soap.com , a partner site to one of my absolute favorite websites www.diapers.com amongst a few others. Here I find that not only can you find products like this a little cheaper, you can also find a coupon code! 


3. Trader Joe's Women's Once Daily Vitamins: Long story short, I needed a new women's daily vitamin and it just so happened that I came across this one while grocery shopping. I love that it doesn't contain gluten or any other nonsensical things that my normal Vitamin Shoppe ones did--not that those "nonsensical things" were harmful for me but I just think the more raw we get the better especially when it comes to vitamins. I take one of these a day with my breakfast in the morning and I am good to go! These also contain Iron which a lot of other daily vitamins don't! I need my Iron people! haha


4. Organic Virgin Coconut Oil: This is a miracle in a jar-no other words to explain it. You can do some research of your own but this is known to help with acne, help add the necessary proteins in your hair to help damaged hair regrow healthier, it is an excellent all natural moisturizer for the skin and sometimes I even use it as a mask! I love this stuff because it smells SO good with no added fragrances, so much so that I just want to eat it sometimes---I in fact tasted it I must admit hahaah DELICIOUS! Coconut Oil is said to have healing affects for diseases, heart problems, it helps with your body's immunity, digestion etc. All around this stuff is amazing! You can even use it as a mask for your hair! Throw some on, wrap it in shower cap, sit down with a bowl of whatever and watch a show--30 mins later, rinse and voi la! 


5. Olay Oil Minimizing Toner: This is pretty self explanatory, I use it before I moisturize my face and I love how clean and refreshing it makes my skin feel! A toner pretty much re-balances the pH levels in your skin to avoid unnecessary breakouts, shininess etc. GREAT!


6. Olay Complete Daily Moisturizer: I wanted to find an alternative to my favorite Aveeno Daily Face Moisturizer and I think I definitely did, I love this stuff! It moisturizes me SO well leaving me with a very supple feeling face but without feeling greasy. This also contains an SPF 15 which is something very important to me and at under $10 for a 6 fl oz bottle, this is a winner in my book!


7. Tarte Amazonian Clay Bronzer in Park Ave Princess: I have been using this every day during the day--It is swatched in one of my previous posts! I love this stuff because it doesn't contain any shimmers but leaves a nice sheen on your cheek which acts as a highlighter at times as well. I love that it is not too dark (say like a contouring powder) and because of that I can wear it during the day for the perfect sun kissed (not muddy) look :) 


8. Urban Decay Zero Cream Eyeliner: Okay, in the beginning, I HATED this. The little brush it comes with really stinks and at first it wasn't opaque at all, I figured this was a loss. I went to IMATS and purchased an angled eyeliner brush from Royal Brushes and decided to give this another go--well, well what do we have here--it WORKED! I think it just needed to be "warmed up" a little by using it a few times. It is not pitch black, but definitely black and I love this for winged liner paired with the angled liner brush--it is what I always use now when doing that look because it is so easy to work with!


9. Covergirl Outlast All Day Lip Color: I don't know how much I can rave about this stuff--It works AMAZING! (Maybe I will do a photo comparison one day...hymm) I can put this on in the morning and literally by the end of the night the color is still full impact and best of all--it doesn't transfer!! My boyfriend LOVES this! I can wear red lips and it's not messy and it doesn't have to be reapplied every hour. I throw the lip conditioner part in my purse and with one reapplication of this when my lips feel a little dry, I'm good to go! Definitely recommend!


10. NYX Megashine Lipgloss in Beige: This is a perfect everyday lipgloss. Isn't sticky and is the perfect pinky natural shade-- A+ in my book!


11. E.L.F. HD Powder: I have tried the MUFE one and I liked it but for way cheaper this one from elf does the same exact thing. This stuff is great and really gives the skin a pore-less airbrushed look when used as a setting powder when you are finished your makeup--perfect for nights out!

Ok, my raves are done haha If you have anymore questions leave me a comment or email me via my contact me tab above! What are you loving this month?

**I will be doing an Updated Haircare Routine/Face Routine VERY soon ;)

Looking Forward to August (My Birthday, Vacations Galore etc.),

xox

Product Review: CONCEALER SMACKDOWN

Today I am going to share with you my thoughts on 5 different concealers in my collection.  Included in these are concealers from Inglot, Sonia Kashuk, NYX, Maybelline and Garnier.  They are all different kinds (jar, roller ball, palette) and for this reason, I feel like they offer different types of coverage depending on what you're looking to conceal.  Unless otherwise mentioned, I am a medium shade in all concealers mentioned.  I know offhand that the Garnier roller ball doesn't really come in a variety of shades so I just made sure to get the tinted one. Let's get started!




I purchased this concealer in a jar from IMATS NYC this April.

• I use this for under eye concealing when I feel like I need a bit more coverage
• I do find that it is VERY thick which although it says crease-less, sometimes leads to minimal creasing even when set with a setting powder.  Perhaps I just have fine lines that aren't visible to my eye, nonetheless as far as coverage, I do like this one a lot and it is very build-able. 
• Find it here for $5.50  

This concealer found its way to my heart via Target :)

• Love that this palette offers 3 different shades that really makes this a one stop shop when it comes to concealing. It even has a setting powder little quadrant!
• Being that it is summer, I am using the darker of the three concealers because it works with my summer tan well.  During the regular months, I would use the middle one :) 
• The greener looking one on the left is what I use to neutralize any redness that I may have and THEN I add the other normal color I would use over it. I use this for spot concealing on my face when needed or under eye-both work well for me. 
• Find it here  for $9.99

 



Tiffany D got me interested in this under-eye concealer. I have been hooked ever since, this is actually my repurchase!

• I love that it has a felt tip applicator-almost feels fuzzy haha This assures me that there will not be tugging on my under eye area which is great to know. Who wants to contribute to early aging anyway right?! :) 
• The shade I use, medium, is perfect and yet still light enough to really brighten up my under-eye area which I am always looking for. 
• This is available at drugstores as are most of my other choices which make them really accessible, again love!
• This concealer does not crease on me when set with a setting powder, and it lasts all day for sure. I also can attest to the fact that it is super blend-able!
• Find it here for $8.99

Another IMATS NYC purchase right here!

• In the beginning I really loved this concealer.  I liked that it came in a tiny cute little jar and it seemed that a little really took you a long way, however, after a month or so rotating on and off with this, I have come to the conclusion that it just doesn't work for me :( 
• It is very "oily" looking--hard to describe but it looks SO shiny when it goes on, definitely not something you want to have when you are trying to conceal something! 
• I like the amount of coverage, but it remains sticky for a while after application--even after setting-odd. 
• On the bright side, love that it is paraben free and not tested on animals!
• Maybe this just didn't work for me and you will love it--if you want to give it a try-you can   Find it here (USA store link) for $10.00

I purchased this from a local drugstore.

• I really got this on a whim-being that it doesn't come in specific colors I figured it would be way too light for me, however, it actually works quite well!
• I like the roller ball application--pop this in your fridge for an extra soothing cooling effect while applying it under your eyes! BLISS!
• I feel like the coverage is light and can be sheer at times, but sometimes that's really all you need-some brightening! 
• I mainly use this in the winter months when my skin isn't really exposed to any sun for tanning purposes (although in the summer I try and really shade my face as much as possible for protection!).  In the summer months, it has just proven to be too light for someone with an olive skin tone as myself. 
• Find it here for $12.99 
• UPDATE!-I checked the Ulta website and they now have a new "medium deep" shade! I must purchase this asap! Can't wait to try it out :) 

Which concealer won you over? Which other not mentioned concealers do you love? If I had to suggest one and only one, it would have to be the Sonia Kashuk palette simply for its versatility.  Aside from the INGLOT concealer, I really loved each and every one of these for different reasons.

Here's to concealing your perfect imperfections,

xox

Overdue IMATS/Drugstore/Sephora Shop and Tell!

In April, I had the pleasure of attending IMATS NYC (International Makeup Artist Trade Show), I am so lucky to be able to just hop on the train or in my car and go because it is so close! I must say, if any of you attended the one we held here in the city last year then you will probably agree with me when I say that this year was SO much more organized and better overall! There was so much more space which meant we got to have more vendors! We even got to walk around without bumping into others ;) haha I can definitely say that I had such an amazing time there! I even met Kandee Johnson, one of my very favorite women.  Inglot and NYX had the longest lines from what I could tell, but it was all worth it :) Check out what I picked up below as well as from Sephora and Target :)

Kandee and I :)

INGLOT & NYX Concealers in a jar purchased from IMATS, Sonia Kashuk Concealer quad purchased from Target.

INGLOT Freedom System 10 Shadow Palette purchased from IMATS, LOVE these shadows, so beautiful and pigmented!

NYX Lip Products and JulieG Nailpolish purchased from IMATS

Tarte Mini Sized Eye Primer and Face Primers purchased from Sephora, Model in a Bottle Setting Spray Purchased from IMATS.

Mini Tarte Bronzer in Park Ave Princess and Blush in Amused purchased from Sephora.

Also stopped by the Give Good Face booth and picked up one of these awesome T's! I like to wear this when I am doing makeup on someone haha too funny!

Along with this, the only other thing that I didn't photograph because I am in the process of cleaning them would be my Royal Langnickel makeup brushes, picked up 4 single face and eye brushes.

I will probably review some of these purchases further with a little more time, want to make sure I test them out well!

It's Not A Magic Wand,

xox

Mini Shop and Tell: MUFE, UD, Revlon and NYX!

I picked up this stuff from Ulta and Sephora a few weeks ago.  3 of them are lip products, and one is a cream blush :) I'm still getting the hang of using my new camera and I have realized that for swatch purposes I definitely need to either use my regular Canon Point and Shoot or get a tripod! It is near impossible to take a photo and manually focus (which is my favorite ) with only one hand haha Ok lets get started!

Make Up Forever HD Blush in #4. 

*Love this so far, very bubblegum pink and a little but DEFINITELY goes a VERY long way. I learned this the hard way in the beginning haha Needless to say, I love that because it means I will be getting tons of long use out of this!

Swatch of MUF Blush #4

Revlon Lip Butter in Cotton Candy

* When I went to Target, this is the only color that they had left so I had to choose this one.  I actually like it a lot, although it is very sheer, and more of a cotton candy glaze.  I throw this on over a lot of more matte formula pink undertone lipsticks for the perfect "icing" on the look!

Swatch of Revlon Lip Butter Cotton Candy

NYX Lipliner Pencil in Pale Pink #854

* This lip liner goes well with my Revlon Lipstick in Pink Pout, it is almost the exact same color except in a lip liner formulation haha I didn't have one like this so this purchase was justified....aren't they all though? ;)

Swatch of NYX Lipliner in Pale Pink

Urban Decay 24/7 Lip Liner in Naked

*This lipliner, although a bit more on the pricey side for a lipliner, is SO worth it! I have yet to find a lipliner in this perfect natural shade that is so creamy and long lasting.  Now just to find a sharpener that won't make it look all chewed up as the cap seems to have done to the tip of it! haha hymm....

Swatch of UD Lipliner in Naked

This was a pretty unplanned shopping trip so I didn't have that much on my wish list at that moment.  Hope you enjoyed :)

Swatches and Love,

xox

NYX Makeup Haul/Swatches

So, it's that time, I have swatched everything that I got in my recent shopping adventure with NYX Cosmetics, and I am here to share my brief thoughts with you guys :) I know that I personally love seeing swatches of things on others before I go ahead and purchase things, and especially purchasing them online. The website I ordered these things from has the worse swatches ever I swear! lol However, when the price is right, and you want  a product enough, you deal with the possible "what?! this doesn't look how it looked online" thoughts. Ok, lets get to the good stuff!

LIPSTICKS: 

From just these pics, they actually look more similar than they really are, let me explain each.

The top left corner is the shade Rose Bud, this color reminds me of a lipstick that would result if you made NARS Orgasm into a shade for NYX lol It is pinky peach with flecks of gold shimmer.  I like this lipstick, it isn't like anything that I have already, so I am glad I purchased it.  It goes on very metallic though, so I find that for everyday wear, it can be a bit over the top, you can also tone it down with a gloss though, up to you.

The top right hand corner is the shade Sky Pink. This is also a color that goes on with a metallic like finish. The shimmer however, isn't over powering and I find that the color is actually very flattering. It is a rosy pink color.

Bottom left corner is the shade Paris. This is absolutely my favorite of the bunch that I purchased this time around. It is a creamy medium pink color that just goes on so smooth! It doesn't have any shimmer in it so it is more of a wearable lipstick for everyday. 

Bottom right hand corner is the shade Margarita. I got this one on a whim, and let me say it is actually a very nice tangerine color. It goes on very creamy and the color is very true to what it looks like. I would wear this with a simple eye look because it is a very unique "out there" color. I can totally see wearing this orangey color with something blue. (Orange Lipstick post coming soon!)

Those are the lipsticks I purchased this shopping order. They are all the signature round lipsticks and over all I would say they are definitely worth trying. There are a nice variety of shades and I find that every single one that I have tried has gone on soft and smooth. I would say mine lasted about 4 hours before I had to reapply which isn't too too bad.

LIPGLOSSES: 

Natural, African Queen, Golden Pink, Nude Peach, Beige, Perfect Red, Sugar Pie, Dolly Pink

NYX Mega Shine Lipglosses are by far my absolute favorite glosses for the money. In all actuality, I prefer most of these to my MAC ones, and that's something I thought I would never say! I like these for a variety of reasons, the price, the quantity, the texture, the fact that I don't have those super sticky lips that my hair is sticking to as I walk down the street!, the color pay off and last but not least, the color variety! I love pairing these over a lipstick that just needs a little more "hype".  Sometimes I will wear African Queen, Perfect Red or Dolly Pink alone, that's how pigmented they are! They last a reasonable amount of time as well, something that I love because I don't always have the time to reapply my gloss. Definitely give these a try if you haven't!

SINGLE EYESHADOWS:

Earthy Shimmer, Deep Brown, Blue Marine, Prune, Rust, Ocean, Odyssey, Iced Mocha, Violetta

These swatches don't really do some of these colors justice. You know, sometimes I wonder if NYX is playing jokes on us, the customer, with these color names. For example, Deep Brown is in all actuality a deep purple, and with the lipglosses, Beige, in fact is a pink color, crazy right?! lol Anywho, I swatched these to the best of my ability to show you at least a little bit of an idea as to the colors of these shadows. Some of them look completely different before using them. Odyssey looks black here, but is a dark glittery blue, this reminds me of MAC's contrast a little. Rust, reminds me of MAC's Cranberry as well and Iced Mocha of Satin Taupe,  just in case you were interested in possible dupes for those.

JUMBO EYESHADOW PENCILS:

Both pics are of the same 7 swatches, just in a different order. I will name the colors from the pic on the bottom in order from left to right. French Fries, Rocky Green Mountain, Milk, Purple Velvet, Pure Gold, Pots & Pans, Cottage Cheese.

These Jumbo Eyeshadow Pencils are great as eyeshadow bases. You do, however, have to prime your lids especially well before applying these because they will crease without a doubt if you don't. I like that they are easy to use because of the fact that they are packaged like a drawing utensil lol and I love the color shade variety that they offer. These are just a few and they were, as well as all of the other swatches in this post, swatched without a primer underneath. They really make your eyeshadow more vibrant when used as a base!

LIP LINERS: 

Nutmeg, Fuchsia, Deep Red, Hot Red, Coral

I have always been a big fan of NYX lip liners.  I love that they come in so many shades and work very well in accompaniment with a lot of their own lipsticks and glosses. These lip liners are perfect to make a lip look very long lasting. I am especially sure to make sure I line my lips before wearing dark lipsticks. When wearing bright pink or red lips, its all about wearing the right lip liner base to make that color stay looking like you it did when you first applied it. I would definitely recommend these!

Well guys, that's it! I think I am done purchasing NYX products for a while, I'm set! haha I hope you all found these swatches helpful, although I am not the best at situating the correct lighting etc.

www.nyxcosmetics.com

Aside from the actual NYX website, here are some websites that often hold sales for your NYX addiction!

www.beautyjoint.com
www.cherryculture.com

Happy Shopping! xox