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

Hautelook Mini Shop and Tell: Urban Decay

A few weeks ago I placed my very first order on the Hautelook site.  I have always browsed through this site, but never ordered. I am so happy that my first order was Urban Decay products as I absolutely love them!

What is Hautelook? 

Hautelook is basically a website that features "events" daily. These events are different brands or categories of things for purchase.  These companies partner with Hautelook to offer us, the buyer, a special discounted price (my UD purchases were up to 70% off!)

What's the catch?

There is no catch, just that you must become a member (which is helpful because they notify you via email when new events are happening and you can get first "dibs" on your favorite shoes, makeup, clothing, furniture etc.) and everything is first come first serve. Once a product sells out, there is no re-stocking it, so if you see something coming up in the list of events that you may want, be sure to log on at 9am PT (I think this is the time) or somewhere close to that time to assure that what you want will still be available. 

What I love about the site: 

I love the amazing discounts.  Who can resist spending only $35 on products that in store would have cost you almost $90?!  I also love that there are so many events daily, there are about 6 new events added everyday or more and you are still able to search through previous day events that haven't expired yet.

What I don't like so much about this site: 

There really isn't anything I don't like about this site. You aren't obligated to buy anything, there is no fee to become a member etc, you just get to reap the benefits of a great deal at your leisure.  If I had to choose one thing that aggravated me about this site it would have to be shipping. Not the overall process of the shipping, but rather the time you have to wait lol Sure I could pay more for expedited shipping, but I'm trying to get a good deal here people  haha My last shipment from UD took just about 2 weeks to get here, oh well, I'll wait for a great product at a great price :) 

Mini UD Eyeshadow Primers in: Original, Eden, Greed and Sin

Original, Eden, Sin, Greed

Juju, Sin, Delinquent, Rehab, Clash

Delinquent, Clash, Sin, Juju, Rehab

Ink For Eyes in color Zero

At a later date, I may do a more in depth review of these, for now however, here are the swatches :)

** These items are no longer available on the Hautelook website, but are now discounted pretty well on the actual Urban Decay website! :)

Also, here is my personal invite link to join Hautelook: http://www.hautelook.com/short/3BBo2

Remember, it is FREE and you get to look at all the events without ever purchasing anything if you want. You do however get access to some GREAT deals ;)

My Twitter: @AlyseaP
My Pinterest: Alypxox

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

Shop and Tell!

Here is a list of the things I picked up during this run, pictured above:

First Stop in this "Shop and Tell"--Sephora/Target and MAC!

1. e.l.f Cream Eyeliner in Black from Target--I love this so far! It goes on smooth with my angled eyeliner brush and it has always lasted me all day and is super black! For only $3.00 you really can't go wrong. (comes in a few other colors as well)

2. MAC See Sheer Lipstick--I purchased this because it was the perfect sheer medium pink tone for the wedding I was in this past weekend. I was wearing a navy dress and didn't want something so pigmented and matte because I was doing a rather dramatic eye look. On the other side of that, I didn't want to do something that would be too washed out, needless to say this was the perfect choice! It is a great shade that can be layered for maximum pigmentation, but like the name says, it can also be that perfect "bitten" sheer medium pink tone as well :) I definitely recommend this as part of one of your staple lipstick shades from MAC.

3. MAC Painterly Paint Pot--I wanted to try something new and have always wanted to get more paint pots. I use this as an alternative to my Urban Decay Primer Potion. I love this because it is heavier and provides more even coverage on top of being an amazing primer.  I am totally loving this so far and look forward to purchasing most of the other shades as well.

4. Sephora Nano Eyeliners in Pearl Beige and Azure Blue--These little things (literally only a few inches) are great! I love the pigmentation and I really love all the shades they are available in!

5.DUO Lash Glue in the dark tone-- Special Occasions call for lashes! I picked this one up as an alternative to another one I had that was regular white--I love that it dries dark and it for sure held my lashes all night! :)

6. Makeup Forever Mat Velvet Foundation--I used this for the first time last weekend, literally the day after I purchased it. I was nervous, because I have never used a foundation at all before, but figured for a wedding where lots of pics are being taken, I should have something.  I love this foundation--although it is a thicker formula (so I hear in comparison to others) with a light hand, it can give you just the coverage you need. It also kept me matte for the majority of the night! Perfect shade as well. Definitely will use this again.

7.Urban Decay All Nighter Spray--I have heard of this a ton of times and was always meaning to pick it up. Sometimes when I go out for special occasions, I am out well into the evening and want my makeup to last me.  This worked without a doubt for me, 7 hours and my makeup didn't budge at all!

Next up, my final leg of the shopping voyage this week, Bath and Body Works.  I love when my house smells good, it just makes me happy honestly! haha I love the fall because of the wonderful colors and scents that come along with it.  Bath and Body Works is the perfect place to find all of the candles that capture the best scents of the Fall season and you are guaranteed to have a yummy smelling house!

1. 4 oz. Candles in:
       --Creamy Pumpkin
       --Kitchen Spice
       --Smores--MY Favorite of the bunch--oh my goodness, smells JUST like real smores!!
       --Mountain Leaves
       --Pumpkin Caramel Latte--Another Favorite, sweet pumpkin like something from Starbucks haha
       --Homemade Cookies (not pictured because I gave it  to my boyfriend's sister, she's quite the baker! lol)

2. Mini Candle in Marshmallow Fireside--this is a mini that I got free with a coupon but smells so good that I will be returning to purchase the big size asap!

3. Mini Anti-bacterial to-go in:
       --Chocolate Chew (not pictured because I gave this to my boyfriend's sister as well!)
       --Cranapple Crisp
       --Phantom Pumpkin
       --Bat Bite Apple
       --Creamy Pumpkin

4. Wall Flower in Japanese Cherry Blossom (I will insert a pic of it below as I hastily put it up in my bathroom) haha

Well that completes my Shop and Tell.  I hope you all like the setup--I took less space with the pics and did more explaining, because that is what this is about after all right?! :)



Cozy Autumn Smells and Blissful Beauty,

xox

Bridal Party FOTD

Products I Used On Myself And The Girls: 
 

 

1. Bronzer side of the Elf Bronzer and Blush Duo
2. MAC Painterly Paint Pot to prime the eyelids
3. Urban Decay All Nighter Spray to Set the makeup and make it last all night--which it did! :)
4. Urban Decay Eyeshadow in Smog
5.Makeup Forever Matte Velvet Plus Foundation in #45
6. Garnier Dark Under Eye Circle Roller
7. Covergirl Lashblast Mascara in whatever the blackest one is (I forget the name at the moment!)
8. MAC See Sheer Lipstick
9. Prestige Lip liner in Silk
10. Stila Kajal Eyeliner in Sapphire
11. NYX Jazz Nights Palette --This was the main palette used for all of the girls I did--LOVE the colors!
12. MAC Blush in Melba
13. Miss Adoro Lashes in #600 and #28
14. Duo Lash Glue in the Dark tone
15.L'Oreal Lineur Intense Liquid Eyeliner in black
16. Urban Decay Pore Perfecting Face Primer




Well there you have it, the list of ALL of the products used for all of the makeup I did that day including my own.  The makeup turned out spectacular and we all got tons of compliments on it! I had never done makeup for a wedding or even a large group of girls like this, normally I only do my own! It was very nerve wracking at first because of time constraints, but I made it work.  The other good thing is that I was doing the makeup for members of my own family, which made the whole process much easier because I didn't have to worry about using only products for clients and not mixing it with personal use makeup. My main goal was to make the girls look a little more dramatic for the sake of taking pictures, but also make them look themselves and not too out of their normal style. My second largest goal was to give them a look that would last all throughout the evening, and this was achieved thank goodness! The All Nighter Spray really does work! Staying Matte was a third goal and this was also possible for the majority of the evening.  Toward the end I saw a little shininess here and there, but nothing that a little blotting paper wouldn't help in an instant. 


All in all I had a wonderful time doing every ones makeup and it made me excited and happy that my cousin and my sister liked the outcome as well! 


Wedding Bells & Beautiful Belles of the Bridal Party, 

xox