Every Day Makeup 2018

It's been awhile since I've shared what I use on an everyday basis for my makeup. This is what I wear to work, on the weekends, going out to dinner, etc. Let's waste no time!

Face

• Maybelline Superstay Full Coverage 24hr Foundation (112natural ivory)
• Wet N Wild PhotoFocus Foundation (soft beige)

**I apply these with the new Mary Kay Foundation brush**

• Mary Kay Perfecting Concealer(deep ivory)
• Mary Kay Undereye Corrector

**I apply these with either a damp beauty blender or Mary Kay Foundation brush**

• Revlon Photoready Pressed Powder

**I apply these with a dry beauty blender or soft brush**

• Palladio Matte Blush (peach ice) --this isn't new...lol

**I apply this with a blush brush**

• Benefit Hoola Bronzing Powder

**I apply this with a Real Techniques sculpting brush**

• Milani Stellar Lights Highlighter Palette (03 rose gold)

**Applied with a small light blush brush**

• Milani Make It Last Setting spray--this stuff smells AMAZZZZING!

Eyes

•  L'Oreal Browstylist Sculpting Eyebrow Pencil (dark brunette)
• Milani Stay Put Matte Eyeliner (01 black matte) ---also not new
• Maybelline Colossal Big Shot Volume Express Mascara (blackest black)
• As far as eye shadows go, I have been LOVING the NYX Lid Lingerie

Lips

I use too many things on my lips to list at the moment. I'll probably make a whole post about this soon. 

Let me know what else you want to read about! I'm sorry I've been so busy lately. We just moved into a new house and I've been busy with work and my apprenticeship. I feel like I'm a little behind so I've been working on that more too. Have a great week!

REVIEW // Glossier

So I gave into the trend and tried Glossier. Not only was every one talking about it and I was seeing it everywhere, but I realllly like the packaging. lol. Now I didn't try the makeup it was more of the skincare because it really seemed to advertise for people with hyper pigmentation and redness on the face. This is something I feel like I have struggled with for SO LONG. All I want is to feel like I can leave the house without makeup and not feel like I just ran a marathon with how pink my cheeks are.

What I purchased and my opinions on the following:

Solution: An exfoliating skin perfecter. It says this is what is supposed to help with the redness by gently exfoliating your skin to create glowy, smooth skin after 4 weeks. Well, I've been using this for about 2 months now and I haven't noticed a difference in my complexion. Honestly, after a couple weeks I started to break out more than usual but then that went away. RIGHT AFTER putting it on I do like the way my skin looks and feels. I do this right before bed. By morning I don't notice or feel any difference in my face. I have normal skin and I don't think this dried it out or made it oily. Now, this is just how I feel. This product may have worked out better for others but I just don't think it's for me.

Milk Jelly Cleanser: Conditioning face wash. I actually really enjoy this. It feels weird when you use it because it really is jelly-like. I feel like it washes most of my makeup off at night and makes my face feel very clean afterwards and wakes me up if I use it in the morning. It also doesn't really have a scent, which I really like for my face cleanser. 

Priming Moisturizer: Buildable hydrating creme. This is a nice moisturizer. It's an okay primer. The smell isn't great but it's nothing strong that lingers after application. I do like how light it is and it is buildable. 

Balm Dotcom: Universal skin salve. I have this in both original and birthday cake. I love this stuff. I love putting it on my lips and I love putting the original one on my elbows because these things get DRY. lol. The birthday cake one smells just like cake and has just a little bit of a shimmer to it, but you can barely see it. I like to put it on my lips right before bed and it makes them feel so luscious!

Overall, I like Glossier. I do feel like it's a little pricey for what it's made out to be but 4 out of the 5 things I purchased I would definitely purchase again. Once again this is my opinion other's may have different ones and that's fine too! :)

My 2017 Favorites

Listen up, ladies. This is going to be a little long because it is a list of my favorite things from the WHOLE 2017 YEAR! Most of these things are products I have DEFINITLEY used in the past and have put in previous "favorites" posts. The majority of this list are things I use on a DAILY basis. It's what I use in the shower, when I get out of the shower, in my every day makeup that I wear to work AND what I like to use on the weekends to relax. So ENJOY! I tried to also link up all the products to make it easier for you to shop and buy!

Hair

• Not Your Mothers Dry Shampoo

Skin

• Mary Kay Clearproof Charcoal Clay Mask (really masks in general but this GETS.DOWN.DEEP.)*
• Olay Complete All Day Moisturizer

Makeup

• Mary Kay Matte Wear Liquid Foundation*
• Mary Kay Crème-to-Powder Foundation*
• Covergirl Outlast All Day 3-in-1 Foundation (I know I added a bunch of foundations..I like to switch it up and certain ones work better during different times of the year.)
• May Kay Foundation Primer*
• Covergirl Invisible Concealer
• Mary Kay Under Eye Corrector *
• NYX Matte Finishing Spray
• Benefit Hoola Bronzer
• Sephora Colorful 5 Eyeshadow Palette (pale to rich taupe)
• NYX Lid Lingerie
• Milani Stay Put Eyeliner
• Maybelline Master Strobing Stick (light-iridescent)
• Palladio Matte Blush (peach ice)
• NYX Lip Lingerie
• NYX Soft Matte Lip Cream

Misc

• imPress Nails

*If you need a consultant to buy from for Mary Kay, you are more than welcome to message me and I can put you in contact with my mom!

Easy Holiday Makeup

  It's finally DECEMBER and I am READY for Christmas this year. At least I'm going to try and be in the spirit...And for those of you who don't want to go all out this year on holiday makeup here is an easier but light flashy look for you to try. I wore a similar look to my fiancé's Christmas party for his work.

Face

• Mary Kay Foundation Primer
• Maybelline Dream Velvet Soft-Matte Hydrating Foundation (75 natural beige)
• Mary Kay Under Eye Corrector
• Covergirl Invisible Concealer (light)
• Wet n Wild PhotoFocus Pressed Powder (821 warm light)
• Benefit Hoola Bronzer
• Palladio Matte Blush (peach ice)
• NYX Born to Glow Liquid Illuminator (gleam)
• NYX Matte Finish Setting Spray

Eyes

• NYX Lid Lingerie (sweet cloud) as the base of the eyelid
• NYX Lid Lingerie (night glow) on the outer corner of the eyelid
• NYX Collection Noir Matt Black Liner for the upper and lower water lines
• Milani Stay Put Matte Liquid Liner (black matte) for the wing liner
• Maybelline The Colossal Big Shot Mascara (blackest black)
• L'Oréal Brow Stylist Sculptor Eyebrow Pencil (dark brunette)

Lips

• NYX Lip Liner Pencil (natural)
• Milani Amore Matte Metallic Lip Crème (chromatic addict)

HERE is another Holiday makeup look I did a couple years ago. :)

REVIEW // Revlon Exactify Liquid Eyeliner

 THIS was something that I saw in an ad and I was like WTF...I just HAD to try it! It is the Revlon Exactify Liquid Eyeliner.

 I went into it thinking "There is NO way this could work. How in the world can you roll on your eyeliner with this SMALL roller and it be 'perfect'?" Well I tried it out. I originally wanted to get a colored one to have a different eyeliner color but the store only had black..go figure. But that's alright.
 You guys...this thing is pretty cool. It was actually really super easy to use. Didn't make a mess and went on so straight and easy. Here are a few pictures. I wish I made my wings a little bit bigger but I just did what I do on an every day basis.

This color is VERY black. Has a slight shine to it and lasts a LONG time. I didn't see anything that said "waterproof" but this doesn't move. You have to use an eye makeup remover to take this eyeliner off. So, all in all, I recommend! I got mine at Walmart for a little less than $7!

"Basic Witch"

  HAPPY HALLOWEEN, WITCHES!
  I honestly wasn't going to post this look because I don't feel like I got the BEST feedback on Instagram. But what the hell, I haven't had much time to create another look. I'd rather post SOMETHING than NOTHING. Ya know!?
  I was watching Atleeeey on YouTube and she posted a witchy makeup and I thought I would do a my "basic" spin on it. I wish I had foundation that was a little lighter than what I used but I just wanted to use what I had. So this is a Halloween witchy makeup look using only products that I already had. Would have LOVED if I had some false lashes! But anyways,  Enjoy!

Face:
~ Covergirl Outlast Stay Fabulous 3-in-1 Foundation (natural beige)
~ Covergirl Invisible Concealer (light)
~ Wet n' Wild Photo Focus Pressed Powder (warm light)
~ NYX The Rock Nudes Palette (grey shades) for contour
~ Maybelline Master Strobing Stick for highlight (duh!)
~ Milani Stay Put Matte Eyeliner for dots (black)
~ NYX Matte Finishing Spray

Eyes:
~ NYX Love in Paris Merci Beaucoup Palette (dark brown/purple color down eyes and onto cheeks)
~ Mary Kay Rose Colored Palette (all over smokey eye)
~ Miliani Stay Put Matte Eyeliner (black)
~ Maybelline Colossal Big Shot Mascara (baddest black)
~ Loreal Paris Brow Stylist Sculptor (365 dark brunette)

Lips:
~ Wet n' Wild MegaLast Liquid Catsuit Matte Lipstick (Nudie Patootie)
~ NYX Lip Lingerie (Confident-Muted Plum)


Choker from H&M

NEW FAVORITES!

Hey guys!,

Current picture of me. lol. :)

  I'm finally back again. Sorry it's been awhile. I've been lazy and busy at the same time. lol I thought it's about time for another favorites post. There have a been a few new things that I have been using in my "skincare routine", as well as, a few new makeup products. Honestly, I was reading a Cosmo magazine a few months ago and saw a few things I really wanted to try and then review. There were a couple things I didn't like and then a couple things that I did like and they are included in this list. There is also a thing or two that I have most likely mentioned before. I even brought back something that I used to use WAY BACK WHEN and have recently started using again.

Let's not waste any more time! Here they are:


St. Ives Facial Oil Scrub Coconut
  I think this is completely new because I have NOT seen this before and it was in the magazine. But it's just a light facial scrub that has coconut oil in it which leaves your face feeling beyond moisturized after. I love the smell too! Even though I hate coconuts I love the smell of it in any of my lotions, shampoos, scrubs because it just smells so clean and tropical.

Nivea Cocoa Butter In-Shower Body Lotion
 I have DEFINITELY talked about this in the past. It is still one of my faves! Leaves my skin feeling soft and, once again, LOOOOOVE the smell.

Hawaiian Tropic Silk Hydration Weightless Sunscreen 
 I love having a tan as much as the next girl but I am a BURNER. If I don't put anything on I turn into a lobster and then peel which takes off all my tan! In just the past couple years I became smart and started using sunscreens with an SPF of at least 30. I have turned paranoid about getting skin cancer and from what I have read you HAVE to be wearing a sunscreen with at least an SPF of 30. This is SO LIGHT and SMELLS SO GOOD. It's totally worth it. My boyfriend will even spray it on his stubborn self. ;)

Mary Kay Charcoal Mask
 I don't mean to always bring something up about Mary Kay, but since my mom has started working for them, I try a lot of the products. THIS. MASK. IS. AMAZING. Once you put it on, like a regular mud mask, as it dries it starts to show the areas that it's targeting. Once I wipe it off my face, I feel SUPER clean and smooth. If you're interested in this mask just message me and I can put you in contact with my mom, if you don't already have a MK consultant. ;)

imPress Nails
 I'm not one to go out and get my nails done. I just usually paint them at home and keep them short. With my job I am constantly working with alcohol, and other chemicals, as well as, working with my hands all day long. These are PERFECT for when I am going out or have something special planned. I will sometimes wear them to work but they don't usually last the "2 weeks" that the box says. For me, it's at max one week. But they're only about $5/6 and totally worth it. There are SO many different prints and shades, as well as, nail shapes! And the plus is you don't need glue to put them on or any special type of remover to take them off. THEY PEEL OFF. 

Tarte Lip Paint (mini) 
 My blog is all about the cheaper brands of makeup and skincare. Well, this is one of those higher end brands but the MINI version. Which is cheaper than the full size AND you get two! I am obsessed with the ones I have and keep them in my purse. I can put a shade on in the beginning of the day and just have to touch up once! The pack that I got, can't remember the names, but one is neutral and the other is a bit darker for night time. 


I didn't plan to put any pictures up but if you have anything you want me to post a picture of, including my nails, JUST LET ME KNOW! I did post the links tho!

 

Mask Bingeing

  It's a thing, you guys. Mask bingeing. It is when you use multiple masks in a row to treat whatever it is that needs to be treated on your face. Acne, blemishes, hydrating, purifying, etc. etc. etc.

  I have recently started doing this and I LOVE it! It makes my face feel so smooth and radiant. I also like to use a hydrating mask after I use a Biore strip on my nose and when I'm having to go all out and do a lil waxing... :X It soothes everything and doesn't leave my face feeling or looking irritated. Definitely takes down the redness from waxing.

  I would recommend using a mask that helps with blemishes, or acne, or unclogging pores first and then use one that is more hydrating, purifying, or helps with complexion after.

  Below are a few of my favorite masks, as well as, the Biore strips I am currently LOVING. They get rid of EVERYTHING that is happening with my nose. I know I'm not the only one that just gets that feeling that my nose needs a little extra help, especially unclogging my pores. I also threw in my favorite facial waxing kit. I love this kit because it really is super easy to use!

If you have any extra questions just let me know! :D

All About the Base

  So I thought I would share what my foundation routine is, or my "base" routine. I wanted to go through pretty much everything I use in my daily makeup routine, whether it's for work, going out for the day, or out to dinner. My base pretty much stays the same no matter what. I wanted to go through it in the order that I do it, as well. There may be some things that I do in a different order than some people and I'll explain why.

1. Sephora Color Correction Concealer(green) I HAVE to use a green concealer because my natural face is so red. Obviously you don't want to put a green concealer OVER foundation. So this goes first! I use my finger tips to apply this all over, mostly on my cheeks.
2. FOUNDATION--this could be whichever foundation I am feeling at the time. My current "go-to's" are Maybelline Dream Velvet Soft Matte Hydrating Foundation, Mary Kay Timeise Matte-Wear Liquid Foundation and Mary Kay Endless Performance Creme-to-Powder Foundation.
3. Mary Kay Undereye Corrector--I like to dot this under my eyes AND two little dots on the sides of my nose. I find this undereye correcter helps with my red nose too. :D
4. Covergirl Clean Invisible Concealer-not really sure why it says "invisible" but this works fairly well. I'll put a small dot of this on the sides of my nose, with the undereye correcter, and I'll also put it between my eye brows, on any blemish, and on my chin.
5. Maybelline FITme Powder-I'll apply this under my eyes and my T-zone. I use this to set my concealer.
6. Mary Kay Bronzer- This is fairly new. I've started using this the past few months since I ran out of my PUR contouring kit, but I love it! I use a Real Techniques Contouring brush to apply this bronzer half way down the hollows of my cheeks. I then brush UPWARDS to form the shadow. I'll then run a little bit down the sides of my nose and then right UNDER my bottom lip. This forms a shadow and makes your lips look fuller. I also did a super old post on that..here.
7. BLUSH--whatever blush I am feeling at the time. My current "go-to" blush brands are Palladio and NYX.
8. NYX Matte Finishing Spray- Once again, I know you're tired of hearing me talk about this, but it's a great setting spray and only $7.99!!

• The reason I put my concealer and undereye corrector on over my foundation is because I always feel like the foundation just wipes it away or it doesn't do it justice. I get MUCH more coverage if I use my concealer on top and then set with the powder. I know this isn't new but I know a lot of people still do it the other way, and that's FINE, but I just wanted to give my reasons and 2sense on why I do what I do. I also use a beauty blender to apply all of my concealer.

Sexy Valentine's Day Makeup

  It's that time of year! Time for a Valentine's Day look! I've done one other Valentine's Day makeup post, view that here, but this time I wanted to go a little sexier, a little darker. So I did this!! I decided not to go too sharp and bold with the eyeliner like I normally do. This time I used a little bit of brown and greys for a softer/smudgier eyeliner.
  Below are a few pictures of my look and below it are all the items that I used.

Face

• Sephora Color Correcting Concealer(01 green)
• Mary Kay Creme-to-Powder Foundation(beige3, I also used a Bh cosmetics foundation brush to apply)
• Mary Kay Undereye Corrector(applied with a beauty blender)
• Covergirl Clean Invisible Concealer(fair, applied with beauty blender)
• Maybelline FITme Powder(130buff beige, this is used to set my foundation and mostly concealer)
• Mary Kay Bronzer(light/medium, applied with real techniques contouring brush)
• Maybelline Master Strobing Stick(100light, applied down the nose and on Cupid's bow)
• NYX Born to Glow Liquid Illuminator(LIo2 gleam, applied on upper part of cheeks)
• Palladio Matte Blush(peach ice, applied with eco tools blush brush)
• NYX HD Blush(hamptons, this was mixed with the lighter blush just to give a little more kick, also applied with eco tools blush brush)

Eyes

• NYX Love in Paris Palette(merci beaucoup, both red colors, and two darkest brown colors, applied with Bh cosmetics fluffy eye shadow brush)
• **I also used the darkest browns as part of my eye liner, and used the Bh cosmetics eyeliner brush to apply
• Sephora Eye Contouring Palette(blonde ambition color, applied towards lower parts of the eyebrows, applied with Bh cosmetics crease brush)
• Sephora Contour Eye Pencil(blonde ambition, applied on my lower lash line)
• Maybelline Colossal Chaotic Lash Mascara (if you know of any other great mascaras PLEASE let me know..lol)
• LOreal Brow Sculpter Eyebrow Pencil(dark brunette)

Lips

• Covergirl Lip Perfection Lip Liner(225 beloved)
• NYX Intense Butter Gloss(toasted marshmallow)

I definitely used a lot more makeup in this look than I'm used to. But it's a special occasion, right!? ;)

January 2017 Favorites

Well Happy New Year, Makeup Junkies! I thought my first post for this year would be what products I'm enjoying so far. Because who knows, I may just make new routines this year! :))

Face
So I have THREE new foundations that I am in love with and switch up often.
  Maybelline Dream Velvet Soft Matte Hydrating Foundation - this foundation is what it says, VELVETY. It feels super soft and light. I usually wear this if I'm just doing errands during the day or going out to dinner. Even though I love this foundation it doesn't last too long.
  Mary Kay Timewise Matte-Wear Liquid Foundation - this one is also very light but super buildable and gives great coverage. This is one that I wear most of the time to work. It lasts me practically all day long.
  Mary Kay Endless Performance Creme-to-Powder Foundation - this one is VERY new to me but I love it. I actually have gotten comments on how flawless my skin looks!! :D The only thing is that I can't use my hands with this one. But that's fine with me! I actually received some Bh Cosmetics makeup brushes and I am IN LOVE. So I use the foundation brush to apply this foundation but I love it, my hands stay clean and my face is streak free!
  NYX Matte Finish Setting Spray - I have mentioned this so many times before and I have posted a review on it but I'm still obsessed because it makes my makeup last so long.

Eyes
  Sephora Eye Shadow Palettes - I just love the colors and use them just about every day. The two palettes I have are Pale to Rich Taupe and the Tan Eye Contouring Kit.
  Sephora Contour Eye Pencil 12HR Wear Waterproof - I have this in 06 Blonde Ambition and wear it on my bottom lash line. Because it's shimmery it really brings out my eye color. And not to brag(but maybe I am) I always get compliments on my eyes when I wear this eye liner. ;)
   L'Oréal Brow Stylist Sculptor Eyebrow Pencil and Fix and Finish Wax - I like trying new eyebrow pencils and I definitely prefer pencils over anything cream. Plus, this one comes with the wax to keep it in place. It also comes with that little brush to brush your eyebrows. LOVE THAT!

Hair
  Not Your Mother's Beach Babe Texturizing Sea Salt - I like my hair to look messy and this is the best thing to help give my hair a matte finish and make it piece-y so it's easier for me to work with.
  Dove Flexible Hold Hairspray - so since I got bangs back in November...if you've noticed...I have to use hairspray so they don't go crazy. I don't want them to be hard and crunchy so THIS is what I use! And it smells good! :)


**DISCLAIMER**
My mom works for Mary Kay now so I may be using more of their products. I will be completely honest about anything and not be biased!

Don't Make Me Blush

  I bought a couple new makeup products the other day, just out of the blue. I walked down the makeup aisle at a Walmart not actually needing anything and I decided to buy a few things in the same color palette and create a look with it. And I have to say it turned out nicely! I like it! The colors I wanted to go for was more of a blush color.

  Here you go! This was a super easy, fast, and fun look. I'm just going to keep it short and sweet and fill you in on the new products and the "blush" ones that I used. I also think I might do this color scheme for my New Years get together. :))

Rimmel London Scandleyes Eyeshadow (bluffing)

NYX HD Blush (hamptons)

Maybelline Color Sensational Lip Liner (nude)

Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick (blushed)

Sally Hansen Color Therapy Nail Polish (powder room)

REVIEW // Milani Metallic Lip Cream and Matte Liquid Eyeliner

  I have found the BEST Holiday lip product! It is super shiny, metallic, and lasts for a longggg time. It is the Milani Amore Matte Metallic Lip Cream. I saw someone post about this on Instagram awhile ago and I went on the hunt for it for MONTHS. I know you can order it online but I didn't feel like ordering something online that was only $8.99! I checked my local Ulta, Walmarts, CVS, and Targets that carried Milani and could NOT find it. I had given up until one day I had to work in a different town and I ran into the Walmart over there and guess what...THEY HAD IT! And they had one left of the two colors that I wanted so I scooped them up along with an eyeliner I have been looking for for a long time as well. This lipstick is amazing. I wore it through a 10hr work day, through eating and drinking and it DOESN'T MOVE.
  I think this lipstick would look beautiful for any Holiday parties that may be coming up. I even wore it for my Halloween Costume! :D

  The eyeliner that I was looking for is the Milani Stay Put Matte 17hr Wear Liquid Eyeliner (whew..they don't like short easy names do they?!) but this eyeliner is "sweat proof" and "tear proof" which is amazing. One of my eyes tend to water a little more than the other one and I am an AVID liquid eyeliner girl and this eyeliner is practically the only one that does what it says..IT STAYS PUT. And it's only &7.99! I don't know why this eyeliner isn't talked about more often. It is now my GO TO.

 Here are a few pictures of the eyeliner and lipstick. Let me know what you think!

The first color is 01 Chromattic Addict. The second is 02 Matterialistic. I am also wearing the eyeliner in both pictures and it is 01 Black Matte of course.

 Typical me to forget to put on mascara and have wet hair! 

"Mesmerizing Mermaid"

 Hey you guys! It's one of my favorite times of the year, FALL! And with that comes HALLOWEEN! You obviously know I love to play with makeup and I like to do things for Halloween that I don't normally do throughout the year. 

  This year I decided to try a pack I found at Target, just to see how well it could come out and basically do a review//how-to makeup look. It was only $5-$7 and was by Wet N Wild. Normally I don't purchase much Wet N Wild products the quality isn't that great. This one was called "Wet N Wild Fantasy Makers 'Mesmerizing Mermaid'" It wasn't crazy expensive so I thought I'd give it a try. It came with stencils, paint, and eyeliner.





 Here is what I came up with. Now, I sent a picture to a few friends and I had one come back saying I looked like a lizard rather than a mermaid. So, I'll be optimistic and say it's versatile. If you'd like to go out as a reptile instead, HERE YOU GO!

 
All I really did was use one of the stencils that look like scales on my forehead and the upper part of my cheek bones, where highlighter would normally be applied.  I only used the gold, green and white colors. I also used the eyeliner that was in the pack on my lash line, upper and lower. This is actually a great eyeliner that I may use for other occasions. :) But other than that, I'm not the GREATEST when it comes to costume makeup, but I think it turned out okay. :) Be honest and tell me what you think!

Here is everything else that I used to complete the look.

FACE:
Maybelline Coverstick Corrective Concealer(green)--I used this before ANYTHING
Maybelline FitMe Foundation (222)
NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer (vanilla)
Covergirl TruBlend Pressed Powder(translucent medium)
NYX Cheek Contour Duo Palette(chcd01)
Palladio Matte Blush(peach ice)
Maybelline Master Strobing Stick
NYX Matte Finish Spray

EYES:
Covergirl Flamed Out Shadow Pencil (335 green)--This is the majority of what's on my eye lids
Maybelline The Rock Nudes(greenish glitter color)
LOreal Voluminous Butterfly Mascara (midnight black)
Kat Von D Tattoo Liner (trooper)
Fright Night Shimmering Lashes

LIPS:
Covergirl Colorlicious Gloss (melted toffee)
Gold Glitter from the makeup pack



PS..I did have to edit the pictures a little bit so that you could actually see a little detail. I only have an iPhone and use natural lighting. I'm looking into a better way to get better quality pictures. So bear with me!

When To Toss Out Your Makeup

  You could ask my boyfriend, my family, and even some of my friends and they will tell you that I love my makeup and that I am a hoarder, BUT one thing that I ALWAYS think about is how long I have had certain products and when I need to replace or toss them.
  I once heard on Tyra, of all things, about how nasty certain makeup and skincare products can get and how bacteria can build up in mascara and fountain tubes and it FREAKED. ME. OUT. So ever since then I have been quite cautious and I wanted to share a few things with you guys.

  One of the main reasons I wanted to start this blog was because I wanted to show people how drug store and lower end makeup brands are just as good as those super expensive brands. I won't lie, I have a few of them, like NARS and Kat Von D eyeliner, but what I'm about to share with you is another reason I don't like to drop tons of $$$ on these things, as much as I LOVE makeup.


  First things first, ALWAYS store your makeup and skincare products in a cool, dry place. Make sure they are out of direct sunlight. These are the main reasons that bacteria can easily form in your makeup. Liquid based products grow bacteria much faster than powder or powder-based products. These can can last 18mo-2years compared to liquid products lasting around 6mo.

  Foundation(oil-free): Can last up to 12mo MAXIMUM. These products can also dry out quickly, as well as, the oil free liquid concealers.

 Foundation Stick/Stick Concealer: 18mo max.

 Lipstick: Up to 2yrs.

  Lipgloss: Up to 6mo.
     If any discoloring starts to happen to either the lipstick or lipgloss, TOSS IT. This is a perfect reason for tossing out old colors and getting new ones for a new season, right?! ;)

 Eye Shadows/Pencils: 2yrs. Make sure hands are clean and dry when touching or inserting fingers into a product. This helps prevent bacteria from forming within. 

 Liquid Eyeshadow: 12mo.
     If any type of eye infection occurs, TOSS ALL PRODUCTS USED immediately. The infection can easily reoccur because of the bacteria trapped in mascara, eyeliner, eyeshadow, etc.
  
 Liquid Eyeliner: 3mo.
  
 Mascara: 3mo. With mascara and liquid eyeliner you're shoving a lot of air back into the product every time you push the want back in. This causes bacteria to easily form within the liquid.

 Hair Products: 1yr. Supposedly hair spray can last longer though. 

  I know this is super depressing to hear. I just see SO MANY people posting pictures or videos of all of the makeup they have and I just want to know, how long have you had most of it? I definitely have a lot of makeup that should be tossed right about now too and I know it's hard to let go of a lot of products that you have spent so much $$$ on. So I just wanted to reach out and make some of you aware about what can happen with makeup that you have sitting around for many, many years. This could also be the reason many girls have issues with breaking out. Your makeup could be too old! But doesn't this also give us the reason to just purchase more of our favorite products? ;)





**Sources**
WebMD
Dummies.com
Goodhousekeeping.com

REVIEW // Maybelline Master Strobing Stick

  I have found the BEST highlighter/illuminator bang for your buck. It's the Maybelline Master Strobing Stick! I bought mine at Target for $7.99. It's obviously all the buzz because it took me multiple trips to Target and Ulta to find it. They were always out!

  There are two shades. One is a light highlighter/Illuminator and the other one is more of a glow, it's a little darker. The darker one is similar to the NYX Illuminator that I have and posted about before.

I saw this advertised in a magazine and I thought I'd give it a try. I have always wanted to look like a disco ball. hehe.

                               

  These pictures are not edited and I only have on foundation and the Maybelline Master Strobing Stick.

  You definitely don't need a lot of it. This is after just one swipe and blending in. It totally stands out and gives me the glow and highlight that I want. Now, I'm a face toucher through out the day, so it's a little worn off by the end of the day but it does last a good while. 

Totally recommended!! 

1960s Inspired Makeup

  Last weekend I went to a really fun theme party, Mad Men, or the 1960s time period. It was SO much fun. Besides being able to see my friends I haven't seen in awhile and spend quality time with my boyfriend, I LOVED dressing up. I never get a chance to get dressed up from head to toe, but when I do, I try to go all out! Once I did my makeup it hit me that this would be a FUN post to write about and show you what my  makeup looked like. :D

  Now the 60s had A LOTT of eye liner, which for me was a major PLUS. I love me some winged eye liner. It's basically a staple in my every day makeup. I was also inspired by a model of the time, Twiggy, and her extravagant eyelashes. So I also tried to incorporate those too. I bought the individual lashes so it was easier for me to apply and they stick waaay better than the strips of lashes do.
  As far as lips go, it was mostly nudes and pinks. Nothing too crazy. So I just went for a shiny, slightly metallic, light pink.
  Never forget blush!

Face:
Maybelline FITme Foundation (matte + poreless 222 true beige)
NARS concealer (vanilla)
CoverGirl TruBlend Pressed Powder (translucent medium)
PUR Contour/Highlight Powder Duo
NYX HD Blush (hdb11 amber)
NYX Liquid Illuminator (born to glow)
 NYX Finishing Spray (Matte)

Eyes:
Sephora Colorful5 Eyeshadow (pale to rich taupe--I used the lightest only for glittery purposes)
Maybelline The Rock Nudes (the shiny nude color and brown for the crease)
Kat Von D Eyeliner (trooper)
LoReal Voluminous Butterfly Mascara (midnight black)
Ardell Stacked Individual Lashes
Maybelline BrowDrama Crayon Pommade (dark brown)

Lips:
NYX Lip Liner (spl810 natural)
CoverGirl Lipstick (015 breezed peach)

Sun Kissed

So it's about damn time I write something new! Sorry guys, I would throw out the excuses of being busy, which is true, but I've also been lazy and I apologize. So I wanted to do a makeup look for the Summer. A natural eye with a bold lip. Great for during the day or going out to dinner with your man or girlfriends!

Face:

Maybelline FITme Foundation (matte+poreless 222 true beige)

NARS Cream Concealer (light 2 vanilla)*

CoverGirl TruBlend Pressed Powder (translucent medium)

PÜR Contour/Highlight Powder Duo

NYX HD Blush (hdb11 amber)

NYX Liquid Illuminator (born to glow)

Eyes/Brows:

Sephora Colorful5 Eyeshadow (pale to rich taupe)*

Kat Von D Tattoo Liner (trooper)*

L'Oréal Voluminous Butterfly Mascara (midnight black)

NYX Eyebrow Pencil (ep05 dark brown)

Lips:

WetnWild Mega Slicks Lipgloss (548D berried treasure)

**So I did kind of go against my brand and used a couple of higher end products, that you can't get from Target, Ulta or a drugstore. But in my defense I got them for my birthday and had to use them. Plus they are easily replicable with different products!

I also suggest using a little more illuminator(highlighter) than I did. I had a good amount on, but of course with my wonderful iPhone camera quality it just doesn't show up as well. :(

Shower Routine // Spring Edition

 Like I've said before staying moisturized from head-to-toe is SO important for me all year round! And it should be for you too, especially if you have dry skin. 

For my body: 

Olay Fresh Outlast Body Wash - This smells AMAZING. I love the flowery smell for Spring and Summer. And I swear this body wash feels as though it is mixed in with lotion too. It's great!

EOS Shaving Cream - Mixed with natural shea butter and vitamin B it leaves your skin feeling super smooth much longer than other shaving creams, I feel like at least. Haha. 

NIVEA In-Shower Body Lotion - THE HOLY GRAIL OF MOISURIZERS. Also, the Cocoa Butter one is THE BEST. I've tried a few different in-shower lotions but this one tops it. It's for dry to very dry skin and when you get out of the shower you definitely don't need to put on anything else for the rest of the day. And it's only $4.99 at Target and CVS. Get it. You won't regret it. 

For my sad hair:

Dove Nutritive Solutions Intensive Repair Shampoo - I use a shampoo that helps repair any damage I have to my hair. It has Keratin in it so it at least makes me think I'm getting the job done. I'm not gonna lie. I just started using this so I'm not exactly sure how well it's Doug. I needed something new. That's for sure.

Garnier Whole Blends Smoothing Conditioner - MORE cocoa butter and coconut oil. This does make my hair feel smoother, soother, and not dry. Plus just smells like summer. :)

***All items can be found at Target and CVS :D

What do YOU want to see?

 Hey ladies(and gents)! I am sorry I haven't been posting much, just been really busy with work and personal life. I wanted to take the time out to ask YOU GUYS what you want to see me post more of for the Spring and Summer! I have a couple things in mind, just haven't been able to get around to getting the pictures taken. Do you want me to post more on skincare? Hair care? Makeup looks? Need advice on anything? What would you like me to review?

  Message me on here or just send me an email. I'll take ANY type of advice. :)

Photo done by the very talented and beautiful Anna Lamm.