Monday, June 27, 2016

Urban Decay Naked Skin One & Done Hybrid Complexion Perfector in Light| Review


Hey guys! Same plate, different product ;) It's officially summertime so I thought I'd share with you my thoughts on the super lightweight and perfect for hot weather Urban Decay Naked Skin One & Done Hybrid Complexion Perfector (phew - talk about a mouthful!)

Thursday, June 23, 2016

Marc Jacobs Glow Stick Glistening Illuminator in Spotlight | Swatches + Review


|| Sent to me from Influenster. #marcglowstick

Just when I thought my highlight couldn't possibly get any brighter, this little baby shows up in my mailbox. First off, Influenster - I love you. I had no clue this was even coming to me to try out from their latest VoxBox. Second of all, have you guys seen swatches of this thing? Sweet, sweet flashy disco balls, it's insane. 


The Marc Jacobs Beauty Glow Stick Glistening Illuminator ($42) is an illuminator that contains a balanced ratio of pearly gold and silver pigments to work with all skin tones - all in a cute little deodorant-style applicator. 


I'm new to applying a highlighter like this but I don't hate it. All you do is scroll the dial on the bottom to roll up the illuminator, just like you would your deodorant and apply. The first time I applied it to my cheekbones, I literally could've flagged down an airplane; that's how bright it was. I like my highlight to pop but not blind people. I have since than applied with a little hand or just blended it out with my BeautyBlender and that's definitely been more wearable for me. But hey, if you like your highlight to stop traffic, you do you boo!

The finish of this illuminator is really special. I love it. Like, a lot. It's a cream illuminator but it undergoes a special process in the lab so that it never feels wet or sticky on the skin. I'm pretty sure this has knocked my favorite highlighter out of its number one spot for a while. I would say it's basically the love child of having your highlight on fleek mixed with that fun, fresh dewy look. It's amazing!

Before / After
(Excuse the color change! My lighting comes next week and I can't wait to not rely on natural lighting!)

Overall: The price is steep but if you're a highlighter freak like me, this is one you need. I really love that it's universal and looks fab on all skin tones. The only issue is that I have no clue how long this illuminator lasts as it's a cream in a roll-up style applicator but judging by the pigmentation of a light swipe (it's insane!), I can imagine it's going to last a while.

Shop | Buy ($42)
* Sent to me from Influenster.
Wednesday, June 22, 2016

#BBCChallenge | Prom Look


Aw yes, #BBCChallenge is back - just in time for prom season! Our first challenge back is all about a high schooler's big day (I mean, they have promposals now! It's insane!) so make sure to check out all the posts below from the rest of the ladies participating in the challenge for a whole bunch of  prom-inspired tutorials!


There's a couple of notes I wanted to make about my look before I got into it: 1. I feel like this look can go with every dress color out there! I really wanted to come up with something that could work for everyone. 2. I tried to include as many cheap products as I could because let's face it; we probably blew most of our money on that gorgeous dress (at least I did back in - *ahem* well, a long time ago) and the products that aren't cheap, I recommend investing in because they're pretty awesome and definitely can be used often.

 How to get this look:

  • FACE: tarte Rainforest of the Sea Water Foundation in Light Neutral applied with a damp BeautyBlender. L'Oreal True Match Concealer Crayon in Fair/Light and blended out with same damp BeautyBlender. Set with the Laura Mercier Secret Brightening Powder. Urban Decay Bronzer in Bronzed + ColourPop Blush in Between The Sheets. theBalm Mary Lou-Manizer for dat glow! * Set with L'Oreal Pro Setting Spray to make sure there's no flashback! 
  • EYES: MAC Paint Pot in Painterly as a base. Urban Decay Naked 2 Palette - Tease in the crease, Half Baked on the lid, Busted on the outer lid. MicaBeauty Gel Liner in Black used for the cat eye. Ardell Lashes in Demi Wispies for the falsies.
  • BROWS: L'Oreal Brow Stylist Prep & Shape Pro Kit in Brunette
  • LIPS: ColourPop Ultra Matte Lipstick in Midi

Need more options? Check out these other prom looks!



Monday, June 20, 2016

Play! by Sephora | June 2016: The Minimalists


Happy first day of Summer, everyone! I missed reviewing last month's Play! by Sephora box (it just didn't tickle me enough to really share) but I thought I'd go ahead and show y'all what was in this month's. 

This month's theme is: The Minimalists | Next-level nudes and no-maintenance naturals: this month, we're paring it down for understated style that proves sometimes less really is more. Get a low-key look for summer with a game-changing hair cream, refreshingly lightweight sunscreen and more must-haves for creating an easygoing appeal.

PS. I'm loving that they changed their packaging inside a little. Starting last month, they put your samples in a little cotton bag. Too cute!

What's in the box?

  • Bumble and Bumble Don't Blow It - an innovative creme that adds body and enhances fine-to-medium hair textures for a laid-back, air-dried style. I haven't used this yet but I'm pretty sure it's a "do-everything" type of creme. I can't wait to try this out and see how it works with thinner hair types.
  • Benefit Cosmetics They're Real! Mascara - Benefit's bestselling mascara that lengthens, volumizes and coats the smallest lashes with a specially designed brush. Ah, this used to be my absolute favorite mascara (until Roller Lash came out!). I highly recommend this mascara to anyone who is looking for a great mascara that lengthens and gives a lot of oomph!
  • tarte Tarteguard 30 Sunscreen Lotion Broad Spectrum SPF30 - an antioxidant-infused, non-chemical SPF30 sunscreen that moisturizes and protects without leaving a sticky feel. I can't remember who was talking about this a few weeks ago but I was so intrigued and what do you know? It's in this month's box! I absolutely love that this doesn't smell like a sunscreen like at all. 
  • BareMinerals bareSkin Bronzer - a blendable, lightweight liquid bronzer that can be worn alone or over foundation to give a sheer, natural-looking touch of sun, Another funny coincidence! I had this sitting in my Sephora.com cart for a while now and couldn't pull the trigger for the longest time. I swatched it but haven't fully used it yet. It seems like it's very comparable Perricone MD Bronzer No Bronzer.
  • BECCA Backlight Priming Filter - a shimmering makeup primer that acts like a soft-focus filer to blur imperfections and give skin an effortless, luminous look. Seriously. I'm pretty sure they peeked into my online cart because this, too, has been sitting in there for a longgggg time. I like that this sample can be used more than once as they recommend using only a small amount of product to use. 
  • TOCCA Beauty 'Florence' Perfume - a timeless and romantic scent that conjures up a long-ago Paris with a blend of bergamot, violet petals and blonde wood. I'm pretty sure that this box always has a perfume sample in it. Not that I mind as I love trying out different perfumes. This one is actually right up my alley as it's soft and feminine without being too in-your-face.
Overall: Honestly, I'm on the fence about the Play! by Sephora box. They're great boxes in that the samples are almost always a brand I know or have heard of. But that's it. For $10 a month, you're getting five samples that seem like the leftover samples you get with any Sephora order. To compare, for the same amount per month from Ipsy, you can get a cute makeup bag + some full size products mixed with samples. I'm torn!
Thursday, June 16, 2016

#ProtectTheClothesYouLove | Downy Ultra April Fresh Fabric Conditioner + Review


// This post is sponsored by SheSpeaks/P&G.


Laundry - whether we like doing it or not, it's something all of us have to do. As a mom, the only half of my fiance and I as a couple that actually knows how to do laundry and someone that strangely finds comfort in doing it, you'd be surprised to learn that I've never used a fabric conditioner before! 

I oddly pride myself on getting a tight fold on my towels and getting those stubborn stains out that only a toddler could get in (did you know yogurt STAINS?!) but one thing that I could never control was wrinkles. And guys, I hate wrinkles!


Cue: Downy Ultra April Fabric Liquid Conditioner! This liquid fabric conditioner softens your clothes all the while protecting them against any damage that may stretch, frizz or fade your laundry.

As someone who was new to adding fabric conditioner to their laundry load, I didn't really know what to expect but I no sooner found that a fabric conditioner is really no different than your hair conditioner! Both keep the frizz (or wrinkles) away, both leave your hair and clothes feeling smooth and vibrant but all the while still protect them while leaving behind delicious softness!


After changing my laundry routine by adding a fabric conditioner into it, I noticed a lot of differences right after the first use. Not only was my laundry way softer than I thought it could ever be but even after continued use over the past few weeks, it has left my laundry looking more vibrant rather than dingy like some conditioners can leave clothes. I've also noticed that with the added conditioner, my clothes haven't been doing the old shrinking act that they sometimes love to do - especially to my favorites - and there have been little to no wrinkles!


This Ultra Downy April Fresh Fabric Conditioner has seven amazing benefits:

  • Less static
  • Less wrinkles
  • Less pills and frizz
  • Less color fade
  • Less stretching
  • Keeps clothes looking vibrant
  • Leaves clothes feeling so soft
Check out my quick video review below to see how I used the Downy April Fresh Fabric Conditioner to #ProtectTheClothesILove:

What do you use to get your clothes nice and soft?
ShopBuy - or at your local Walmart.
// This post is sponsored by SheSpeaks/P&G.
Monday, June 13, 2016

#FOTD | ColourPop Matte X in Climax + Birthday Boy Eyeshadow


My obsession with ColourPop is pretty real, as most of you know. So when they announced a few weeks back about their limited edition shadow "Birthday Boy" and that it will be available with any purchase, naturally your girl was all in. My wallet? Not so much, so I was limited to only buying one thing. Let's see what I snagged!

  • Climax - (a matte x) an intense blue violet. 
  • Birthday Boy - (limited edition supershock) a super sparkly taupe.
(Lid: Birthday Boy - Crease: Bill - Inner Corner: Stole The Show)
  • FACE: Estee Lauder Double-Wear Foundation in 1N1, It Cosmetics CC+ Concealer in Light, Laura Mercier Secret Brightening Powder, ColourPop Blush in Aphrodisiac, ColourPop Highlighter in Stole The Show and Anastasia Beverly Hills contour in Fawn.
  • LIPS: ColourPop Matte X Lippie in Climax



Saturday, June 11, 2016

#FOTD | All About Them Summer Nights


There's just something about warm weather that makes me want to slather all the oranges, reds and yellows I have all over my face. Also, I'm SO in love with LORAC Mega Pro 2 Palette so any excuse to use that and I'm all in! PS. A little pic heavy ahead!

  • FACE: CoverFX Custom Drops in N1 (mine are all caked up - suggestions for new foundation?), It Cosmetics CC+ Concealer in Light and set with Laura Mercier Secret Brightening Powder, ABH Contour Kit in Light + ColourPop Aphrodisiac blush.
  • BROWS: Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Definer in Brunette
  • EYES: MAC Paint Pot in Painterly as a base, LORAC Mega Pro Palette 2 - Melon in the crease, Tangerine and Cabernet on the lid, Tangerine, Cabernet and Ash on the lower lid, Gold Leaf in the inner corner. Benefit Roller Lash Mascara on the lashes.
  • LIPS: ColourPop Ultra Satin in Littlestitious
Friday, June 10, 2016

LUSH | The Experimenter


Hey guys! With a name like that, how can you not be intrigued to find out what's inside? I had my mom asking me what's inside the crazy bright box (not like the amazing scent wafting out of it and filling my whole entryway wasn't a telltale sign). 


So what is "The Experimenter"? Guys, The Experimenter ($85) is a box filled with ten of LUSH's most popular, show-stopping bath/bubble bombs. Mic drop. Or bath bomb drop into a bathtub - both get the point across!


  • Big Blue Bath Bomb ($6.50) - It's a calming bath bomb with lavender and lemon oil to de-cloud your mind while the seaweed and sea salt in it soften your skin up.
  • Pink Flamingo Reusable Bubble Bar ($7.95) - It's a flamingo on a stick! So presh. It's a reusable bubble bar filled with rosewood and ylang ylang.
  • Twilight Bath Bomb ($6.55) - This bath bomb is a lavender and tonka mix that is the coolest thing to watch in the tub. It's kind of a surprise in the middle!
  • Big Bang Bubble Bar ($7.95) - One of my favorite bubble bars! This one is filled with avocado butter, grapefruit oil and lemon myrtle oil. The "show" it puts on is so, so fun!
  • Dragon's Egg Bath Bomb ($6.45) - Dragon's Egg is a firecracker of a bath bomb filled with lemon and bergamot. It's basically like you're bathing in a glittery creamsicle!
  • Fizzbanger Bath Bomb ($6.25) - Yes, yes, yes! If there's one bath bomb that you need in your life, this is it (okay, and maybe a few others). This one is more up my alley, scent-wise. It's a sweet mix of apples, cinnamon and toffee (AKA Lush's That's Love perfume) and makes me feel so relaxed.
  • The Experimenter Bath Bomb ($8.95) - Can I just not use this and frame it or something? No? That's weird? Okay. But seriously. It's just so pretty without even being in the tub! The scent is vanilla mixed with tonka but the show it gives - the show is insane! I used a teeny bit in the tub with my son and he LOVED it. A very small chunk covered the tub with gold glitter and dyed the water blue. It. was. awesome!
  • Sex Bomb Bath Bomb ($6.75) - Oh baby, baby! Probably one of LUSH's most infamous bath bombs, you can use this solo - or not. Ingredients include jasmine, clary sage, ylang ylang and soya milk to soften your skin and get your engine revving.
  • Guardian Of The Forest Bath Bomb ($7.50) - If you're into more "natural" and "musky" scents, this one's for you! Cypress and oakmoss will make you feel like you're bathing in a spring you happened upon in your backyard - but not a gross one, one that smells like rosewood oil!
  • Intergalactic Bath Bomb ($7.50) - LUSH describes this as bathing in deep space and that's basically the best description ever. This bath bomb mixes peppermint with cedarwood and 80's aftershave. Which is basically what I imagined deep space smelling like anyway.
I absolutely love, love, love the idea of this box! All the greats in one brightly wrapped package - what could be better? And if you've never tried a bath bomb, this is definitely the way to go! The only thing is that if you bought all these separately, they'd amount to $72.95 which means you're paying $10 (give or take) for the packaging. For someone who's maybe sending this directly to someone as a gift, that's perfect but if you're looking to save money, I'd buy them separately! :)

Shop | Buy ($84.95)
* Press Samples
Saturday, June 04, 2016

Urban Decay Afterglow Highlighter in Sin / Beach Bronzer in Bronzed |Swatches + Review


Oy. Talk about some serious mommy brain going on. I could've sworn I had already posted on these two already! #TOTALFAIL Without further ado, let's jump right in and meet these two treats from Urban Decay's latest Summer Collection. 

The Summer Collection includes: Naked Skin One & Done Skin Perfector (I want this SO bad!), two bronzers (Bronzed and Sunkissed), three Afterglow Highlighters (Sin, Aura and Fireball), a glide-on eye pencil (in Heartless) and waterline pencil (in Walk of Shame.

I have Urban Decay's Beached Bronzer in Bronzed and the Afterglow 8-Hour Highlighter Powder in Sin to show you today!

the latest on the 'gram.