Tuesday, May 13, 2014

Press Release | SEPHORA Sun Safety Kit

Now in its eighth edition, SEPHORA proudly unveils the 2014 Sun Safety Kit. This perennial summer favorite features a collection of SPF essentials and sunless tanning favorites in special travel-friendly sizes, with $20 of the $32 purchase price benefitting The Skin Cancer Foundation. While skin cancer is the most common type of cancer found in the United States, it is also one of the most preventable. Defend yourself against the sun’s harmful rays and help others become aware of this growing presence of skin cancer with this must-have kit.

This year’s selection includes past favorites, as well as a few new deluxe-size additions for your sun protection arsenal. The kit comes with a lightweight canvas travel bag, ensuring you’re always ready to go with safe summer skin.

Sephora’s 2014 Sun Safety Kit includes:

  • BareMinerals READY™ Touch Up Veil SPF 15 (0.15 oz) – this solid mineral makeup is made with rejuvenating sea minerals and SPF 15 to blur imperfections and reduce shine for an airbrushed finish 
  •  Dr. Dennis Gross Alpha Beta® Glow Pad for Face (1 application) – add a glow with this exfoliating self-tanner with antiaging properties and vitamin D, all in a handy take-anywhere pad *
  • Dr. Dennis Gross Alpha Beta® Daily Glow Moisturizer (0.06 oz) - this daily, oil-free moisturizer is enriched with active vitamin D that enhances radiance with antiaging and exfoliating benefits * 
  • Murad Oil Control Mattifier SPF 15 PA++ (0.33 oz) – choose this shine-reducing moisturizer for oil control that lasts up to eight hours, offering skin protection and decreased breakouts
  • TOO FACED Endless Summer 16 Hour Long Wear Bronzer (0.14 oz) – this buildable bronzer provides a lit-from-within glow with subtle shimmer *   
  • STILA Stay All Day® 10-In-One HD Bronzing Beauty Balm with Broad Spectrum SPF 30 (0.23 oz) – this beauty balm offers all-in-one high definition and an age-defying bronze glow with a high spectrum SPF
  • St. Tropez Bronzing Mousse (1.69 oz) – this super-lightweight, easy-to-apply, velvety mousse dries in 60 seconds and delivers a rich-bronze tan *
  • Fresh Sugar Lip Treatment SPF 15 (0.08 oz) – this hydrating treatment nourishes, protects, and plumps the lips with SPF protection
  • SUPERGOOP! SPF 50 Sun Defying Sunscreen Oil (1.0 oz) – get super broad spectrum protection with this water-resistant, non-greasy formula for protected, youthful, glowing skin 
  • Shiseido 50+ Ultimate Sun Protection Cream + Broad Spectrum SPF 50+ For Face (0.64 oz) – this powerful and highly nourishing sunscreen delivers anti-aging skin protection benefits
  • Origins A Perfect World™ SPF 25 Age Defense Moisturizer with White Tea (0.5 oz) – this supercharged moisturizer forms avirtually impenetrable protective bubble that intercepts damage before it causes lines, wrinkles, darks spots, and loss of firmness
  • Ole Henriksen Protect the Truth™ SPF 50+ Sunscreen (0.5 oz) - this lightweight antiaging barrier provides protection from environmental factors and UVA and UVB rays with Solar Active Complex™
  • TARTE Brazilliance™ Skin Rejuvenating Maracuja Face And Body Self Tanner (0.5 oz) – made with nourishing maracuja oil, this perfectly hued bronzer gives skin a sunkissed glow *
  • PETER THOMAS ROTH Max Sheer All Day Moisture Defense® Lotion with SPF 30 (0.5 oz) - rich in antioxidants to protect skin from free radical damage, this oil-free formula keeps your complexion safe and healthy.
  • Clarins UV Plus HP Day Screen High Protection Tint SPF 40  (0.3 oz) - protect yourself against harsh rays while diminishing imperfections with this multitasking day screen for gorgeous, healthy skin with a hint of sheer color
  • Algenist Regenerative Anti-Aging Moisturizer SPF 20 (0.5 oz) - this moisturizer offers SPF 20 sunscreen protection and the exclusive antiaging ingredient alguronic acid.
* For proper sun protection, use with a broad spectrum (UVA/UVB) sunscreen with an SPF 15 or higher.

The SEPHORA Sun Safety Kit $32 ($177 value) will be available beginning in June 2014 while supplies last in all Sephora U.S. stores, online or through the phone.

About The Skin Cancer Foundation
The Skin Cancer Foundation is the only global organization solely devoted to the prevention, early detection and treatment of skin cancer. The mission of the Foundation is to decrease the incidence of skin cancer through public and professional education and research. Since its inception in 1979, the Foundation has recommended following a complete sun protection regimen that includes seeking shade and covering up with clothing, including a wide-brimmed hat and UV-blocking sunglasses, in addition to daily sunscreen use. For more information, visit SkinCancer.org.
Tuesday, May 13, 2014

Inglot Matte Freedom System Lipsticks & Colour Play Lipliners - Swatches & Review

New England has finally realized it's spring got some warmer weather and has me ready for bright lips, maxi dresses and - well, ice cream. I could totally go for some soft serve right now. Twist, anyone? With sprinkles. Oh, yummm-

Focus, Noelle. 

Bright lips! And what a coinky-dink because Inglot recently came out with new Freedom System Matte Lipsticks in 20 new colors - most of them totally summer-worthy. What's the Freedom System? Just the coolest thing ever. You can pick whatever colors you want in whatever size palette you want and comes shipped to you in that palette! Basically, you're making your own custom palette. It's awesome! Inglot also came out with four vibrant Colour Play Lipliners in - you guessed it - fun, bright colors!


Before I get into the colors, I have to talk about the Freedom System Palette. On top of choosing exactly what colors you want to go in it, the palette itself is pretty cool beans. The Inglot-embazed lid is attached magnetically so you can swivel it any which way or even take it off to use your shades and then easily attach it back on with no issues. I don't know what magnets they use, but they are the awesome, sturdy kind that allows you to throw this in your make up bag and not worry about the lid coming off and product going every where. Another cool thing is that all the shades are mixable to create your own custom color. Needless to say, I'm a HUGE fan! 


The Matte Freedom System Lipsticks are made with Macadamia nut oil and avocado butter to protect and hydrate your lips and promises a non-sticky, long lasting formula with an opaque, even matte finish. Phew! That's a tall order to fill, huh? Okay. So don't kill me but I don't know the exact names of these! I know, I know. I searched high and low on the boxes and even tried to match the shades onto the site and couldn't find anything so I wrote what I think they could be according to the site. Don't quote me!
  • 501 - a blood orange matte. Sigh. I had the biggest issue with this shade which always sucks when it's the first in the palette because you're like, "Please don't set the tone." This applied super dry, patchy and was just of bleh for me. It's almost like it wouldn't adhere to my lips and looked like  wash of color rather than being opaque.
  • 502 - a light melon matte. Much better! Way smoother of an application but it did make my lips look slightly dried out within a minute of putting it on. The color is gorgeous and unlike anything I have right now.
  • 507 - a brick red matte. I was convinced this one and the shade next to it in the palette were the same color but looks can be deceiving! Application was smooth and even and my lips felt nice and hydrated.
  • 511 - a cherry popsicle red matte. What a difference! I absolutely love this color. It looks exactly like when you've been sucking on a cherry popsicle and it stains your lips. Gorgeous color, nice application, very easy to work with.
  • 506 - a fun bright pink matte. Another fun color to the palette with again, great application. It was opaque, smooth and felt nice and smooth on my lips.
501

502

507

511

506

To apply these, I highly recommend using a lip brush (I'm not really sure how else you could use these). I used the one that came from my Sedona Lace Vortex Set. Unfortunately, the brushes that come with the OCC Lip Tars didn't work. Like, at all. It barely picked up the product. I also recommending exfoliating your lips like crazy before applying. I know that's kind of like the prerequisite when using matte lipsticks but definitely don't skip before using these shades.

The first thing I noticed was the yummy cherry scent all 5 of the shades have. I promise it's not that gross, cherry cough drop scent but actually a fun, summery cherry scent. It's not overpowering at all and goes away once on the lips. 

501 put me in the mindset that it might be a lost cause for this palette. It was a dry, washed out mess. 502 was the sun through the clouds with a unique shade plus easier application but it still picked up on every single dry crack in my lips (after exfoliation!) that I didn't even know I had. 507, 511 and 506 - SA-WOON! Talk about a palette that gets progressively better, huh? These three shades were gorgeous pigmented, super easy to apply and didn't dry my lips upon first contact. 501 and 502's wear time was about three hours. 507, 511 and 506's wear time was about five-six hours.


The Colour Play Lipliners come in four vibrant colors that match perfect with some of the Freedom System shades. Their texture is nice and creamy with a long-lasting effect. The lipliners come equipped with a built-in sharpener at the bottom and wind-up retractable feature.
  • 312 - is a light melon matte. I can't even get over how much I love this pencil. The texture is so creamy yet stiff enough for a precise line. This color is a perfect match for 502 from the Freedom System Palette.
  • 313 - is a bright pink matte. Super creamy and easy to work with.

Top: 312 | Bottom: 313

Basically, I'm freaking out over these liners. They're both so amazing and I plan on buying the other two ASAP.

Swatches: 501, 502, 507, 511, 506 and liners 512 and 513

So what do you think about a make-your-own lip palette? 

Inglot: Liners & Lipsticks | Price: $12 and $9 each
* Free standard shipping on orders of $50 or more. 
Friday, May 09, 2014

Monthly Favorites | April!

Hi guys! I know, I know. I haven't been around much this week. It's been insane but I'm back with double posts today! If you haven't already, check out my baby update for 21/22 weeks (I can't believe it!) that I posted earlier and then sit tight, because it's all about the April faves in this post! 

Skincare:

  • c.Booth Honey & Almond Hand Cream - I've been absolutely loving this - but not just as a hand cream! I've been using this everywhere! I've been experiencing the oh-so-fun itchy, dry skin that comes with pregnancy lately and this has been my savior. It's a thick consistency but rubs in nice without any stickiness or greasiness. It smells ah-mazing and contains cocoa which is the numbero uno thing for stretch mark prevention.
  • ReviviaLabs Stretch Mark Prevention Lotion - Can we see a theme here? I know that stretch marks are ultimately the luck of the draw but for my own piece of mind, I'm trying! I use this as soon as I get out of the shower and apply to my tummy and wherever else I don't want stretch marks. It virtually has no scent which is fine because I usually apply the c.Booth Honey & Almond Cream over it. I'll have a review on this soon!
  • Burt's Bee's Brightening Even-Tone Moisturizing Cream - I use this as my daily face moisturizer and have so far been loving it! It has an awesome citrus scent which is perfect for waking my butt up in the morning. It's supposed to visibly even your skin tone and diminish dark spots. I noticed my dark spots from my Epic Chin Breakout of 2014 have almost disappeared so WOOHOO!

Makeup:

  • Anastasia Beverly Hills Contour Kit - It wouldn't be a favorites without this baby! As dramatic as this sounds, it's really changed my face. Each shade is so finely-milled to perfection. I use "Banana" for highlighting and "Fawn" for contouring and I almost feel like they were made for my skintone. They're perfect! It's almost mindblowing how a tiny bit of contouring can just absolutely change your face. I can't wait to show you guys my subtle contour in an upcoming post/review.
  • Kat Von D Monarch Palette / Review- So I don't want to officially say this is my favorite palette of the twosome, but I've definitely seen myself gravitate towards it more. With shades like Telepathy and Disintegration, this palette has some must-have shadows!
  • Revlon PhotoReady SkinLights in Pink Light - Try mixing a few drops of this into your foundation and be amazed! I've actually used this as a highlighter by itself and in my foundation and I definitely prefer the foundation mix. See it used as a highlighter in my Floral Values Tutorial.
  • Eddie Funkhouser Ultra Intense Cheek Color in PeepShow - Or as I like to call it "my perfect Spring blush". Seriously. PeepShow is a pretty bright pink that is perfect for Spring. With one swipe, it gives you just the right amount of color for your cheeks but it is buildable if you prefer a more bold look.
  • Benefit Watt's Up! Highlighter - Sa-woon! I've been all about highlighter lately. Watt's Up! has been around for a little awhile but I always go back to it after I fool around with other highlighters. It's a cream highlighter that blends out perfectly whether it's on your cupid's bow, under your brows or along your cheek bones.
  • Real Techniques Blush Brush - I've had this brush for, goodness, over two years now. It was one of my first "big girl" brushes I ever purchased and is still, to this day, one of the best. I use it for everything: applying blush, bronzer or highlighter, setting my makeup with powders or my fave - squishing the bristles to create a thinner brush and use it for contouring!

Music:

  • "Call Me Up" by Thomas Rhett
  • "Dark Horse" by Katy Perry 
  • "Birthday" by Katy Perry 
  • "Problem" by Ariana Grande ft. Iggy Azalea
  • "All of Me" by John Legend 
  • "My Baby's Guns and Roses" by Brantley Gilbert 
Friday, May 09, 2014

Baby Update | 21/22 Weeks!

Hi loves! I'm 22 weeks today but decided to just add the 21 week update to this since I missed it and really not much has changed! I can't believe how much the weeks are flying by now. Wednesday, I went for my blood pressure check up I talked about in my 20 weeks update and unfortunately, I still have high blood pressure so they're sending me for "extensive blood tests" (who doesn't love those three words?) and I have to pee in a jug for 24 hours and bring that to them. Wow. Words I never, ever thought I'd say that. They want to have a base to go off of to check me out for preeclampsia. 

Last weekend, we registered at Buy Buy Baby. That was an experience. It was fun but I felt so overwhelmed! I had no clue what we needed even with a list. But eventually after a little meltdown, we had fun. We even picked out a stroller and crib which I thought we'd never settle on. Ant wanted a jogger while I wanted a lightweight stroller. We ended up picking the Graco Modes Sport Connect Travel System and I'm in love with it!

Lastly, and probably the coolest thing EVER, yesterday we went to Good Morning America for their Mommy-To-Be Shopping Spree. We were chosen with 29 other couples to go on and participate. Unfortunately, we didn't get our number called (3 out of 30 chance!) but we stayed and watched. We also got a $50 giftcard to Babies R Us and a really awesome experience. All in all, not too bad! :)


How far along? 22 weeks!
Total weight gain: 10 pounds
Maternity clothes? I've really been living in maxis lately but I want to stock up on more maternity jeans.
Stretch marks? None. Hoping that stays until the end.
Sleep: Still have insomnia!
Miss Anything? Salty foods. My doctor said to keep that at a low if I can. 
Movement: Absolutely for sure now! I absolutely love it and wish he did it all the time. It's kind of inconsistent but I love when he does. It basically feels like pops that are way different than gas. I've also felt "waves" like he was turning around. Wednesday, when they checked his heart beat, he kicked the doppler. I felt and we heard it! Pretty awesome!
Food cravings: I could really go for a McDonalds Ranch BLT Chicken sandwich, fries and a Starbucks frapp still. Keepin' healthy over here. 
Anything making you queasy or sick: Nothing.
Gender: It's a boy! 
Labor Signs: Not labor but I think I had my first Braxton Hicks. Basically, it just felt like my stomach was contracting in but it only happened once and hasn't happened since.
Symptoms: Besides the insomnia, not too much. Sometimes my lower back hurts. I've been walking a lot and sometimes afterward my body is like "LOL SERIOUSLY?" when before it was nothing.
Belly Button in or out? In.
Wedding rings on or off? On but sometimes they get stuck.
Happy or Moody most of the time: Happy!
Looking forward to: Feeling him move more! I can't wait. Anthony swears he felt him from the outside a few nights ago and I swore I did too but I can't wait until it's for sure.
Tuesday, May 06, 2014

How To | Use Dry Shampoo feat. Batiste Dry Shampoo


My hair is a mess. Sometimes it hates me, sometimes it loves me. In the end, hair is hair and I should be happy I have it, right? And I am happy. Except in the morning. When I'm running late. And have NO time for a shower or to wash my hair. Or when I'm trying to successfully do second day hair without looking like I sat in the rain. Or even when I just want my hair to have a little oomph! Da-da-da-da (that's a trumpet playing): Batiste Dry Shampoo to the rescue! I have used close to ten other dry shampoos before Batiste and nothing has come close to it. I don't know if it's different ingredients or just the snazzy packaging but something in it makes it work for my thin hair that others couldn't do.


But what exactly is dry shampoo? Basically, it's just a dry powder that soaks up the oil from your scalp and hair, zapping away the greasiness. It also provides texture and volume (added bonus - YAY!). I've heard of people using everything from baby powder to cocoa powder!

Batiste Dry Shampoo (with a hint of dark & deep brown) was made specifically for brunettes and is a brown-tinted dry shampoo instead of the normal white. Also, it smells AH-MAZING! Just sayin'.


Applying dry shampoo is super duper easy and fast when you're in a rush! I apply my dry shampoo about 10 inches from my head. First, I spray about an inch above my ear and spray back in a line (like the picture). Then I go up three inches, lift my hair and spray, go up another three inches, lift and spray on both sides of my head. I lightly massage through my finger tips and then put my head down and spray in the front. For me, my hair is the greasiest in the "bang" area. So frustrating. Massage it in and then flip your hair back. You can either brush it through or just style as is. 

Before / After

(LMAO. I look terrified in the "before" picture!)


I think it's safe to say how awesome Batiste is from that "after" picture! I'm so in love with it. Not only does it make my hair smell amazing and clean but it also makes it look clean - and voluminous! This look usually lasts all day although I can honestly say I've never tested it in super hot weather so I don't know how long it would last when you're sweating and your scalp is producing more oil. 

You can also use dry shampoo on clean hair for added volume and texture. It's basically just awesome all around.

Ta-da!

Do you use dry shampoo? Which brand do you use if you do? Have you heard of Batiste Dry Shampoo?
Monday, May 05, 2014

Kat Von D Monarch Palette - Swatches & Review

Back again with the hotter-toned palette to the Kat Von D Chrysalis Palette - the Kat Von D Monarch Palette! I don't know which one I love more! Check out the Chrysalis Palette from a few days ago and this palette and let me know in the comments which one you'd rock more.

The Kat Von D Monarch Palette is a warm-toned eyeshadow palette with a stunning composition of - three large base shades and nine transformative accent hues - for a wide spectrum of stunning eye looks. The eyeshadows are triple-milled for a soft, dense shadow that is easy to blend and apply. The eyeshadow formula includes an infusion of antioxidants like rose extract, vitamins A, C and E to keep your eyelids hydrated and protected.

The packaging, again, is gorgeous. It fits the theme of "Monarch" with the butterfly on the front as well as using Monarch butterfly colors. Kat still keeps it Kat looking with the skulls in the wings. So badass. I'm still bummed that these are hard cardboard instead of the usual tin palette but they are sturdy. The inside contains a nice, long mirror.

 Kat Von D Monarch Palette

Kat Von D Monarch Palette

Kat Von D Monarch Palette (back)

  • Emptology -  is described as a matte cream. More of a yellow-toned cream. It was nicely pigmented but a bit on the powdery side.
  • Wrath -  is described as a deep pearl orange. I would describe it as more of a orange-copper wth shimmer. Gorgeously pigmented and soft.
  • Papilio -  is described as a pearl chocolate. Sweet mamajama! So soft and buttery to the touch with gorgeous color pay off.
  • Summerfly -  is described as a gold glitter. Awesome color pay off. No glitter fall out.
  • Telepathy -  is described as a pearl gold. Totally looks silver in the packaging but as soon as you swatch/wear it it has a gold duochrome effect to it. So rich and buttery with awesome pigmentation.
  • Killing Jar - is described as a pearl copper. I would call it a metallic light, rose gold. Beautiful pigmentation albeit a teensy bit drier than the other shades.
  • Delaney - is described as a pearl silver. I would describe it as a brown-toned pewter. One of the most stunning shades in this palette, for sure. Awesome color pay off and super buttery.
  • Vanish - is described as a medium taupe. I absolutely love that Kat put a nice, soft, light brown in both palettes (with different undertones - of course!) because they work as the best transition crease shades. Super easy to blend with and awesome color pay off.
  • Tiny Death - is described as a cream glitter. This was a little meh for me. The glitter is beautiful but doesn't show up on the eye much. Such a bummer!
  • Disintegration - is described as a pearl brown. I'd say that's head on plus some bronze glitter in there. What a dream to work with. Super finely-milled and awesome pigmentation.
  • Shadowbox - is described as a matte chocolate. Great color pay off on the eye but to swatch it seemed a bit dry. Go figure! 
  • Deadhead - is described as a matte black. It's so hard to find a fab opaque matte black. This was a bit dry to work with but the pigmentation was alright.
Swatches of: Entomology, Wrath, Papilio and Summerfly

Swatches of: Telepathy, Killing Jar, Delaney and Vanish

Swatches of: Tiny Death, Disintegration, Shadow Box and Deadhead

Lid: Wrath | Outer Lid: Disintegration | Outer V: Shadow Box | Inner Corner: Summerfly | Crease: Vanish | Lower Lid: Delaney into Disintegration into Deadhead | Brow Highlight: Telepathy


Overall: I can't decide which palette I love more! Kat always knocks it out of the park with presentation and quality which, to me, makes the perfect product every time. My absolute favorite shades had to be Wrath, Telepathy and Disintegration. What are yours?

Where to buy: Sephora | Price: $46
* Contains affiliate links.