New: NYX Butter Lip Balms

I am a huge fan of NYX Butter Glosses and have several that I reach for often. I recently saw on the NYX website that they released a new Butter Lip Balm. Instead of placing an online order and waiting for it to arrive (I am impatient when it comes to new beauty!), I decided to see if my local Ulta carried them.

I had rewards club points to redeem so I dragged my hubby along with my fingers crossed that Ulta would have them in stock and that they wouldn't all be opened and used already. As luck would have it, there was a new row of Butter Lip Balms sitting in the NYX display. Some were already tested and some were out of stock but I was able to pick up four shades: Marshmallow, Biscotti, Panna Cotta, and Ladyfingers.

NYX Butter Lip Balm in Marshmallow, Biscotti, Panna Cotta & Ladyfingers

New: Wet n Wild In The Spotlight Color Icon Eyeshadow Medley Palettes

On a recent trip to Face Values, one of my favorite stores for new beauty products, my eyes were peeled for the new Wet n Wild Color Icon palettes. I searched the aisles and all the shelves when there they were in a display hidden behind a ladder. Tricky tricky but not even a ladder will keep me from checking out new makeup!

I purchased two of the three palettes in No Neutral Ground (34210) and A Great Glistener (34208). The third palette was heavy on the blues which I knew I would never wear. The palettes are different from their cult favorite eight pan palettes. The top row has three "shimmer overcoats" that they suggest for the browbone, the middle row has three pearl shadows for the lid and the bottom has two matte shades for defining.

Wet n Wild In The Spotlight Eyeshadow Medley Palettes in No Neutral Ground & A Great Glistener

Sephora Birthday Haul

My birthday was last month and my parents gifted me with some fabulous and very generous gifts including a Sephora gift card. I was debating on whether or not to save it for the Marc Jacobs Beauty launch but after seeing the product line, I decided to go a different route.

New: L'Oreal laLaque & leMatte Full Coverage LipColour

While paying a visit to my local Face Values to pick up more goat's milk soap, I spotted these new L'Oreal lip products.  Jumping on the bandwagon of crayon-like lip colors, laLaque and leMatte offer two different finishes with the same ease of application. Of course I went back and forth, trying to decide if I should pick them up. I have so many lip products already but my loving hubby reminded me that in a few weeks, I'll want to come back to get them and they will most likely be sold out. (He can be so smart!)

Ulta Birthday Haul

My birthday recently passed and one of my generous aunts gifted me with an Ulta gift card. I was so thrilled and I planned on saving it for a rainy day. I then realized I lost my beloved eyebrow pencil so to the Ulta website I went!

Mini Review: Maybelline Fit Me Shine-Free Foundation Stick

Something about foundation just draws me in. The packaging, the claims and the fantasy of finding a product that can perfect your skin upon application, I just get suckered in.  Fortunately, widely available drugstore brands have been stepping up their game and releasing affordable foundations. 

I recently picked up the new Maybelline Fit Me Shine-Free Foundation Stick at my local Target. Maybelline describes this foundations as "lightweight gel foundation with an anti-shine powder core" that "instantly dissolves excess oil, for a perfect matte finish". It is available in twelve shades and retails for $6.99.

Maybelline Fit Me Shine-Free Foundation in 310 Sun Beige

Half & Half: Pink Summer Lips

Back again with another Half & Half post! I am really enjoying these and plan to feature some face products in the next post. This time I am featuring some of my favorite pink lippies for summer. You can't go wrong with a beautiful bright pink lip! Here are some options for beauties on a budget and beauties looking to splurge.

Half & Half: Peach/Coral Summer Lips

Just a quick little post to share my top ten peach/coral lippes for the summer.  Half are drugstore products and half are high end products.  I thought this would be a fun way to showcase several options for every budget!

e.l.f. Acne Fighting Foundation

e.l.f. Acne Fighting Foundation in Beige, Buff

Yes, I know, I did it again!  I purchased another foundation.  I had heard some buzz about the e.l.f. Acne Fighting Foundation and kept checking my local Target, hoping and praying they would get it in stock.  There are some e.l.f. products that I really like but I find the shipping rate to be less than desirable when ordering online.  Luckily, I received an email from e.l.f. for free shipping on a purchase of $15.  I jumped on the chance to scoop up this foundation.

May 2013 Favorites & Fails

The month of May has come and gone and I am excited to share my monthly favorites and fails! Since shifting my focus mainly to my blog, I thought these posts would be a fun way to document my beauty routine while sharing beloved products (and not so beloved products) with others.

Just a quick disclaimer, the products featured have all been used by me and use is quite apparent in the pictures. I was going to pretty up all the products but this is what they look like in my makeup storage and how they look after I've used them. So this is an uncensored edition of Favorites and Fails.  ;)

May Favorites

Covergirl 3 in 1 Outlast Stay Fabulous foundations

My CVS Beauty Clearance Sale Haul (Spring 2013)

I patiently wait for the CVS Beauty Clearance Sale which comes around twice a year.  I stalk the Nouveau Cheap blog (http://nouveaucheap.blogspot.com) and review the master list prior to setting foot in the store.  During past sales, I have stocked up on quite a few products for gifts and future giveaways when I was more active on my YouTube channel.  I would say I have gone overboard in the past and my husband will agree.  For this sale, I decided to only purchase things I feel I would use, no duplicates of products and no stockpiling for the sake of a good deal.  I think I succeeded in sticking with the plan!  Check out my haul after the jump!

Clinique Superbalanced Makeup

Back again with yet another foundation!  I have more foundations than I will ever be able to wear in a lifetime but they're one of my favorite products to try out.  In my quest to find the absolute perfect foundation, I purchased Clinique Superbalanced Makeup in Cream Chamois (04) during the recent Sephora VIB sale.

Maybelline The Rocket Volum' Express Mascara

I have been venturing into "mascara land" more due to the cost of my favorite mascara (They're Real by Benefit) and the launch of several new drugstore mascaras.  I am on a quest to find affordable alternatives for my favorite higher end products and I love trying new drugstore products! 

So I gave into the hype and picked up a tube of Maybelline The Rocket Volum' Express mascara in Very Black.  I was excited to try this because I have heard many great reviews and lots of people really like it.  Plus the price point is great.  The Rocket mascara (what a name?!) retails for about $6.

Loving This Right Now: Revlon Lip Butter in Pink Lemonade (047)

Hi again!  Just a quick post to share a new addition to my ever growing lippie collection.  I finally found the new Revlon Lip Butter in Pink Lemonade at a local CVS.  It is a very subtle, soft, pretty light pink.  It is not the most pigmented lip butter but is great for pulling together a casual look or for a polished work look.  

Revlon Colorburst Lip Butter in Pink Lemonade

IMATS NY 2013

For Valentine's Day this year, my hubby purchased tickets to IMATS for Saturday, April 6th.  From that moment, I have been eagerly awaiting the day and saving money for an IMATS haul.  I wanted to share with you some pictures and a little bit about my first IMATS experience.

Outside Pier 94

Teeny Tiny Haul~February/March 2013

I have a teeny tiny haul to share with you.  I have been trying to shop my current stash and go on any beauty shopping sprees which has been extremely difficult.  There are always new products being released and I want to try everything but I am saving for a trip at the end of the month and for IMATS in April (woohoo!).  I have a few products that I did pick up over the past few weeks.  Keep in mind that I am on a "low buy" not a "no buy" and that these purchases were made over a span of a few weeks.  

First, I picked up the new limited edition Wet n Wild eight pan eyeshadow palettes in Going in the Wild and Nude Awakening.  They were around $4 at my local Face Values store.  I was thrilled to actually find these because Wet n Wild's limited edition products are almost impossible to find.  The quality of their eyeshadows are amazing for the price and I cannot wait to try these out!  Plus the LE packaging is so pretty!

L: Going in the Wild    R: Nude Awakening

Mini Review: Lorac Natural Performance Foundation

I am addicted to foundations.  I am on a quest to find the perfect formula for oily skin that leaves a lasting satin to matte finish.  I purchase more foundation than I will be able to use in a lifetime and it has gotten to the point where my husband told me I cannot buy another one until I have used what I already have.  That's when I knew I should really shop my stash.

I purchased the Lorac Natural Performance Foundation about six months ago during a 20% off everything promotion at Ulta.  It retails for $36 for 1.0 fluid ounce and comes in ten shades.  I have NP5 which is a pretty good match.  (It is difficult to find a perfect match in foundation because I have yellow undertones.)  

Changes, Challenges & Updates

As you may or may not have noticed, I have made a few changes to my blog. It needed some sprucing up! My ultimate goal is to tie my blog and YouTube channel together, as well as utilizing my Facebook page more often. (In other words, lighting a fire under my butt to get moving again!) I completed a mini project that incorporates all of these together and am anxiously waiting to see the final product. It should arrive around the beginning of March.

I also wanted to restructure my blog a bit, give it somewhat of a content makeover. My goal is to focus more on makeup and beauty including product reviews, monthly favorites & fails, tips & tricks, sales, hauls, and anything else makeup/beauty related. For now, I will be putting "The Saturday Seven" on hold but possibly incorporating some of my answers in monthly favorites posts. I am not completely eliminating random life related posts because I enjoy sharing these as well, just shifting my focus back to makeup and beauty. I truly love blogging and am looking forward to posting on more of a regular schedule. 

Lastly, I have imposed a beauty challenge on myself comprised of "shopping" my current makeup collection and putting myself on a "low buy". My current collection has some really fabulous products that have not been used enough. I hope to rediscover favorites and weed out products that are not worth keeping around. "Low buy" is my answer to the ever popular "no buy". I have attempted a "no buy" in the past but to me, it is just not realistic. I prefer "low buy" which I define as drastically cutting back on beauty related spending while allowing an occasional, minimal purchase. This will be my beauty challenge indefinitely.

I am excited to share all of these new changes and challenges with you. Thank you for visiting my blog! Your support means the world to me! See you soon!

Weekly Beauty Challenge Mini Series: Challenge #3

This week's challenge is the FOTD challenge. I will photograph and post my FOTD each day (obviously). My goal is to end up with a mini journal of daily looks and to focus on my weekly beauty routine. Are there aspects I can change? What products do I reach for the most? What products from my collection do I need to reach for more?

Check back here in a week for my update!

The Snowy Saturday Seven 2/9/13

1. Mood: Panicky. After being hit by Blizzard Nemo, all of the news reports have been saying to stay at home today because the roads have not been completely cleared yet. I often get cabin fever, extreme and sudden cabin fever. I am hoping the roads will be safe later on today. 
2. Substitute question: Looking forward to Valentine's Day? Of course! Valentine's Day is my favorite holiday. Most people feel the need to inform me that it is not really a holiday but I think it is. To me, it's a day to celebrate and appreciate love.
3. Product(s) I'm adding to my wish list: I love the new Too Faced Boudoir Beauty collection. The Boudoir Eyes palette and the Sweetheart Blush are super cute!
4. Most used product of the week: MUFE Mat Velvet + 
5. Scent of the week: Gold by Kim Kardashian
6. Favorite song of the moment: When I Was Your Man by Bruno Mars...One of the most beautiful songs I have ever heard.

7. A sprinkle of randomness: I am not a huge fan of the snow. I think a dusting is pretty but could live without it. My pups really love playing in the snow. So I'm looking forward to seeing them have fun outside today! :)

Have a great weekend!!!

The Saturday Seven (A Little Late) 1/28/13

1. Mood: Since I am writing this on Monday, I would have to say exhausted. It is always somewhat tiring returning to work after the weekend. Even though I know the start of another workweek is approaching, it's still quite draining when it actually gets here and I realize there's four more days to go. :(
2. Substitute question: Plans for this evening? Nothing too exciting...I have to make dinner and finish some laundry. I would like to film a YT video or two and maybe get some cleaning done. Whatever I end up doing, I have to stop at 9pm for The Following.
3. Product(s) I'm adding to my wish list: The new shades of the Revlon Lip Butters! I just read about them this morning and will be on the lookout the next few weeks.
4. Most used product of the week: The Lorac Pro Palette...this due to Weekly Beauty Challenge #2.
5. Scent of the week: Pink Sugar by Aqualina, Gold by Kim Kardashian, Lola by Marc Jacobs...I alternated between scents a lot last week,
6. Favorite song of the moment: My Life-50 Cent feat. Eminem & Adam Levine

7. A sprinkle of randomness: If I could, I would wear slippers and sweats my whole life (with the exception of special occasions). I love comfy sweatpants and hoodies. My grandparents gave me these fabulous Betseyville slippers for the holidays and can't wait to get home to put them on. How's that for random? Lol!

Hope you had a great weekend 

& 

have an awesome week! :)

Weekly Beauty Challenge Mini Series: Challenge #2

For this week's beauty challenge, I decided on a palette challenge. I can only use one eyeshadow palette for the week with no exceptions. The palette I chose for this week is the Lorac Pro palette. Some may view this not as a challenge at all because the palette has been described as quite versatile. I, on the other hand, was underwhelmed by this palette and just never reach for it. So in my efforts to break out of my beauty rut and stretch to find ways to make products work for me, I am accepting challenge #2, the palette challenge! Check back here in a week for my update. :)

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Update: It has been a little over a week since the palette challenge. Even though I did stick with the challenge, it feels somewhat unsuccessful. 

I work a full five day workweek. So my makeup needs to be work appropriate. I stayed more to the left side of the palette, using the creams, pinks and golds. I used Deep Purple with an angled brush and Mac's Fix+ as a liner for one look. Other than that, I didn't really venture over to the right side of the palette much. This palette will quietly go back into my collection where it will wait for me to try it again or just hold a place among other eyeshadow palettes.

The Saturday Seven 1/19/13

1. Mood: Tired. I've got my coffee though! No rest for the weary, right?
2. Substitute question: What are your Saturday plans? I have a bunch of cleaning and laundry to do. I am also planning to jump on the elliptical and hopefully film a video or two. I have to plan out meals for the upcoming week and make grocery/Target shopping lists. Nothing super exciting but it is the weekend. So I can't complain! :)
3. Product(s) I'm adding to my wish list: The Maybelline Color Sensational Vivids lipstick in Vibrant Mandarin. It looks like a beautiful color and something different from my normal lipsticks. Plus they're fairly affordable since it is a drugstore item.
4. Most used product of the week: NYX Slide On, Glide On eyeliner in Jet Black
5. Scent of the week: Pink Sugar by Aqualina
6. Favorite song of the moment: Rest of My Life~Ludacris, Usher & David Guetta   All I can say is put on your insanely expensive designer sneakers, grab your oversized sunglasses, pick out a diamond chain and get ready to dance! :) Hehe

"I'm stuck in this moment, freeze the hands of time. 'Cause I feel inner peace when I'm outta my mind. And you can call me crazy, but I like to roll the dice. So I'm willing to bet that Imma be crazy for the rest of my life."

7. A sprinkle of randomness: Did anyone see the commercial for the new movie Mama? I get totally freaked out whenever it comes on tv but I kinda want to see it...but then I'm worried I might not be able to sleep which I don't really sleep anyway. Lol! Can't get more random than that!

Woohoo for the weekend! Hope you have a great one!!!

WTF is a Walking Pharmacy???

So what the frick is a walking pharmacy??? It is a bag of essential items that you can carry with you in case of a problem, ailment or minor emergency. It's a walking pharmacy not a walking hospital. Lol! I discovered this concept from the YouTube channel OrganizedLikeJen.

I first started watching Jen's MyHousewifeLife channel on YouTube and then subscribed to her other channels as well. She has several channels including OrganizedLikeJen and TheBusyBeeBuzz, and recently launched a blog called Organized Jen. She is extremely organized (obviously!) and takes many creative approaches to organization. 

Here is my walking pharmacy:

I chose this leopard print cosmetic bag that I received from Target (the most recent beauty bag). I like that the print matches both black and brown handbags.

FOTD: Thursday, 1/17/13

Face Of The Day
Products Used:

-Benefit's How to Look the Best at Everything Flawless Complexion Makeup Kit in Medium
(The Porefessional primer, Hello Flawless foundation in "I'm So Money Honey", & Hello Flawless powder in "I'm Cute as a Bunny Honey")
-Carmex
-Mac's Sweet Heat eyeshadow
-Benefit's They're Real Mascara
-NYX Slide on, Glide on eyeliner in Jet Black
-Kat Von D Tattoo Liner in Trooper
-Nars blush in Madly

Weekly Beauty Challenge Mini Series: Challenge #1

Lately I feel like I am stuck in a rut of using the same beauty products/brushes. Like most people, I get used to things that work for me but tend to neglect other products/brushes in my collection. In an attempt to break out of this rut, I had the idea of doing a mini series of beauty challenges on my blog. Hopefully these challenges will help me to explore other makeup items/brushes and find ways to make products work for me that have not in the past.

Weekly Beauty Challenge #1: Brush Set Challenge

For this week, I am challenging myself to use only the Kirkland Signature 8 Piece Luxury Collection brush set when applying my makeup. Challenge accepted! (Any How I Met Your Mother Fans out there?)  My hubby gave me this set as a holiday gift. The set is comprised of a powder brush, a finishing brush, angled cheek brush, foundation brush, allover eye brush, all-purpose eye brush, crease brush, and a dual ended angled liner/spoolie.

I did make an exception by adding two additional brushes, an e.l.f. Angled Bronzing Brush which I use for contouring and a retractable brush that I use for blending. I think this is fair because contouring is a vital part of my routine and blending is essential to any makeup look/application process. The Kirkland set does not have, in my opinion, brushes that serve either of these functions.

At the end of the week, I will post an update to let you know how the challenge went. So check back! :) I'd love suggestions on future challenges as well! Please leave a comment below. 

Update: It's been a week of using the Kirkland brush set and I think it went pretty well. It was definitely challenging not to reach for other brushes but I found some real standouts in this set.

 The All Purpose Eye brush was a dream and slightly larger and fluffier than the e.l.f. eyeshadow brush. It packed on shadow with the same ease and was ok to start the blending process. The Angled Liner/Spoolie was great for gel liner and tidying up my brows. The Dual Fiber Crease brush was intimidating at first but worked really great to create a defined crease which with my eyes is tricky! The All Over Eye brush was too large to use for my smaller eyes but I ended up using it to highlight and set smaller areas with powder. I really loved using the Angled Cheek brush to apply blush. I only reached for my e.l.f. Angled Bronzing Brush once to contour with.

The Finishing brush which can be used with liquid or powder foundation was such a disappointment. I was hoping it would be a dupe for the UD Good Karma brush which retails for $24. WRONG! The bristles are too loosely packed and the hairs shed. I never even used the Foundation brush because I'm simply not a huge fan of paddle shaped foundation brushes. The Powder brush was mediocre at best and I much prefer my other powder brushes to the one found in the set. 

I do like this brush set and I think it has a brush for almost (It lacks a good blending brush.) every makeup need. Plus there are a few multipurpose brushes and a sleek travel/storage case. For the price, I think it is nice quality and is a great set for beginners or as an add on set for more established makeup mavens. 

The Saturday Seven 1/12/13

1. Mood: Determined. I have a lot of stuff to get done (as usual) today and over the weekend. My plan is to get everything done and cross it off my To Do list! Yay!
2. Substitute question: Here's $500. What are you going to do with it? If I was randomly given $500, I would put half into my savings account and put some serious thought into what I would spend the other half on. A new handbag? High-end makeup? New camera? Weekend trip?
3. Product(s) I'm adding to my wish list: Too Faced Air Buffed BB Cream. Surprise surprise! Yet another product from the foundation category. The packaging is super cutesy and I believe the bow on the lid houses a brush for application. It's described as a mousse like texture and I love the Revlon Colorstay Whipped foundation which is similar in texture. Possible future purchase? Of course!
4. Most used product of the week: Mary Kay Oil Mattifier...I use this as a primer before my foundation. I apply it mainly to my t-zone and any other areas of my face that tend to get oily throughout the day. Then I let it set for a few minutes before applying foundation. Letting it set is the key to this product working. It's definitely one of my HG products!
5. Scent of the week: Pink Sugar by Aqualina
6. Favorite song of the moment: Catch My Breath by Kelly Clarkson...I can't say I'm a Kelly Clarkson fan but I don't dislike her music. I think her songs have positive messages and girlie anthem feels, if that makes sense. *Warning: There's a lot of hair flinging in this video. Lol!

7. A sprinkle of randomness: I'm catching up on some YouTube videos today. I watch them on my iPad when I'm on the elliptical but I'm still so behind. I'm looking forward to watching LisaLisaD1's Friday Haul and itsjudytime's review on the Revlon Nearly Naked foundation. Have you watched my December 2012 Favorites, Fails & Empties yet??? Check it out!

Have a great weekend!!! :)

The (Late) Saturday Seven 1/7/13

1. Mood: Motivated. With the arrival of the new year, I have big plans of grandeur to revamp my life...we'll see how long this lasts. Lol! I am only human!
2. Substitute question: What is/are your new year's resolution(s)? Of course to be healthier...so that includes exercising more, eating better, drinking more water, and getting more sleep. I also would like to be more organized and put myself on a schedule for blog posts and YouTube videos. Those are just a few of my resolutions!
3. Product(s) I'm adding to my wish list:The new MUFE foundation that can be used as a powder or applied damp. I am a foundation whore! I will try any and all foundations within my budget that are made for my skin type. 
4. Most used product of the week: Blistex Moisture Melt
5. Scent of the week: TokyoMilk Dark Tainted Love
6. Favorite song of the moment:Diamonds (Remix) by Rihanna featuring Kayne West

7. A sprinkle of randomness: I know I am late with yet another Saturday Seven. My apologies! I am going to try to post more consistently on my blog. Promise!

Have a great week! :)