January 2015 Product Favorites

Welcome to the future!! 2015 has arrived :) Truth be told, I was expecting my beauty boxes this month to be filled with fabby new trendy items or new twists on old classics but nothing really blew me away.....BoxyCharm was my number one box this month.  Read the unboxing HERE.

SO let's talk about my favorites this month.

First up is Urban Decay's DeSlick Setting Spray.  Since I started using MAC's Studio Sculpt, read about it HERE, I haven't been as dehydrated looking in my face.  Translation-a bit oily!! I was looking for something that would not only set my makeup but help reduce unwanted shine.  Ya know, there are some times where you just don't want a powdery, finish on your face.  Urban Decay has a few setting sprays but this one was what I chose and I am very pleased with my choice.  It sprays on like a dream, a nice even misting application.  My face is set all day until I decide it's time to come sliding off ;) My advice when spraying a finishing spray on your face is to sit still for about 10 seconds or until you feel that it is dry. Don't make any facial expressions and let it do it's thing :)

Next up is Too Faced's Melted Liquified Lipstick in Fig.  I got a sample of this a long time ago in a light pinky color. I wasn't a fan.  And it all came down to the color.  I never gave the product a chance.  Recently Too Faced came out with a ton of new shades for this line.

When I saw this picture, I lost my mind and knew I had to collect pretty much all of them :) But I started with Fig.

The color truly doesn't translate as well as I had hoped in this picture.  It is a gorgeous muted purpley shade that even the most conventional people can wear.  It is so pretty.  As for the product itself, the first use is a bit messy.  It comes out a bit watery, but it dries to a matte finish.  Use a good lip exfoliator prior to wearing any lippies, especially in the winter. I recommend elf's lip exfoliator for a no hassle one or DIY with some sugar (white or brown) and some oil (olive or coconut).  I will be sharing my recipe for my own lip balms coming up on the blog :)

And here are the newest shades released for this Spring!  Melon has my name all over it!

Courtesy of BeautyPointofView

Next up is Sigma's E40 Tapered Blending Brush.  I know it is a $16 eye brush.  BUT if you have a discount (which you will at the end of this post!) it is worth it. If you have hooded eyes, it is also WORTH it! This brush is great!! It fits into the hooded crease of my eye perfectly where as other brushes don't.  If I can find a cheaper alternative I will but for now it is a great score.  Plus these brushes are known to last forever.  It blends like a dream and picks up the perfect amount of product. Also, the product comes right off the brush.  Meaning, I don't have to wipe each color off after I have used it.

And lastly, my product favorite for the month of January is Smashbox's Contour Kit.  I prefer a cream contour but I like this because it is all in one kit and the contour color is an actual contour color. And the bronzer is a bronzer color. I started out contouring using bronzer as my contour but realized what a difference it makes when you use two colors.  The contour color is a nice cool color that creates the shadows I want and the bronzer offers a nice healthy, warm glow.  The highlight doesn't really provide enough color to highlight my skin so I use the powder to set my concealer.  Since it is a tad yellow it works perfectly!  This kit comes with instructions on the mirror and are perfect for beginners.  FYI-I had tried the IT Cosmetics contour kit last year and returned it. There was zero pigmentation and nothing showed up on my skin.

And there ya have it!  Have you used any of these products? What are your thoughts?  Fall in love with any products yourself this month?  Let me know in the comments below!!

Use MISSYOU10 on your order at Sigma for 10% off your order!

Also, don't forget I am having a giveaway!!  There are only 5 days left to enter!

Click HERE to enter and good luck!!

Have a great day!! xo

MAC Studio Sculpt Quicky Foundation Review

I think I mentioned this in my most recent video, I love my Estee Lauder Double Wear but I have been so dry lately I needed something to help with that.  Enter MAC Studio Sculpt!!

I love it, I seriously am in loooooooove with it.

It goes on like a dream and is so smooth and creamy.  I am actually an NW20 in this shade which I am at odds with.  Mac is backwards with its toning system....is that a thing??  So the W is usually referring to warm yellow undertones but at Mac it is for cool, pink undertones.....I am confused just typing this.  I think it is a bit too pinky on me, although it photographs very well.  I have ordered an NC20 which I should have Friday to really compare.  So just keep that in mind when ordering online, their system is backwards.  And if you try it on in store make sure you go to a window to check it in natural lighting.

The only thing I wish I could change is that I do need to set with a pretty good setting powder or I will get oily during the day.  I have read a bunch of reviews and this is just the way this foundation is. So if you are super oily, I do not recommend this. If you have normal to dry skin, this is worth picking up.  It gives a natural looking dewey finish to the skin.  I also noticed that after you put it on, it looks even better by the time I am done with all of my makeup.  Like it settles in a GOOD way :)

The foundation is thick (but not KVD thick) and not runny and despite the weird presentation, like you're squirting out frosting, it makes for a no mess application.  I put it on the back of my hand to pick up with my brush.  It is medium to full coverage but I barely need any.  If I have a breakout then I can use more.  I did just think about when I got to the bottom of the tube how will I get all the product out? This product is definitely build-able.

I use my 187SE duo fibre brush to apply and it gives me an airbrushed finish.  I tried my Sigma F80 with it and I was not pleased.....maybe it's me??  I'm truly more of a stipple-er than a buffer.  I haven't tried to apply with my beauty blender yet and I am not sure why.  I think I wanted this to work so badly with my brushes I just overlooked my old standby.

I will update you when the NC20 comes as I am really hoping it is even better due to the coloring. This is the only foundation I have tried from Mac, which one do you all use or prefer?  There are so many to choose from!

Let me know in the comment below :) Would you like a post on determining undertones and all that jazz? :)

Did I mention I am in love with this?? :)

Have a great day!! xo

January 2015 BoxyCharm Unboxing & February Spoiler

For those that don't know, I cancelled GlossyBox for BoxyCharm and I am still very pleased with my decision.  The value of the items (all full size) FAR EXCEED the $21 cost of the box!! The only thing about this box is that it ships towards the end of the month but since all my other boxes come in the beginning, I guess it's nice to still have it to look forward too.

Let's talk about the items this month.  Oh, one of mine was a replacement item to the messed up one in last month's box.

Tarte Maracuja Bronzing Serum (retail value $47)-This product alone is twice the cost of the box and got me quite giddy at the site of it.  I still have to do my review on the bronzing lotion, which is out of this world, so since this is targeted for the face, it's even better.  I am obsessed with reading reviews on products and this has gotten so many positives.  It will come down to a few things per person though.....your skin tone and your sensitivity to the product.  I have a light skin tone currently (winter, boo) so one application did not get me tan or glowing overnight but it did not make me break out either.  So, so far so good. I will keep you updated as I try it for longer periods of time.

Mirabella Primer (retail value $29)-This face primer is comparable to Smashbox in the look and feel. Be careful not to use too much or you will be an oil slick.  It was a nice primer but nothing outstanding about it.

Beauty For Real (retail value $36)-We got both a lip liner and lip gloss.  I think the liner was nude and the gloss is Always There.  The pencil is very nice and I have been able to use it with a few lipsticks of mine. I like putting a layer of it underneath my lipstick in addition to lining my lips for that extra layer of priming.  The lip gloss is not sticky and is a nice plum color.  It is kind of sheer going on so you can layer it up.

Purlisse Skin Sparkle Flash Tattoos (retail value $5)-Hard to believe these come from Purlisse as I know them only to provide skin care but super exciting.  In fact, I think these were just made for this box as I cannot find a link to them.  I love tattoos, real (I have 4) or fake!!  It saddens me that it is not summer and I can put these all over my body and shine in the sun! LOL Soon.........

Be A Bombshell lip gloss (retail value $14)-This was my replacement item.  This lip gloss came in the shade, Hooked.  A mauvey color with some shimmer.  Love it, love the color and the feel of the lip gloss.

So again, another stellar box that really makes me happy with my decision to switch.  I love that I am getting introduced to Tarte since I have not really used many of their products.  Also this month, Tarte is coming to Ulta and I have an appointment to meet with them and get a makeover with their team and products so I will keep you updated on that! :)

And the February Boxycharm box will include a full size jar of NCLA jar of hearts!! I love my nail stuff so this is exciting, even though I wish it would have been in the January box so I would have it for V Day :) Click HERE to sign up now!!

What did you think of the BoxyCharm box this month?

Let me know in the comments below (this can be one of your entries in my giveaway)!!  Didn't know about the giveaway??  Click HERE!!!

Have a great day!! xo

Another Mudpipes and Glitter Mixed Beauty Lot Giveaway!!

The giveaway has officially started!! Have fun and can't wait to hear what ideas you guys come up with xo

It's another great one :) Polish and palette and perfume and mascara and hair stuff.....OH MY!! :)

15 goodies in this one!!

a Rafflecopter giveaway



This will start Friday 1/30/15 and end Friday 2/13/15, open to US residents only! And remember, each entry will be verified so let's all be honest and have fun sharing xo

You all deserve it for all the fun we have together!!

Have a great day!! xo

January 2015 Double Birchbox Unboxings

So as most of you know, I receive two boxes a month from Birchbox and have been doing so for about 4 months now.  It truly began as an experiment based on different profile choices and to see how many duplicates I would get.  But no matter what, this is the best subscription box around due to their point system.  For every item you receive, you fill out a survey and get 10 points (50 points a month) and when you get 100 points, its equal to $10 in their shop.  So I feel I always get my money back and can buy name brand items at a nice discount. Birchbox is $10 a month and you can sign up HERE.  They have some great promotions going on right now, too.

So here are the boxes this month.

And yes as you see, I did get duplicates again this month.  Click HERE for last months boxes and you will see I got dupes then, too.  Again, my profile preferences are completely different and unfortunately I have decided to give the two box experiment only one more month to see if the dupes will continue to come. I also replaced Ipsy with this second box as Ipsy was beginning to let me down, too.  But at least with Ipsy I wasn't constantly getting No.4 hair care products and Sumita eye pencils.......

Now, let's talk about what I got in each box and the love it or hate it factor.

First box, based on my original profile and the one I have had for over a year.

This was my favorite box of the two.  Here are the items in order of my favorites and click on any of the names to learn more about them and to order.

• Whish Body Butter in Lavender-my hands really need all the lotion they can get this time of year and I don't remember the last time I had to buy it :) Calling the scent lavender though is sadly a bit of a stretch. And it is my favorite scent next to lilacs so that was a debbie downer :(
• Harvey Prince Sincerely-I have been using this every day!! It is such a sexy scent. It is sweet and spicy and quite honestly the only Harvey Prince fragrance I have loved so far.
• Balance Me Wonder Eye Cream-it comes out thick but immediately absorbs into my skin.  Plus it doesn't make my concealer rub off my face.  It is all natural and organic which I love about it.  If anyone's dark circles will benefit from this cream, it will be mine :) 
• Stainiac by The Balm-multi-purpose cheek and lip stain.  I like it as a lip stain as it plumps and makes my lips nice and rosy but not as a cheek stain.  The texture is kind of like jello in the tube and it applies blotchy.  It lasts all day so if you  mess up, you're in a pickle......I prefer Benetint.
• Number 4 Non-Aerosol Hair Spray-I like that it is non-aerosol and all natural but these types of pumps tend to stick.  I like this brand but kind of think they are taking over the Birchbox boxes.  This is perfect for travel though.

And this is the box that I recently added and has my updated profile choices.

Here are the items in order of my favorites and click on any of the names to learn more about them and to order.

• When Travel Sheet Mask-I wasn't planning on going anywhere this month so I had to try it right away. It was very nice and refreshing and really hydrated my skin with just one use.  The packaging is weird, so make sure you put the right mask on (the one in the middle) as the rest is just packaging. Best part was I was able to move around with it as some leak so much you are forced to lay down.
• Naobay Body Radiance Lotion-super moisturizing.  Full of shea and avocado butters. I like that it is a larger sized sample too. Also all natural.Win.
• Sumita Eye Liner in Gold-I will be using this in a neutral eye look soon.  These eyeliners are very smooth and I absolutely love the blue one I received in another box. Weird thing is this color option is not available for purchase on the site?? Hmmm, anyone else get this color?

And then as you can see I received the Stainiac and the hair spray in this box as well. :(  But maybe this one was my favorite??  Decisions, decisions....

What did you all get in your boxes this month? I love hearing about the brands that I haven't come across yet!

Let me know in the comments below and don't forget to follow me on my other social media buttons on the right side of the scrollbar.

Have a great day!! xo 

Purple Eyeshadow Look With Pigments And MAC And Sephora Haul

Hey loves! Check out my latest video doing a simple purple eye look with MAC pigments.

Don't forget to subscribe to my YouTube channel on the sidebar as I will be having a giveaway soon specifically for my followers :) I know this was a loooooooooong video but I hope you found it informative and they will get shorter as they go on :)

Here is a list of all the products used in the video to create eye look:
Urban Decay Original Primer Potion
MAC 217 brush***side note, I referred to brush as synthetic in the video and it is not, this is a natural brush***
MAC pigment-Kitschmas
MAC pigment-Vanilla
MAC pigment-Push The Edge (part of 2013 Nocturnal Holiday set)
Kat Von D Chrysalis Palette color in Lifelike
Kat Von D Immortal Lash Mascara
Make Up For Ever Aqua Liner in Diamond Black Purple

Also here are the Sephora items referenced in the video (and picture) and links to get them!

Formula X-Extreme polish
Kat Von D Studded Kiss Lipstick in Wonderchilde
Sephora Nano lip liner in Lovely Lilac
Sephora Cream Blush in Golden Spice

Let me know what you think and stay tuned for more looks!!

Have a great day! xo

Winter Skin Care Regimen Including GlamGlow SuperCleanse Review

Let me first preface by saying in the summer I am an oil slick....I used to have to use those blotting papers throughout the day until I found products to help control it.  Well in the winter it is a whole new ball game and now I am a dry, leathery alligator.  The struggle is real, people.  Plus, since I have started taking fertility medication, it has caused me some hormonal acne which just adds to my daily fun.

BUT I am making headway with some amazing new (new to me) products I want to tell you about today.

First up is the GlamGlow SuperCleanse Daily Cleanser.

I love this brand.  I love all of their masks so when I heard they were coming out with a daily cleanser I jumped on it!  They have two cleansers, one for problem skin and one for dry skin.  I would love to alternate between the two but I just want to clear up my skin currently and at the price point it is preventing me from getting both.  Some of the main ingredients in this cleanser are eucalyptus leaf powder and Mediterranean clays.

Pros: After just one week of use my pores were almost invisible.  This product tightens wonderfully and cleared up my skin.  It is a mud to foam cleanser and takes a lot of effort to wash off but doesn't leave me feeling dry.
 
Cons: It smells like black licorice (bleck) and the pump is awkward.

I use this morning and night. After cleansing in the morning I use whatever exfoliater? exfoliant? I am fancying at the time and then follow with a good moisturizer.  These are key elements in the winter months. You want to slough off the dead skin but replace the lost moisture and lock it in.

Now for my evening ritual.  Sephora currently is running a promotion where you can get 5 deluxe skin care items and a travel bag for $29.  These are the items I picked up.

I love them all so far!!  The Peter Roth Retinol Fusion PM goes on first and then I follow with Ole Henriksen Vitamin C serum.  Both of these ingredients (retinol and vitamin C) should be added to your daily routine to keep skin clear and young looking.  It is never too early to start.  I had been looking for both of these ingredients for a while now so was glad to get the chance to try them.  The set back......well they cost an arm and a leg for full size so I will have to keep picking up the minis.  Granted, they are tiny but a little goes a long way.  If you click on the links you can get additional information and read reviews on them and get a full list of ingredients.  The retinol boosts collagen and tightens and gets rid of fine lines and problem skin.  The serum is full of nutrients that feed your skin keeping it healthy.  Lastly, I am using Algenist Genius Cream. This smells like vanilla and feels like whipped butter.  It is thin yet so moisturizing and sinks into the skin. Incredible. The GlamGlow Thirsty Mud is actually the mask version of the thirsty mud daily cleanser. This is perfect for the winter months as it really gives you a boost of added moisture just where you need it. And lastly is the Dr. Jart Expansion Mask. Since I am a mask addict, I just had to get this and I have yet to try it so I will update you on my results.  You hook this one over your ears so I am sure my husband is going to love how I look in this one.  I like masks that offer immediate results and I was not pleased with his pore mask.

So there ya have it, these are the new items I am trying this January for skin care.  I hardly need to wear as much foundation as I did a month ago because my skin is glowing.

Remember if you have a Sephora near you, you can always ask for samples of these products to try before you buy but this is really a great promotion going on.

Have you used any of these products? Let me know what you think of them in the comments below!

Have a great day! xo