Tag: #favorites

November Favorites!

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I really can’t believe that it’s December 1st! The month of November flew by, but luckily I was able to try out some incredible products that I can confidently call “my favorites”! I gathered up my top makeup, skincare, and haircare picks and luckily, most everything is on sale right now! I’m talking discounts up to 30% off! I linked everything for you, so you can be directly taken to the product’s site!

Briogeo “B. Well organic + cold-pressed 100% castor oil” | $26

If you purchase one thing from this blog post, let it be this! The Briogeo “B. Well organic + cold-pressed 100% castor oil” will literally grow and condition your eyebrows, eyelashes, and hair! You can even apply a drop of this to severely dry skin for instant relief! I’ve also used this on my cuticles for my at-home manicures. I just love multi-use products! Whenever I’m asked what mascara I use, I always mention that I apply this castor oil on my lashes nightly. I really think it makes all the difference! I place a drop on a disposable mascara wand or q-tip and gently brush through my lashes from root to tip. I do the same with my eyebrows, but sometimes use a little bit more product than my eyelashes, to make sure they’re really conditioned. You can even massage some into your hairline if you’ve noticed thinning or breakage. I think it’s super important to mention that all castor oils are not created equally! This one Is an organic and fair trade certified castor oil from India. It is naturally cold-pressed, which means that it contains the highest amount of nutrients and trace minerals that were originally present in the seed after it has been picked. It is less processed, which means it is more powerful and you’ll see the results quickly! I cannot recommend this enough!

Clinique “Pop Splash Lip Gloss + Hydration” | $19.50 | 04 Latte Pop

These may be my new favorite lip glosses! Such a silky, non-sticky formula that have great pigmentation! They leave a super shiny finish on your lips. These are just as hydrating as a chapstick or lip balm too. I’ve really been on a hunt for clean beauty products that are just as good, or better than their non-clean competition. These have no Parabens or Phthalates. These are also fragrance-free, which is a plus if you have sensitive skin. These lip glosses earned an “Allure Best of Beauty” award and I can definitely see why! They have such a range of shades, from nudes, pinks, to bold colors! I have mine in “04 Latte Pop,” which is the perfect rose/brown nude color for medium skin tones! I really want to try “06 Adore U” and “17 Spritz Pop” next!

Stila “Suede Shade Liquid Eyeshadow”| $24 | Midnight Espresso

I’ve been loving matte shadows recently and this Stila Suede Shade Liquid Eyeshadow in the shade “Midnight Espresso” creates such a beautiful, monochromatic eye look so easily! You can quickly build these up to get a multi-dimensional matte finish on your eyes. One layer all over creates a diffused wash of color, but you can easily apply a second layer to the lid to get a smokey eye. Even though this finish is definitely matte, they aren’t flat or boring looking! These are gorgeous worn alone, but you can also pair them with Stila’s glitter or shimmer eyeshadows (which I absolutely love!) These liquid shadows are long wearing, light weight, and hydrating on the eye lids! I’ve only tried the dark brown color, but I have my eye on the stunning matte mauve shade!

First Aid Beauty “KP Bump Eraser Body Scrub 10% AHA” | $26

I know I can’t be the only one that has those annoying tiny bumps on my arms! It’s called “Keratosis pilaris” and is described as “A condition that causes rough patches and small, acne-like bumps on the skin. This condition develops when the skin produces too much of a protein called keratin, which can block hair follicles and cause bumps to develop.” For me personally, I’ve dealt with it my entire life. I’ve never found a product that effectively removes the bumps and keeps my arms clear, until now! This body scrub has chemical and physical exfoliators that remove the annoying irritation! It is definitely fast-acting, but you have to continue using it every 3-4 days to keep your skin from flaring up again! This product has all of the exfoliating benefits of a micro-dermabrasion, and uses Glycolic and Lactic Acids to chemically exfoliate your skin. This is another clean beauty product, and is allergy tested, safe for sensitive skin, and fragrance free. This product has really improved my confidence because I no longer have any insecurity when it comes to showing my arms or having my husband touch them! It really is a life changing product that I’ll continue to repurchase!

Briogeo “Don’t Despair, Repair!™ honey moisture deep conditioning mask” | $36

I’m not going to lie, the adorable honey bear packaging is what influenced me to buy this! Trust me that the product inside is equally as amazing though! I’ve used this hair mask a few times a week during the month of November and I’ve noticed a significant difference in the health of my hair. Everything looks so much more smooth and hydrated, my split ends are gone, and it has actually helped my hair continue to grow long! I really wish this wasn’t limited edition because I like it more than their original version! This one is super creamy and smells like honey! It is actually created with organic, unpasteurized honey! I use this directly after I shampoo my hair. I apply it to all of my hair, just avoiding my roots and let it sit for 10 minutes before rinsing it out. I seriously notice a huge difference every time I use it and already purchased a back-up! I have thin, fine hair that is pin straight and it doesn’t weigh it down! Miracle hair treatment!

Smashbox “Studio Skin Full Coverage 24 Hour Foundation” | $36

This is my new holy grail, full coverage foundation! I have dry skin in these Winter months and this never clings to any dry patches or You need the smallest amount to cover your entire face, so I’m pretty sure this tube is going to last me until Summer. I love that its practically weightless too. It doesn’t feel heavy, or settle into any of my fine lines or wrinkles. My foundation usually creases into my smile lines and this is one of the only ones that doesn’t at all! I apply it with a damp beauty blender, which really helps to sheer out the formula and evenly distribute the foundation. I do set this with a translucent powder to ensure that it doesn’t fade or transfer throughout the day. The color match is perfection, which can sometimes be difficult for me since I have neutral olive undertones like me!

As always, thank you so much for taking the time out of your day to read this blog post. I love writing monthly favorites and getting the chance to share these all star products with you! I would love to know what your favorites are this month, so please leave me a comment so I can try them next. Have a wonderful Sunday night and great rest of the week! Love you!

October Favorites!

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I feel like I always say this, but WOW this month flew by! I feel like this entire year is going by fast. As always, I’m bringing you my monthly round up of the top products I used and loved throughout October! These posts are so much fun for me to write. I get an opportunity to thoughtfully reflect on the things I’ve been using and give insight into application, wear time, etc., which could only be determined over a period time. If you like these types of posts, please “like” and share with your fellow makeup lovers and leave a comment so we can talk about your loves for the month of October!

Milk Makeup Flex Foundation Stick | Sephora, $36.

I’m going to start off this review by stating who may not love this type of foundation stick… If you like full coverage, want your base makeup to look flawless, or have combo/oily skin… I wouldn’t recommend this to you. If you like light coverage, want your face to look natural (freckles still showing, etc) and have dry skin, I think you would love this! I picked up the Milk Makeup foundation stick to wear on days where I do a very minimal routine and need some extra hydration. Now that the Fall and soon-to-be Winter is here, I’ve noticed that my skin is becoming more dry and needs that extra layer of a moisturizing foundation throughout the day! I apply this by drawing lines all over my face, then blending it all out with a flat top brush to get maximum coverage. This is great for the “no makeup makeup” look because your moles and freckles will still show, but you’ll have an even skin tone and can build coverage on areas where you may need additional concealing. I love this for traveling too because it’s in stick form and can easily be applied on the go! I love the shades in this line as well. “Golden Sand” is so complimentary to my olive complexion.

Ilia Soft Focus Setting Powder | Sephora, $34

If you only buy one thing from this post, this is what you need to get! On my quest for finding clean beauty products that perform better than their less natural competitors, I stumbled upon the Ilia translucent powder. This has become holy grail status for me! It is talc-free, which helps my sensitive skin stay clear and healthy! Since using this powder, I have not produced any mila bumps near my eyes and it’s all because of it being talc-free. I’ve become so reliant on this powder and *dramatic statement ahead* but I really don’t like the way my makeup looks whenever I use something different to set my face. This is my one and only to help prolong the wear of my makeup, aide in oil control, and improve the softness of my skin!

PÜR Skin Perfecting Powder After Glow | Ulta Beauty, $26.

I am a complete highlight addict. I own a shameful amount of golden, champagne shimmers that give my face a gorgeous glow! This one from PUR is absolutely stunning! I would describe the shade as a true bright gold that is highly reflective. You’re definitely going to get the “wet look” with this product. A little goes a very long way, so you definitely get your money’s worth! I love using this as an inner corner highlight shade to brighten and widen the shape of my eyes too. The texture is so creamy and finely milled, which makes this a dream to blend! This was a product that honestly shocked me because I haven’t heard it talked about yet. It really encouraged me to check out some more products by PUR!

CoverGirl TruNaked Queenship Shadow Sticks | Ulta, $9.99.

One of my favorite “throw on and go” products are the CoverGirl shadow sticks in the shades “Frivolous” and “Leading Lady”. I love these two colors for different reasons! Frivolous is a super bright rose gold color that has a ton of champagne shimmer throughout. Once applied, this maintains is brilliance throughout the entire day! The glitters do not transfer and the color doesn’t fade as time goes on. Truly impressive for this price point! I love the matte cool brown color in Leading Lady to use as a smoked out eyeliner color on quick makeup days where I need to swipe something across the lids and quickly blend out for an effortless smudged look. The only con to this product is that once is sets, it’s set. These really don’t budge, so you have a short amount of time to blend and manipulate the color in any way before it is completely budge proof on your eyes. There are a few other shades in this line that I’m dying to try, but these 2 have been in heavy rotation throughout the month of October!

Neutrogena Lip Gloss Hydro Boost Hydrating Lip Shine, Berry Brown | Target, $8.39.

As much as I wish I was sharing a bold, cranberry lip color with you for Fall…that’s just not the reality of my daily life! It’s so nice to have a gloss to apply on the go, without having the fear of precision or transfer! This Neutrogena gloss is so hydrating that it honestly gives your lips a plumper appearance, without the stinging sensation that most plumping products will give you! The shade “Berry Brown” has a hint of mauve and a gorgeous warmth, making it a lovely Fall lip color option if you prefer a more natural look! The texture is hydrating without feeling heavy or sticky. You really can’t go wrong with this line of glosses! I own a few different colors and every shade is consistently wonderful.

Thank you so much for reading my monthly favorites for October! These aren’t the most festive products or “on theme” for Fall, but this is what I truly used and never wanted to put down! I hope it gave you some good ideas for products to pick up the next time you’re browsing the isles of Sephora and Ulta. As always, I would LOVE to know the products you’re adoring for the month, so please leave me a comment with your top picks too!

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Warm and Cozy Fall Favorites!

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Is Fall everyone’s favorite season? Because wow, it really seems like we’re all just in complete agreement that this is the best, most beautiful time of year! Of course, I love the way the leaves are changing and how comfortably cool the weather becomes. But….what I really love the most about Fall is how cozy everything starts to get! The thick sweaters, the warm blankets, the flickering, pumpkin scented candles; I’M HERE FOR ALL OF IT! I rounded up a list of my current favorite items for this time of year (non-beauty because that could be an entire blog post in itself). I included a few different categories of products for variety! Let me know if you enjoy reading these non-makeup posts because this was really fun to write!

Mrs. Meyer’s Hand Soap | Acorn Spice

If you’ve never tried Mrs. Meyer’s cleaning products, then you are really missing out! They are a clean brand, which also includes being phthalate free, paraben free, cruelty free, and dye free. I have sensitive skin, that dries out easily during this time of year. Most scented soaps aren’t as gentle on my hands, but these feel so luxurious and hydrating. I can’t get enough! I have the scents Acorn Spice (pictured), Apple Cider, and Oat Blossom. I have their multi surface cleaner in a couple of these Fall scents as well and they are lovely! Anything that makes cleaning more enjoyable, right?! I just saw they came out with their Winter scent in Snow Drop, which I haven’t tried yet. I’ll be sure to pick one up and let you guys know if it’s good!

Bath & Body Works | 3 Wick Candles | Marshmallow Fireside and Mahogany and Teakwood

I have repurchased both of these candles multiple years in a row! I don’t think I’ve ever tried to describe scents before, so here is my best attempt! Marshmallow Fireside has a sweet, campfire scent. I can actually detect the marshmallow smell in it, but it still has the outdoor woodsy feel, which helps tone down the sweetness. I love this one so much! I’ve heard Mahogany and Teakwood described as the smell of Abercrombie haha! It does have a more masculine, cologne scent, but it’s so clean and light! It’s a good one to light when you have people coming over because it won’t give an overpowering, heavy throw, which can sometimes cause headaches to those super sensitive to smell. Both of these candles are husband approved too! This packaging is so beautiful too. I’ve been loving their more neutral, modern designs.

Vici Collection | Camel Hat

This precious wool hat gives any outfit a cooler vibe! If you’ve ever wanted to dress up a simple t shirt and jeans look, then I would definitely try incorporating a hat like this into your wardrobe! Even though it has a western style, I still pair this with more bohemian and classic styled outfits. Sometimes I can get a little stressed trying to pick out accessories, but this hat goes with so much that it’s a no brained to add onto casual and more dressy outfits in the Fall! This camel color is so versatile too!

Sam Edelman | Suede Pointed Booties

I just checked online and I can’t find this exact style anywhere! Ugh. The Sam Edelman Welles booties we’re part of the Nordstrom Anniversary sale and once they were sold out, I never saw them restocked again. Although I can’t find this exact shoe, I’m going to link some similar versions on my LIKEtoKNOW.it! The main reason I love these so much are because they’re a tan suede, with a gorgeous pointed toe. This helps elongate my otherwise short legs! This color matches so many different outfits and they’re a really comfortable heel height. Sam Edelman is one of my favorite shoe brands because I think they’re consistently putting out high quality shoes at a reasonable price point. I would always wait until their shoes go on sale! I feel like things are always being marked down on Nordstrom and the Sam Edelman website. I never pay full price for this brand of shoes!

Barefoot Dreams | CozyChic Throw

This blanket was one of my top selling items from my blog! You guys loved this Barefoot Dreams blanket in the white and gray stripe! I love wrapping up in this on a crisp October night. It feels like butter and keeps me so warm. Even my husband is obsessed with this fabric! There’s really nothing like it. These blankets can be pricey, but I would check Nordstrom Rack and QVC before buying full price, because you can usually find them discounted at those 2 places! This would make such an amazing Christmas present! I don’t know anyone who doesn’t love getting a blanket! I highly recommend anything from this brand. Everything I’ve tried has been such top tier quality. LOVE Barefoot Dreams, I’m officially obsessed!

Vici Collection | Teddy Bomber Jacket

If I could wear this terracotta color every single day… I would! I’m obsessed with the texture of these Teddy jackets! This one is so incredibly warm and is lined with a matching satin fabric. It has a relaxed fit, cute pockets, and the precious ribbed trim around the bottom and cuffs of the jacket. I just checked their website and it’s currently sold out, but you can have Vici notify you once it’s back in stock, by clicking the “Email Me When More Are Available”. They have it in black and sage! It’s such a great weight for keeping you warm, but not overly insulated when it’s like 55-65 degrees outside! I got so many compliments when I wore this out and I’m excited to keep styling it throughout the rest of Fall!

What did you think about my Fall picks? Do you share any of the same favs? Anything that creates that warm and fuzzy feeling is a must have for me! I would love to know what you use to keep cozy throughout this Autumn season! Leave me a comment with your top picks!

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Zoeva Limited Edition Melody Eyeshadow Palette | Review & Swatches

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Zoeva Melody Eyeshadow Palette

Hello! With so many new eyeshadow palettes releasing at once, it can be a bit overwhelming to sort through the initial hype and find the real gems out there! I (like most people) am drawn to things that are in beautiful packaging. It’s one of the best marketing techniques to put something in appealing packaging on an attention grabbing display. I saw this Zoeva Melody palette online at Ulta. The outer covering is obviously gorgeous with the holographic butterflies and modern font, but the inside is what really got me. The shades range from basic matte neutrals to unique duo chrome shades. I had to have it! In this post, I’ll be explaining the pros and cons of this palette, what I like and don’t like, and whether or not I feel like it’s worth the $28 price tag. Let’s get started!

Zoeva Melody Eyeshadow Palette

Upon first glance, I was impressed that this palette seemed so well balanced. There is a good variety of everyday colors that I would feel comfortable wearing to work, mixed in with some fun pops of purple, green, that would be perfect for a night out! I liked the amount of mattes vs shimmers and felt that the range had enough depth to prevent the colors from blending out to one similar shade after application. Next, I began swatching these colors and realized that they were super buttery and pigmented! The duo chrome shades were so eye catching, as you can see below. Depending on the lighting, they would shift to a different color and create a really cool effect. I liked that this palette offered something different than a lot of my others.

Zoeva Melody Eyeshadow Palette

Shades: (from Ulta’s website description)

• Gowns Swirling (matte porcelain pink with glitter)

• Airy Dalliance (satin delicate apricot)

• Gentle Clasp (satin cool blue with glitter)

• Cocoon of Doubt (satin antique gold)

• Fly Solo (matte cool ash brown)

• From Heaven (duochrome rose satin base with icy blue shift)

• Whirled Above (matte sandy maple brown sugar)

• Crystal Wings (duochrome rust-red satin base with golden green shift)

• Soul Unheld (shimmer golden honey bronze)

• About to Leave (matte rich espresso brown)

In my swatches, you can see how richly pigmented and metallic these shades are. However, once applied to the eyes, they do lose that BAM, in your face, sparkle quality…which is unfortunate, because I personally love glitter! However, for some people, that may be exactly what they want! I don’t want to say that I don’t approve of this palette, because I am happy to have it in my collection and I know I will use it, but I’m not in love with it. Since the shimmers are so finely milled, they translate to more of a satin finish on the eyes. I tried using a dry brush, wet brush, and my fingertip. All tools produced the same effect. A soft, diffused wash of color that differed from the way the shadow appeared in the pressed pan and the way it looks with an arm swatch. It was disappointing only because I expected it to look one way, not because it’s an ugly palette. It did last on my eyes all day and I did get compliments on my makeup, but I just wanted it to be more of a true representation of the shades that were in each pan. I noticed the duo-chromes were the most sheer, which was sad because I was looking most forward to those when I purchased the palette. The mattes are actually a beautiful formula and couldn’t be more blendable. I would love to try a Zoeva palette full of mattes now that I’ve tested this one! If I had to give an actual ranking on this palette, I would say it’s a 6/10 just because it’s not my type. He’s not ugly, he’s just not my type! 😂 If you’re looking for something that’s mainly sheer satin shades with a few buttery mattes, then you would love this palette!

Looking back at the 2 eye looks I created, I think they look pretty and simple, even though I incorporated about 5 different shades in each picture. Again, I’m not blown away by the end result and I’m not telling anyone “You need this palette ASAP!” even though it is limited edition. I would love for every review I bring to you to be glowing and positive, but the reality is, not every product out there is a home fun. I rely heavily on these types of posts to make informed buying decisions and that’s why I wanted to publish this, even though it’s not my new favorite palette! For some, this may be what sways you not to get it and for others, you may see this palette and think “that’s exactly what I’ve been looking for!” It really is all preference and mine is to be full of glitter and high pigmentation at all times haha! Thank you so much for taking the time to read this review and check out my swatches/awkward makeup faces! I would love to know your opinion of this Melody Palette in the comments below. Let me know if there is a better application technique too! I learn from my readers every day, so all input is welcome and encouraged. 😌 Have a great week everyone! See you next Sunday! ❤️

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Favorite ColourPop Lip Products!

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I think it’s safe-to-say that ColourPop is blowing up! Not only are they sold on their website and Sephora, but as of today, they are now being sold at Ulta! They are one of my favorite affordable makeup brands because the quality is SO good. Everything that I have ever tried is so pigmented and beautiful! The two lip formulas that I love most are the Ultra Satin and Ultra Glossy Lips. I wanted to show you my favorite shades if you were thinking of purchasing something from one of their three retailers!

Ultra Satin Lips

These are described on ColourPop’s website as, “High pigmentation and a satin-matte finish in liquid lipstick form to keep your lips soft and comfy all day long.” I would definitely agree that they have a comfortable, satin finish that lasts for 4-5 hours, which is very impressive for me! The only downside is that because they aren’t completely matte, they can transfer if you apply too much or skip lip liner. I prefer this formula over their Ultra Matte Lips because these don’t settle into lines or overly dry out the lips. I would highly recommend these to anyone who enjoys the precision of applying a liquid lipstick, but wants more of a hydrating feeling in the formula! There are so many beautiful colors to choose from and at only $6.50, you can afford to buy more than one!

Rever

This is about to be my most worn shade of Summer 2018! It is an orange-red shade that is super vibrant and neon on the lips. I was a bit nervous for this color, just because it isn’t the most wearable, but it surprisingly looks really normal on! I am so excited to pair it with a bronze shadow and peach blush during the warmer months!

Magic Wand

I love this light, pink nude for my every day makeup routine! This is the only lipstick that has the print completely worn off of the packaging! I find that it goes with everything, whether I am doing something natural or more dramatic. I can always trust that it is going to look good! I can pull this off without a lip liner when I am my natural, medium skin tone, but whenever I am self-tanned, I do need to line my lips with a pencil 2-3 shades darker for definition!

Calypso

Remember when everyone wanted the iconic “Kylie Jenner” mauve lip color? This is the closest I have ever come to finding that insanely popular hue. It is described as a mid-tone pink, but I would also add that it has violet undertones. Depending on your skin tone, I could see it pulling either purple or pink; either way, it is going to be stunning!

Frick N’ Frack 

This is such a beautiful rosy, plum color! Maybe it’s just me, but there’s something about the tone of this lipstick that makes my brown eyes stand out! This is one of my favorite “date night” shades because it instantly makes my entire makeup appear more dramatic!

Dreamy

I am going to have this peachy pink shade on repeat all Spring! This is such a fresh, bright color that is very wearable. Sometimes I stray away from pink lip colors because they can look a little unnatural and stark on my olive skin tone, but there is enough warmth from the peachiness within the shade, that it looks really pretty! I do pair this with a nude lip liner underneath to give my lips additional definition!

Ultra Glossy Lips

I am so picky with my lip gloss formulas and at only $6 a piece, these are some of the best I have found within an affordable price range! You cannot beat the pigmentation, silky texture and on-trend shades! ColourPop describes these as, “High shine gloss with just a hint of colour in a moisturizing and non-sticky, comfortable formula.” I completely agree! I have tried both the cream and glitter finish colors and they’re all so beautiful!

Fairy Floss

I love wearing this pale nude gloss over a lip liner to give my lips a really full and hydrated appearance! It is pretty sheer, but it is extremely shiny, with no stickiness! If you like clear glosses, then I would definitely pick this one up to wear over your favorite lip liner!

Finders Keepers

This is my favorite mauve lip gloss ever! I think the color is so stunning on my medium skin tone! It is so creamy and gives such a healthy, shiny look to my lips! I think I am going to wear this all the time in the Spring months for a fresh makeup look!

Moon Child

This is the only ColourPop gloss that I own with glitter in the formula and it is SO good! You cannot feel any of the sparkles (one of my biggest pet peeves) and the formula is so silky! It is a beautiful nude pink, with finely-milled gold glitter throughout! I have worn this over light and dark lipstick shades and it goes with everything!

Thank you so much for reading this post! I am definitely going to get back into my routine of posting weekly. I miss writing so much and I have so many exciting ideas to share with you! As always, I would love to know if there is anything specific that you would like me to review! I also wanted to remind any readers that enjoy my content to follow me on Instagram! I am constantly posting new products and mini reviews! It gives me such a great forum to talk with you instantly and answer any of your questions through DM! Have a great week!

My Most Loved Hair Products!

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When I am thinking about new blog ideas, I try to stick with content that I’m confident in! That is why you mainly see beauty-based posts. I have started to publish more fashion posts and really want to branch out into health and lifestyle writing as well! I get a lot of requests for my favorite hair products, but between you and me… I know zero things about hair! I have picked up tips and tricks from different stylists and I always make sure to ask a lot of questions at my appointments, but I still stick to what I know and don’t branch out too much when it comes to hair products.

Although I may not be super adventurous and monitor every new product release, I have discovered what works and what does not work over the years. To give you a little insight into my hair type, it is pin straight, thin, slightly damaged from having balayage color, and very long in length! When I look for shampoo and conditioner, I search for words like “volumizing, voluminous, thickening” – you catch my drift. I need as much help as I can get when it comes to my flat hair! I also enjoy using products to help reverse my dry ends and the inevitable damage that comes with color treated hair. I only want to continue going lighter (my hair is naturally dark brown) and purple toning shampoo has been my best friend! I gathered the products I use on a daily/weekly basis that I know work great for me and wanted to tell you why they have each been repeat purchases!

Joico, K-Pak Color Therapy Shampoo & Conditioner 

I was encouraged to buy this shampoo and conditioner from a stylist that claimed her overly processed blonde hair was reversed back to it’s original healthy condition after using these two products together! I rotate this shampoo and condition into my weekly routine and I notice such a difference in how shiny and strong my hair feels after! I don’t think this K-Pak line will help with volume, but I still love how gorgeous my hair looks after I use it!

Joico, Body Luxe Shampoo & Conditioner 

This is the daily shampoo and conditioner that I use to keep my hair looking thick and clean! I buy the big mama sizes because I go through this stuff so quickly since I HAVE to wash my hair every day! I wish I could be a dry shampoo girl, but it’s so hard for me to get into! It does a great job at pumping up the thickness of my roots and giving me natural looking, voluminous hair that lasts all day long! I love the scent of the Body Luxe line too!

Rahua, Voluminous Shampoo 

The price tag of this product has me so shook, but I’m also so willing to pay it because I use it sparingly (only for special occasions) and I need the smallest amount to cover my entire head! It has the best natural/minty smell and it gives me super thick and volumized hair. It looks like I have teased my whole head once I finish blow drying after using this shampoo. I notice the biggest “before and after” difference with this product, so I will continue purchasing, but I wish they made it in a larger size that was more affordable per ounce, like Joico does with their liter sized bottles. One day!

Joico, Color Balance Purple Shampoo

I use a purple toning shampoo at least once a week! I apply it all over my head and leave on for 5-10 minutes so it can break down all the brassiness and give me the ashy tone of my dreams! This one does a great job at getting my blonde to be bright and neutral, without looking too gray! I also feel like it doesn’t dry out my hair as badly as some other toning shampoos have in the past! Although I use this for my balayage, I think it would be awesome for natural blondes that just want their hair to have a little added brightness!

Alterna Bamboo Volume 48-Hour Sustainable Volume Spray

This is the only styling product that I use every single day! I spray this on my roots when my hair is slightly damp and once I’m finished blow drying, I’m left with super thick and voluminous hair! I can 100% tell a difference on the days when I use this VS the days that I don’t use it! It is a MUST HAVE! I have repurchased this spray 4-5 times and I have no intention of ever stopping, it is SO GOOD!

I would love to know your most loved shampoo and conditioner combo! If you have fine, thin hair, please leave suggestions for thickening products in the comments! I would love to try something new! Have a great week and thank you for reading!

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Stila Eye for Elegance Liquid Eye Shadow Set! Review and Swatches!

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It can be so stressful trying to find the perfect gift. With the holidays approaching, I wanted to feature some makeup sets that would make great presents for friends and family members that love all things beauty! During the Sephora VIB Sale, I snagged this Stila “Eye for Elegance Liquid Eye Shadow Set” and I couldn’t wait to share my thoughts with you on how amazing it is! First we can talk about how great of a deal this is, you’re getting 6 deluxe size shadows for $45, for an overall value of $72! There are two different formulas in the set, “Glitter & Glow,” which is exactly as the name states, very glittery with noticeable sparkles. “Shimmer & Glow” is a shimmer, satin formula that doesn’t have any chunky glitter. The “Shimmer & Glow” shadows won’t be released until Spring, so I was very excited to try a product that you can only use if you buy this set!

What I love most about these liquid eyeshadows is their long lasting formulation and the very limited fallout I experience (if any) throughout the day! The “Glitter & Glow” will most likely drop a couple sparkles down from your eyelids, onto to your face, but it’s nothing horrible! I always use these before I do my face makeup, just so I can clean up any fallout before I do my foundation and concealer! The consistency of the formula is somewhat watery, but they do dry very quickly so you have to work fast to blend them out! Once they have set, they’re not going anywhere, so make sure you place it exactly where you want it!

I love that you can layer these liquid shadows, without them breaking up and separating on the lid. The applicator is perfect for placing the shadow down, but I like going in with my ring finger and softly blending out the edges of the shadow right after.

Shimmer & Glow Liquid Eyeshadows

  • Kitten – This is exactly like their award winning powder eyeshadow, a beautiful champagne shade with a bright peachy, pink shimmer throughout. I would use this shade all over the lid to create an easy, but gorgeous eye look that only takes about 30 seconds to look complete!
  • Grace – I’m not going to lie, I thought this color was a little too similar to Kitten and if I was personally curating the shades selected for this kit, I would’ve chosen something that was more golden to give some variety. With that said, this is a very beautiful taupe color with a champagne shimmer. It looks stunning on the eyes and I think I’ll be getting a lot of use out of it!
  • Twig – This is a warm, chestnut brown with golden shimmer. I’ve been using this on my outer corners to give added depth. This is also beautiful smudged on the lower lash line and looks less harsh than a traditional eye liner.

Glitter & Glow Liquid Eyeshadows

  • Peachy Sheen – I don’t know if this color will be everyone’s cup of tea, but I personally love it! It will give you that editorial, glossy lid look that you see in high-end beauty campaigns! The peach shimmer is going to be complimentary on so many skin tones as well! This doesn’t have the pigmented base that the other shadows have, but the glitter is incredible and will give you an effortless, while still on-trend eyeshadow look!
  • Smoldering Satin – This is my favorite shadow in the entire collection! I know this is the shade that I’ll get those most wear out of because it’s a neutral champagne shade that has a ton of gold and silver glitter! I am so excited to pair this with a bold lip for upcoming holiday parties! This would also be beautiful with an all matte eyeshadow look on the top eyelid, with a glitter accent on the lower lash line!
  • Next to Notte – I already have a look in mind for an upcoming tutorial using this eyeshadow! It is a gorgeous cranberry red, with pink and silver shimmer! I am really excited to step out of my comfort zone and rock this stunning red glitter shadow!

I can’t say enough good things about this set! I think it’s definitely worth the money and I know I’ll use all of these shades. I think this would make a great gift for anyone that loves makeup! The formula is on point and I think there are enough wearable shades for someone to use these on a daily basis! The box is so cute that you can just stick a bow on it and you have a perfect little present to place under the tree! What did you think of the swatches? Are you planning on giving makeup sets as gifts this Christmas? Let me know in the comments! Thank you so much for reading this review!

Shop this set here!

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How to Look Well-Rested with Brighter and Wider Eyes!

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Do you have dark circles, puffy eyes or just a sleepy looking appearance after repeatedly hitting snooze on your seven alarms? Because same. I developed a routine to de-puff and give a highlighted, lifted appearance to my under eye area, while also brightening and widening my eyes! Keep reading to see the list of products I use and the ways I apply them to look more awake!

I always wake up with puffy eyes and the Clinique “Pep-Start” Eye Cream is my go-to for hydrating and brightening! I love it for so many reasons. I’ve struggled with finding the perfect formula to lightly moisturize my under eyes before I apply concealer. Whenever eye creams are too heavy, it will cause whatever you put on top of it to look heavy and crease. This one is so lightweight, while also being hydrating, so it’s the perfect formula for A.M. application! It is cooling to the touch, which helps with de-puffing as well! I’ve also noticed that this doesn’t give me those small white bumps, which sometimes can happen with different eye creams that I’ve tried. I use a small, pea sized amount and tap it on with my ring finger since it applies the lightest amount of pressure! I wait about a minute for it to sink in and then I go onto the next step!

I’ve been using the Becca “Under Eye Brightening Corrector” for a couple years now and I can’t imagine this product not being in my daily routine! If you have stubborn dark circles that show through with even the most full coverage concealers, then you need to invest in a good corrector! This one is a peach color with light reflecting illuminators, which will counteract the blue tones in your dark circles. A little goes a long way with this product, plus it lasts all day long! I apply this with my damp beautyblender underneath my eye and in the inner corners.

After I’ve moisturized and corrected, I apply a full coverage concealer! I always purchase one that’s 1-2 shades lighter than my foundation to give a highlighted effect! My holy grail formula is the Tarte “Double Duty Beauty Shape Tape Contour Concealer” (that’s a mouthful!) and it comes in 14 shades so you’re bound to find your perfect match! It is by far the most lightweight, full coverage formula that I’ve ever tried! It truly conceals acne, dark circles and redness so flawlessly! I always use this product with a damp beautyblender to help sheer it out slightly! If you’ve struggled with your concealer wearing off, then you NEED to try this one because it doesn’t fade during the day or look drying!

By this point, I’ve used so many creamy, liquid products underneath my eyes, that I have to set it with a powder to lock it all in and prevent any creasing! I always choose a yellow-toned, matte highlight powder to enhance the brightening effect I’m going for! Even if you have a different skin tone than me, I would still highly suggest checking out the NYX “Highlight Pro Singles” on Ulta.com! These aren’t sold in store, but I always stock up online! At only $5 a pan, they’re extremely affordable and there are 12 different shades to choose from. I was constantly buying the Anastasia highlight refills and then I discovered these, which are just as pigmented! The powder will also help smooth out any fine lines you may have, which is an added bonus!

Now that my under eyes are concealed and bright, I move onto making my eyes look big and awake! On a daily basis, I typically just apply my bronzer in my crease and take a shimmery shade all over the lid. Even when I’m rushing, I will never forget to highlight my inner corners with a shimmery, champagne eyeshadow! This makes the biggest difference in opening up your eyes and reflecting much needed light in an otherwise shadowy area! I love using this L’Oreal “Infallible Eyeshadow” in “Iced Latte” to brighten everything up! I take my pinky finger and dab the shadow on my inner corners, blending it outwards to seamlessly fade into my lid color.

I have round eyes, with a lot of lid space, so I always use eyeliner on the top lash line to help define and thicken the look of my eyelashes! Whenever I don’t put eyeliner in this area, I feel like my eyes look super tiny and tired. My favorite liners to use are the Kat Von D “Tattoo Liner” in “Trooper” for an ultra black, winged liner and I love the Marc Jacobs “Highliner Matte Gel Eye Crayon Eyeliner” in “(Earth)quake 41” for a smudged out, brown liner look! I also use the Marc Jacobs liner on my top waterline to further define that area, as well as smudged out on the outer corners of my lower lash line!

I’m pretty sure the best makeup secret to opening up your eyes and making you look awake is using a nude eyeliner in your lower waterline! The Tarte “Fake Awake Eye Highlight” is the most pigmented and long wearing one I’ve tried so far! I’ve repurchased it so many times because nothing compares! The nude color will neutralize any redness you have from having your eyes closed all night long. Using a light color in the lower waterline will help widen and brighten your eye. Back in the day, I would use a white eyeliner, but I’ve started to enjoy the more natural effect of a nude eyeliner now! If you haven’t tried this beauty hack yet, you really need to! It makes the biggest difference and I really can’t do my makeup without it!

Do you have any tips or tricks to getting a fresh and well-rested appearance when you’re really just a sleepy gal?! Let me know by leaving me a comment! I love learning new techniques from you guys! Thank you so much for reading, I hope you found this type of product review/routine helpful!

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“Tartelette Toasted Eyeshadow Palette” Review and Swatches!

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It’s sweater weather, so you need a warm eyeshadow palette to feel extra cozy! The “Tartelette Toasted Eyeshadow Palette” is a brand new, 12 shadow palette from one of my favorite makeup brands, Tarte Cosmetics! I really love wearing warm shades on my eyes and find them to look somewhat natural on a daily basis. Even though I love makeup and have so many different options, I get the most out of my warm-toned, natural eyeshadows! I was so drawn to this palette in particular because it has both matte and shimmer shades. I knew I could create multiple looks using this one product, making it perfect for getting ready in a rush or traveling!

I wanted to give you a break down on all of the shades and the way they apply! As you can see, the shadows swatch beautifully, but some of them require a little extra work to show up equally as pigmented on the eyes! There are 5 shimmer shades and 7 mattes and I am super pleased with that ratio! In my opinion, you need to have more matte shades so you can create depth in the crease. It’s also nice to highlight your brow bone with a matte light shade and also have a dark enough matte color to add a shadow liner or deepen the outer crease.

  • S’more – This is the perfect “all-over-the-lid” shade. I use this after I apply eye primer to set my eyelid and give an even base to the shades I blend overtop. This is the perfect brow bone highlight too! It’s a bright, matte beige color that will work for a lot of skin tones.
  • Sunrise – I wasn’t very impressed with this color when I swatched it, just because it seems so sheer! I’m happy to report that it looks a lot prettier when you apply it as an eyeshadow! It is a cream shade with a slight golden sheen. If you like to wear really natural colors, you would love this! I love putting this in my inner corners to help my eyes look more awake!
  • Sunset – This is such a perfect gold/bronze shade! It’s not packed with sparkles, so you don’t feel overly glittery when wearing this on a daily basis!
  • Crackle – This is actually such a unique eyeshadow! It is a true brown base, but also has gold flecks throughout! When blending this shade, some of the glitter falls out, so be warned! I think this is best applied in patting motions using your finger to prevent any fallout!
  • Cashmere – A creamy, matte peach shade! I love using this as a transitional shade in my crease! It will be perfect on “no-makeup makeup” days to lightly define!
  • Warmth – This is my favorite matte color in the whole palette! It’s a rusty, terracotta shade that is super pigmented! You need the smallest amount of this color to make a statement! It will instantly warm up any eyeshadow look! I think this is going to be so pretty blended all over the eye and paired with a dark lip for Fall!
  • Flame – By far one of the most metallic colors in the palette! You can apply it with a brush and it will definitely show up on your eyes, but this is another shade that works best with your fingers. It’s a bright copper color with gold shimmer throughout.
  • Cozy – I absolutely love this matte brick color. It’s super creamy and applies evenly on the lids. You do have to be careful when using this alone, either all over the eyelid or underneath your eye because it can make you look slightly sick haha! I think it’s best to add dimension on the outer edges and that’s how I’m personally planning on using it.
  • Candle – I’m so indifferent towards this color because it’s chunky and glittery, but looks so gorgeous on the eyes. I would describe it as a sparkly champagne shimmer! This is the most “high maintenance” color in the palette because you have to use a mixing medium, like M.A.C Fix Plus or the Too Faced Glitter Glue to make it work. You will have a ton of fallout if you try to apply this dry with a brush. It’s best to use your finger to pat it on and work in light layers because it can look uneven and patchy when trying to build it up!
  • Latte – This is my perfect crease shade! It’s one of the more neutral colors in the palette and will help add some variety to natural and more dramatic looks!
  • Simmer – My favorite shimmer shade in the entire palette! This is the most beautiful copper color! It has a gold shift and applies really well with a brush OR your fingertips! I can see this complimenting blue eyes so beautifully!
  • Fireside – This swatch doesn’t do this shade justice, it looks kind of patchy, but it’s really creamy and blendable on the eyes (which is what really matters)! This is a deep plum/brown that looks beautiful as a soft liner if you want to naturally define your lashline. Or you can use it right on the outer corners of your eye for extra drama!

Even though a few of these eyeshadows require a little more work than others, I think this palette is totally worth it! I’m so happy I purchased mine before it sells out and I can already tell that I’m going to use it all the time! You get 12 Amazonian Clay eyeshadows for $46! That’s a really good deal, making each shadow a little less than 4 bucks! They are all extremely pigmented and very creamy, they also smell like vanilla! I have sensitive skin and haven’t had any reaction to the scent or red pigments in these shadows, hooray! This would make an awesome gift for the holidays too! The only person I wouldn’t recommend this palette to, would be someone that hated warm toned eyeshadows because that’s literally all that is inside! Haha! What do you think of this Toasted Eyeshadow Palette? Do you own any of the other Tartelette palettes? If so, I would love to know how this one compares! Have a great week and thank you so much for reading!

Shop the Toasted Palette Here!

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September Favorites!

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I have been trying so many new things in September, but only a few items have stood out as absolute favorites! I love sharing the different things that I recommend to my family, friends and coworkers! My “monthly favorites” are the products that I know will work for a variety of skin types and people with different levels of experience with makeup. I try to include products that are great for everyday use because the majority of my life consists of work and activities that limit how glam I can be from 8 am – 5 pm (although I do wish I could wear glitter eyeshadow to weekly meetings).

Anastasia Beverly Hills, Brow Powder Duo – $23.00

I recently picked up this old favorite of mine that I haven’t used in years! The Anastasia brow powder duo is a two-shade product that helps fill in and shape the brows! This is the most natural way to define your eyebrows, so if you don’t like using a pencil or pomade, definitely try this out! The formula is so good, it will stay put and is completely smudge proof. You can build up this powder, so I recommend using different amounts of pressure to get the desired light-to-dark effect on your brows. With the lighter shade in the duo, gently fluff it with feather-like strokes into the front of your eyebrows. With the darker shade, use slightly more pressure and precisely shape your arch and tail. They have 11 shade options to choose from and I use the duo in “Ash Brown.” By using a powder, you will get a much softer and natural effect, while still looking like you put effort into your eyebrows!

China Glaze, Street Regal Collection – $7.50

If you know me, you know I have an obsession with blue nail polish. I have always loved royal blue shades, but I’ve noticed that so many of them chip within a day of wear. I know certain colors are more difficult to formulate than others, so maybe blue is one of the cursed ones! I finally found one that is a cream finish and lasts really well on my nails! The China Glaze “Street Regal Collection” is online only at Ulta.com. The blue polish is called, “Born To Rule.” They have some absolutely stunning Fall shades in the range and I would recommend checking them out online if you enjoy doing your nails at home! I have been pairing any polish with the CND Vinylux Weekly Topcoat and I think that also helps prolong the wear of the manicure!

L’Oreal, Infallible Pro Matte Liquid Lipstick – $9.99

This is by far the best liquid lipstick formula at the drugstore! The most standout feature for me is the longevity, this will stay on your lips without fading or transferring for hours…it lasted throughout an entire meal without budging! You actually have to use an oil-based makeup remover to get this stuff off! It’s matte, but not uncomfortably drying. I really love the applicator because it allows you to be super precise when filling in your lips and it distributes just the right amount of product. I have mine in the shade, “Stirred,” which is a vampy, burgundy color. Be warned that the colors are darker than what they appear in the tube! I’m super excited to try out some of the more wearable nude shades now that I know the formula is top-shelf status!

Kiehl’s, Midnight Recovery Eye – $37

My under eyes are such a problem area for me. I’ve tried a lot of different eye creams and never found “the one” or a formula that did everything it claimed to do. I have super sensitive skin, so most eye creams would actually burn my skin and give me a reaction with small white bumps. I have been testing the Bobbi Brown eye cream for awhile and it’s really good, it was actually my favorite for a few months. When I ran out of that one, I decided to try out the Kiehl’s Midnight Recovery Eye because 1. Sephora finally sells this brand 2. So many people rave about it being their holy grail eye cream 3. No parabens, mineral oil, fragrance, silicones 4. Affordable in comparison to other popular eye creams! This claims to help with dryness, puffiness, fine lines and wrinkles. Since using it, I’ve noticed a significant difference in my dark circles, which is super exciting! I’ve noticed an increase in hydration and my fine lines seem to be fading! It’s absolutely a miracle product and I would highly recommend it if you’re like me and desperately trying to prevent any signs of premature aging!

Tarte, On the Prowl Tarteist PRO Magnetic Palette – $10

These magnetic palettes make life so much more convenient! You can pop in your single shadows, blushes, highlighters, powders, literally anything that you can de-pot and keep them in one little place! These are really ideal to keep your 3-4 essential products that you know you reach for every day. You don’t have to dig through your vanity or worry about misplacing anything, because you have it all in one compact place. I have a few different Z Palettes and although they’re nice, I really do prefer these Tarte magnetic palettes so much more! These come with a mirror and they’re more padded than the other ones I’ve tried in the past. I would definitely feel comfortable and confident that my powders wouldn’t break when traveling with the Tarte version. The camo print is so adorable and fun! They also have a leopard print and some limited edition holiday versions as well! Any product that helps keep me and my makeup collection somewhat organized is a winner!

That is all for my September Favorites! I love using all of these products and I feel like you would too! Let me know if you are also enjoying any of these beauty items! What were your favorites in September?! Please leave me a comment letting me know! I love talking to you guys and I feel like I get so many awesome product recommendations! I hope everyone has a great week!

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Email any business inquires to:

abigaillindsayblog@gmail.com

Shop the products here!

Anastasia Brow Powder

China Glaze Nail Polish

Loreal Liquid Lipstick

Kiehl’s Eye Cream

Tarte Magnetic Palette