a summer beauty look. what summer means to me.

happy friday, loves!

this week i participated in a blog series, what summer means to me, with a group of pretty cool girls.  of course when i think of summer, i think of all the usual things that it brings like vacations, sunblock, sand, watermelon, and sunshine, but the first thing that pops into my head is beauty!

i wanted to feature a pretty, summer look that's easy to pull off and looks good on just about any skin color.  during the summer, i like to keep my face pretty free of foundation because it can be heavy so all i typically use is tinted moisturizer with some bronzer. 

a glowy look is something i like to go for, so matte is a look i don't try to achieve in the summertime.  luckily i have pretty normal to dry skin, so i can pull this off without having to use a powder. as for the eyes, any color will do, but for this look here i did a brown/bronze look.  i used brown satin shadow topped with a champagne color, brown pot liner, white in the waterline, and black mascara.  lips are a medium pink color, which is not something i normally wear.  i would have typically worn a nude color with this, but i felt it needed a bit of added color and i liked this color pretty well.

all in all, this look can be worn in a ton of different ways by changing just a few things: a nude lip instead of pink, less eyeshadow and more of a naked eye with bold lips, or even a natural look with only mascara and gloss.

what did you think of this look? 

 

 

Products you would need to complete this look:
- first and foremost, always start out with spf - mine is in my serum and moisturizer
- tinted moisturizer
- light colored bronzer (for the whole face)
- regular bronzer (for contour or apples)
- shimmer powder for highlight
- bronze shadow
- champagne shadow
- espresso gel liner
- black mascara
- white liner (for waterline)
- pink lipstick
- pink lipliner
- gloss if you want

a new favorite mascara, finally!

Rimmel ScandalEyes Retro Glam

since 2009 i have been on the hunt for a mascara to fall in love with, as my favorite had been discontinued.  i have talked about this before and have run across a few that i have liked quite a bit, one that i did fall for, and lots that i have thrown away mid use.

i have used rimmel mascara before and liked it so when i tried this particular one, i had high expectations.  it was actually better than i thought.  for one, i always use black.  in fact, i have to because my lashes are so light that i look like a corpse with naked lashes or any color besides black. this black was like jet black and bold.  killer.  loved it.  also, i loved the formula.  it went on super easy, was not clumpy and i only had to use about two coats.  it never flaked throughout the day and washed off without any makeup remover.

the brush is pretty unique as well because of the hour-glass shape and the way it grabbed all the lashes.  the only thing i didn't like about the shape when i applied to my bottom lashes, but that is just me.  typically i have to use a small brush because i end up touching my skin and i also had to apply lots of coats to achieve the look i was going for.

all in all i would give this 5 out of 5 stars.  

 

 

kinda blurry, sorry. can't really see the brush.

** this was a sponsored post by Influenster, however all thoughts and comments are my own. 

MAC painterly paint pot {review}

if you've never tried any of MAC's paint pots, i highly suggest you do.  they are definitely in my top 5 favorite beauty products of all time, especially painterly, as it's my favorite.

i remember when i bought it, the girl at the counter kind of look at me all snotty and said, 'you're not going to use that as a base, are you?'  well, yes and no.

painterly is actually a creamy eyeshadow that a lot of people use as a base. i use it both ways because it's perfect for both.  when i want a quick and easy look without much effort, i just slap some of it on and go, and when i use eyeshadow, it's my go-to base.  it goes on smooth, but has a little bit of stick when it dries so that shadows stick well to it and do not crease.

the main thing i love about painterly is that it goes well with my skin color.  it's kind of a skin color, beige that covers all my little purple veiny and red areas so my lids look flawless. it makes my face look like i have nothing on m eyes so it's very natural.  i have more of a pink undertone to my skin so it works really well for me.

i have had mine for over a year and have a ton of it left.  over time it does tend to dry out a bit because it is a cream, but i haven't noticed it too much and it still works fine for me.  i think soon i am actually going to be trying out soft ochre to see how it compares, because it has more of a yellow tone to it.  these run about $18, so they are a bit pricey, but for as long as they last, the price really isn't too bad.

go check this out because you will fall in love.

hope this helps and if you have any questions, let me know!

xo.

my skincare routine

my skincare routine.

i have been asked several times to show what i use on my face on a daily basis.  this is pretty much my entire skincare routine for morning & nite.  some of these are new products for me and others are ones i have been using for an eternity. 

 here is what i use to cleanse my face in the morning & nite.  when it comes to cleansers, i am not particular to a certain brand or type, so these are all rather new in the lineup as it seems i always change things up. 

* the eye makeup remover is something i have used for a couple of years now.  it is by far my favorite because it's not oily whatsoever and removes every bit of makeup with one cotton ball.

* i picked up these pond's towelettes a couple weeks ago when i saw they were on sale.  i use these at nite a couple of times a week when i'm lazy and don't feel like putting too much effort into removing the makeup.  i add some water to make them later a bit more and i like the result.

* the foamingly clean by benefit is pretty new to me because i had asked santa for it this past year and i got it.  i use it at nite to remove my makeup and i like the way it works, plus it has be best scent i've ever had in a product.

* the aveeno daily scrub is one i have been using for about 6 months now and i use it in the shower every morning.  it's gentle enough to use daily and i feel it wipes off all the oil that's accumulated overnite, along with my heavier face and eye creams that i used last nite.

the next set are the products i use for prevention and protection.  i have been using these products for years, literally.   

* this mask is one of my favorite facial products, ever.  you can read my review here on why i am obsessed.  i use this about twice a week or so after i shower and my face is clean, or any time i am lazy and don't remove my make up before bed.

* i also did a review on the day & nite solution by mary kay that you can read, and also find out why i am so partial to these two.  i don't plan on ever not using these because they keep my face protected from the sun and also repair what the weather's elements have done while i sleep.  both are amazing. 

and, finally, probably the most important aspect of all is the moisturizing step.

* the aloe soothing day cream is the moisturizer i use every day.  i have been using for several years now and love it.  the vitamin E nite cream has been a god send for me.  i also did a spotlight on it because it's so amazing.

* this danielle laroche eye cream is something that i picked up at marshall's a while back and i like it fairly well.  like the cleansers, i'm not too partial on eye creams so i will probably get something else when this runs out.  i like it, but i'm still on a mission to find the perfect one!

* any burt's bees lip balm is a given when it comes to keeping lips nice and soft. i use this every nite before bed, but i also have some others that i use in the morning and throughout the day. this is just always in my bathroom, so i swipe it on.

so that is basically my skincare routine in a nutshell.  if you have any questions or comments, feel free to ask or tell away.  when it comes to beauty, i'm pretty much a fanatic and a beauty product hoarder so i have a lot and have used a lot.

 hope this helped!

hey there santa, i've been nice...

I think I've been pretty good this year, so here are a few beauty products that I'm hoping to find in my stocking or under the tree!  There are such good sales with these products right now that I have considered going ahead and buying them just in case I don't get them.  So wrong I know, but impulsive is my middle name. 

beauty christmas wishlist. by supervixen9

1.  Peachykeen blush by MAC.  Gorgeous color.  here 

2.  Foaminly clean facewash from Benefit. Amazing scent and cleans well.  here

3.  Hot Tools titanium tapered curler. I just need something besides my regular curler.  here

4.  Makeup forever foundation.  I need a good, liquid foundation for winter.  here

5.  Rising star palette from Tarte.  Love all the colors and different products.  here 

6.  Ralph Lauren Romance.  One of my favorite smells in the world.  here 

when work stresses you, buy some new eyeshadow.

The other day at work really wasn't too bad until about an hour before shift change I had a patient pass away.  Talk about turning a decent day into a bad one.  It's sad, stressful, and makes you not really want to come back for a few days.

On the way home I decided to stop by Ulta and pick up a few things I needed to ease the stress of the day.  Low and behold they were having a sale on their line of makeup.  I have tried several of their makeup products before so when I noticed the eyeshadows were 3/$9, I was not gonna pass that deal up. 

The gold and champagne colors actually surpassed my expectations in their quality and pigmentation.  The purple was good, but not like I was hoping.  I like for mine to be darker than how it turned out, but this is not a very pigmented shadow.  These are all very versatile colors too, so I can use them in so many other ways.

How do you like this look?  I thought it was a pretty good combo of colors.

I am not usually one for shopping when stressed, but unfortunately it did make me feel better. 

Calla Lily / Majesty / Cashmere

Let me know if you would like to see a video tutorial on this look.  I was going to do one on this, but my software hasn't been cooperating so I have to get that figured out first....

I'm curious - do you shop when stressed to make things better?  What do you like to buy?

{product spotlight} - HIP chrome eyeliner

I don't normally use any type of eyeliner that isn't liquid, unless I'm wanting it for my waterline or a different color, mainly because I am never satisfied.  Well, I think I've found something that is going to be a staple in my collection.  It's perfect for my waterline and I even liked it on my top lid.

HIP Chrome Eyeliner by L'Oreal in Black Shock

Pretty much the name says it all: high intensity pigments. 

I have been through the brands and it seems a lot of pencil liners don't last like I want them to or sometimes the color isn't as black as I would like.  This eyeliner provides a very bold color that glides on ever so smooth.  It's rather creamy and reminds me a bit of liquid and I think that's why I like it.

It lasts pretty much all day, doesn't really smudge, and is very easy to get off.  Depending on where you purchase and what kind of promos you get, the price is close to $8.

I barely had to touch my skin because it goes on so well. In fact, it goes on so well that I have to sharpen it each time I use it because it's so soft.  I will definitely be using this baby to the nub. 

I am so in love with this stuff that I have been swapping out my liquid for this.  It's definitely dramatic, yet subtle at the same time.  I am excited to check out the purple and gold liners next!

What brand of eyeliner do you like?

* these are merely my own opinions and is not a sponsored post.

according to this, i'm an embarrassment.

.... but I don't think so at all.

What am I talking about?

Well the other day I was reading a new magazine I had picked up and ran across an article on some beauty trends they called embarrassing.  In fact, out of the 9 trends listed, I currently do 6 of them.  Yep, six.  So i guess I'm good for a few laughs. But, I'm actually laughing at this list.

Here are some things I do that are crazes and hideous.

1.  Bronzer.  Sorry, but this is a staple of mine.  I'm fair skinned so I use this throughout the year to give my skin a bit of sun-kissed color.  I like to wear it on my cheeks, as a contour, and even neck and chest. I don't wear it every day and definitely don't go overboard, but there is absolutely nothing wrong with bronzer in my eyes!  If you find a color that works for your skin, it can make you look absolutely beautiful. 

2.  Highlights.   I love highlights.  Hair that is one solid color mostly looks boring and one dimensional.  Highlights help to give it depth and brighten up a face.  I actually prefer more chunky ones as opposed to more natural, blended ones.  I like a dramatic look.  I think I'll always have highlights in my hair no matter what color I have it.  

3.  Eyeliner.   Come on...eyeliner.  Hello?!  That's a major part in making eyes pop.  I wear it every day, especially on the top.  Without this, I look tired or even close to death.  From subtle eyeliner to dramatic, thick lined eyes, I think liner will always be here to stay, no matter how it's worn.  Even colored liners are popular and work.  Not sure why it was included on this list!

4. Rouge. Ok, so I call this blush, but I think I can sorta see why it was included.  People do tend to go overboard with this and an end up looking like Bozo, but if worn softly, it's a must.  Blush makes a face look brighter and more alive!  It can be hard to find the correct color that works with your skin tone, but there is the perfect one out there, trust me!

5.  Glitter.  I'm guilty.  I know this is very junior high-ish, but I freaking love glitter.  I have several different kinds and colors for eyes, skin, and my hair.  There is just something about sparkling that makes me feel so good.  When going out, I add some here and there and I'm on my way.  I'm even guilty of going into a store, seeing a glittery item, and putting some of that glitter on my face.  I love it!

6.  Bump.  Bumps are beautiful.  Whether it's done with a ponytail or just adding one to hair that's down,  I think it truly adds something to a style.  There are so many ways to create a bump so that's what makes it great.  I do think bumps look better on some people and not others, but it's another hair do I love.  I wear bumps a lot when I have time to create one!  I think I'll probably always wear this, too.

The other 3 trends on the list that I'm not into are ~

1.  Perm.  Yea, I'm not a fan of perms.  I think I've had 2 in my life and they were like in the early 90s.  I really don't ever see any that look too good, so people should probably steer clear.  If I could find big enough rollers that would give huge, bouncy curls, then I may reconsider, but that's nearly impossible.

2.  Cornrows.  I think this is one of the ugliest things a person can do to their hair.  I actually cringe when I see them.  People go on vacations and get their whole head done and I think, wth.  Not only does it look bad, but it's bad for your hair and gives you a hell of a headache!  Bottom line:  Not cute, please don't wear.

3.  Bangs.  Bangs can be cute.  Bangs are just not for me.  Personally I don't like them well enough to wear them and secondly, I have a cowlick so it would be impossible for me to have them.  I've had a bare forehead my whole life and always will. 

All images via

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How many of these trends do you currently do?

What do you think of the list?  Is it correct or crazy?

I thought it was pretty good and I actually enjoyed reading it and totally disagreeing with much of it!

Product Spotlight: Burt's Bees Deep Pore Scrub

Do you ever find a product that when you try it, you scream and jump up and down? 

Well, I almost did just that when I first tried this scrub.

I had been using a similar scrub from a different brand when I saw this from Burt's.  Since I love scrubs like this, I decided to pick it up.  It's completely different from any of the other scrubs I've tried and I love it.

It's a mixture of gritty peach stones with a creaminess to it, so it leaves the face feeling refreshed and moisturized.  The willowbark is a form of salicylic acid, which removes dirt and oil.  It's not harsh at all.

Because it's so gentle, I use this every morning and my face can even be somewhat sensitive.  I don't want to over do it, so I use maybe a dime size amount and that's plenty for my face. With what's left on my fingers I just rub on my elbows to exfoliate them as well. 

The smell is also really pleasant...not real fruity, but doesn't smell like cleaner either.  I think this costs around $8, so it's not too bad at all because it lasts for several months.

I would give this 5 out of 5 stars.  There really isn't anything I don't like about it.  It's actually probably one of my favorite beauty products of all times.

If you use this or something similar, let me know.  I would love to hear about what you use!

Happy Tuesday!!

Product Spotlight: Maybelline Dream Matte Mousse Foundation

I love this foundation for a number of reasons!  I have tried several high end foundations that don't even compare to this lovely drug store find.  What's nice about it too is the cost.  Typically it probably runs about $10, but with a sale and coupons, you could get it for way less!

I rarely find foundations that give me a good amount of coverage.  I don't necessarily need full coverage, but I want something more than like what a tinted moisturizer provides.  Well, this pretty much does the trick and it doesn't take a whole lot.  Since this comes in a jar, I put it on with my fingers, which I know is a big no-no, but hey, that's what works for me.

The texture is pretty neat too.  It's a light, fluffy, whipped consistency [hence the name mouse....], and so I feel it goes on really nice.

I think this is actually more for oily skin so that's what the matte effect is for, however my skin is pretty normal.  Sometimes I like for my skin to look pretty dewy and this won't really give you that effect without adding products specifically for that.  They have a liquid kind, I believe, that is more for dry skin and so I bet it's not as mattifying, but don't quote me.

So bottom line, I like this a lot because I love the way it covers, it's super blendable, and makes my skin look flawless!  I have heard others mention that it doesn't last long throughout the day and I would say my face looks pretty covered for the most part, but I guess I need to pay attention more.  For drugstore prices, this is the way to go.  I'm about out of this one and am debating on buying the sister kind mentioned above.  I know if it's anything like this, I'm good.

I have also tried lots of other drugstore brands where some are good, some are ok and others just plain stink. 

What about you?  What's your go to foundation?

oops, i did it again.

I hate when I do this!

I went to bed last nite without washing my face. 

It may not seem like a big deal to some, but for me it is. That's the time for repair and really is what helps to keep the face clear and healthy. 

This happens maybe like, once a month.  

I try to do it no matter how tired I am, how bad my head hurts, or how lazy I'm feeling, but I just couldn't help it last nite.  I had a migraine and just went straight to bed after we got home about 1am.

I always wake up feeling so nasty and unhappy.  I then try to redeem myself by using a mask after I wash my face.  I think that it somehow reaches way down deep into my pores and sucks out all of yesterday's dirt and nastiness.  I don't know if it really does, but I hope.

 I had just posted about the night cream that I love so much, but it didn't get the chance to work its magic last nite.  

Ick. 

Hopefully after I rinse off my mask, I will feel much more refreshed and clean.

I will then apologize to my face and promise not to do this again. 

Until next time. . . .

Organizing makeup brushes

Remember when it was like 1990 and everyone had a Caboodle?  Well I still use one that I purchased a few years ago.  It works well for storage, but it's definitely overflowing to the point it won't really close anymore.  I then had no place for my brushes so I decided to make my own organizer and wanted to share with you in case you have yours thrown in every which way with no place to put them. 

This is a super simple and cheap method to organizing and having your brushes easily accessible.  Here is what you need and how you do it ....


Buy some sort of clear glass or plastic vase.  Mine is glass because I think it offers more stability than plastic, plus looks a little nicer.  Get some sort of small rock or sand at a craft store or someplace like Target, enough to fill about 3/4 full; I think I had to use two packages of sand.  Then, stick your brushes in.  My sand is pretty compact so my brushes that have flat ends are harder to stick in than the ones with pointier ends, but it still works.

I think it's a really pretty idea, and looks good in my bathroom, too.  It cost me around $9 or so to make.