So.... I've now missed two days of VLOGMAS unfortunately. I didn't get a video up on the 16th, even though I very well intended to, but that's just not how the cookie crumbled my friends. As most of you know, I am a proud mother and wife and we had a lot of stuff going on this past Tuesday so I was unable to work on both my channel and blog.
Now that that's out of the way, today I'm going to be sharing with you how I clean my makeup brushes. I have tried Johnson & Johnson's Baby Wash, Dial Soap + Olive Oil, and the Blender Cleanser Solid. Out of all three my favorite hands down is the Blender Cleanser Solid. It is so easy to work with, is less messy, is very effective at removing all traces of makeup, and makes washing brushes much faster. I had heard that there was an inexpensive bar soap called Dr. Bronner's that was a dupe for the Blender Cleanser Solid. I had ran out of mine, so I figured it was a great time to test out that rumor.
I found mine at Target and there are a few different scents to choose from, and each scent has a different colored packaging. The scent I chose is the Hemp Tea Tree. It is very fragrant and smells very minty and spicy, which I happened to enjoy very much. I decided to go about it the same way I would the Blender Cleanser Solid. I wet my brush and the bar of soap itself. I then swirled my brush onto the soap, and once I felt like I had enough product, began swirling the brush into the palm of my hand to really work the product into the brush and get a good clean.
The first thing that hit me was the smell, it was very strong but not overpowering. The second was how much the soap lathered. When a soap lathers and foams really well, I know it's doing it's job. After swirling the product-filled brush into my hand, I rinsed it and all of the makeup melted right off. Some of my brushes I go over twice with soap, specifically my foundation brushes because those tend to hold on to more product. After washing and rinsing, I wring out my brush, shape and fluff where it's needed, and lay it on a towel to dry overnight. I continue this same routine with all of my brushes.
The Dr. Bronner's Magic Soaps are 100% a dupe for the Blender Cleanser Solid. I'm going to go as far to say that it's actually better! My soap smelled so good, and I couldn't believe how much I was able to lather my brushes, and how clean it was able to get them. Once they were dry, they looked brand new. The were completely clean, and were moisturized. The soap did not dry them out in the slightest, which I was worried about. They were very soft, fluffy, and conditioned.
I will not be repurchasing the Blender Cleanser Solid and am now converted to the Dr. Bronner's Magic Soaps. If you love the Blender Cleanser Solid, or just haven't found a good brush cleaner, I highly recommend Dr. Bronner's Magic Soaps. You can find them at Target, and even at some grocery stores.
Holy moly, do I have a lot of empty products to share with you. I have been saving up for for a while now, and have been meaning to do this for a while, but literally couldn't wait anymore because my bag was overflowing. I have everything from hair care, to skin care, makeup, and a whole lot of candles per usual. Some of these empties I have already repurchased, some I plan to repurchase, and others I unfortunately will not be repurchasing. Check out my video below to see what I have used up recently.
PS: Ariel photobombs me big time in the video. I had no idea until I started editing and I literally laughed out loud haha!
I decided to put together a gift guide for book lovers and for people who may just be getting into reading. Makeup, skin care, and fashion are some of favorite things, but another is reading. It's a safe getaway for me and it's one of my absolute treasured hobbies. I have a little bit of everything on this list from contemporaries, to paranormal-fantasy novels, as well as picks for fashion and beauty lovers. Just a little FYI - almost every book is from the Young Adult section because that's my favorite section to read from.
Contemporary
Two really great reads are The Perks Of Being A Wallflower (TPOBAW) by Stephen Chbosky and The Spectacular Now by Tim Tharp. They are perfect for someone who is wanting to read a coming-of-age story. FanGirl by Rainbow Rowell is one of my favorite books of life. All of Rowell's books that I have read have been pure magic. The Fault In Our Stars by John Green is a tear jerker, and it's so amazing. You really cannot go wrong with anything John Green, his books are so real and raw.
Paranormal/Fantasy
If you, or the person you are buying for, has not read Harry Potter, it's a must. I truly believe that kids between the ages of 10 to 12 should start this series. It will always be adored by me and millions of others. Anything Cassandra Clare is absolutely fantastic. The Mortal Instruments Series and The Infernal Devices trilogy are both wonderful. A series that doesn't get enough love, in my opinion, is The Beautiful Creatures series by Kami Garcia. The first book was turned into a movie, and they did not do it justice AT ALL. If you have seen the Beautiful Creatures movie, please do not let that deter you from reading the books because there is no comparison. It's one of my most enjoyed series that I have read and I was really disappointed in the movie.
Fashion & Beauty Lovers
If the person you are buying for is a Fashion or Beauty Addict, these next books are must haves. I have read and loved each one of these. Living In Style by Rachel Zoe is a pretty large book, so it could double as a coffee table book. The cover is gorgeous, there's amazing pictures inside, and everything from fashion to beauty, skin care to style, and home decor are discussed. For personal style and building your wardrobe, From A to Zoe by Rachel Zoe and That Extra Half An Inch by Victoria Beckham are must haves.
If you are wanting to give a bit of a bigger gift, a boxed set or series is a great route to go. Target has really great deals on boxed sets, as well as alternative covers for some of the most popular series'. There's a Harry Potter paperback boxed set that I am lusting over. Each book has a new cover and when the spines line up they create a picture of Hogwarts. Any Harry Potter fan would adore it.
The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins also got a makeover. Each book boasts a new, aluminum type cover that is really fun and sleek. You can find them individually with these updated covers, as well as in a boxed set.
Like I said earlier in this post, you cannot go wrong with anything John Green. If you are buying for a book lover, but you're not sure what genre they enjoy, give John Green a shot. You can find a boxed set with four of his best selling books that would make any book worm happy. In the set you will find The Fault In Our Stars, Looking For Alaska, An Abundance Of Catherine's, and Paper Towns.
Another idea for a larger gift, is to create a gift basket surrounding a book. For example, say you are interested in purchasing a book that has been turned into a movie. You could purchase both the book and the movie, put them in a basket along with a bag of popcorn, some candy, a soda, and maybe even a candle. This would create a really nice gift that any book lover would appreciate for a comfy night in. I know if I received that as a gift, it would probably be one of my favorite ones!
I hope ya'll enjoyed today's Beauty & The Books and found it helpful. If you have any books that are similar to any of the ones I mentioned here, please leave them in the comments below. I love adding books to my TBR and getting suggestions for others!
Today I'm sharing with you my first Holiday Makeup Tutorial in my Palette Series for VLOGMAS. During this series, I will be uploading one Holiday Makeup Tutorial each week until Christmas, using a different palette each time. The palette I am featuring today is the Urban Decay Naked 3.
I started by priming my face with the Smashbox Photo Finish Dark Spot Correcting Primer, and primed my eyes using the Urban Decay Primer Potion.
I started with my eyes first. Using a fluffy crease brush, I picked up the shade Limit from the Naked 3 and applied that all over my crease. Next, I applied the Loreal Infallible Cream Shadow in the shade Amber rush to my lids with my finger tips. I picked up more of Amber Rush with a Real Techniques Shadow Brush, and blended the color on my lids evenly from inner corner to outer corner. Going back to the fluffy crease brush, I applied the shade Nooner into my crease and on the outer corners of my lid to start darkening the look up. Next on a Sigma E35, I took the shade Liar and applied it on top of Nooner on the outer corners of my lids and in the crease. With that same brush, I applied the shade Factory on top of Liar. The point of this technique is to gradually layer the colors to smoke out the look and to make sure the shades gradually blend together. Going back to the Real Techniques brush, I applied the shade Trick to the center of my lids, blending toward the inner corner to make the Amber Rush shade pop even more. Lastly, I applied a thin, winged liner using the Loreal Gel Liner in Blackest Black.
After cleaning up any fall-out, I applied the Smashbox Photo Finish Hydrating Under-Eye Primer to prep the area for concealer. While that's settling in, I dotted the Make Up For Ever HD Foundation all over my face and blended it in using a Sigma F80 Flat Top Kabuki. Next, I applied the Maybelline Instant Age Rewind in a triangle shape underneath my eyes, down the bridge of my nose, on my forehead, cupid's bow, and chin, then blended it out using a Real Techniques Sponge. To set all of my concealer in place, I lightly dusted the Hourglass Ambient Lighting Powder in Diffused Light in the appropriate areas. Lastly, I'm going to fill in my brows per usual with the Anastasia Dip Brow Pomade in Soft Brown.
I didn't do any heavy contouring, and instead bronzed my cheeks, along my hair line, down the sides of my nose, along my jaw line, and down my neck with the Becca Shadow & Light Bronzer. For blush I chose NARS Sin, it's perfect for the Naked 3 and one of my favorite blushes. To highlight, I applied the MAC Mineralized Skin Finish in Soft & Gentle to the high points of my face.
Going back to the eyes, I applied the shade Strange from the Naked 3 to highlight my brow bone. To line my lower lash line I applied the shade Factory to the outer half with a flat liner brush, then blended it out with a clean pencil brush. To highlight the inner corners of my eyes, I lined them using the Loreal Infallible Silkissime Eye Liner in the shade Highlighter. For mascara I applied two coats of the Maybelline The Falsie's to my top and bottom lashes.
Lastly are the lips. I lined my lips using the Rimmel Exaggerate Lip Pencil in the shade Enchantment, filling in the outer half of my lips. For lipstick I chose Kat Von D's Studded Kiss Lipstick in the shade Lovecraft.
And that complete's this look! I hope you guys enjoyed it and I will see you again next week for VLOGMAS Week #2!
Welcome to VLOGMAS Day 3! Today is all about Kason's 11 Month Update. I cannot believe we are less than a month away from his FIRST BIRTHDAY. It blows my mind that this year has gone by so fast, it makes me miss having a brand new little baby! (Baby fever in warming up...!)
Kason experienced his first Halloween and his first Thanksgiving since the last update. He was a lion for Halloween and was so cute! But he absolutely hated his costume, especially the headpiece. We trick or treated around the neighborhood with the whole family which was a lot of fun. Thanksgiving was really nice as well. Kason got his fair share of our two Thanksgiving feast's and pigged out, both lunch and dinner, on turkey, stuffing, and mac n cheese.
Kason is still not properly crawling, he still scoots around on his butt. He got a new nick name with some of my family members on Thanksgiving, "Scooter". I'd say it's pretty fitting. He's not standing or walking yet, which is the hot ticket question right now when we see people. I think I have a little bit of a late bloomer on my hands, but that's ok, he still has plenty of time to figure out the kinks and will do it when he's ready.
He JUST cut his top two teeth yesterday. What's crazy is that they weren't there when he woke up that morning, and literally sprouted over his afternoon nap, with two little white caps breaking the skin. Yes, BOTH top teeth are ascending at the same time, which explains the Beast Mode he's been in the last few weeks. I'm so happy that he will finally be getting a little bit of relief for Christmas and his Birthday. But that relief won't last long unfortunately, because he still has a lot more teeth to grow.
Kason has been obsessed with Ariel's dog bowls. Any time he gets the chance, he makes a bee line for them and gets food and water everywhere. I have to remember that when he's roaming to put the bowls up on the counter so he doesn't get into them. He's also been having a ball screaming at the top of his lungs, at the highest pitch possible. It's 100% a game to him, and currently his favorite one. He does it when we are out to eat, grocery shopping, and when we are at home. This kid has some serious pipes. He definitely is giving Mariah Carey a run for her money with his ear splitting shrieks!
Kason only say's one thing, "Gah". I've been practicing with him on getting hime to say other consonants like "Ma", "Da", and "Ba", but all he's interested in saying right now is "Gah". It's really cute too because he will repeat you, and will say it if you ask him to. I'm hoping this next month I will be able to get a "Ma" out of him. Maybe that will be his first birthday present to me! He also learned how to clap and say "yay" this month and it is the cutest thing ever. He doesn't actually say "yay", it's more like "aaahhhhh!". He knows when it's appropriate to clap, which is even funnier. If I say "good boy!", he starts clapping. It's absolutely adorable.
Over the next few weeks, we are gearing up for Kason's very first Christmas. We are super excited and can't wait to see his awe and wonder at everything. He's going to be so fun! A few days after Christmas we will be celebrating his First Birthday, which is absolutely insane! I'm so excited for his birthday party. His birthday falls on a Monday, so we are having his party on Saturday the 27th. We decided to do something at the house with our family and friends. I really just want to be comfortable, and be surrounded by loved ones for his special day. His party theme is going to be epic! I'm so excited for you to see what theme I chose and how I'm decorating!
Today I'm going to share with you the makeup look I've been wearing lately. This is the same look I've been doing every time I've done my makeup the last couple of weeks. I do change up my bronzer, blush, and other face makeup, but for the most part the eye's and the lip's have been the same. Check out the video below to see how I've been doing my makeup recently.
PRODUCTS PICTURED: Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation Primer, Smashbox Photo Finish Hydrating Under Eye Primer, NARS Sheer Glow Foundation, Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Concealer, Laura Mercier Invisible Pressed Setting Powder, NARS Virtual Domination Cheek Palette, MAC Mineralized Skin Finish Soft & Gentle
PRODUCTS PICTURED: Makeup Geek Eyeshadows in Vanilla Bean, Purely Naked, Barcelona Beach, Latte, & Shimma Shimma, Anastasia Dip Brow in Soft Brown, Benefit Gimme Brow in Medium/Deep, Loreal Miss Manga & Butterfly Mascara's, Loreal SuperSlim Liquid Liner, Urban Decay 24/7 Glide On Pencil in Zero
PRODUCTS PICTURED: Urban Decay All Nighter Setting Spray, Maybelline Matte Lipstick in Daringly Nude, NARS Lip Gloss in Chihuahua xoxo, Casey
Ok, surprise-surprise, I participated in the Sephora VIB Sale. It only comes around twice a year, so no matter what, I usually pick something (more like "some things") up. I have tried almost everything that I purchased and I must say, I'm VERY happy with everything I picked up!
NARS Virtual Domination Cheek Palette: This is probably my favorite, most exciting purchase out of the whole haul. I was nervous about getting it because it was pricey, but if I was going to get it at all, during the sale was the perfect time because I'd get 20% off. I am so happy that I decided to get it. NARS is one of my favorite high-end makeup brands. I have a few of their blushes, but none of the blushes I currently own are featured in this palette, so really I got three new blushes, a new highlight, and a new bronzer. This palette boasts three blushes, one highlight, and the cult favorite bronzer in the shade Laguna. Tarte Brazilliance Self Tanner: I recently finished up the St. Tropez Bronzing Mousse and wanted to try out something new. I've heard that this is a nice self-tanner, but it's been a while since I've heard anyone talk about it. I have not tried it yet, but when I do, you will get the low down on how it performs. Clinique Youth Surge Night Cream: I've used this a few times now and am still not 100% sure if I like it. I recently finished up my usual night cream, and even though I loved it, I wanted to try something new. The first time I used this, it left my face feeling tingly, kind of like when you put on a lip plumper. It's not super over powering, or uncomfortable, just very strange feeling. I was nervous because I thought it was irritating my skin, but I have not broken out or gotten any other weird reaction, so I'm going to continue using it and see how it works out.
BITE Beauty Matte Creme Lip Crayon in Truffle: I didn't originally purchase this during the sale. When I was making an online order, I purchased the Buxom gloss in Jasmine. It was described as a Black Cherry color, so I thought it was going to be a really nice deep, red color to top on my burgundy lipsticks. The color wasn't what I was expecting so I decided to return it. I've been wanting to try out BITE Beauty for a long time now, and decided to "bite" the bullet (Do you see what I just did there? Pretty fancy huh?!) and pick something out from the line. This color is absolutely STUNNING! It's a super dark purple, and almost looks black. I cannot wait to create a makeup look using this. Smashbox Be Legendary Gloss in Vivid Violet: I've been on the hunt for a vampy lip gloss, and this is absolutely perfect. A lot of my vampy lipsticks dry to a matte finish, and sometimes I want to spice things up and wear a really glossy, vampy lip. This is the perfect shade to throw on top of any dark lipstick. NARS Lip Gloss in Chihuahua: I have had my eye on this little baby for a very long time, but never decided to purchase it. I swear, every time I go to a Sephora, this color calls my name. It's a beautiful, warm, pinky terra-cotta color that really compliments my skin tone. If I haven't been wearing a dark lip, I've been wearing this. I am so, so glad that I finally own this because it's absolutely perfect for me. Boscia Luminizing Black Mask: I decided to cash in some of my points and the first thing I decided on was this peel off mask. I haven't tried it yet, and have never tried anything from the Boscia line. It seems pretty promising so I'm excited to try it out.
Smashbox Studio Faves 500-Point Perk: I decided to try one of the big point perk's and thought this one was the best they have had in while. I have tried both of the primers and the eyeshadows so far. I must say, the under eye primer is absolutely amazing and I don't know if I can apply my concealer without it now. I totally thought that when they came out with that, that it was going to be a joke, but it's actually an amazing product.
That's everything I picked up during the Fall VIB Sale. Let me know if you'd like to see a review on any of the products mentioned!
Today I'm going to share with you my Top 10 Fall and Winter Lipstick picks. I'm going to show you pictures of each lip product, hand and lip swatches, and give you a quick little review of each one. I have a great mix of high-end and drugstore options, as well as a wide range of colors. Enjoy!
Watch my video for hand and lip swatches of each lipstick!
I'm going to start with the nudes and brown shades first. All of these shades are perfect for Fall, and are on the 90's lip trend.
Lovecraft - Kat Von D Studded Kiss Lipstick
This is a gorgeous, matte, pinky-mauve lipstick. It goes on smooth and lasts a long time. Depending on your skin tone it could pull more nude, pink, purple, or mauve. It's a very unique color that I think will suit many different people, and is perfect for Fall.
#3 Beige Ultimate - YSL Rouge Volupte Silky Sensual Radiant Lipstick
This is a really creamy, red brown shade. This color compliments all skin tones, and feels really smooth on the lips . The lasting power isn't all that great on it's own, but if it's worn on top of a lip liner it will last longer.
Touch of Spice - Maybelline Creamy Matte Lipstick
This lipstick is also a red brown shade, but it's more on the mauve side. It has a matte finish, but instead of being really dry, it's creamy and smooth. It's long lasting and is very comfortable to wear.
Velvet Teddy - MAC Matte Lipstick
This is one of my favorite lip products right now. It's a beautiful dark, nude brown that is perfect for any occasion and can be worn with a really simple makeup look, or a smokey eye. Like Touch of Spice, it's very creamy, long lasting, and doesn't dry out my lips.
Next up are the red's. I recommend wearing a lip liner with these shades to prevent your lipstick from bleeding outside your natural lip line.
Divine Wine - Maybelline Creamy Matte Lipstick
This is a beautiful, red wine color. Like the other shades in the Creamy Matte collection, it's very pigmented and long lasting. It's very dark, but if applied in a light dabbing motion, can be worn more sheer as a stain.
Cabernet Blend - Milani
This is one of my most worn dark lip shades so far this year. It's a deep, burgundy red color that makes my green eyes pop. Milani is my go-to drugstore brand for dark lip colors. The formula is wonderful, it goes on creamy with a bit of a shine, then later dries to more of a matte finish.
Next are my "Baby Vamp" picks. These are lippies that are perfect for someone just starting out with dark lip colors, or for someone who likes the idea of a vampy lip but doesn't want a super dark and opaque look.
Parisian - Revlon Colorstay Moisture Stain
This color is a medium berry-purple shade. It goes on really creamy, kind of like a gloss, then dries to a stain. This is perfect for day time, because it's really easy and long lasting.
Purple Intouchable - YSL Rouge Volupte Shine Lipstick
This is my favorite formula from YSL. It's a mid-toned purple shade that can be worn sheer with one coat, or built up to be more opaque. It gives of the prettiest shine, making lips appear larger.
Last, but not least, the vampy purple shades. Again, like with any dark lip color, I recommend wearing a lip liner with any dark color to prevent your lipstick from bleeding onto your skin.
Scarlett Empress - NARS
This is one of the first vampy lip colors I ever purchased. It's a dark berry shade with a purple undertone. It dries down to a matte finish, and can get a little drying on the lips. But if worn under a gloss, it feels much more comfortable. If you dab just a little all over your lips, then top with a lip balm, you will have to prettiest stain.
Sangria - Milani
This is another lipstick that was one of my first vampy lip purchases. It's very similar to Scarlett Empress. It's a beautiful, purple berry color. It's very pigmented and is one of my favorite lip colors of all time. I don't own Rebel by MAC, but I have heard that this is almost an exact dupe for that shade.
I hope you enjoyed today's post and video on my Fall & Winter Lip Pick's. I'd love to know what your favorite Fall lippies are, so feel free to leave them in the comments below so I can check them out!
Today I'm doing a First Impression on the Tarte Amazonian Clay Full Coverage Airbrush Foundation. I've been wanting to find a really good powder foundation for the colder months because I absolutely love the finish that it gives. I think the finish of a powder foundation is so beautiful, more natural than a liquid, and effortless. I also wanted a powder foundation because a powder is so much quicker to apply than a liquid, which comes in handy during the week when I want to look put together, but don't want to put in the time or effort.
Tarte recommends you use the Airbuki Bamboo Powder Foundation Brush with this foundation. I was playing around with the brush while I was at Ulta and it seemed really nice and high quality, but it also reminded me of a brush that I already have, the Real Techniques Buffing Brush. These brushes don't look alike by any means, but the bristles and density of the Airbuki is what reminded me of the Real Techniques brush. The Real Techniques Buffing Brush has short, dense bristles like the Airbuki, so I wanted to try applying with that first to see how the application would go.
Upon first applying the foundation, I immediately knew I was going to be love it. It went on so smoothly, and feels very lightweight on the skin. The finish of this foundation is absolutely stunning! It's not completely flat, or matte, like most powder foundations can be. It gave my skin the most subtle glow which made my skin look, and feel, healthy. I was also really glad that I went with my gut instinct about the Real Techniques brush, because it was the perfect tool to use with this foundation.
I wore the foundation for 8 hours, with no touch ups because I really wanted to test out the lasting power. I was very pleased with the lasting power, and the wear time. The foundation held up very well, and still looked as pretty as it did when I first applied it. I did have a little shine by the end of the day, but it was nothing that I was bothered by, or concerned with. A little shine does not bother me because it adds a bit more of a glow and makes my makeup look even more natural.
I wouldn't go as far to say that this is a full coverage with just one application. I would say that it is a true medium coverage with one application, and can be built up to full coverage which I really appreciate. I tend to go for a medium coverage foundation because I like some of my freckles and other features to show through.
I give this foundation a huge A+ and am so happy with it. This is exactly what I had in mind, and what I wanted, when I was searching for a powder foundation. If you have been contemplating this foundation yourself, I absolutely recommend it and give it my stamp of approval. Also, if you want a new tool to apply it but don't want to spend the money on the Airbuki brush, the Real Techniques Buffing Brush is a wonderful choice and works really great.
I hope you enjoyed today's post and video. Let me know if you'd like to see another First Impression on any other products!
