Beauty Steal! Anastasia Beverly Hills Lustrous Lip Gloss Set

With the holidays right around the corner, you better believe all those holiday sets, palettes and value sets are showing up left and right. To be honest, the holidays are a great time for you to purchase beauty products (for yourself or whomever, no one is judging). Why? Because usually companies do price certain sets and bundles for a great value, especially when you take the time to price everything out individually. One great example of this is the set I'm going talk about in my post today. 

The Anastasia Beverly Hills Lustrous Lip Gloss Set will run you $40.00 for eight lip glosses. Not two or even five...EIGHT glosses! OK, let me put it to you this way, one Lustrous lip gloss from ABH will cost you $16.00. Purchasing these eight glosses individually will run you $128.00 and this set is only $40.00, which means it's only $5.00 a gloss! So if you like at least three of the colors found in this lovely package, you already will have your money's worth. Even if you only liked two of the shades and were meh about the rest, these would be great stocking stuffers for family and friends. Just tie a cute ribbon on it and call it a day. The value of this set is ridiculous when you realize the price difference.

When it comes to the quality of the glosses, these are excellent. The set varies from sheer to jelly to opaque pigmentation so you have plenty to suit whatever mood you are in. They smell like divine vanilla frosting, while I may love it you may not. The packaging is simply but still lovely with the traditional ABH logo and a shiny black cap. As for the longevity, I have to say it's pretty on point. I can wear this the beginning of my work shift and three plus hours later when I head to lunch, the gloss is still noticeable and looks good.

When you purchase the set you will get the following shades:

Gilded: A metallic champagne gold

Dainty: Opaque retro pink

Sunset Strip: A fiery gold-flecked pink

Metallic Rose: Shimmery classic mauve

Weekend Barbie: Vivid bright pink

Date Night: Romantic ruby red

Socialite: Sophisticated scarlet red

Black Cherry: Moody purple plum

So which is my favorite? Currently I have been loving Metallic Rose but they are all quite beautiful and with this price, well worth the money. Perfect for a lip gloss lover and also a great way to introduce yourself or someone else you care about to the ABH Lustrous lip gloss line!

You can find this set online at Anastasia Beverly Hills and Macy's. You can also purchase this set in person at Macy's as well.

It's Been a While

Sometimes it truly amazes me just how quickly time flies. I remember August as if it was yesterday and yet here we are, right smack in autumn with my birthday quickly approaching. I'll be upfront, I find myself lacking motivation to write in this blog and to keep up with the latest and greatest trends, all while working and doing other adult things in life.

It would be different if this was my livelihood, and I made most my bread from blogging but it's not. To be honest, I debate about shutting this entirely down and closing my blogging chapter but there is a part of me that won't let me do it. I've met so many wonderful people on here and while we may not speak as much as we used to, conversing about the newly released palettes or the current must have lip color, I still cherish them and we still occasionally communicate with each other.

So I am going to give this one more go. Lately in my life, I've been working really hard to keep a balance. I strive to be a hard worker but still want to have time to personally develop myself to be a better person as a whole. Let me tell you, it's really hard work. After a long day, I would love to do nothing more than to just vege out and watch YouTube videos until bedtime. However, that's not progress.

So as Yoda once eloquently stated to a young Luke Skywalker, "do or do not, there is no try," I need to ultimately make the choice of being consistent with my blog or finally shut it down. Instead of lamenting how expensive it is to keep up with the latest trends, I'll intermix some more personal (probably mostly fitness) posts with my beauty posts. I think it will be interesting and I hope this will get me more motivated to post content on a regular basis.

Thank you to all of you who have been very patient and who still read my blog. Your support means the world to me!

See you all soon!

Review: Take a Break From Matte Lips and Embrace YSL's Volupte Tint-In-Oil!

As much as I love a matte lip, I feel as if this trend has been in the spotlight for quite some time. My lips have been feeling a bit drier as of late, especially since I've been out in the sun more, so I wanted to give my lips a break from sporting the matte lip and give it some much needed hydration and moisture.

I had purchased the Yves Saint Laurent Volupte Tint-In-Oil ($32.00 USD) a few months back when it was colder. I didn't really use it as much since I hate smudging lip products all over my scarves. So it sat waiting patiently in my drawer, until now. I feel like this is a perfect lip gloss or the summer. It doesn't feel heavy, leaves your lips feeling hydrated, and also leaves a nice stain.

The product comes housed in YSL's beautiful packaging, So not only are you paying top dollar for the product, you're paying for the packaging. The silver tube looks luxurious and is embossed with the infamous YSL logo. The logo coloring depends on what shade you decide upon. Since I decided on Pink About Me 8, my tube comes with a pink stripe. I can't but feel glam every time I whip it out of my purse.

As far as application, you can apply it as lightly or as liberally as you want. The applicator is a unique shape and gives not only great precision but also applies the product uniformly. I don't need to dip the applicator back into the tube to get more product. However, if I do want to make my lips extra glossy, I can apply two coats. Once applied, this product is not sticky at all but feels smooth and buttery. It immediately makes my lips look plumper and fills my lip lines which I'm all for. You can even top a lipstick with this lip oil to give it high shine and some additional moisture.

There are many reviews that complain about the lack of color when it comes to this lip oil and with some the shades I do agree. YSL touts this as a "revolutionary lip color" yet some of these shades will look the same on your lips, especially if you have pigmented lips like I do. I settled on Pink About Me because it was one of the deeper colors but I originally had my eye on Undress Me, thinking it would be a pinky nude, but when I swatched this in the store, it was pretty much a clear gloss. So I would say, if you are unsure of the shade you want, go to the store and test the colors before you make the decision.

The other complaint I've seen people have is the fact this is not very long lasting. I didn't expect this to be long lasting, especially since it's not a tacky gloss. However, I can see why people would not want to shell out money for a product that doesn't last very long. For me, this can last up to 3 hours with no eating or drinking.

I am absolutely in love with the YSL Volupte Tint-In-Oil. If I could, I would definitely purchase all the shades. Lip oils, especially this one, are a lovely addition to a collection. While I may not be able to get all the shades, this will be a definite repurchase for me once I finished this tube.

Purchase here

Review Anastasia Beverly Hills Liquid Lipstick in Pure Hollywood

Anastasia Beverly Hills has quickly become a very popular brand. It was no surprise that when the liquid lipsticks came out, everyone would be quick to snatch these up...including myself.

The shades from the line are quite beautiful, ranging from nudey pinks to even a metallic blue. Out of all the shades (before her newly released ones) I settled for Pure Hollywood. It's the second lightest out of the bunch and could be described as a peachy pink nude. Of course the color I wanted is the one that's hard to find. The few times I went to the Macy's stand, it was sold out. Finally one day I wandered in and they must have just restocked the liquid lipsticks because there were five Pure Hollywood's just chillin in their cubby spot. I took it as a sign and purchased it on the spot.

The Anastasia Beverly Hills Liquid Lipsticks will set you back $20.00 USD for 0.11 fl. oz. While it's not crazy expensive it's not inexpensive either. To be honest, ABH has some beautiful shades but if you are unsure of how your lips will react to a drying, matte formula, there are other options to try. Sephora Cream Lip Stains will cost you $14.00 USD and the ColorPop Ultra Matte liquid lipsticks will only cost you $6.00. The Kat Von D Everlasting Liquid Lipsticks cost $20.00 USD but comes with more product (0.22 oz.).

While I love the color I selected, I found this formula to be very drying. I know all liquid lipsticks will dry down to a very matte texture since that is what helps the staying power but this one was painfully dry for me. After about four hours, my lips screamed at me to put on some damn lip balm. As the color wears on, it settles into the cracks of your lips, making lips look quite dry.

The formula itself is very liquidy which means you have to be precise with application. The first time I applied this, I pressed my lips together and found it made the color uneven and patchy. So no lip smushing for this product! Once you let the color do its magic on your lips, it evenly settles and dries down.

Overall, while I am impressed with the color, the formula isn't the greatest for me. So unless there is another shade I really wanted (probably a darker, more forgiving shade), I won't be purchasing another of the ABH liquid lipsticks.

My Current Favorite Lipsticks (90's Edition)

On Instagram yesterday in honor of National Lipstick Day, I posted a photo of what was in my current lipstick rotation. I happened to notice that all the lipsticks were pretty similar in shades despite ranging from drugstore to high end. Lately I have been loving the "90's" shades. I think it's part nostalgia that I totally dig these shades so much. I remember growing up as a kid and lip colors were either nude, red, or a brown-y mauve shade. While the shades aren't exactly as brown as I remember, these shades still make me reminisce of my tween years rockin' a nude/brown lip.

1. Sephora Cream Lip Stain in 13 (Marvelous Mauve)- It took me forever to get my hands on this lip color because it was forever sold out in every Sephora location I went to. Now that I have it, I am not disappointed. This is a beautiful dusty rose color that slightly darkens after application. For me it's a great everyday color. If you are interested in this shade, Sephora has currently marked them down. I think perhaps they are discontinuing the shades. Sad panda.
2. NYX Intense Butter Gloss in Tres Leches- Holy pigmentation, Batman! This is a shade that some wouldn't consider 90's but it's more of a nudey brown and for me a MLBB shade. 
3. MAC Faux- A Back 2 Mac pick, which I wrote about here, this is another MLBB shade and one of the many shades people have selected to get that Kylie Jenner lip.
4. MAC Whirl- When everyone went fanatical for Whirl lip liner I kinda went "meh." I'm not much of a lip liner girl. To be honest, I hate buying expensive ones because I don't use them much so I never paid attention to Whirl until MAC came out with it in lipstick form. Now this will be a staple in my rotation. It's one of my favorite colors to wear to work.
5. Maybelline Untainted Spice- Brought to my attention by Hollyannaeree, this was an unexpected favorite. I thought it would be too brown but in actuality, this shade is flattering on many skin tones. It's a little darker than Whirl and isn't matte.
6. Maybelline Touch of Spice- A rosy plum that leans more pink than brown. I included this in the group because it's definitely another lipstick I reach for often.
7. Urban Decay Matte Revolution in 1993- At first I didn't pay much attention to this lipstick because: 1-I was trying to avoid purchasing anymore colors and 2-I try to avoid hype and impulse purchases. However, when I swatched it in the store, the tiny Gollum voice of "Precious" crept in. This is my latest purchase but I am in absolute love with it. It's not as matte as Whirl but the pigmentation is beautifully opaque. 

If you are looking for a 90's lipstick, I would recommend 1993 or Untainted Spice out of the bunch I personally picked. Whirl is a close third but it may be too drying for some.

So what's your favorite 90's lipstick? Or what is your favorite lipstick in general? Is there a shade that you consider your signature one? Please let me know!

Review: Becca x Jaclyn Hill Shimmering Skin Perfector in Champagne Pop

I absolutely enjoy watching Jaclyn Hill on YouTube. Her energy and "YAAAASSSSS" moments are not only infectious but they make me laugh pretty hard too. Not only is she funny, she knows her stuff about cosmetics. So when she announced that she was coming out with a highlighter with the very popular Becca cosmetics, I knew this would be a hit. Finally released in all Sephora stores 7/16, I knew this would be pretty hard to get your hands on. Luckily I was able to find it in the city on my way home from work.

Champagne Pop ($38 USD) is on the Sephora site is described as a "soft white gold with pinky peach undertones." It's a beautiful color, definitely peachy. On my skin, it appears like a soft gold. When applied, it's a beautiful beam. I absolutely love it.

If anyone has ever tried or owned any of the Becca Shimmering Skin Perfectors, you know how buttery and smooth these powders are. I personally always wanted one but never bit the bullet to purchase it...until now. According to Temptalia's review, Champagne Pop is a mix of Opal and Moonstone. So if you have both, you really don't need this one.

The texture is very soft. When you use a brush the powder kicks up. Perhaps my only concern is how fragile the product is. I know one solid drop to the floor and this baby will shatter. So be extra careful.

I personally love this highlighter but those with acne scarring or uneven textured skin will probably not enjoy this. Matte highlighters are a much better choice to accentuate the high points on your face without bringing attention to your pores. The staying power of this highlight is great. It was still going strong even after a long day running around coordinating a wedding.

If you are interested in the Becca x Jaclyn Hill Shimmering Skin Perfector in Champagne Pop, I highly recommend you place your order now. They are still in stock online here. You better hurry though, I know that once this sells out, they will not restock it.

Have you tried Champagne Pop yet? What are your thoughts?

Personal: What I've Learned on My Fitness Journey

It is no surprise to my readers that I have been into fitness for quite some time now. It has been almost three years that I've been lifting weight consistently. For the most part, I have loved the results and the progress my mind and body has made (though injuries can be major setbacks). But let me tell you a little bit of what else I've learned and experience on my fitness journey.

1. I have been called Hulk, brolic, and huge. This one is probably the toughest one for me. Have you ever been in a situation where someone's compliment just doesn't sit well with you? Or perhaps you just know it's a backhanded compliment to downgrade your progression or lifestyle changes. While "brolic" isn't necessarily a bad thing (it means chiseled and buff), it still makes my mind falter for a minute. I am in no absolute way, shape, or form shredded or cut. I do have some muscle definition but I am far from being a competitor. Just because I lift heavy doesn't mean I appreciate being called a Hulk (in fact, I prefer She-Hulk or just strong). Sometimes I feel people don't know what to say when I reveal that I am not a cardio fanatic and do powerlifts. I know it's been said time and time again, but girls who lift heavy DO NOT look manly and should not have a fear of that result. That being said, I am pretty good with letting things like this roll off my back now, but it took a while. 

   

   I admit it, I do like to lift things up and put them down.

2. "You must be in the gym all the time!" No, I am not. The most I spend in the gym is maybe two hours. People tend to think that once you post one Instagram photo of yourself lifting in the gym, you're there 24/7. Lifting has not yet become a profession for me, it's a hobby and a healthy way to build grit, character, and self confidence. It is only one aspect of my life that I choose to share.

   

   Selfie's or it didn't happen!
3. My food must be boring. For anyone who follows my Instagram or knows me personally, you know this is not the case at all. In fact, I can tell you my diet is probably what is holding me back the most because I love food too damn much. However, when I am focused with a set goal in mind, I can be very on point with my food. It doesn't mean I stuff my face with tilapia, broccoli, and brown rice all day. Instead I focus on nutrient-dense foods and stay away from processed ones.  

   

   Get in my Bellah!!!!

4. People generally don't care that you workout and will only ask you about your training when it benefits them. Back when I first started, I wanted to tell the world that I loved lifting! I wanted to be like Jack from Titanic and yell from the top of my lungs, "I LOVE LIFTING!" Alas that did not last very long. I mean, I got the generic, "do you still lift?" but once I said, yes, it was on to the next topic. Now I notice that people will talk about lifting/fitness with me only when they want to get information. It's slightly flattering to be asked because people think my knowledge is valid but it is irritating it only comes when they are finally interested in it. Now that being said, don't let that deter you or keep you from continuing your own journey! Remember that the only person you are ever in competition with is yourself.
   
5. People think all lifting is the same. For those who don't work out or don't have much knowledge in the field, lifting is lifting. There are people who think I do Cross-fit and when I explain I don't, I've been told: "well it's pretty much the same thing, right?" I find it infuriating because I find people do not listen to what I say to them. I understand we all make assumptions, but it's not the right thing to do. When it comes to things I don't know about, I try to keep as much of an open mind as possible before I make my conclusions. I just wish everyone had the same regard when it comes to things they may not know a lot about.

I am not saying that everyone I have encountered is like this. There are many supportive friends and family in my life who encourage me to continue down this path. But I have definitely learned that not everyone will share your vision. You will get the naysayers and those who don't believe in you, but if you believe in yourself and you have a strong support system, you know you can do anything. Make your dreams (whatever dreams they may be) your reality. It will be hard work but the result will pay off.

So if you are currently starting your fitness journey, don't quit! On those days you just want to give up, push through and conquer your doubts and that workout. I'm cheering you on!

National Sun Safety Week: Protect Your Skin!

For those of you who are unaware, this first week of June is Sun Safety Week. While we should always take care and protect our skin, this week is a great time to bring awareness to the dangers of too much sun and also the lasting and damaging effect it can procure to your skin. We rarely think of it, but our skin is the largest organ of our body and it certainly takes a substantial amount of abuse from the outside elements.

I was inspired to write about Sun Safety week by Oscar -  a health insurance company in New York and New Jersey that is focused on making health care a better fit for your life.  I am extremely glad to talk about Sun Safety. I think of each of my readers as a friend and I want each friend to be as healthy as they can be! So while this isn't exactly what you would call a "beauty post" I prefer to call this a "care post."

Growing up, I wouldn't say my family was sunscreen crazy, but they always made sure to practically bathe me in the stuff when I would go out to a pool party or the beach. So I always equated the coconut scented lotion with hot, summer days.

As I got older, I took it in my own hands to protect my skin from unnecessary sun damage. This especially happened when I got more into cosmetics. I noticed a ton of my face products had some sort of sunscreen in it and generally thought this would be enough. However, upon further reading, I realized that the sunscreen found in your foundation isn't always adequate enough to provide full protection, especially if you are going to be out in the sun all day.

Now don't get me wrong, I love the sun. I'm not the type of girl who will wear a hat and long sleeves in 100 degree weather to protect myself from the sun's rays. But when I do go out, I always make sure wear a sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher that has both UVA and UVB protection.

While I love the glow that the sun gives me, I don't love it more than my life. Instead of spending hours in the sun to get my daily dose of Vitamin D, I take a daily D3 supplement. It's a safer way to get your daily dose of vitamin D without risking your life or your skin. For those of you who are unaware, taking a D3 supplement will help you maintain healthy bones, lower blood pressure, promote a healthy immune system, and potentially reduce your chances for a heart attack.

So what do you do if you don't want to damage your skin but love that bronzed goddess look? Use a self tanner! There are so many good ones out these days. You can get a luxurious version or even a budget friendly drugstore alternative to get your skin tan and bronzed.

Here are some of my favorite products.

The Body Shop Vitamin C Daily Moisturizer SPF 30 1.69 fl oz
Neutrogena Sensitive Skin Sunscreen Lotion, SPF 60, 3 Ounce

Nature Made, Vitamin D3 2,000 I.U. Liquid Softgels, 250-Count

Jergens Natural Glow Instant Sun Sunless Tanning Mousse, Light, 6 Fluid Ounce

If you have questions, concerns, or what to read more about Oscar Health Insurance you can check them out here.

Lashes and Lingerie: A Steamy Post with Adore Me

Recently, I had received an email from the New York based lingerie company, Adore Me, asking me if I wanted to partake in their Lashes and Lingerie campaign. Now call me a girly girl, but I feel lingerie is one of the most feminine and glamorous things you can wear to feel confident, glam, and sexy. So of course I excitedly agreed to join their challenge.

The rules of the challenge were pretty direct. All I had to do was pick some of my favorite pieces from their collections and post what I would pair with the pieces to complete the look. I admit, there were a ton of really beautiful pieces ranging from ultra sexy to demure, but I managed to pick three of my favorite pieces. With them, I created a board that would go with each unique style.

Look One: The Effortless Goddess

I find it very sexy to wear a lacy bralette under a tank. Not only does it ramp up the sex appeal, it makes a fabulous fashion statement. I felt the Harlow bralette would be perfect under a racerback tank paired with either shorts or jeans, and a killer pair of nude wedges to elongate the legs. As for the makeup look, fun but glam flirty lashes with a defined brow will prevent you from looking overdone but still enhance your eyes. Top off the entire look with a "my lips but better" gloss and highlight the high points of your face for a "glow from within look." You don't need to be a goddess to look like one!

Blue Bralette Harlow Set
NYX Intense Butter Gloss in Sorbet
Steven Madden Wedges: Gunther
Anastasia Dip Brow Pomade
Hourglass Ambient Lighting Powder in Ethereal Light
Ardell Lashes in Glamour 138
Victoria's Secret Racerback tank

Look Two: The GlamVixen

We are now going to ramp-up the sexy factor with the Fauna set. While still girly with the accents of the pink bows, this black lace set will get all the attention of all the boys (and girls). Now you can't just wear this set and not have the makeup to match! Adding lashes that flair at the end will not only open the eyes, but it will give you that half asleep, come hither look. Also for the eyes, make sure to accompany those lashes with a sharp cat eye to enhance your eye shape. Don't leave the face one dimensional, contour and highlight with your favorite contour palette. Lastly, pick a matte red lipstick to top the whole look off. Add your favorite thigh his and black pumps to fully complete glam vixen look.

Fauna Set
Kat Von D Tattoo Ink Liner in Trooper
Anastasia Beverly Hills Contour Kit
CoulorPop Lippie Stix in Bichette
MAC Lashes in 44
Aldo Pumps (similar style)
Icing Thigh Hi Clueless

Look Three: The Natural Beauty

If black lace isn't your thing, perhaps this ultra feminine babydoll set will do the trick. The Anisse set while still sexy, definitely appeals more to those of us who prefer a classic, softer look. For this look, less is more. Wispy, natural looking lashes paired with a voluminizing mascara will enhance your eyes without bringing too much of the drama. A matte, pinky nude lipstick will add another feminine touch without taking away from the set. Lastly, a pair of strappy heels is classy and will of course elongate those gams. Be comfortable in your own skin and work with the beautiful things you already have!

Anisse Set
Velour Lashes in Another Shot of Wispie
Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara
Kat Von D Studded Kiss Lipstick in Lovecraft
Stuart Weitzman Nudist (more budget friendly alternative here)

Thank you to Adore Me for asking me to join the Lashes and Lingerie challenge. This was a great way for me express my creativity! Now tell me gals (and guys) what type of lingerie do you find sexy or the most attractive?

First Impressions: Colourpop Lippiestix in Fancy, Tootsi, Pinch, and Lumiere

ColourPop is a budget friendly cosmetics company that has been all the rage for bloggers and YouTubers alike. Not only is it painfully affordable, its fashionable and chic with its branding and packaging. ColourPop was "born, raised and made with love in the City of Angels (LA)" and is "100% fur baby friendly." They have tons of lip shades to choose from and also have an extensive line of blushes, eye shadows, bronzers, and highlights to boot! The lowest priced single item begins at $5.00 USD and the most expensive priced single item is $8.00 USD. ColourPop also has sets that begin at $20.00 USD.

Clicky-click to continue!

Is It Hype? Kat Von D Tattoo Liner in Mad Max Brown

I think everyone who loves makeup has heard all the praises sung about Kat Von D's Tattoo Liner ($19 USD) in Trooper. So when I was on the hunt for a new liquid eyeliner, I decided to give this a shot rather than repurchase my beloved Stila Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner. I have to say, I am quite impressed.

Instead of purchasing Trooper (which was sold out anyway) I decided to get her newest addition to the Tattoo Liner line, Mad Max Brown. On the Sephora website this color is described as a "rich chocolate brown." Now I love me a nice black liner, but sometimes I do like to change things up a bit so the brown definitely intrigued me.

When I first got the liner, the product did not dispense from the brush as easily as I thought it should. I had started to fear it was a dud. So I wiped the brush back and forth on a clean paper towel to see if the liner would still skip, but after a few strokes it seems the brush absorbed product and evenly dispensed it. So if this is happening to you, just try wiping the brush on the back of your hand or paper towel to wet the brush. That has been my only mishap with this product thus far.

KVD on the top and Stila on the bottom. KVD has an edge when it comes to the preciseness of their brush tips.

Besides the stunning packaging that I come to expect from KVD, the product is stellar. The brush tip is not felt like the Stila or other company versions so it won't fray or do any other sort of funny nonsense. This brush is also very precise and allows you to make the cleanest lines, making this an ideal liner for those who love their winged eyeliner. The color itself is deep and rich which allows you to add definition to your eyes without the drama of a black liner.

And let me tell you about the staying power of this liner. Regardless of what eyeliner I wear, I will get some fading because of the way my lids are. So of course this did fade slightly but it was by far the best at being the most resistant out of any of the liners I have tried. Also, you are not going to get this liner off without any sort of makeup remover. It's that good.

So is the Tattoo Liner worth the hype? For me, yes. I had pretty high expectations and this did not disappoint whatsoever. If you are in the hunt for a new liner, give this one a shot!

You can find Kat Von D products exclusively at Sephora!

Love Your Skin: GLAMGLOW Thirstycleanse Daily Hydrating Cleanser Review

I'm sure you're all pretty sick of hearing me complain about how dry my skin is now. Believe me, I"m sick of thinking to myself how dry my skin is! But if any of you have followed me from the beginning of my blogging journey, you may recall that I didn't always have dry skin. In fact, when I was younger I was quite the grease ball so my skin change was a bit surprising. For years I always looked for skincare geared towards combo/oily skin and it was an abrupt change to start looking for products that would remedy my newly parched, dry skin.

I've searched far and wide for remedies that would eliminate dry, flaky patches and dull skin. So during the VIB sale I went browsing the Sephora at my local JCPenny's. Even with all the array of facial cleansers, the Glamglow Thirstycleanse Daily Hydrating Cleanser caught my eye. I never delved too much into Glamglow as the only time I did was when I tried a travel size of their ever popular Youthmud Tinglexfoliate Treatment mask (which I really enjoyed but it was a tad too stripping for my skin). However, this cleanser had "thirsty" in its title and I knew it was meant for us dry-skin sistas! I quickly snatched this up and left with my pocket $39.00 USD emptier.

I have to say, I do love Glamglow's packaging. The bottle comes packaged in a beautiful tube that is the same coloring. It looks and feels high quality. Once you remove the product from the cardboard tube, you instantly feel the weight of the bottle. The only caveat with this is that I cannot see the product. So it's a guessing game for you to figure out when you will need a new bottle.

For $39.00 USD you will get five ounces of product. It's a tad bit expensive but this is a mid-end luxury skincare product so you need to take that into consideration. I always feel that I am willing to pay a little more for a product that works and agrees with me. It's a waste of money to purchase all types of drugstore cleansers that don't really agree with what your skin needs.

What's unique about this cleanser is how it works. When you pump it out, it comes out as a thick mud. The directions say two pumps are required for an entire face but I've only been using one and it's been just the perfect amount for me. What you need to do is apply this "mud" all over your face. It'll feel like a mask and a little dry. It also smells like coconut Play-Doh to me; I know, a weird combo, but strangely addicting at the same time! Once you've covered your whole face you will then need to wet your hands and begin massaging the "mud" and with a mix of science and magic the "mud" will begin to foam and cleanse. Then all you need to do is rinse and pat your face dry.

Glamglow boasts a ton of beneficial ingredients in this cleanser. They also state that this formula is free of: parabens, sulfates, and phthalates. According to Sephora's description it has: "rare Brazilian yellow clay to help to remineralize the skin, pure green coconut water to immediately boost skin for intense hydration, olive milk rich in olive lipids and proteins to replenish skin, and plumeria flower blossom extract rich in omega 3, 6, and 9 to restore the skin barrier function. Indian gooseberry revitalizes and restores natural skin clarity while TEAOXI® olive leaf powder delivers natural linoleic acid to maintain moisture."  Fancy, right? 

It's been about a month since I've started using this cleanser and I have to say, I'm pretty impressed. My skin doesn't feel stripped and the novelty of having this mud turn into a foaming cleanser is pretty neat. I can't say for sure that this is Holy Grail status but I enjoy it very much and could see myself repurchasing in the future.

Have you tried this cleanser or any of the Glamglow cleansers? I would love to hear about it!

Purchase Glamglow products from Sephora!

Lipstick Obsession: Kat Von D Studded Kiss Lipsticks in Lovecraft and Lolita

I've always admired Kat Von D as an artist, whenever I would catch her on LA Ink way back in the day, I couldn't help but admire her artistry and talent. Her tattoos were always aesthetically appealing so when she came out with her makeup line in 2008 I was always intrigued but I never bit the bullet to buy any of her products. Now that I have purchased two of her lipsticks, I didn't know why I waited so long!

Out of all the colors in the Studded Kiss Lipstick line, I had my eye on both Lovecraft and Lolita, besides the enticing names they were the colors I would wear the most. Also, I've been on a matte kick as of late. Not only do they last longer, my hair doesn't stick to my lips when there's a breeze. Plus I think matte lipsticks are timeless.

Many people who have tried this lipstick line think it can be too drying. For me personally, I don't find the texture drying nor do I find that it drags uncomfortably on my lips upon application. With that being said, I would never apply this lipstick with chapped lips, unless you want to look like a hot mess! 

If you've purchased this lipstick and find it a bit drying, you can always apply some lip balm and use it as a base for the lipstick. I know many people have a lip prep during their makeup application. Remember that matte lipsticks have to be somewhat "drying" for their staying power.

From left: Lolita and Lovecraft

There is no offensive scent for these babies. Sephora describes the scent as a light creme brulee and I would definitely agree. It's not as vanilla-y as a MAC lipstick but there is a definite sweet note to the formula. I don't smell anything after it's applied though.

Another thing I love about the lipstick is the packaging. It's sleek but edgy and embodies Kat Von D wholeheartedly. I can't but to feel cool when I whip this out in public to reapply.

One of the only things I can probably say would be a determining factor is the price point. It is $21.00 USD for 0.10 oz. of product. I feel the formula is similar to that of the Jordana Modern Matte lipstick line which retails for $2.99 USD. I absolutely love those lipsticks and even did a post on it here. So if you wishing to try a matte lipstick without breaking the bank I would suggest to try the Jordana lipsticks. However if you do have the money to spend, I would highly recommend the Kat Von D Studded Kiss lipsticks. 

You can get Kat Von D products exclusively from Sephora!

April Favorites

I decided to welcome myself back with a post about my favorites for this month. I know my blog has been quiet as of late. During late February and all of March I was dealing with some weird skin issues. I had zits and pimples on spots on my face I've never had before. Between the dry skin I already suffer during the cold and the breakouts I had no motivation to post anything. Every time I put on makeup I felt it didn't sit right and just felt all out gross. I ultimately decided it was much better to let my skin breathe, blemishes and all until it healed. Now that the skin has finally calmed down, I'm dabbling back into the makeup and frankly, putting a bit more effort in it. Anyway, enough chatting, here are the favorites.

1) Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion + : I chose the lotion version as opposed to the "gel" version because my skin is hella dry. Even now that it's warmer this lotion is great as the base for the rest of my makeup. My skin feels soft and smooth and it does not react at all. Definitely a keeper.

2) Stella McCartney Stella Eau de Toilette: I purchased this during the VIB sale. I have the original Stella which I LOVE and while this one is similar, it's lighter and crisper, a perfect perfume for spring and summer. It's floral and citrus-y but not too garden floral smelling. If you like scents like Dolce and Gabana Light Blue, the original Stella, or Versace Bright Crystal, you'll definitely like this one.

3) Stila Eyes Are the Window in Soul: Besides the beautiful packaging, this is absolutely gorgeous! I know Temptalia gave this a "meh" review but for me the shadows are buttery and smooth and I have no issues with them. I use this interchangeably with the new Kat Von D Shade + Light Eye Contour palette which is easily becoming another favorite.

4) Smashbox PhotoReady Primer Water: I was totally sold by Jacklyn Hill when she described how much she loved this. I was a little nervous that this was a gimmicky product but this stuff really works! I don't know what it is, maybe it's the nozzle or the order of ingredients but my skin feels smooth and almost velvety. I spritz this twice or three times after my moisturizer and let it set before I go onto foundation.

5) Laura Mercier Silk Creme Moisturizing Photo Edition Foundation: So I originally wanted to purchase the original formula of the Silk Creme foundation, of course when I went into Sephora I found out they got rid of the old formula and have come out with this version. I read the reviews while in stores and the die-hard original formula lovers seem to hate this, but since I never tried it I figured I had nothing to lose. It's been my current go-to, leaves a nice glow without me looking like an oil slick and covers my redness. I wear the color Bamboo Beige.

6) Kat Von D Studded Lipstick in Lolita: Another coveted shade. It's a darker look compared to the trendy pink brown but still suitable for everyday. It's easy to look made up with this lipstick with some tinted moisturizer and mascara. Just a side note, I've tried both the lipstick and the liquid lipstick formula. For me, the liquid lipstick set darker so I would try both in store and see which one you life more.

First Impressions: Milani's Powder Blush in Romantic Rose and Bella Eyes in Bella Champagne

Milani has made its way into the hearts of many people over the years. Not only are these products reasonably affordable, the quality is stellar. Though, as with all companies, there will be some misses. However, with every item I have purchased from Milani, I have not been disappointed. I was and still am a big fan of their Liquid Eye pencil and am also a fan of their lipsticks, so I did not hesitate to get these two items.

After being a limited edition item, the Milani Powder Blushes are now part of the permanent collection. I remember when I first saw these among the blogging community, they were selling like hotcakes and very quickly, sold out. So for those of you who couldn't get your hands on these beautiful blushes before, you can easily get them now! The blushes retail for $7.99 for 17g of product. I know it will be a while before I even make a dent in this powder, however I still can't help but be a little sad when the rose embellishment fades away.

This is a matte blush, which means no shimmer and can be for many people too flat for their complexion. However I think this would be great for photos as it won't make a person look too glowy or dewy. It would also be ideal for those with problematic skin such as acne scars. Due to its lack of shimmer or glitter, this blush would not enhance or bring attention to these problem areas. Romantic Rose would be perfect for light to medium skin tones, deeper complexions may find this too ashy. When I swatched this with my fingers on the back of my hand, it was patchy, but I do not have that problem when applying with a brush. I think the color is beautiful and great for everyday. Thumbs up for me!

The Milani Bella Eyes Gel Powder Eyeshadow I'm kind of on the fence about. Bella Champagne not as buttery or opaque as I would hoped it would be. However, I did pick up the Shimmer finish (there are a total of three finishes: Shimmer, Satin Matte, and Metallic). Overall it's a lovely shadow, but I will need to put a primer over my lids and perhaps a base color in order for this particular shade to shine. Surprisingly enough, this is the only shadow missing on the website itself, I wonder if it's out of stock or discontinued. While this shade didn't fully impress me, I am still interested in trying out other shades and finishes from the collection.

Have you tried any of these products? If so, what did you think? Happy Hump day!

Current Favorite Drugstore Lip Products

I am a firm believer that you can find some gems and treasures at a reasonable or fair price. Currently I've been trying to curb my spending and it has been quite a while for me since I've bought high end makeup. While I do miss the thrill of shopping, I do feel a little better knowing I'm gaining some self-control and saving a few bucks here and there.

I really wanted to share with you two of my current favorite lip products. I've been using these on an almost daily basis. The first is the Vaseline Rosy Lips. Currently priced at $1.79, this cute little pot smells divine, leaves a sheer tint, and locks the moisture in my lips. It has been a very dry and cold winter so far here on the East Coast so this is indeed a lifesaver. I was also a fan of the Dior Creme de Rose lip balm, and while I still love it to this day, the price difference between the two is quite extreme. Each beautiful pot of the Dior balm will set you back $28.00. Another cult favorite is the Rosebud Lip Salve, which isn't really a favorite for me, as it provides too much slip. However it still smells beautifully rosy and floral and will only set you back $6.00 as opposed to $28.00.

The next lip product is fairly new and has been making its waves in the Blogger and YouTube community. The Jordana Modern Matte lipsticks are, in my opinion fabulous. While still matte, they go on smoothly with high opacity. I picked up two colors, Matte Blush and and Matte Tease. They are also a winner for me since the Hubster complimented my lipstick the other day on our lunch date. I know matte lipsticks are all the rage, but if you're looking for a bargain priced, quality lipstick try these out. Each lipstick is only $2.49.

Anyway, enough of my blabbering, here are the swatches of each!

Have you found any good drugstore finds lately? If so please let me know! Also, have a great weekend!