The Influenster Beauty blogger box for 2012 was fantastic. It was packed full of wonderful goodness that had me squealing with delight.
My favorite item in the box would have to be the Goody Simple Styles Spin Pins. I have very thick hair with a lot of natural curl to it. I usually like to wear it in a ponytail or some kind of bun. These little metal coils make putting my hair up simple, quick and oh so cute! All you need to do is create your bun and then twist the pins in to secure it. I usually twist one pin in from the top of the bun and then twist in the other pin up from the bottom.
The next item I'm loving is the NYC New York Color eyeshadow. Everything you need to complete your eye look is included in this little compact. The color pay off is quite nice and the colors are very pretty.
The Bath & Body Works mini candle they included was such a lovely treat. I loved the scent I got and I burned it all the way until there was nothing left. They also provided a $10 coupon that I will probably use when I buy the full size version of the candle....thank you Influenster!
Monday, November 5, 2012
Thursday, June 28, 2012
These nail strips are made of 100% real nail polish which includes the base, color, and top coat. One sheet of strips has 8 nail polish strips and each package comes with two sheets, one for each hand. Each nail strip has a different size on each end, so that is a total of 16 sizes on each sheet. They are also very flexible, so you can gently stretch them to get a perfect fit. This is something that I have found that other brands are lacking. I tried the Sally Hansen brand and I found them thick and stiff and hard to work with. I also don't think that they adhered to my nail as well as the ones by Incoco did.
Another thing I love are all the designs and colors that they had available.
The variety ranges from opaque color, glitters, designs, and various french tips. They also do special releases for holidays which I think can be really fun!
My favorite design is their French Manicure system. I was quickly and easily able to do a PERFECT french manicure on myself. The french manicure comes with two packages; one for the white tips and the second is the sheer nail color. You can also mix and match the colors of your tips and nail bed. The possibilities are really endless and only limited by your imagination.
Their website www.incoco.com provides video instructions in case you need some extra help.
Fortunately, each nail strip package comes with a little sample of a couple of strips that you can use for practice first. I will say that it does take a little bit of practice to get good at this. Another important tip that I think people often skip is to gently buff your nails prior to application. It is really important that you remove all oils from your nail, otherwise the strip will not properly adhere.
Once you open the package, you need to apply them right away. They begin to dry once they come in contact with air and become stiffer and difficult to work with.
Another great thing about these is that they are not harmful to your nails. They actually have tiny pores in them which allow your nails to breathe.....and YES, they are "three-free"!
I also love the fact that they have virtually no odor. I've brought them when I travel and have given myself a manicure on the plane!
Let's see, what have I forgotten....
- Removal....easy, with regular nail polish remover.
- Longevity....I'd say 4-5 days for someone who is really hard on her nails (me).
- Prices range between $5.99 (white tips only) to $10.99 for designs.
As you can tell, I'm really excited about this "dry" nail polish by Incoco. And I prefer the Incoco brand over all of the others that have popped up here and there. The only downside to Incoco, is that it is not readily available in stores, and you will probably need to order it online.
I'm the girl who scares the mailman when he brings my order, as I squeal with delight and scream, "Makeup, you're MINE!"
Have you tried dry nail polish yet? What are your thoughts on it?
*I am not affiliated with any companies and have purchased these products with my own money. All opinions are my own.
Monday, June 25, 2012
Good-bye racoon eyes....Hello long lashes!
It seems like I have been searching for the perfect mascara for as long as I have been wearing makeup. There are so many different kinds out there; different formulas, different wands. Most of the time, I don't even notice the difference between them.
The biggest problem I always have is that no matter what type/brand I use (even waterproof), I always end up with black smudge marks under my eyes.
A few weeks ago, I was standing in front of the overwhelming mascara display at Target. I was approached by the beauty consultant they often have working there. I don't know if she works for Target or for the cosmetic lines themselves. She encouraged me to come over to the next isle and take a look at the Boots No. 7 mascara. I had heard of No. 7 from mainly UK YouTube beauty gurus, and didn't know that it was now available in the US. I also knew that the amazing Lisa Eldridge was their Creative Director; this should have been my first clue that these products would be amazing.
I selected two different ones; the Exceptional Definition Mascara in black, and the Extreme Length Mascara, also in black. At $7.99 each, I could justify buying two! I chose these ones based on the uniqueness of their brushes.
The Exceptional Definition brush has different types of bristles on each side. It also has a "ball" brush on the tip of it which is great for getting lashes in the corners and bottom lashes. I absolutely LOVE this mascara. I love the way the brush combs through my lashes, separating them and applying just the right amount of mascara on them. I am able to define and lengthen my less than impressive lashes, making them look long and glamorous.
The Extreme Length brush is a smaller brush that has a slight curve to it. The bristles get gradually longer toward each end, allowing it to follow the curvature of your eye. Then, on the other side of the brush, the bristles get gradually longer toward the center of the brush. I like to apply the first coat with the curved side and then use the side with the longer bristles to comb out any clumps and further define my lashes. I also think that this is an amazing mascara, but it doesn't have the "ball" brush tip like the Exceptional Definition mascara does and I miss having that feature.
Remember my problem of black, smudgy under-eyes? Well, I have almost forgotten about it because I don't have that problem with either of these wonderful mascaras! And at the end of the day, when I want to remove my makeup, I don't have any problems trying to get my mascara off. It comes right off with a makeup wipe or eye makeup remover on a cotton pad.
I am so happy that I have finally "made up my mind" and found not one, but TWO amazing mascaras! I'm excited and can't wait to try other products from Boots No. 7! I'll be the girl stalking the No.7 isle at Target whispering "makeup.....you're mine!".
Do you have a favorite mascara? Do you stick to high-end or drug store brands? I'd love to hear your mascara stories!
*I am not affiliated with any companies and have purchased these products with my own money. All opinions are my own.
The biggest problem I always have is that no matter what type/brand I use (even waterproof), I always end up with black smudge marks under my eyes.
A few weeks ago, I was standing in front of the overwhelming mascara display at Target. I was approached by the beauty consultant they often have working there. I don't know if she works for Target or for the cosmetic lines themselves. She encouraged me to come over to the next isle and take a look at the Boots No. 7 mascara. I had heard of No. 7 from mainly UK YouTube beauty gurus, and didn't know that it was now available in the US. I also knew that the amazing Lisa Eldridge was their Creative Director; this should have been my first clue that these products would be amazing.
I selected two different ones; the Exceptional Definition Mascara in black, and the Extreme Length Mascara, also in black. At $7.99 each, I could justify buying two! I chose these ones based on the uniqueness of their brushes.
The Exceptional Definition brush has different types of bristles on each side. It also has a "ball" brush on the tip of it which is great for getting lashes in the corners and bottom lashes. I absolutely LOVE this mascara. I love the way the brush combs through my lashes, separating them and applying just the right amount of mascara on them. I am able to define and lengthen my less than impressive lashes, making them look long and glamorous.
The Extreme Length brush is a smaller brush that has a slight curve to it. The bristles get gradually longer toward each end, allowing it to follow the curvature of your eye. Then, on the other side of the brush, the bristles get gradually longer toward the center of the brush. I like to apply the first coat with the curved side and then use the side with the longer bristles to comb out any clumps and further define my lashes. I also think that this is an amazing mascara, but it doesn't have the "ball" brush tip like the Exceptional Definition mascara does and I miss having that feature.
Remember my problem of black, smudgy under-eyes? Well, I have almost forgotten about it because I don't have that problem with either of these wonderful mascaras! And at the end of the day, when I want to remove my makeup, I don't have any problems trying to get my mascara off. It comes right off with a makeup wipe or eye makeup remover on a cotton pad.
I am so happy that I have finally "made up my mind" and found not one, but TWO amazing mascaras! I'm excited and can't wait to try other products from Boots No. 7! I'll be the girl stalking the No.7 isle at Target whispering "makeup.....you're mine!".
Do you have a favorite mascara? Do you stick to high-end or drug store brands? I'd love to hear your mascara stories!
*I am not affiliated with any companies and have purchased these products with my own money. All opinions are my own.
Friday, June 15, 2012
Easy Eyeliner....just like playing with markers....
Let's face it, liquid eyeliner can be intimidating. Nothing like trying to paint the perfect cat-eye with something that looks like black "white-out". But luckily for us, technological advances aren't just for computers. Say "Hello!" to felt-tip marker eyeliner pens. Now, it couldn't be easier to create all sorts of perfect and sharp eyeliner looks.
I have tried a few of these fairly "new to the market" eyeliners and have to say that my favorite (so far) is the Revlon ColorStay Liquid eye pen. I've found these at Ulta, Target and Walgreens, so pretty much anywhere, and they are affordable at around the $8 mark. I like that they not only come in Blackest Black, and Black, but in Blackened Brown too! How great is that?! (Sometimes I have a hard time finding liquid eyeliner in brown.)
The felt tip on these is pointed on the end, allowing you to create a nice, crisp cat-eye effect. I like to go over my line again after I've made the outline to make sure I get it nice and dark. Once applied, this is not going anywhere until you remove it with your eye makeup remover. Revlon claims that it lasts up to 16 hours and I can believe that.
One thing to be aware of is that they can dry out quickly if you don't recap them securely. My first brown pen was dry right out of the package, but it was easily exchanged (save your receipts!). I opened the new one in the car, tested to make sure it wasn't dry and smiled as I said, "Makeup, you're mine!"
Are you sporting liquid eyeliner this summer? Do you practice putting eyeliner on at night right before you take your old makeup off for the day? I do! Let me know if you've found any other great liquid pen eyeliners out there!
*I am not affiliated with any companies and have purchased these products with my own money. All opinions are my own.
I have tried a few of these fairly "new to the market" eyeliners and have to say that my favorite (so far) is the Revlon ColorStay Liquid eye pen. I've found these at Ulta, Target and Walgreens, so pretty much anywhere, and they are affordable at around the $8 mark. I like that they not only come in Blackest Black, and Black, but in Blackened Brown too! How great is that?! (Sometimes I have a hard time finding liquid eyeliner in brown.)
The felt tip on these is pointed on the end, allowing you to create a nice, crisp cat-eye effect. I like to go over my line again after I've made the outline to make sure I get it nice and dark. Once applied, this is not going anywhere until you remove it with your eye makeup remover. Revlon claims that it lasts up to 16 hours and I can believe that.
One thing to be aware of is that they can dry out quickly if you don't recap them securely. My first brown pen was dry right out of the package, but it was easily exchanged (save your receipts!). I opened the new one in the car, tested to make sure it wasn't dry and smiled as I said, "Makeup, you're mine!"
Are you sporting liquid eyeliner this summer? Do you practice putting eyeliner on at night right before you take your old makeup off for the day? I do! Let me know if you've found any other great liquid pen eyeliners out there!
*I am not affiliated with any companies and have purchased these products with my own money. All opinions are my own.
Wednesday, June 6, 2012
Lips in love...YSL glossy lip stains
This month I'm absolutely loving YSL's glossy lip stain in the colors Mauve Pigmente and Rouge Vintage.
I have been on the eternal search for the perfect long wearing lip product. I've tried traditional "lip stains" but have not liked the dry, splotchy look they give me. When I heard about this revolutionary formula by YSL, I knew that I just HAD to give it a go.
At $32 a piece, I thought "This stuff had better be magic!"....and it WAS. Only a day went by before I was running down to Sephora to buy a second color.
These lipgloss-stain hybrids are highly pigmented, pleasantly scented and VERY long lasting. I can't put my finger on the scent, but it gave me some major "scent deja vu" from childhood. I can't tell you how many times I've been caught sniffing this stuff!
I think that part of the trick to application and the longevity of wear is to apply it in layers. The first layer is a thin layer that I use my finger to really buff it in to my lips. After that dries (within a few seconds) I then apply the thicker second coat. Finally, after about 30 seconds, I then apply the final glossy coat. I can literally go through half of my day without need of a touch up.
The applicator is rather unique. It is a very soft, wide, and angled doe foot applicator that feels very pampering when it is applying this magical elixir to your lips.
I would highly suggest that you actually try the colors on yourself in the store if possible. I found that they look very different on the lip than in the package. I also suggest taking a little walk through the store with the lip gloss on because the color tends to change after a bit of time. At least that was my experience. I had tried on so many colors and just couldn't make up my mind. I left the final color on my lips and actually left the store to do some more shopping. I caught a glimpse of myself in a mirror and saw how wonderful the color now looked! I almost ran back to the store to purchase it.
I held my new YSL Glossy Stain in Rouge Vintage in my hand and I said, "Makeup, you're mine!"
What do you think about the current lip stain trend? Have you tried this glossy-stain? What did you think about it?
*I am not affiliated with any companies and have purchased these products with my own money. All opinions are my own.
I have been on the eternal search for the perfect long wearing lip product. I've tried traditional "lip stains" but have not liked the dry, splotchy look they give me. When I heard about this revolutionary formula by YSL, I knew that I just HAD to give it a go.
At $32 a piece, I thought "This stuff had better be magic!"....and it WAS. Only a day went by before I was running down to Sephora to buy a second color.
These lipgloss-stain hybrids are highly pigmented, pleasantly scented and VERY long lasting. I can't put my finger on the scent, but it gave me some major "scent deja vu" from childhood. I can't tell you how many times I've been caught sniffing this stuff!
I think that part of the trick to application and the longevity of wear is to apply it in layers. The first layer is a thin layer that I use my finger to really buff it in to my lips. After that dries (within a few seconds) I then apply the thicker second coat. Finally, after about 30 seconds, I then apply the final glossy coat. I can literally go through half of my day without need of a touch up.
The applicator is rather unique. It is a very soft, wide, and angled doe foot applicator that feels very pampering when it is applying this magical elixir to your lips.
I would highly suggest that you actually try the colors on yourself in the store if possible. I found that they look very different on the lip than in the package. I also suggest taking a little walk through the store with the lip gloss on because the color tends to change after a bit of time. At least that was my experience. I had tried on so many colors and just couldn't make up my mind. I left the final color on my lips and actually left the store to do some more shopping. I caught a glimpse of myself in a mirror and saw how wonderful the color now looked! I almost ran back to the store to purchase it.
I held my new YSL Glossy Stain in Rouge Vintage in my hand and I said, "Makeup, you're mine!"
What do you think about the current lip stain trend? Have you tried this glossy-stain? What did you think about it?
*I am not affiliated with any companies and have purchased these products with my own money. All opinions are my own.
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