December Favorites

Hello Everyone! 

I hope you all had a great Christmas and New Years! John and I went home to Ohio to spend the holidays with our families and it was perfect. I have really missed Ohio winter weather so it was nice to experience the cold (I know I am probably the only person on the planet to say that). However, I am now back in California and back in the routine so I decided it's time to post my December favorites! I hope you enjoy! 

1. Kenra 25 Hairspray I love this hairspray! Again, this is a product I learned about from The Small Things Blog. It is a great hairspray that doesn't make your hair feel stiff with still giving you great hold. I started with getting just the travel size and had to get the bigger size. 

2. Michelle Phan The Life Palette Day Life I got this as a Christmas gift and I love it. I have used it almost everyday since I got it. I love that there are different looks and they are grouped together. Sometimes it gets overwhelming looking at a ton of colors and trying to decide which would look good with which. I love the way this makeup wears, too. I use an eye primer with it and it really lasts! I have yet to try it without a primer so I don't know how it would wear without a primer making it stay. However, the color is great and so pretty and versatile. I love it. 

3. Bare Minerals Get Started Complexion Kit I was never a Bare Minerals girl, but my sister wanted to try this foundation and I was also in need of a new one so I thought why not try it. I had heard great things so I might as well give it a try too. I am so glad I did. I love it! The kit I got comes with foundation, touch up veil, bronzer, luminizer, and concealer. I didn't really think I would use the concealer or the luminizer all that much, but I do! I love them all. I like to use the luminizer right on my upper cheek almost by my eyes for a little extra shimmer. I still use my Physicians Formula BB Cream furst, like a moisturizer and primer, and then the foundation on top of that. Then I use the touch up veil, then the concealer under my eyes, then bronzer and finish with the luminizer. I would definitely recommend these products to anyone! 

4. Cailyn Just Mineral Eye Polish (in Orchid) This is a product that came in my December Glam bag from Ipsy and I love it! I think this was my favorite product I got in my December bag (and it was a good bag). It is a really pretty color and it goes on so nicely. It has a nice sponge applicator that makes it easy to apply it to the lid. I was worried it wouldn't stay on and would fall but it doesn't, it stays on really nicely. I also use an eye primer with this so that may contribute to the long wear. I will definitely be buying this in more colors! 

5. Too Faced Shadow Insurance Anti-Crease Eye Shadow Primer I have mentioned this product before but I thought it was worth mentioning again. I have used this almost everyday! And surprisingly my travel size has lasted! I love the way it really makes my shadow last all day. It goes on smooth and matches your lid color. If you need a new eye primer, I would definitely recommend this one. 

6. L'oreal Visible Lift Color Lift Blush (rose gold) This is another product that I have mentioned before, but again this is such a great product I wanted to mention it again. I use this everyday and love the way it goes on and looks. It gives the perfect amount of color and shimmer without looking like you globbed on paint and glitter to your cheeks. That is not a good look. This is my go to blush! 

These were some of my December favorites, I hope you enjoyed reading and maybe even saw something you want to try! Thanks for reading! 

Carly

November Favorites!

Hello! I haven't posted in awhile and I'm excited to do a post on some of my favorites from the month of November! 

The first product I want to talk about is Bath and Body Works Vanilla Bean Noel lotion. This is a scent I have used and loved ever since it came out. It is such a nice vanilla sweet scent and it is one I think everyone would like. 

The second product is L'oreal visible lift blush. I am not normally a blush person, but ever since I heard about this and tried it I have used it everyday! I love it. It is a cream but I very light cream. It is such a nice color. I have Rose Gold and it is perfect for my skin tone. It's a bit iridescent and I love it. I put it right above my bronzer to just add a bit more color to my face. I love that it's not too pigmented. You can make it as dark or as light as you want by adding more or less. This is a great blush for winter because it gives you a natural flushed look. 

Next I want to talk about an eyeliner I've been using. It is NYX Super Skinny Eye Marker. I had been looking for a new eyeliner and came across this one. It wasn't that expensive so I decided to give it a try. It is a marker so it gives the look of liquid liner but it's easier to apply than those with a brush. It gives a nice line but yes you do need to be more precise than you would with an eyeliner pencil. However, I do like it a lot because it gives a defined line. 

The final product I want to talk about is one I am so excited about! I finally got Urban Decays Naked Palette! I have to say, I have been wanting this for awhile and it definitely did not disappoint! I love it! The colors are great, they are neutral and perfect for everyday, but also have colors that can be for more formal occasions. There are so many different looks you can do with this one palette. 

Thanks for reading! 

Carly

October Favorites

I can't believe that October is almost over! Where has this month gone?! As the end of the month is coming, I wanted to share some of my favorites from October. These products are either new ones I've tried or some good old go to's. 

My first product is Dove Sensitive Skin nourishing body wash. I just got this and only used it once, but what a difference! Just after one use I can tell a difference. My skin is a lot softer and feels healthy. It smells great too. I have sensitive skin, so I have to be careful with certain products with perfume and this one doesn't have any of that. I would definitely recommend this body wash.

The next product is shampoo and conditioner. It is quenched sea mineral moisture. I was noticing my hair feeling dull and dry. This stuff did wonders! It makes my hair really soft and feels healthy. It doesn't make my hair feel weighed down or greasy at all. It smells really good too!

This next product is one that I had been wanting to try for awhile. I love BB creams and have been loyal to Physicians Formula, but when I saw this I had to try it. Maybelline's Dream Fresh BB. When I was buying this I was torn between this one and the Dream Pure. The one thing that drew me to the Dream Fresh was the fact that it has a sunscreen in it. Living in California it's pretty much always sunny (I can't complain) so it is very important that I wear a sunscreen on my face. I love that this BB cream feels light and fresh and doesn't feel oily or thick. The only thing I would change is that it doesn't have a lot of coverage, but I just put a light coverage of my pressed powder foundation on top. This BB cream has so many benefits that I still like using it even though I need to add some coverage on top. 

The next product is one that I kept seeing on The Small Things Blog and I have wanted to try but couldn't find it anywhere! I tried Ulta and Sally's and had no luck. I found it at a small beauty supply store in Pleasanton and I happened to come in on a Monday which is 20% off! YAY! This stuff is not cheap, about $22. However, it is worth it. I have a lot of trouble with volumizing sprays and products that you put on the roots because when I blow dry, my hair always looks dirty and greasy. This stuff does not do that. I don't know how, but it gives you volume without leaving a gross residue. If your ok with spending a bit, this stuff is awesome. 

Lastly, I want to talk about my Mary Kay makeup brush cleaner. I have been using this cleaner for about a year and a half and I love it. I also haven't gotten a new one so it lasts awhile. I love how well this cleaner gets all the left over makeup off my brushes without being too harsh and without having a strong odor. It smells good and it gentle on your brushes and when you use your brushes again, it doesn't irritate your skin. 

I hope you enjoyed reading some of my favorites products! Please leave a comment below if you've tried any of these, or if you'd like to share some of your favorites. 

Carly

Ipsy Bag Review!

I am so excited to do this post! My sister got me three months of Ipsy for my birthday! Thanks, Stef! :) Last week I received my beautiful pink package. I was so excited I opened it in the car (I couldn't wait until we got home.)

noyah lipstick: This was the item I was the most cautious of. This is not a color I would normally buy for myself. It is kind of a dark purpley burgendy (the picture above doesn't show the color well.) However, when I tried in on, I liked it. I wouldn't wear it as an everyday lip, but with a more dressy outfit, definitely.

Nicole by O.P.I "On a Gilt Trip":I haven't used this yet, but I am a hige fan of O.P.I so I'm sure I will love this too!

MODEL CO Volume Eyes: I love trying new mascara and was really excited to try this one. I hadn't heard of it before so I was trying it with no expectations. I currently use Too Faced Better than Sex mascara and I LOVE it! So it was really unfair to try a new mascara when I'm in love with another. However, I tried this new one and it's pretty good! It doesn't add the length that my Better than Sex mascara does, but it does add some volume.

Épicé exfoliant: I have really sensitive skin, so most cleanses, lotions, and exfoliants make me break out in little bumps all over my face. However, I tried this one and hoped for the best. And I'm glad I did! This is a great exfoliant, it is not too rough and doesn't irritate my skin. I leaves my face feeling smooth and healthy.

Ayers Body Butter: I love this lotion. This may be my favorite item in the bag. It smells AMAZING! It contains essential oils jasmine and rosemary. It leaves my skin feeling really soft and I smell great!


I loved my October Ipsy bag! All these products are great! Comment below if you've tried any of these products and what you think of them :) Thanks for reading!

Carly

Falling in LOVE with FALL!

Hey everyone! It's been awhile since I've posted and I'm so excited to be talking about one of my favorite things....FASHION! And what's better than talking about fashion and fall?! I absolutely LOVE this season and everything about it! Yes, I am one of those people who goes season extreme! As soon as the weather starts getting even the slightest bit chilly (and here in California that anything lower than 85) I go crazy with pumpkin, apple, and cinnamon scents. We're stocked with Bath and Body fall hand soaps and have our wax burner out with pumpkin spice latte giving our home a warm cozy scent!

So, what's the natural thing to do when you have all our fall decorations up and your home is smelling like a hayride? Fall fashion! I am in love with fall fashion! Boots are my favorite accessory and I may have a small obsession. But I have accepted it and I'm ok with that. :) I wanted to share with you some of my favorite fall looks! 

This look is great. It is casual with the leggings and the tank, but the brown leather jacket and gold watch dress it up a bit. This is a great stylish fall outfit. 

I love this look. The slouchy top adds comfort, but the black heeled boots dress it up. Combining black and brown looks great for fall! 

This combination screams FALL! The brown oversized sweater  with the brown boots look great with the plaid scarf. The red bag adds some color to this fall casual look! 

I could go on and on adding looks, but this post would get way too long so I'll save some for another post. Be on the lookout for some more fall fashion favorites! :) 

Carly

Review: Physician's Formula Organic Wear Tinted Moisturizer

As I posted in my beauty favorites, I LOVE Physician's Formula BB Cream. I love the way it makes my skin look and feel and what it does to my skin. However, I was running low on it so I decided to try another PF foundation. I decided to try the Organic Wear Tinted Moisturizer. I thought organic meant it would be good for my skin and I always like trying new products. I tried it and I have a few thoughts on it.

1.) The smell. I am not a fan of the smell. I can't really describe it. It's not a fake smell or a rubbery smell, it's more herbal but VERY strong.

2.) The feel. It feels sticky on my skin. When I apply it I used my foundation brush and I also tried using my fingers. Either way, it felt sticky and not very smooth.

3.) The coverage. I didn't feel like this covered very well. Now, it is called a tinted moisturizer, but I figured it would cover somewhat.

4.) After using it for a day or two, I broke out a little on my forehead. I had been using my BB cream so my skin was pretty clear prior to the use of the Organics Wear.

Overall, I would not recommend this to anyone who breaks out easily, who doesn't want to have to use a powder on top of it to reduce the sticky feeling, or who is looking for full coverage. I suppose this would be good to use if you don't break out easily and if you are looking for a moisturizer only. Don't expect coverage with this PF tinted moisturizer.

I hope you all found this review helpful! Please leave a comment if you've tried this product and what you thought! Thanks!

Carly

L'oreal Infallible Eyeshadow Review

Happy Friday!

I'm so excited to review L'oreal Infallible Eyeshadow! My sister had this when she was visiting and I tried it and loved it! So I decided to get some for myself. I got Glistening Garnet, Amber Rush, and Endless Pearl. I love these! These go on so nicely and don't clump like some cream shadows. I haven't noticed any creasing and I did not use eyeshadow primer today. The colors are true to what they seem in the container. They are vibrant and you don't need to use a lot to get color. I used my finger to apply because I felt like it would make my brush clumpy and hard to clean. I had no problem using my fingers. I would definitely recommend L'oreal Infallible Eyeshadow!

     

     

Thanks for reading! As always, please comment if you have used L'oreal Infallible and what you think of it. Thanks!

Carly