When Your Lips Are Toast, Use This Butter!

OK so that was a cheap tag line, but let me just say my lips are kind of crazy flaky dry like that.  I’ve been sick a bit over a week now and of course the two places that get uber dry are just around your nose and your lips.  Usually for me, since I’m weird like this, my lips are usually dry just around the line area of them. Never the full lips, that get licked the most. See weirdo here.  So while my boyfriend and I were on a trip to Target and getting medicine, he decided he wanted to try some different lip balms.  We were surprised when we found that Palmer’s made a lip balm.

If you haven’t used anything from Palmer’s go out and purchase something right now, especially if you love the smell of cocoa.  I fell like I have a hot chocolate lingering on my lips (sadly no taste included).

The site says that the cocoa is a natural moisturizer, which if I could slather on cocoa all day long I will.  I might.  I think I need to go buy a jar now.   Their site also says that their tube is the second most concentrated in the moisture area (while their jar has the most, the lotion the least), also another benefit SPF 15! If you want some more information go check out their site here and check out their FAQ.

Another neat feature, that I tend to enjoy a lot, is the oval shape.  It’s sits a lot nicer in my purse and in my pocket (which was also a selling point for my boyfriend). This balm has become a favorite of mine so far.  I believe it was only $2.99 at Target, and if you ever find yourself there go and pick up one.

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13 Best Beauty Discoveries of 2013

Happy New  Years Everyone! I hope 2014 is going to treat everyone well.  Our little community on Facebook called Blogging Shares  (click the link to join!)decided to do this blog hop for all of you to see what our top fave discoveries we found this past year and to introduce you to some new sites!  I hope you enjoy and find some new bloggers to follow, they are all lovely ladies!

*These are in no particular order and the link on each name is to the websites if your interested in subscribing or ordering*

1. Ipsy Monthly Makeup Subscription

Ipsy is a $10 monthly subscription bag.  Each month you get a great little bag filled with 5 products.  I have not been disappointed thus far.  Each month my bag is guaranteed with some type of lip product, eye product and nail polish, the other two are up in the air.  If your interested in starting up a subscription this would be my top pick over them all.  Also if you review each product you received you get 10 glam points. Once you reach 1000 points you are eligible for a free gift. Also another plus is you get great discounts from each brand name they are using that month. Check out my review for my December bag.

2. Mox Botanical Lip Butter

This was a Birchbox purchase in November.  I am normally not a make up pot type of person, but there is something special about this one.  First the packaging, it’s a heavy material, at first look you think it’s a thick plastic but it’s really made of glass that protects it from the elements.  Secondly, the product melts nicely on your finger and doesn’t get under your nails.  It goes on smooth….like a butter and smells amazing. The pomegranate and fig is an exclusive to Birchbox.  You can check out my review here.

3. Urban Decay B6 Vitamin Infused Complexion Spray

I never in a million years would have thought I would have bought into any of these sprays. I’ve eyeballed them many time but would not pay for them since they were over $30.  Thou my best friends at Sephora put a nice 500 VIB point gift together from Urban Decay and this product was included in it.  The product at the Sephora site says its a soothing prep spray that features the first stabilized form of vitamin B6, which absorbs oil, minimizes pores, and reduces redness.What I really love is that it makes my skin super soft and when I use my moisturizer my face seems to absorb it better and makes my makeup site on my face so much better.  All I can say is that I’m really hooked and when this tester runs out I will be purchasing a full bottle. A plus is that this tiny bottle has lasted me over a month, since I use only 3 small spritz I do not use so much.  Check out my review here.

4. Julep’s Freedom Polymer Top Coat

I use to be a subscriber as a Julep Maven,  it’s $19.99 a month and you receive several different polishes according to your quiz results.  They also have some great box deals.  The only reason I unsubscribed is that I was running out of room for all my polishes.  You can usually do a google search for promo codes to get a discount on your first box. Now this particular item I did no purchase on my own. I received it in my Popsugar box, you can purchase it on the Julep site thou.  This top coat is AH-MAY-ZING!  If you love a shiny gel like finish and a quick dry time this product for you. As a bonus I didn’t see any chipping till maybe 4-5 days later and that was minimal.  I’ve used several top coats in my time but this one, hands (nails) down is my fave. It cost $18 if your not a member but it’s well worth the price.  To read some more on it, check out my review here.

5.Kat Von D Spellbinding Eye Shadow Book

Sadly this one isn’t available anymore.  I am happy that I splurged and purchased it when I did.  I didn’t eve know it was limited and is no longer showing up on the Sephora website.  This one cost me $50, but the perk was there were several shades that were new to her line, and I am not sure they have been brought out full yet.  What is fun is that she gives you the pairings already and suggest to put the darker shade on top of the lighter one, if you do it the other way around to give it a color shifting look.

You can check out my review here.

6. Walgreen’s Studio 35 Eczema Lotion

Your probably wondering why I am including this, right?  Well not all lotions are created equally and sometimes the least expected works the best.  My step kid has terrible eczema in the winter and we were looking for cheaper options then Aveno since it’s a bit more expensive, and honestly not all cracked up to be for a lotion.  So one day I was sitting at home noticing how cracked my feet were and this lotion was in arms reach, so why not try it?  The heavens opened and the angels sung, because the next day my feet were 50% softer and had less noticeable cracks.  Three days of using it straight my heel was healed up and not as tough that comes with the roughness.  This also works great on sand paper like elbows.  It’s worth the drive to Walgreen’s.  Check out my review here.

7.  Buxom Serial Kisser Lipsticks

Ok this one was another holiday packaging that isn’t available but majority of the colors you can find seperatly at Sephora for $21 each. Buxom has some of the best glosses and lipsticks. They are all buttery and smooth and does not dry out you lips. I’ve never used their lipstick products before but they are amazing. I have a friend who went back and bought another one of these sets because she loved them so much.  The pigment is bright and bold and last for sometime.  You can check out my review here.

8. 12 Benefits Healthy Hair Treatment

I have baby fine hair, and I can’t do much to it except add copious amounts of hairspray to it, and by the end of the day it’s crispy looking…..until now.  In one of my Birchbox subscription I received a sample of this product.  The most amazing results I got out this product was that my hair became softer, shiner, smooth, grew faster, and looked overall more healthier.  Also when I went to see my stylist (that I didn’t see for 2 months) she asked me if I got my hair cut somewhere else because my ends looked healthy and very little bit on the split side.  I think that says a lot.  Amazon has the best deals on it, but you can purchase it too on Birchbox.  You can check out my review here.

9. The Wet Brush

Keeping with the hair thing, this is hands down the best brush you will ever own. EVER!  I have trouble with tangles, and they are virtually nonresistant with this brush.  If you do have a tangle it works it out with ease and no pain at all.  I don’t think I have to say more, except it works on all hair types.  Amazon has it on sale right now around $7. Check out my review here.

10. Vitamin E Sink-In Moisture Mask

I am a long time fan of The Body Shop, I’ve been using their Vitamin E moisturizer for years. What’s amazing about this is that they are always running a huge sale online.  I was curious one day when  I hit their 50% site wide sale and decided to try so more of their Vitamin E line.  I fell in love with this mask. It’s not your ordinary one. It goes on thick and stays on the surface. You let it soak in and remove it by sometime of paper towel.  My skin was amazingly super soft for a week.  Check out my review here.

11. Zoya Nail Polish

Zoya is one of the best nail polish brands you can ever purchase.  They are exclusively online, unless you go to a nail salon and possibly purchase it there.  They mainly run $8 unless you get their Pixiedust (and you should it’s sparkles and hardly chips) for $9. The polish is free of the harsh chemicals that you get in most.  I’m a life long fan, I hope you will all try it at least one. Check out my review here.

12. Urban Decay Lip Revolution Lip Line

Perhaps my favorite purchase of the year.  These lipsticks have the best color saturation and never dries your lips out.  They are a bit of a splurge at $22 but so worth it. I own 4, and plan to own the whole collection. Honestly I never was a lipstick person but this made me a lipstick obsessor.  Check out my review here that also includes swatches.

13. Too Faced Pretty Rebel Palette

I wanted to put Urban Decay Naked 3 palette on here, but I haven’t reviewed it or used much of it as much as love it. So this is my favorite palette  of the year.  I love the bright pop of color with the gold and the hot pink. Really it’s so fun and punk, right down to the packaging.  It’s $46, and worth it.  The colors last forever, longer with an eye primer.  Check out my review here.

**Well there you go, I wish you all a beautiful 2014 and hope you found something new that you want to try on this list. HAPPY NEW YEAR!**

If for some reason you can’t get to the links, visit these lovely ladies to check out their list

Vivienne at Jolie Pagaille – http://www.JoliePagaille.com

Michelle at Pretty in the East- http://www.prettyintheeast.wordpress.com

Jen at Dragonfly Reviews – http://dragonflybeautyreviews.wordpress.com/

Kristina at The Feminine Files- http://thefemininefiles.com

Christine at Simply Stine- http://www.simplystine.com

Cheryl Hawley – http://theskinnyonbeauty.com/

Angela Watkins at The Makeup Whisperer http://wp.me/p3Wf8e-fu

Nancy Taylor (Smokey) – http://jumpingmouse9.blogspot.com/

December Ipsy Bag

Well I’m sorry for such a blurry picture, I couldn’t tell to much on my phone.  I’ll just call this abstract December Ipsy bag.  Let’s break it down with each goody!

This perhaps is my favorite out of them all. I’ve been wanting to try some falsies but never would buy them because I couldn’t justify the purchase. Thou now I can finally try them and try them I will!  New Years is coming up and I will be wearing these bad boys!

NYX Lipstick in Celine.  I love lipstick but this wouldn’t be one I would have bought off the shelf. I think this one would look fantastic on a darker skin if worn alone.  I’m to pale to pull this off by itself so I think this will add a nice sparkle or contrast to a bright colored lipstick.  The formula thou for this is soft and smooth.

Swatch for the lipstick is on the bottom, the Bombshell all over stick is at the top

This is the Be A Bombshell all over stick in a very nice rosey pink. It’s very light.  I think I would use it more of a lip color and maybe try it out as a blush, but I am so use to my NARS Orgasm color.

Nicka K  nail polish.  I’m not sure what the color name is but it’s a nice brown neutral color. And. It. Is. AMAZING!  Tomorrow I’ll show you how pretty it is once I clean up my manicure.  If I had one complaint it’s that it’s  a thinner formula, so two coats is a must.  I also love the bottle design, it’s so cute!

Finally Pop Naturally Bare eye shadow. These are great every day wear shadows.  I haven’t used any Pop eye shadows before, just a lip color, so I’m curious. But this one will be great for traveling and when I want to go light (haha, like that will happen!)

What were your dislikes and loves of your Ipsy bag this month?

Urban Decay B6 Vitamin-Infused Complexion Prep Spray

I’m baaaaacccckkkk!  It took a few days with tinkering with our router but I’m finally back up (thank you boyfriend!)  I’ve been wanting to write a review on this amazing Urban Decay product.  I’m a huge fan of Urban Decay and I don’t think there is a product that I haven’t like from them.  I’m really enjoying that they are doing some vegan products in their line ( I think vegan friendly makeup tends to have some great pigmentation)

Early in November I used my 500 points I saved up from Sephora and picked out an Urban Decay prize.  It contained an eyeshadow, primer, all nighter setting spray and the b6 vitamin-infused complexion prep spray.  I’ve always been curious on this product, but never could bring myself to pay $33 on it.  A few days of using this and I kicked myself in the rear for not purchasing it.

The instructions say that you do a few spritz on your face before you start your makeup process.  My usual routine now is to do 3-4 spritz, then put my vitamin e moisturizer, foundation, then the rest of the makeup.  This added spray to my moisturizer has make my skin so soft and keep it moisturize all day long. It also takes away what little red spots I might have. I LOVE IT! I LOVE IT! I LOVE IT….A LOT!

If your interest this is the link to it at Sephora

To give you more of an idea on the product this is what Sephora has to say on it

 

What it is:
A soothing prep spray that features the first stabilized form of vitamin B6, which absorbs oil, minimizes pores, and reduces redness.

What it does:
Spritz on this soothing spray any time of day to hydrate, prep, and soften your skin with vitamins and antioxidants. Use it in the morning to prep and wake up your skin, during the day to refresh your skin (without messing up your makeup), or at night before your treatment. Versatile enough for people of all ages and skin types, this energizing formula is great for your skin and it feels amazing.

[picture taken from Sephora]

What it is formulated WITHOUT:
– Parabens
– Sulfates
– Phthalates

What else you need to know:
This oil- and paraben-free spray comes in a sleek, soft-touch bottle that emits a calibrated, microfine mist. It goes on so light, you’ll hardly feel it. Vitamin B6 normalizes overactive cell-signaling proteins (called cytokines) to help control sebum production, vitamin E provides antioxidants, and willow bark (rich in natural salicylic acid) aids cell turnover.

Research results:
In a clinical study, after 8 weeks of use:
-Over 81% of participants had a measurable reduction in oil and surface shine.
-Over 78% had more radiant skin with less redness and fewer blemishes.
-A majority of participants had a measurable improvement in pore size.
-Over 72% had a measurable improvement in their skin’s overall appearance.

 

November BirchBox

I’ve had this one for a week or so now, and it’s been sitting on my table for that long. As you can tell I am not to happy with it. Birchbox will be getting one more month before I decide to cancel my subscription. They haven’t sent me much that I liked. Thou if I do cancel it, that means I get to start up a new one!  So it’s not all a loss, right?

I normally get a lot of polishes, this one comes form Color Club in Dark and Stormy.  This is close to the color I received in my Ipsy bag this month. Unlike Ipsy this is just a small sample size, which is ok. I’ll probably give it away as a gift, I have a few ladies at work that like nail polish. It retails for $8

Paula’s Choice Resist BHA 9 for Stubborn Impurities. The Birchbox site says hat slowly releases small doses of skin-transforming salicylic acid long after your initial application. Best of all, the doses are so gentle your skin will reap all the positive benefits of salicylic acid without experiencing any dryness or irritation. I’ll lock this one away when I have some rough spots, which I’m sure will come up now that it’s getting cooler. A full size retails for $37.  This is just a small sample.

BeeKind Body Lotion with honey and organic chamomile extracts.  I did try this out when I opened the box.  It’s got a nice light scent and is not to greasy.  It will be nice to keep at my desk or in my purse. It retails for $15.

Chella Highlighter Pencil in Ivory Lace. Birch box says that it’s a brightening formula visibly lifts and opens up the eyes when used on brow bones, water lines, or inner corners, and contours the face by drawing light to the high plains of the face (like the bridge of your nose, cheekbones, and Cupid’s bow). It also helps you create a flawless finish with precise coverage of dark spots, acne scars, and blemishes, and creates clean lines around your lips when you’re rocking a bold lip color.  Ok after reading that I will give it try. I have never used a highlighter but we’ll see how it goes. It retails for $18

Chuao Honeycomb Chocolatier Bar.  This one I don’t have a real picture of because my boyfriend wanted to try it right away.  This bar was a nice dark chocolate with bits of honey comb which was a perfect combination.  This line makes interesting combinations with popcorn, maple bacon, pop rocks to name a few. The 2.8 oz bar is $6, a little steep for chocolate, but if you want to try something different this would be the one.  This was actually my favorite part of the box.

Did you all get anything interesting in you Birchbox?

 

November Ipsy Glam It Up Bag

This months Ipsy is all about the holidays and Glamming it up. First let me start with the bag. While I like the way it looks, it wasn’t the best made.  The bottom seams are already coming apart and I can see the pink lining inside. But really are we in it for the bag?  No, we’re in it for what is in the bag.

I’m really impressed with what was in my back this go around. It seems like it was all full sizes. First a full size mascara from Em Michelle Phan.  I’m a sucker for mascara, so you’ll be getting a review on this in the next few days.  Next is the Be A Bombshell lip crayon is Hot Damn.  I love this name for a red lip crayon, it’s right up there with F Bomb.  Then another Starlooks Gem Eye Pencil in Amethyst , it’s pretty lovely. I think this is the second line from Starlooks and I love the last one, it’s one of the creamiest and smoothest pencil I’ve ever used, and I don’t really care for pencils. Here is a little idea what they look like……

Next is the Pixie Beauty Bronzer.  I like getting Pixie items, my Target discontinued the line a year or so back, so when I was in Myrtle Beach earlier this year I had to stock up on their face primer.  Next is another Nailtini nail polish in a silverish color, it’s a nice color, good for winter. Lastly Glamglow Youthmud Tingelexfoliate Treatment. This is perhaps my favorite of the bunch. I’ve heard good things on Glamglow and I’m a sucker for a face cleaning product I’ll probably try this out tonight and let you all know how this works.

So Ipsy subscribers did you get anything different?  Have any of you used these items? Let me me know what you like and don’t like!

Kat Von D Spellbinding Eye Shadow Book + Sephora Freebies

This is the piece I have been waiting for, it got a bit later than expected from Sephora, but it was also the postal service needing a signature for the package.  Why do they insist to deliver while I’m at work?  Any who…..how amazing is this cover?  I wish I had it in a poster!  I went to add a link to Sephora so if you were interested in purchasing it you could get right to it, but it seems like they sold out.  I’ m so glad I bought it when I did.

This is the first shot on the back, gives you how she paired up the shadow colors

The colors with stars on them are never before seen colors from her line

I love the mini tutorial ideas inside the book cover

The little details such as the plastic covering is what I love.  At lease the shadow won’t go everywhere.

This is the left side of colors. I have to say out of all Kat Von D colors her gold/gold bases are my favorite.

I can’t wait to use the bottom right color called WTF. I love these pinky cranberry like colors.

Now for the freebies.  I had over 1100 points with Sephora. I normally try to keep it around 500, but the last several months their 500 gives didn’t strike my fancy.  Thou when I got word they had an Urban Decay gift I jumped all over it. I’ve never used the Prep Spray or Make Up Setting Spray but I have several of their eye shadows, and you all know how I love their Eye Potion Prime. This has to be my favorite 500 point gift in a long time.  The quality is getting better every year. This is why I love Sephora!

Since I still had some points left over (when all said and done I still have 369 points) I picked out two of their 100 point gifts. The first is a Clinique Chubby Stick In Mightiest Maraschino.  It’s very moisturizing while still having a great pigment to it.

Next is Stilla in Vivienne.  I’m not a huge fan of the Stilla line but I love lip colors so I had to steal this one.  It’s a nice neutral color, a pretty gloss would liven it up

I think this is going to be my favorite palette yet, until probably Urban Decay Naked 3 comes out!

Have you all bought any new palettes yet or what is your favorite?

Would anyone like to work with Easy Canvas Prints and get a great site offer with a review??

Hey all! I just did a review on my new awesome Easy Canvas Prints.  There is not catch really they asked if I knew at least 5 bloggers that would like to work with them with doing a product review like I did.  No catch. If your interest let me know I will give you them their email and you just have to let Olivia know I refereed you.

My New Easy Canvas Prints..Love It!

I love photos of photos, it’s so meta.  I recently acquired this special treat from Easy Canvas Prints.  I got to choose an 8×10 canvas with a picture of my liking. I chose the one above.  I took this last year at Brookgreen Gardens in Myrtle Beach.  I thought it would be pretty to start my collection of printing out my pictures of my travels.  I am really far from disappointed, it’s so beautiful.  The picture seems a lot more crisper than what I’ve took myself.  Don’t mind the glare it’s from my camera.  It’s to up high and I’m a short round but I couldn’t capture the sides but the picture wraps around. 

If your looking for a different way to display your pictures I would highly recommend Easy Canvas Prints.  If you watch they do have great deals all the time, the quality is amazing and the shipping is super fast. The only thing I would suggest they might change is their packing.  While it was in a box WAY larger then the actual print, I would have liked to seen it wrapped inside the box to make it more secure if something leaks in and keep it a big more secure so it won’t bound around in the package.  But mine wasn’t harmed, it’s just that I’m real particular with items like this.

 

Shine on Blog Award

I was just nominated again for the Shine On Award from Beauty By Erica Kate. Thanks!!!  Stop by her blog she has some awesome post!

The rules of this award are…

• Proudly display the award logo on your blog.
• Link back to the person who nominated you and thank them.
• List 7 facts about yourself.
• Nominate 15 other bloggers and let them know you’ve nominated them.

7 Facts about me!

1. One day I want to live in Myrtle Beach.

2. I could sit all day on the couch watching movies

3. I have started a small collection of Funko Pop vinyls

4. Harley Quinn is my favorite DC character, even thou I like Marvel better

5. I hate the MPAA, it’s a weird annoyance thing

6. If I had to wear an eyeshadow for the rest of my life it has to be purple, I own over 20 shades

7. I have a bad habit of starting projects and not complete them.

 

I’m still adding those who I follow but these are a few of my fave:

Ooh La La Nail’s Blog:  She has some great polish ideas as well as doing polish challenges she takes on.

Jinelleloves Beauty & Fashion Blog:  I LOVE her Polyvore outfit inspirations

Liz’s Beauty and Fashion Blog:  Her beauty tips are great! Simple things that make you wonder how come I didn’t think of this?

Etsycare:  Her reviews are the best. Not just the best, but I have learned about so many new products since I’ve been following her!

Adventures in Polish Land:  What can I say this is another great blog that deals with the lovely world of nail polish!  As well as some other side reviews that are fantastic!

Joannaloves:  Her OOTN are amazing.  Her collection of makeup and reviews are amazing.  Check her out!

Beauty Informer:  She does some great reviews and we share a love of Lush!

Lipstick and Love: yet another great review of all great products!

La Rue Verte: Clean living and clean eating, give you great ideas how to eat right with flavor

Samandro:  What can I say about her?  She was the first blog I followed when I started.  I love all her post, and I really enjoy the little comments we have going.  She is the one to follow.