Category: Beauty

Make It Lash – Magnetic Eyelashes Review

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I have been a fan of Lilly Lashes for a very long time. I highly recommend their line of lashes for everyday glam or over the top fabulousness. I have worn these lashes for over two years and will continue to stay abreast of their new products. However, I was recently tempted to try something new. I had been eyeing this new kind of lash for the longest time and felt really captivated by something that seemed really simple and fast. I initially saw them on makeup tutorial on Dominique Sachse’s YouTube channel and just recently decided to purchase them on Amazon.

Photo by Stephany Lorena on Unsplash

Lashes! For Me?

I was really excited about getting them in the mail and thought they might compliment my regular girl’s night in on Fridays (which of course now is a daily event because of the Coronavirus – Covid-19). They arrived to the lock box in just a few days. I immediately stopped everything to try them out. Here’s what I found.

#1 Options Galore

There are two kinds. Magnetic lashes with magnetic eyeliner vs. A pair of top and bottom magnetic lashes that snap onto each other.

#2 Accentuate the Eye
The accents are really nice if you already have some lashes.

#3 Not That Easy
They are easy but it still takes some practice. I ended up going to the local store to get the snap together kind because I wasn’t used to the magnetic eyeliner thing but I will try both kinds of eyelashes a bit more as I get used to it.

Photo by Matheus Ferrero on Unsplash

At First Glance
Overall, I thought it was a pretty cool new beauty product. I was excited about getting them and trying them out. However, I do still feel that there is a learning curve. They do seem to help preserve the lashes that you have but if you use a good glue and take the glued lashes off the right way this shouldn’t be an issue.

Generally, I enjoy trying different makeup routines based on how I feel that day. I may use liquid foundation one day and powder the other or use a different primer, eyeshadow, or eyeliner pencil. In the eye lashes category, I can see myself using both the magnetic and glue on lashes in the future. I did really, really like the Ardell professional magnetic accents.

When I tried these eye lashes, I thought they looked really natural on me. I have very short and thin lashes and I’m always looking for a way to accent my small eyes (and balance my eyes to my nose) so I’m down to try out a few different kinds. I even saw that they have one that uses some sort of magnetic liner powder. It’s always great to see innovative, new beauty products and I look forward to doing more beauty reviews to let you all know what’s poppin!

Here’s where you can find these hot items:
Magnetic Lashes with Magnetic Liner

Magnetic Accent Lashes by Ardell

Lilly Lashes

Elf Eyeliner

CHI Ceramic Curling Iron Review

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Photo by Element5 Digital via Unsplash

When I wanted to experience a true “California Press” on my curly kinky natural hair with real bounce and shine – there was CHI. When I wanted the classic layered look like Claire Huxtable – there was CHI. Whether I wanted a bone straight long weave or a slightly curled natural body wave look, I could always count on my ceramic curlers to get the job done. After trying many, many hair curlers and irons and exploring ceramic curling iron benefits, I realized that there is good reason for investing $100 in a CHI G2 Ceramic and Titanium 1 1/4″ Hairstyling Iron. It makes a major difference and after one try, I was immediately addicted. You have to CHI it to believe it!

From my initial discovery about 7 years ago to today, CHI has introduced many new products, but I will never forget that day that I fell in love with this curling iron did to my hair. It was amazing and well worth an exceptional ceramic curling iron review! I highly recommend this product for anyone looking to take their hair experience to the next level.

My Secret to No Crease Foundation

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Hopefully you enjoyed my last post on the #UltaCollection. I created a weekly schedule for blog posts but forgot to post it last week so hopefully I can stay on schedule. I have something that I would really like to talk candidly about. I have had such a challenge with finding the right primer that lasts all day long, prevents creasing in my smile lines, and keeps me looking nice and fresh.

photo of woman wearing knitted scarf

Photo by Andrea Piacquadio on Pexels.com

I’ll be honest and tell you that it is something that I ignored for the looongeeest time but when I got into it I immediately noticed a difference in the way my foundation lays and stays. I tried several different kinds and had to figure out what worked well for my skin and make up. Finally, after countless trials and errors I can tell what to do to keep an all day glow and keep you skin feeling refreshed, moisturized, and smooth.

The answer is primer.

I’ve found a few that work well at several different price points. I really like the Cover Girl Simply Ageless. It gave me a nice moisturizing layer to prepare for my foundation. I also tried the Dermablend Insta-Grip Jelly. It has an easy to use pump and I just love the feel and hydration of the jelly primers. I also tried the NYX Bare With Me Jelly formula and was pleasantly surprised. I preferred the pump but found a way to put this cooling jelly primer on my face with ease. But here’s the key! I use the Ulta Hydrating Primer with Coconut Water underneath as an extra layer of moisture.

 

 

Ulta Beauty Hydrating Face Primer

I know it may seem like a bit much to use two primers but the one is a bit more oily and tends to prevent the mid day dryness. It’s like the moisture activates at the right time and as I refresh my makeup I’m simply blotting away the moisture. I do not see creasing or any dullness. Sometimes I use the Mario Badescu Spritz Mist or Mac Prep and Prime Fix Plus Setting Spray for a little facial refresh. This has been my optimal path for all day makeup success. This is so important to me because I like a matte look but I don’t want to look too dry.

Here are the top primers I recommend (click to buy):

 

 

Cover Girl Simply Ageless

 

Dermablend Insta-Grip Jelly Primer

NYX Bare With Me

I’m glad to here about any others that you have found successful! Please send me your suggestions, reviews, and recommendations.

I can tell you from experience that you makeup is not complete with out a primer.

Blushing Memories Inspired by #UltaCollection

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I hate to sound completely superficial and self-absorbed, but I fell in love with makeup a long time ago. I worked at Bare Escentuals at the Atlanta Airport for around 18 months and remember how much I loved helping customers look beautiful every day.

Photo by Kelsey Kaay

Aside from that I got to play in makeup – from shiny shimmery eye shadows and highlighters to top of the line skin products and body creams. I never fell away from all of that girlie stuff but just seemed too busy or stressed out to give myself the #selfcare that I needed.

Photo by Joanna Kosinska

Now here comes Ulta Beauty and their exciting gift with purchases that inspire me to try out new eye shadows, blushes, lipsticks, primers, and brushes.  It is like my face is a canvas and there are a thousand different ways to color, accentuate, and enhance my features.  Here are some the products that were in my 10 Piece Gift:

#UltaBeautyCollection with neutral Cherry Blossom and Walnut shades. The Cherry Blossom has just a little bit of shimmer but not too much.

#UltaBeautyCollection eyeshadows with Peony, Lilac, Hyacinth, Wisteria, Maple, and Tiger Lilly. I love the Peony and Maple shades together.

Nudely interrupt lipstick – an excellent replacement for that one lipstick color that I could never find again from last year 😊

Poreless Face Primer – I’m addicted to their hydrating face primer but excited about trying another.

Ulta Beauty Cheek – The softest, smoothest brush ever and I cannot stress the importance of the right brushes enough. I bought a NYX foundation brush a few months ago and it change my entire life.

Lastly, I never thought that I would like glosses again and wondered if a mature woman would do shiny lips.  I actually adore the Ulta Beauty Jelly Gloss. It looks shimmery in the tube but it is still modest.

Ulta Beauty has played a huge part in helping me to remember how much I enjoyed this years ago. I’m excited to play in my makeup a bit more and share some photos and videos in the near future.

Lipstick Woes – Beauty Review

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Has anyone out there found themselves engulfed in the mission of finding the perfect lipstick? I have a cosmetic bag preserved for lipsticks only. There are a number of colors like purples, nudes, pinks, and mauves and it’s not because I’m a lipstick guru. I have been challenged in finding the right color and texture. I like a lot of them for different occasions or moments when I feel like playing around in my makeup, but the color that I’ve had trouble finding is the one for every-day wear.


Photo by Євгенія Височина on Unsplash

I’m talking about that perfect lip color that is appropriate for the quick run to the grocery store, business meeting, or even the gym. I’ve come close many times but end up making a mistake and letting the one that I like get lost in a cycle in the washer and dryer. I’ve literally ruined clothes over this major lipstick mission. And then I’ve found another, but then only find out that the store decided to discontinue it. Before I know it, I am on the hunt again and adding yet more lipsticks to my cosmetic bag.


Photo by The Honest Company on Unsplash

Here is my story on lipstick: 

Ulta Festival Crayon – I instantly fell in love with this color only to learn that it was a seasonal color with limited availability. I’ve tried a few other sources like Amazon and Poshmark to find sellers.

NYX Slip Tease Strawberry Whip – I bought this one at a local cosmetic store and really like it on days when I’m feeling vibrant and ultra-feminine.

NYX Root Bear Butter Float – This is a nice neutral pinkish mauve that is suitable for the office or everyday wear.

Cover Girl Katy Perry Pink Paws – This is my absolute favorite color for special events or photo shoots. It gives just a little bit of sexy glam without being over the top. 

MamaStarrr Satin Patrick Starr – I love the texture of this lipstick and this color is great with my browns, creams, and greens. It is super smooth and moisturizing.

I most recently discovered the Beauty by POPSUGAR Sweet Satin Matte Lip Color and ordered a color called First Kiss. I am hoping that I’ll love this one as much as I loved the Ulta Crayon. I did find a nice replacement in the Ulta crayon line, but it was a matte and I used the Burt’s Bees lip oil over the top. I’m hoping that this gives me the look I want, but glad to have found a few others along the way. I’ll be sure to keep you updated.

What is your interesting story about finding the right lipstick color, I’d love to hear?

Are you into purples, pinks, mauves, or nudes? I’ve heard that Kylie’s line is incredible!

What’s going on in you make up bag?

#valentinesday