March Favorites!!

Ok so here is my first favorites blog. I really wanted to film this and finally upload a video but my face currently looks like Quagmire from Family Guy due to a horrible wisdom tooth removal so...yeah, I'll just type.

By the way, most of these are not makeup related...since I'm banned from buying it, I've been purchasing much more hair and bath products. I think that's probably the opposite of what I'm supposed to do. Oh well, enjoy!

                                

My first favorite is La Croix sparkling water. My favorite flavor is Grapefruit Pamplemousse, as they call it on the can. I love these because they are portable, they taste amazing and they are all natural with zero calories. Its a bonus that they are made in Warren, Michigan so I can support my Michigan economy! :)

My second favorite thing this month has definitely had to have been everything from the Liberty of London line at Target. This pattern in particular^^

I love the summery colors and the flower prints. The picture is of a file box we bought for all of our computer things so they aren't all over the living room. I also bought a picture frame and I hope everything gets "clearanced" so I can buy more, like some gardening or kitchen stuff. I also want a duvet if it ever hits stores. Flip flops in this pattern wouldn't kill me either. Too cute.

The next three things are bath/shower items. The first is the new Suave Shampoo in Rosemary Mint. It smells just like Aveda shampoo for so much cheaper. I think these bottles were $1.92, regular price. Sold! Both the shampoo and conditioner work very well, for my "normal" hair anyway. You also feel so refreshed and as the label on the bottle says: "invigorated." I also bought the almond one but have yet to try it...smells amazing though.

The next product isn't new by any means but I have been using it a lot. It is...da da na na...Rockstar Soap from Lush!! Seriously one of the best smells I have ever smelled. I want to take a bite of it. I cut pieces off and have one by my kitchen sink, bathroom sink, in the shower and one at work. Some of the guys there even like it.

My last bath/shower favorite has been St. Ive's Energizing Citrus Body Wash.

I've been using St. Ive's body wash for years, my usual favorite has been Oatmeal and Shea Butter Body Wash because it smells like a dream and is super moisturizing, however, I think that smell is better for the wintertime and the Energizing Citrus is perfect for this lovely weather we're having...which by the way...NICE. I have the window open right now and I can hear kids riding bikes and playing outside. I saw the ice cream man yesterday. Could it be? Spring time in Michigan before April!? I sure hope so.

The next favorite for March is Pixi Stix Nail Polish by Orly. It comes with a mini lipgloss and it's just a perfect corally pink color for spring time. I wore a creamy green color to work and at least four guys that work with me said (at different times of the day) "yeah, don't wear that again, we don't like it." Ok, good to know, guys don't dig green nail polish. But anyway, haven't received any complaints so I guess it's a winner. I love it though, just a perfect nice creamy spring time color. I've been pushing spring a little early, in case you can't tell ;)

 The next favorite I've been loving this month is the LOREAL Studio Secrets Professionals Magic Perfecting Base. Whoa what a mouthful! Anyway, I just take a foundation brush, dip it in the pot and spread it on my face. It rubs in clear but you can tell where you put it because it turns your skin completely matte. It's amazing really. It does provide a really nice base for your foundation. I just wish the pot wasn't so small :( I will definitely repurchase!

And for the only makeup product to make it into my March Favorites...Clinique Advanced Concealer. Perfect! Like I mentioned before, it turns powder/matte when it dries so it basically sets itself. It covers up everything too! The only thing you have to be careful about is to make sure not to apply too much. I made that mistake the first time I used it and if you put too much on and blend it out, it turns too yellow-y and creases a little. But I'm glad you only have to use a tiny bit at a time, it will last me a really long time!

The next product is relatively new to me but so far I'm loving it. It's Badger Balm For Hardworking Hands. It comes in a pretty big tin for around $7.00 and I bought mine at Cracker Barrel. They have a nice selection for all kinds of needs. There is a sleep balm, a bug away balm, and a bunch of other natural, all organic balms and creams. This balm is a little oily but once it soaks into your skin it's nothing but moisturizing. Has a nice clean scent too.

The last favorite for March is Smith's Rosebud Salve. Now, I realize I'm jumping on the band wagon a little late but I just bought my first tin of this stuff and it is AMAZING. You can use it on your hands, elbows, pretty much everywhere. I use it mostly as a lip balm. It's not sticky and it really does smell like roses. I love it.

So there you have it, my first ever favorites blog post. Hopefully when it comes time to do an "April Favorites," I'll be able to film and upload a video! Thanks for reading! Comment and Follow!! :D

TAG!!

At the risk of blog overload, I'm going to do another tag. I want to do all the tags I can without having to make a video of them.

My Go To Products. Go to products are not necessarily your all time favorite products, but products you reach for on a day-to-day basis. For instance, I love NYX black eyeshadow but its not practical for going to class at 8 am...

My Go To Products

Primer

The easiest one to grab when I'm in a hurry is Revlon Age Defying Primer. I heard it has a weird smell but I don't smell it, I think it works great.

Foundation

Revlon PhotoReady is my everyday foundation. It blends into my skin so nicely. All I have to do is dot it all over my face and then blend in with my brush.

Concealer

Clinique Advanced Concealer. A little on the yellow side but it helps to cancel out dark purple/blue circles under my eyes. Dries almost like a powder and you need the littlest bit...I think it will last me forever! Its completely matte and doesn't move after you apply it. Love it!

Setting Powder

For this I also have to say Revlon PhotoReady Translucent Setting Powder. It looks very white in the pan but on your face, applied with a kabuki, it looks so nice. Your face looks soft but not dull. I already hit pan on this so I'm going to be a little sad if it runs out before May!

Blush

Now this is one of those "this isn't my absolute favorite, but it's what I reach for everyday..." My go to blush is NYX Powder Blush in Dusty Rose. Nice, taupe-y pink color that leaves you looking natural and not too dramatic for everyday. I like it better for winter time, I switch on and off between that and the same blush in Natural. So cute. I usually put my blush and bronzer/contour on a little heavy and then blend them all in with a MAC MSF.

Contour/Bronzer

This has got to be N.Y.C. Bronzer in Sunny. Its a perfect bronzer because you don't have to be careful with it like other bronzers...you can just slap this on and blend. I love it because its Matte so I can wear it everyday and it looks natural. The best part about this bronzer is that its like $3.00! I had heard that it was being discontinued but in EmilyNoel83's latest video (love her by the way) she said that it wasn't so...yay for that!!

Highlight

Most of the time I jut run my MAC Mineralize Skin Finish in Perfect Topping over the top of my cheeks, forehead, nose and chin. But...if I remember, I will use Wet n Wild Mega Glo Powder Illuminator, I just swipe the two lightest shades with an angled brush and put it on the highest part of my cheek bones and my nose. You really can't beat it for the price.

Mascara

Definitely Rimmel Maxx Volume Flash, I can't say enough good things about this mascara. I just adore it.

Eyeshadow

My go to eyeshadow combination for everyday is Ulta Truffle on the lid, MAC Satin Taupe in the crease and one of the lightest colors from the Coastal Scents 88 Warm Palette. So easy to do and is very neutral. And, if I want to go to dinner or something after work, all I have to do is put a little black in the outer v and voila!

Eyeliner

I think this one will have to be Ulta Automatic Eyeliner in Deep Brown. Sometimes black eyeliner can be a little harsh for the daytime, at least on me. I love this particular eyeliner from Ulta. The purple one that I thought would be amazing, Raisin, actually makes my eyes water until it wears off. The brown one is fabulous for everyday though and you don't have to worry about sharpening it or for that matter getting poked in the eye. I used to swear by Rimmel Soft Kohl Kajal Eye Pencil but for some reason, lately, it seems to be smearing down my face when I wear it and that's no fun for anyone.

Lipstick

It's going to have to be Viva Glam Gaga. This is one of those lipsticks that you can put on without a mirror. One layer and it looks so pretty and dainty and if you want it to be more opaque you can apply more. I always have this one in my purse.

Lipgloss

I really don't have a go to lip gloss. I like lip gloss and everything I just don't put it on every morning because I am probably going to eat breakfast and I'm only going to work. If I had to pick one it would be Victoria's Secret Beauty Rush Lipgloss in Cherry Bomb. It looks good and smells a hundred times better. But, for the sake of this tag, every night and every morning I put on Nivea Kiss of Moisture lip balm/stick. I don't necessarily hate the natural color of my lips so as long as they are smooth and moisturized, I'm alright. And since last week, I've been using Smith's Rosebud Salve religiously. So I guess that is considered "go to." It gives your lips a "I just ate a red Popsicle about an hour ago" look...which, if you're wondering, is cute.

Brows

I usually put ELF Wet Gloss Lash & Brow Clear Mascara on my eyebrows to help them stay put throughout the day. I know, very exciting.

Brushes

Honestly all but 5 of my brushes are ELF. I have a bent eyeliner brush and an angled eyeliner brush from Sonia Kashuk, 2 eye shadow brushes from Studio Tools and an angled blush brush from some unknown brand...I just remember it is pink and works well. I use a kabuki, a foundation brush, a flat top powder brush, a blush brush, a million angled eyeshadow brushes, flat shader eye shadow brushes, crease brushes, some fluffy blending brushes and a lip brush that I use to put shadow underneath lower lash line.

Pictures coming soon, I promise!!

40 BEAUTY QUESTIONS TAG!!

I'm just gonna say I was tagged by someone who tagged everyone :) Yay for my first tag!

SKINCARE

How many times do you wash your face daily?
I want to say twice...but it's usually only once. I usually take a shower at night, so I was my face in the shower and then I put my lotion and eye cream on and some spot treatment if needed and then when I wake up in the morning, unless my face feels really greasy I normally just use toner and start my makeup process from there. I don't want to wash it too much and risk my face drying out.

What type of skin do you have?
I have combination/oily and acne prone skin :-/

What is your current facial wash?
I use Aveeno Skin Brightening Daily Scrub. I have a thing about face washes. I refuse to use one that is just a foaming cleanser. I feel like they don't really get the makeup off all the way or get really into my pores unless it's slightly abrasive. I think the Aveeno scrub has a good balance of cleansing power and just enough "gritty-ness." I have noticed my skin tone is has evened itself out, which is one of the claims. I want to try the Aveeno Clear Complexion Daily Scrub but I already have 2 extra bottles of the Skin Brightening Scrub because I bought them for about half price in the short-lived bulk section at Target.

Do you exfoliate?
I kind of look at my cleanser/scrub as a daily exfoliator. But once or twice a week, I use St. Ive's Blemish and Blackhead Control Apricot Scrub. I feel like this would be way too abrasive to use everyday but it's good especially if you've been gardening or sweating all day. You can use it on your body too, you feel so fresh after. I've been using that product for years, like before I even cared about makeup. Highly recommended :)

What brand do you use?
See above! I really should learn to read all the questions first...

What moisturizer do you use?
I used to use the Clean & Clear Oil-Free Dual Action Moisturizer and it worked really well. It didn't cause me to break out and it moisturized enough without feeling greasy. When my bottle ran out I decided to try something new, my face was clear and I was looking more to illuminate my skin. So I tried Clean & Clear Morning Glow Moisturizer. I loved how it looked and felt but who was I kidding? The only reason my skin looked good was because of the products I was using before. So then came the breakouts...I needed to switch back to the Dual Action but I opted for the CVS brand instead. Seems to be doing a great job for about $2 less. Score.

Do you have freckles?
More in the summertime all over my nose. I kind of like them.

Do you use eye cream?
Yes, I'm trying to be better at using it nightly. I use Clinique All About Eyes.

Do you or did you have acne prone skin?
Yes, I have sensitive skin that is acne prone, especially if I don't stick to a routine.

Did you ever have to use Proactiv?
Yes I did use it for a few months. I was desperate to clear my skin and my mom bought it for me. The moisturizer was the smallest bottle yet I always had so much of that left over. The toner was extremely drying. Not for me.

MAKEUP

What foundation do you use?
I use Revlon PhotoReady. I know there is a lot of controversy about this product but I really like it. I don't find it too shimmery. I just wish it had a little fuller coverage. But I love the pump!

How about concealer?
I LOVE my Clinique Advanced Concealer. I love how it dries into almost a powder like finish. It sets itself and doesn't budge. Terrific concealer.

Do you know your undertone color?
I've never had anyone at MAC tell me what my shade is but I know I have pink undertones. I don't even get tan, I just get pink. Plus my veins are blue.

What do you think of false eyelashes?
I don't know how to apply them, I don't really think they're worth it unless you're going to a really special event of some sort. I've never even used an eyelash curler. I'm fortunate to already have thick, long lashes so I'm grateful for that.

Did you know you're supposed to change your mascara every three months?
Yes, I've heard that. I go by how the mascara feels. If it is still fine with no clumps I'll let it go a little longer, especially since I'm the only one who uses it. If it starts to dry out, I'll throw it out early.

What brand mascara do you use?
Honestly, the only high end mascara I've tried is Clinique. My current favorite is Rimmel Maxx Volume Flash. It really does add volume. If I'm going out somewhere at night, or I want to be a little more fancy, I'll use the Rimmel mascara first and then I'll use Rimmel Glam 'Eyes Lash Flirt on the ends of my lashes. It really separates and lengthens. Ta Daa...perfect lashes!

Sephora or MAC?
Oh that's a tough one. It's hard to even compare. Sephora carries all kinds of wonderful brand name products and MAC only carries one. A better question would have been Sephora or Ulta...but stop, Biz, that wasn't the case. I really don't think I can choose. Both!

Do you have a MAC Pro Card?
Nope :( One day.

What makeup tools do you use in makeup application?
I use a ton of brushes and Q-Tips.

Do you use a makeup base/primer for the eyes?
Yes. I use Urban Decay Primer Potion first-always. Then if I feel like I need a base I'll use a MAC Paint Pot or a NYX Jumbo Eye Shadow Pencil. Creasing makes me cringe.

For the face?
The first primer I owned was a Revlon Age Defying one that I got on clearance for about 2 bucks and I happened to love it. But I'm currently in love with the LOREAL Paris Studio Secrets Professional Magic Perfecting Base. It makes your skin feel so soft and also mattifies it immediately. Lovely.

What is your favorite eye shadow (color or shade)?
Oh I have so many favorites. But it ultimately boils down to Truffle by Ulta and Satin Taupe by MAC. I'm also currently loving Garnet by Lorac (which I bought for a steal!!) Lorac has such good texture, perfect for blending. And I've always liked coppery shades to go with my blue eyes.

Do you use pencil or liquid eyeliner?
I normally use pencil just because it's faster but if I have time I like to use a gel eyeliner. Rarely ever liquid.

How often do you poke your eyes with an eyeliner?
Rarely. Its normally the mascara that gets me.

What do you think of pigment eyeshadows?
Ok, here we go. I love the color payoff of pigments. They are gorgeous. I just think they make such a mess. I need to try and press my pigments when i get a chance. My sister uses nothing but loose shadows. I just hate fallout and find them time consuming. It feels like they weren't finished when i bought them or something. I don't know, I really need to just press them and get over myself.

Do you use mineral makeup?
Rarely. I used to use Bare Minerals and then I swore by the Maybelline Mineral Power but I've just been trying so many different things, I stopped using them. I do love a good mineral veil though.

What is your favorite lipstick?
That's another hard question. I've really been into Viva Glam Gaga-I know overhyped, overrated, whatever, I love it. I also frequently use E.L.F. Natural Nymph and Revlon Baby Pink.

What about lipgloss?
MAC Little Vi and Maybelline Born with It.

What's your favorite blush to use?
My all time favorite blush is Physician's Formula Baked Blush in Baked Berry. When the ban is up I need to buy backups on Amazon. I also love NYX Powder Blush in Natural.

Do you buy your makeup on Ebay?
I never have before, no. It's a lot of work to make sure they aren't fakes.

Do you like drugstore makeup?
I love it. Just like with high end makeup, there are things that are fabulous and things that are nothing special. A lot of products that I have a drugstore version and a high end version of, I like the drugstore just as much or more than the high end version. Of course, for collection reasons, I love all the pretty packages of MAC, Urban Decay and other more expensive brands ;)

Do you go to CCO's? (Cosmetic Company Outlets)
Yes! I hit up my CCO as much as I can. Unfortunately, the closest one to me is almost 2 hours away. But you can't beat the deals and the products that are discontinued at the MAC or Clinique counters. I remember the first time I watched a CCO haul video on YouTube. I was like, "Wait...wait...what? How could I have not known about this?"

Did you ever consider taking makeup classes?
Yes, I think I may still. There's always more to learn and I think I have a knack for it.

Are you clumsy putting on makeup?
I try not to be. And once you have a standard everyday routine down, everything pretty much falls into place. I also have a touch of OCD so...that helps. But then again sometimes I'll get into the car and look in the daylight and it's like "what happened?"

Name a makeup crime that you hate.
Ughhh, when someone's foundation ends at their chin and it's not blended into their neck at all! Like they have a mask on or something.

Do you like colorful shades of makeup (lipsticks, eyeshadow) or neutral ones?
I really want to love colorful stuff but it's just not me. For night I might use purple eyeshadow or something but I like light lips, nudes, pinks and for eyes I like taupes, tans, greens, browns. You can't go wrong that way.

Which celebrity always has good makeup?
Kim Kardashian! I'm working on some tutorials of hers. She is absolutely gorgeous. I love her nude lips and dark eyes with defined cheeks.

If you could leave the house using just ONE makeup item, what would you use?
Ahh, this makes me nervous just thinking about it! I'd have to say foundation. But I think I'd need concealer and eyeliner and mascara as well. Alright, foundation. Final answer.

Could you ever leave the house with no makeup on?
Yes, and, sorry to say, I have before. To the drugstore or gas station. But I just feel more confident with makeup on, even if its mineral.

Do you think you look good without makeup on?
I think I'm ok without it. Its just my dark circles and imperfections that bother me.

In your opinion, what's the BEST makeup line?
That's too hard to pick but if I had to, I guess I'd say MAC. But I love drugstore lines as well.

What do you think of makeup?
I love it! Its such a fun way to express yourself!

A second blog post already?

So, I'm relatively new to the blog world (besides my personal xanga link in my AIM profile in high school...ha) and I have to say, I LOVE IT! I'm on a roll too, two posts in one night.

Now I know this is probably the wrong time to start a blog, while I'm currently banned from makeup. I realized I went a little too crazy, bought a little too much makeup in a short period of time. Oops. So I promised my friend at work that if he didn't "hoard" any useless leftover material from work for a while, I'd abstain from buying makeup for the same period of time. I decided I'd quit buying new makeup products from the end of February until May 27th. How did I decide on that day? Well I did a little research on the new MAC Collections due to come out this season and May 27th is when the To The Beach Collection hits stores. From now until then, none of the collections really caught my eye.

I gotta say, the To The Beach Collection looks amazing. I love the packaging and the summery/beachy feel of it. I can't wait! I hope I don't go too crazy. I plan on buying the empty MAC eyeshadow palettes while I'm there as well. I need to start depotting some of my singles. These next two months can't go fast enough. Classes will end and the makeup of summer can flourish in my collection!

This whole not-buying-makeup thing started out being super difficult. It's gotten easier, although watching all the videos on YouTube on new or favorite products makes me want to hit Sephora hard. But I've been proud of myself...I've resisted.

So, sadly, I won't have any brand new haul pictures for you guys until then but I will be doing reviews of the products I bought before my ban kicked in. Type at y'all soon...

SUBSCRIBE!! :)

Get to know me...

I grew up in a household of only girls. Two younger sisters and my mom. I could never locate any of my makeup, hair products and especially clothes. Don't get me wrong, we had mostly good times but when you live with that many girls, there are no toy trucks lying around, no action figures...most everything had some kind of prissy, frilly, pink something on it.

Let's go back to summer of 2004...I was a sixteen year old looking for a job. My mom worked in the "city hall" of our township. I applied and somehow got a job working as a seasonal laborer for the grounds department for a township in Michigan. I was suddenly surrounded by males. It was amazing. Being one of the few girls that worked there, getting to hang out with guys made the work day a blast. I made tons of friends, learned more than I ever expected and actually enjoyed going to work. I mean, how many girls do you know that can drive a tractor??

While I enjoyed my job, I sort of lost the "feminine" side of me. I actually carried a bi-fold wallet. I was covered in dirt daily. Nail polish? What's the point? I now only owned the bare essentials of make up. I had drugstore mascara, some "cover up" and lip balm.

Towards the end of 2007, I got transferred to do maintenance work inside the recreation/banquet building of the township. I know, still a manual labor job where a uniform is required. But working inside all year, getting away from the elements, seeing other girls that got to dress up everyday for work in an office setting...really got me wanting to get in touch with my girly side. I started buying more and more makeup, reading reviews on new beauty products, highlighting my hair again. I couldn't even walk past a makeup section in CVS without looking at all the new product displays. I liked the idea of finding things that worked for me, colors that complimented my eyes, products and remedies that made my hair shiny.

I'm also a fan of baths. I love lighting a candle, reading a magazine and relaxing in the tub. Christmas 2008... My boyfriend and I were doing some Christmas shopping at the mall and were walking through Macy's. And that's when I found LUSH. Insert angels singing. I love Lush. So when I went home that night, I started reading up on some of the products on the Lush website. Now, everyone probably knows all about Lush...how they have a pretty cool interactive website with fun little videos and reviews. I saw a video by a girl known as Allthatglitters21. So after I saw her Lush video, I visited her YouTube page and had an epiphany. There were other girls out there like me. No longer did I have to hide my obsession for makeup and beauty products. I wasn't alone. [I now know how significant Elle is to the YouTube makeup guru community.]

Since then I've watched hundreds upon hundreds of videos. I subscribe to about 20 wonderful ladies. I've learned a lot but mostly I feel like I've connected with people who "get" me. It's fabulous. Which brings me to this blog. After seeing how much fun these girls have making videos and writing blog posts about all things beauty, I was becoming jealous of them. Um, duh, Biz...start your own blog. So I did. I hope everyone that reads this learns something about makeup, relates to something I'm talking about or at least get a laugh or two.

I'll post a blog letting you guys know when my YouTube video finally kicks off. :)

Follow me on Twitter! twitter.com/beautybybiz