Pamper Yourself a Little!

Hello lovelies! I thought I'd come to you with something a little different today...like taking time to take care of yourself. I have found that it is very important to take time for yourself and pamper yourself just a little.

I want to share with you that I am a mother of 2: a 3 yr old and a 12 year old. On my journey as a mother, I sometimes feel like I lost who I am as an independent person as I have been so focused on being a mom and supporting my family. I used to really invest in my clothing, shoes, hair, nails, etc. I mean, I was that girl who bought a new outfit for every event I would attend! As you can imagine, all of that came to a hault and I truly lost focus of taking care of me! 

I came to this grueling realization several months ago and made a resolution for myself this year: Take some time and money to invest in me and not feel guilty about taking care of and pampering me! It's only March, but I have taken some tiny steps! 

First, I have invested in letting professionals periodically do my hair! I used to get it done every 2 weeks once upon a time! I got it braided about 1.5 months ago and the plan is to get it professionally washed, conditioned, trimmed and styled next. I have also started getting my nails done again!  I can't tell you how great that me time feels! I'm still working on the guilt side of things, but hey, baby steps! My next goal is to start hanging out with my friends!

All in all, I just want everyone to know how important it is to take care of you! I know the struggle and I totally regret not doing this sooner! Pamper yourself a little ladies! You are so worth it!

Foundations Faves: L'Oreal, Maybelline, & Covergirl

Hello Lovelies!

So as you know, this makeup journey is fairly new for me! I was never one to wear makeup, because I just didn't need to. Now that I am over the age of 35, I feel that makeup is just where it's at and I have a slight addiction. This slightly stemmed from my belief that now that I am over 35, I have to do something to keep from looking so plain! I often get mistaken for being in my 20's, so I though adding makeup to my regimen would help.....but it didn't! Anyhow, the end result is that I developed a slight addiction and now I can't help myself!

Let me be the first to say, that up until about 2 years ago...I despised foundation! I hated the way it felt on my face, I thought it looked fake, and I thought it was just heavy! Truth is....some foundations can come off that way, and so it is important that you find what is right for you. I personally do not need heavy or full coverage foundations, but rather something to just even out the skin tone. Therefore, I stick to lighter foundations now that my trial and error is complete, and here are 3 that I feel in love with!

Maybelline Fit Me Matte & Poreless: Now this I love! I have combination skin, that leans more oily than anything in my T-zone. This makeup is light weight, blends well, and gives a satin finish which I love! Depending on the oiliness of your skin, you may need to blot or powder midday, but otherwise, this is a go to for me! It costs all of $6 at Walmart and it seem to last throughout the day. The one thing I dislike is the packaging. I can't get all of my product out of this glass bottle, but it lasts a while and the color match, for me is unbeatable! I am Coconut 355.

Covergirl Ready, Set, Gorgeous: This is another one that I like. The formula is a bit thicker, but it blends well, and again, you don't need a lot. My shade in this is 315 tawny, and I know that I cannot wear this in the summer time. These shades run on the cool side, so if you are warmer toned, they may not have a match for you! This product spreads easily, blends well, and stays on for about 6 hours. You can build coverage with this, which I think will allow it to last longer. The finish is pretty skin like in my opinion and I think I will repurchase in the cooler months, when my skin is lighter. This is a thumbs up for me as it doesn't cause my skin problems and the coverage is decent and buildable. This runs about $8.

L'Oreal True Match: Hands down, this is my all time fave! I had been dying to try it for months as I have heard rave reviews about it, and now I know why! This foundation outlasts all the rest, it is thin so it spreads well and evenly and you don't need a lot, and the color range is insane! This foundation lasts all day on me and gives a flawless finish! It runs about $10, and I have heard it compared to high end brands. I currently am too cheap for high end brands, so I wouldn't know, but what I do know, is that this foundation looks the best, feels the best, and lasts the longest! This is now a staple and due to the color range, I can use it any time of the year!

So this is my review of these foundations which I have found to be favorites of mine! Will I try other, of course! I am a product junkie (and proud of it!). But these 3 are tried and true and will remain in my arsenal! What are your fave foundations?? I am always looking to try new things, so hit me up in the comments and tell me if you use any of these, or suggestions for others you would like to see a review on!

Up Next: Swatches and reviews of my Colour Pop haul!

Influenster and the #Voxbox: #LiveRadiantly #StIvesSkin

Hello Lovelies!

So a few weeks ago, influenster, sent me their St. Ives Live Radiantly #Voxbox!

So as you can see, in this #Voxbox, I received the Pink Lemon & Mandarin Exfoliating Body Wash, the Oatmeal Scrub & Mask, as well as the Pear Nectar & Soy Body lotion. First of all, I want to say, St. Ives has come a long way! These products are pretty amazing. By far, the body wash and the face scrub were my faves! But let me do this the right way and tell you about each one:

Pink Lemon & Mandarin Exofoliating Body Wash: This stuff smells AMAZING! It such a bright and clean smell and it lathers really well. I thought with it being an exfoliator that it would be too grainy or harsh, but I was wrong. The beads actually are not too big or rough and they make your skin feel refreshed. It is not drying at all and I have noticed that my skin is a lot smoother, and not as scaly in this cold weather. I would definitely repurchase again!

Pear Nectar & Soy Body Lotion: This product was just meh to me! I mean, it smells okay, if you like fruity scents, and it gets the job done, but I personally do not care for it as a lotion in the winter time. I could see liking it better in the spring/summer months. It's a light lotion and initially feels kind of sticky, but that feeling doesn't last. It absorbs well into the skin, and like I said, it's okay. In St. Ives defense though, I prefer thicker, creamier lotions. It's just my preference, so no diss to them! I think many of you may love this lotion because it is effective, just not my preference for a lotion.

Oatmeal Scrub & Mask: Now this I really liked! If you are a fan of their Apricot Scrub, then I think you will fare well with his. I actually prefer this over the Apricot Scrub because I feel like it is creamier, not as rough, and it has a lighter scent. It smells amazing and does a good job with lightly exfoliating the face, without making it too dry. You will have to tone and moisturize after using it, but I think you and your face will be delighted by this product. I notice that my skin looks smother and my makeup looks better on my skin since using this product. This has officially replaced my Apricot Scrub!


So there you have it lovelies! My first #Voxbox was an enjoyable experience and I look forward to receiving more boxes so that I can share my experience with you! Influenster is an awesome sight for the product junkie as you can earn points, badges, and free items to review! If your interested in joining influenster, click here. You'll be glad you did!

Stay tuned for my review on my two new fave foundations!

Peace!

I'm Back Beauties!!!!!

Hello loves! Long time, no hear from, right? I know, I know! It's been forever since I've blogged, but I am back! Last you heard from me, I was in grad school and my life was going through quite a storm! Also at the time, I was more into my hair and nails than anything else! My how things change!

Over the past two years, I graduated and got my Masters in Social Work (MSW yall!) and now I have my license (LMSW yall)! Also, I have solidified my hair and nail regimen and figured out what works, so I'm not as obsessed! However, my new obsession and love is MAKEUP! 

I have joined a sight, influenster, as well as a subscription company, ipsy, and my obsession has taken a turn for the worse!!! I'm completely makeup and body product obsessed, and I choose to share that obsession with you!

Stay tuned lovelies! I have some news and products to share and I will be back real soon to fill you in! I hope you will join me as I embark on this fun, colorful, and expensive obsession! We can al be junkies together!

See you in a few days with my experience and review of my St. Ives  Vox box from influenster! I hope to see you all #LiveRadiantly real soon!

Peace

Review: Covergirl Lip Perfection Lipstick

Okay, so you all know I'm obsessed with hair. Well, my other two obsessions are make up and nail polish! With that said, I have been working on building my lipstick collection. I'm not interested in having a bunch of lipsticks that I can't wear just for the sake of owning them, I want them to be good colors for me and colors I will wear...often! So far, I have only obtained one lipstick that I won't be caught dead in and I'm willing to swap!


So let's get started! First on my list of lipsticks that I am loving is Covergirl Lip Perfection Lipstick in colors Spellbound and Embrace. These lipsticks are very opaque, and last ALL DAY! I mean, the quality is very comparable to MAC, I may like them a little better, actually! Why you ask, well these colors are pretty matte, but they are not nearly as drying as the MAC. The Covergirl Lip Perfection lipsticks are an excellent formula as they glide on smoothly, a little goes a long way, they are opaque, vibrant, and long lasting. I mean, it doesn't get much better than that!

Above is Embrace. This color is absolutely GORGEOUS! My fave lipstick, hands down! This stuff is a blue/purple/pinkinsh color! It cam come off magenta or fuschia, depending on how deep of a color you apply or blot it. It's a bold color without being too daring. Wears very well and is SUPER pretty! I get compliments EVERY time I wear it.

Spellbound, pictured above, is a nice, bright blueish pink. This has a nice matter finish and is very opaque. I don't wear it as often, but when I want a nice bold, pink, lip, I reach for this. This goes on nice and smooth and again, lasts ALL DAY!

If you haven't tried these lipsticks, I highly recommend you check them out. High end quality wear with a drug store price tag. It don't get much better than that! All my lippie lovers, this is one for the books!

Peace

**HAUL** Results of my beauty haul over the past several weeks!

Yeah, it's been a while since I have been able to dabble in my other obsession.....BEAUTY PRODUCTS!!!


I know, the junky in me rears it's head sometimes and when it does, I have to indulge! Only because I don't do it often, but when I do, I go H.A.M.!!!!!!!! I have hair product haul coming on, but that will take a few months since I'm braided up right now!


Anywhoo! So what have I been buying lately....well let's see:

LIPSTICK
-MAC Ruby Woo
-MAC Heroin
-MAC Viva Glam Riri Red
-Rimmel Heather Shimmer


LIP LINER
-Rimmel Red Diva
-Rimmel Mauve Shimmer


Face
-Neutrogena Deep Cleanser
-Maybelline Baby Skin instant pore eraser
-L'Oreal Voluminous Power Volume 24H Mascara




What prompted this haul you say, well several things: 1. I was out of face soap, 2. I am OBSESSED with lipstick and am building my collection, 3. My pores are out of control and I am tired of looking at them so I am looking for ways to cover them up with out wreaking havoc on my face, and lastly 4. I've been on the hunt for a good mascara for a while!


So yeah, I have hauled a way and think I am done for a couple of months. When the sun starts shining more, I will be on the look out for a good bronzer and some blushes! Stay tuned, it's that time of year and my hauling is going to get out of control!!!!! But I do it for you....not just because I'm a terrible product junky who needs rehab but chooses not to engage!!!!!!






Peace