Clinique's Acne Solutions Liquid Makeup

"Feels so fresh, looks so natural. Non-irritating, oil-free makeup helps blend away blemishes, neutralize redness. Medicated ingredients help treat existing breakouts and keep them from coming back."

Recommended for dry combination, oily, & very oily skin types. 

I really like this product, I can't rave enough about it! :) The formula has salicylic acid [.5%] that helps treat your acne while you wear it! [A foundation good for your skin?!] It also has awesome, long lasting coverage. Mine lasts 9-12 hours depending on how I apply it. They have 8 shades that blend beautifully into your skin. If you get the right color it does look very natural. I suggest getting matched in a store. Oh and don't forget to give your bottle a good shake before using it! 

You can pick this up where Clinique products are sold [Sephora, Macy's, Clinique.com] for $24.50.

Urban Decay's 24/7 Eye Pencil

Urban Decay's 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil in Zero.

$18 @ Sephora or Urbandecay.com

I love this eyeliner! It does glide right on your eyes. There's no need to tug or apply a lot of pressure. It applies very smoothly and stays creamy long enough for you to blend it out then dries into a long-lasting, waterproof finish that will not move! 

This product contains jojoba oil, vitamin E, and cottonseed oil. 

How I use mine:

Apply a thin line on my top lid and smudge it out with an angled brush with some black eyeshadow. It lasts all day!

I also like to line my waterline and my tight line [upper, inner part of eye] and try not to blink for about 20-30 seconds to allow it to dry. 

Bath & Body Works Haul!

Today's the last Thursday of the month which means this is the last chance to redeem your LUV BBW CLUB monthly gift! If you're a member that is.. I think that it might be too late to sign up. But they are having a lot of sales going on right now! Buy 3 get 2 or buy 2 get 1 FREE on all of their signature scents. And their travel sized [3 oz] lotions, mists, and shower gels are 3 for $10. Their travel sized Aromatherapy line is also included in the 3 for $10!

Here's what I got today! :)

Secret Wonderland fragrance mist

Travel Sized [3 oz] 

Original Price $5

Carried Away body lotion

Travel sized [3 oz] 

Original Price $5

Carried Away shower gel

Travel sized [3 oz] 

Original Price $5

Bath Sponge

$3.50

This is the only product that I actually paid for. 

I am so excited to use all of my new things! Especially that bath sponge! All of these products have wonderful scents that I cannot wait to start using! 

Bath & Body Works Aromatherapy

SLEEP

Lavender Chamomile

@ Bath & Body Works for $13. 

They usually always have a buy 2 get 1 free deal on their Aromatherapy line. This deal is going on right now!

Description: Sleep well. Lavender Essential Oil soothes and calms so you can sleep better. Chamomile Essential Oil has a lulling effect to enhance sleep.

They also have just Lavender and Lavender Vanilla in their Sleep line. I love the smell of vanilla but I prefer this one over the others.

I am absolutely in love with this product! It smells so wonderful. I can't even begin to describe it. It has a very calming effect. The smell really does enhance sleep for me and it's very relaxing. This scent just makes me want to sleep. I apply it on my hands and on my neck before bed. I don't do this every night although I should start. ;) It is absolute bliss.

I am definitely going to repurchase this product. I only have it in the body lotion but I do intend on buying the candle too! They have so many different products in this line: pillow mist, bath salts, candles, sugar scrub, body mist, massage oil, etc.. I might just take advantage of this buy 2 get 1 free deal! :)

Baby Victoria's Secret Haul!

I went to Victoria's Secret today! :] And everything in their Beauty Rush line is 4 for $20! They have so many new products out for spring! So I thought I would pick up a few little things. 

Beauty Rush Mascara in Black-Tastic

[Also available in Blue & Purple]

First impression: Formula smells a little weird

Beauty Rush Baked Shadow in Gold Glow 

[Very top, center]

Purpley pink color on the left is Pink Sand

Green shade on the right is Green Godess

First Impression: Love the color!

Beauty Rush Lip Gloss SPF 15 in Ms. Mojito

[Center]

There are 6 different shades and flavors.

First Impression: Smells fantastic!

I only got 3 goodies. My sister bought something too!

Beauty Rush Glitter Liner in Gold Crush

Those are all the products that I picked up today. The original price is $7 each! So I saved $2 on each item! Take advantage of this deal! I'll test out all of these products and post reviews in a few weeks! :] 

E.L.F SALE!!!

President's Day Sale!

Buy 1 item and get 2nd for 50% off!!! :] 

How can you beat that? Most of their products are only $1-$5! 

Use this code @ checkout: PRESHALF 

on orders $20 or more.

This offer ends 2/28!!

They have some great new products! Check them out under What's New. 

Start shopping!

http://www.eyeslipsface.com/

Stila's Lip Glaze

Pros:

• Extremely pigmented and pretty colors
• Adds the perfect amount of sparkle and shine
• Smell is wonderful

Cons:

• Extremely sticky 

I have this in Bliss, B7. The color is gorgeous but it is really sticky. I like to layer this on top of my CO Bigelow Ultra Mentha Lip Shine [Ultra No. 1122] from Bath & Body Works [$7.50]. Putting it on top of a clear gloss lets you get the pretty color and very little stickyness! :)

You can find these online @ Stila.com or Sephora for $22 each.

Maybelline's Falsies Mascara

Pros:

• Really enhances the length of my lashes
• Spoon shaped brush 
• The wand is tiny enough to not make a mess but manages to coat all of my lashes
• Flexible wand helps boost length
• Buildable formula allows for lots of volume 
• Waterproof!

Cons:

• It doesn't come off! 

This is the only complaint I have. The product won't come off my lashes even after vigorously rubbing at my eyes while washing my face. I get out of the shower with black circles and some mascara still left on my eyelashes. Then I end up picking at it in an effort to remove the product and having my lashes come out too! Or I have to use eye makeup remover and vigorously rub at my eyes again! Yes, I know that is extremely bad for them and will cause wrinkles. But desperate times call for desperate measures. Maybe it's the waterproof formula? I'm going to purchase the regular or washable one and see if anything changes. Fingers crossed!

Overall I love this product. It really makes my stubbly lashes look thicker and longer! It's super affordable and it lasts me a few months with daily use. I just finished my second tube and I'm going to buy my third tomorrow. I'm considering buying Maybelline's One-By-One too!

You can pick this up at any drugstore for $5-$7. :)

Victoria's Secret Pink SALE!

All their shorts are buy one get one 50% off! :] Get ready for spring with these adorable shorts! This is a limited time offer so snag this deal before it's over! 


Use this code at checkout: PINKBOGO1


Shop now! 
http://www.victoriassecret.com/pink/shorts?cm_mmc=pnk-_-pink-_-VSPINK.com-_-110

How to clean your brushes

Why waste money on an expensive brush shampoo when you can use this! This is an inexpensive way to get your brushes really clean! It leaves them soft and it doesn't dry them out. There are only 2 ingredients that everyone has in their house! :)

All you need is your favorite shampoo [I use TRESemme's smooth and silky shampoo] and olive oil [Any olive oil will do]! The shampoo will wash your brushes and the olive oil will prevent them from drying out and keep them soft. 

What to do:

1. Get a plate [the size should depend on how many brushes you're cleaning]
2. Fill a little more than half your plate with shampoo and the rest with olive oil.  
3. Wet your brushes.
4. Start with smaller ones and work your way up. [Eye brushes-face brushes]
5. You will see a line where your shampoo and olive oil meet run your brush down that so you can get an equal amount of soap and oil. 
6. Gently rub your brush in circles in your palm. Work it into a lather and set it aside. Repeat with all of your brushes.
7. When all of them have been washed rinse them out with cool water. Just to be sure there isn't any soap left I like to rinse them twice. 
8. If you think that your brushes aren't clean enough you can wash them twice. I usually do this with my face brushes. 
9. Place them upside down to dry overnight. If they're place right side up or on their side water will run into the feral [the middle, metal part that holds your brush together] and ruin the glue and your bristles will fall out. 
10. If you need to use your brushes but they're still wet, squeeze them dry with a towel and then dry them with a hair dryer on it's lowest heat setting.

Nail Tips!

Healthy nails:

• Drink lots of water!
• Take your vitamins. Specifically: Vitamin A, C, B12, Calcium, Folic Acid, Protein, and zinc.
• Maintain a healthy diet.
• A hand massage will boost circulation which will help your nails grow!

Prevent breaking:

• Increase your calcium intake.
• Don't use your nails as tools. (Scratching, digging, picking, etc..)
• Products that contain alcohol can make them prone to breaking so use them sparingly.
• Wear rubber gloves when doing chores that involve harsh chemicals.
• Clean, trim, and file them regularly.
• Long nails carry bacteria and germs! (By long I mean an inch+)

Painting:

• Always remove all old nail polish before applying your new one. Even if you don't have any on there the nail polish remover will remove grease and oil which will help your polish stay on longer.
• Apply a clear base coat. Just like priming your face you need to prime your nails. A base coat will protect and strengthen your nails.
• Best way to paint is with 3 stripes. Start with the middle then one on each side. 
• Make sure each layer is completely dry before starting the next one. You will usually need 2-3 coats.
• It's better to apply more thin coats rather than one thick one.
• Finish with a clear topcoat to add shine. This will also help make your mani last longer!
• Reapply your clear top coat every 3-5 days. 
• In a hurry? Apply a drop of vegetable oil or vegetable oil spray to your nails. It will dry them super quickly.

Storing:

• Storing your polish in the fridge will help it maintain a smooth consistency.
• To prevent your cap from sticking rub a little Vaseline on it. 

My favorites:

• OPI [$9.50 @ Sephora]
• Zoya [$7 @ Zoya.com]
• China Glaze [$5.40 @ Chinaglazediva.com]
• Sephora [$9 @ Sephora] 
• Revlon's Top Speed [$5 @ Drugstores]
• Sally Hansen [$4-$6 @ Drugstores] 

Clinique's Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion

I've used this moisturizer for 4 years! I can't get enough! It hydrates my skin without all the grease and shine. This product is wonderful! I apply it twice a day every day without fail. After washing my face at night and before applying my primer in the morning. This is the one product that I always have on hand. I've tried other moisturizers but none of them have been as effective as this one. 

Pros:

• It lasts forever
• Convenient pump
• Non greasy
• Effective formula
• No shine
• Doesn't feel heavy
• Doesn't break you out
• Makes skin soft and silky smooth
• Soaks into skin and doesn't just sit on top

Cons:

• No SPF
• Not tinted

There are only 2 things that I don't like about it. But overall it's a wonderful product that I will continue to repurchase. :)

TRESmme Haul!

TRESemme Smooth & Silky Shampoo + Conditioner

I got mine @ Target for $3.84 each! 

Tres Two Spray 

@ Target for only $3.33!

Thermal Creations Heat Tamer Spray 

@ Target for $3.84

Fresh Start Dry Shampoo for oily/straight to normal hair

@ Target for $4.79

Small haul of all of my TRESemme products :) Check back for reviews! They'll be up soon!

I need to get NAKED!

I want to get NAKED!!! Urban Decay's Naked Palette that is. ;)

Urban Decay has had to replace their 24/7 dual ended liners with their Good Karma Shadow Brushes. Because they can't make their liners fast enough to keep up with the demand for these palettes. You can pick this up at Sephora or online @ UrbanDecay.com for $48. The brush itself is $26 so this palette is a total steal! The 12 shadows are neutral and will go with any skin color. Glitters, shimmers, and mattes let you create so many different looks. You can go from day to night, sweet to sultry all with one palette! 

What you get:

• Travel-size Eyeshadow Primer Potion
• Good Karma Shadow Brush 
• 12 Eyeshadows: [From left]

1. Virgin
2. Sin
3. Naked
4. Sidecar
5. Buck
6. Half Baked
7. Smog
8. Dark Horse
9. Toasted
10. Hustle
11. Creep
12. Gunmetal

I don't think that it's available with the dual ended 24/7 liner anymore. But this brush has so many great reviews that I don't think you'd be dissatisfied with it! 

About the brush:

You can use the flat side for an all-over sweep of color. Or use the fine, rounded tip for more precise shading. The tightly packed bristles allows for good control over how much product you pick up. This allows you to shade, blend, and define. Multipurpose and fits perfectly in your Naked Palette.

DIY: Sweet Lip Scrub

Chapped, flaky lips? Make this scrub! There are only 2 ingredients and most everyone has them! So it's practically free! And it really helps heal chapped lips. 


All you need:

• Sugar
• Olive Oil

What to do:
You only need a tiny bit for this so about 2 teaspoons of sugar and a few drops of oil are necessary. Put your sugar into a small bowl and slowly add the oil a few drops at a time. Then work it into a pasty consistency. Apply a small amount to your lips and rub them together for about a minute. You want to use this over a sink or in the shower [my preference] because it does get messy. Afterwards apply your favorite lip balm. Mine are Aquafina Hydrating Lip Balms or Burts Bees Medicated Lip Balm. [You can get either for less than $3 @ Target or Walmart!] :)


How it works:
The sugar exfoliates the dead skin that people often pick at. That leaves lips feeling painful and raw. This will gently remove the skin leaving them feeling soft and smooth. The olive oil moisturizes them which will help prevent them from drying out again. You can use this as often or as little as you want. It won't harm your lips or rub them raw so it's fine to use daily. 

Kat Von D's High Voltage Eye Primer

$15 @ Sephora

This product is amazing! It's cheaper than most other primers like Urban Decay's Primer Potion and Mac's Paint Pots. This primer goes on really smoothly and it has a bit thicker of a consistency than UDPP. It makes colors really vibrant and true. It also does last all day without any creasing. 

I just repurchased this product! I absolutely love it! :)

Herbal Essences Long Term Relationship

What it is:

Leave-in split end protector for long hair. With a fusion of red raspberry & satin. "This is the beautiful beginning of the ends. Smooth them with a kiss of protective conditioning that strengthens your hair against split ends and breakage. I'll help keep your hair from splitsville with my quenching formula fused with extracts of red raspberry & satin. I'm a tip treat with a silky finish that feels so good."

I love this product and I use it on a nightly basis. It makes my hair so soft and healthy! It smells amazing and really provides protection against split ends. Mine have really reduced since I started using this product. It lasts me a while too. My last bottle lasted me about 4 or 5 months. I bought mine at Target for $4.

After my shower I use a pump or 2 depending on how dry my hair is and work it into the tips of my hair. And whatever is left I run through the rest of my hair.

Neutrogena Pink Grapefruit Face Wash

I have the cream cleanser version and it has worked wonders on my skin! My breakouts significantly reduced and so did my redness! I love this product! I am almost out and I will definitely be repurchasing it soon! I'm thinking about trying the foaming scrub next! :)

I bought mine at Target for $5.00! And it has lasted me about 4 months with daily use.

What is it? And how does it work?

An oil-free acne wash that uses microclear technology and salicylic acid to help treat acne! Microclear is proven to cut through oil quickly to speed acne medicine straight to the source of breakouts. It is also infused with Vitamin C! And it really smells like grapefruit! 

Warning!:

This product does contain alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) which may make your skin more sensitive to the sun and prone to being burned. You should definitely use sunscreen or a moisturizer with an spf daily but if you don't you should at least use it during your first week using this product.

There are 4 different products in this line:

• Facial Cleanser (Original)
• Cream Cleanser (Gentler on skin, Recommend for sensitive skin)
• Foaming Scrub (For exfoliation!)
• Body Wash (I've heard this really helps with acne on your body)

This is one of many of the acne cleansers Neutrogena offers. They have ones  for stress, sensitive skin, or rapid results. Check out Neutrogena.com to view all of the many products they have to offer.

The Bottom Line:

Neutrogena is a super affordable product that provide the results we're looking for. A majority of us have access to them and they have SO many products you are bound to find one that suits you. :)

Leave a comment and share your experiences :D 

Homemade Face Primer!

Want a good primer? But don't want to spend all the $? Well with this recipe you can whip up a ton for only a few dollars!


Why prime? Primer preps your skin for makeup and creates a protective barrier against so your makeup can't clog your pores! It also helps your makeup last longer. This one makes my face so smooth and soft. 


All you really need is some Aloe Vera Gel! Any brand will do :) Just make sure it's clear! 
I bought mine on Amazon for only $4.00! Check my aStore if you want to purchase this product :) You can also find it at any drug store.
Aloe vera gel is really good for your skin. It locks in moisture and helps heal your sunburns!


Here are a few things you can add:

• Moisturizer 
• Foundation or powder (If you want it tinted)
• Brightening serum 
• Vitamin E

Here's how I made mine:

1. 1 1/2 tablespoons of the gel
2. 1/2 teaspoon brightening serum [Luxica Brilliant-C from Merle Norman] 
3. A little more than 1/2 a teaspoon of Clinique's Turn Around Concentrate
4. I combined all of my ingredients in an empty container and mixed it with a toothpick until it was smooth and incorporated well. 

This much lasts me about a month. A little goes a long way! And the aloe vera gel seems to last me forever. This product has improved how long my make up lasts and has really makes for a smoother application. This isn't as good as a top of the line one but it does get the job done for a fraction of the price! I don't think I'll ever purchase another primer as long as I've got this! :)

Drink up!

You need your H2O! At least 8 cups of it daily! Yikes! 8 cups a day?! It sounds like a lot but you get 2 cups out of one 16.9 oz water bottle! :) [A cup = 8 oz] Fruits and veggies, juice, and other healthy beverages can add to this grand total. Don't like drinking plain water? Try adding some Crystal Light for some flavor with minimal calories! Or add a few slices of lemon or lime!

The beautiful benefits of water:

    

1. Helps you lose weight
2. Keeps your skin healthy, hydrated, and radiant
3. An increase in energy
4. Better health!
5. Bright eyes

These are just a few things water does for you! :) How can water do all of this you ask?

• It helps carry vital nutrients to all the cells in your body
• Removes icky toxins and waste
• Lubricates your joints
• Improves circulation and blood flow

Water is pretty much a miracle liquid that works wonders for your body! This is the only one you get so take care of it! :D 

Blogging Newbie :]

Hey everyone! This is the start of my beauty blog! :)

I love and am obsessed with everything beauty!

A little bit about me.. I'm just an average girl with a little too much time on her hands. I love love lovee makeup! :) In this economy not everyone can afford to have all top of the line, name brand products, and I am not an exception. I try to find good products that are worth what you pay for! Before you think that I am superficial and I think that it's all about looks.. I do believe that beauty is on the inside. And it's the opinions of ourselves that matter. But I also believe that being pretty on the outside helps improve our outlooks on ourselves! :)

Here's what I'm hoping to do:

• Provide tips, tricks, and help 
• Honest reviews on products 
• Tutorials 
• Find deals and steals
• Make the world a more beautiful place!

Fingers crossed that this all works out! :D