Ipsy Glam Bag April 2013

Sorry -- a little late to post my April Glam Bag! But here it is and I'm LOVING this month's bag!! ♥

1. Be a Bombshell blush in Beach Please - this color is a super BRIGHT pink so I was a little skeptical that I'd look like a clown when I put it on. Much to my surprise it gave my cheeks a beautiful flush!

2. Big Sexy Hair's Pow! Powder Play - I have the Not Your Mother's Girl Powder and absolutely love it! So I'm super excited to use Big Sexy Hair's Power Play!

3. Mica Beauty Cosmetics Shimmer Powder in 72 Earth - This shimmer powder is almost a rose gold color which will be really fun to use for nighttime eye looks!

4. Sation Nail Lacquer in Of Corset I'll Call You - You can never go wrong with a neutral baby pink nail polish. I will definitely get a lot of use out of this color!

And of course, the pink and white cosmetic bag. So cute for summer and a great size to throw in your purse!

CoverGirl Outlast Stay Fabulous 3-in-1 Foundation Review

I've never been a fan of CoverGirl products - I'm not sure if it is their actual products, the packaging, or what, but I've never been motivated to buy their products. However, I've heard so many people rave about CoverGirl's new Outlast Stay Fabulous 3-in-1 Foundation, so I had to pick some up!

This foundation has a great concept - it is supposed to act as a primer, foundation and concealer all in one. Now, I don't know if I just expected too much from this foundation or what, but I don't see what all the hype is about. People were saying it gives a powdery finish, which it does, but it's almost too powdery to the point that it looks drying and cakey (thumbs down #1). This product is also supposed to control oily skin. And me, being the oily beast that I am, was all for trying a foundation that helps with oily skin. Unfortunately, my t-zone was oily within an hour (definite thumbs down #2).

The only good things I can say about this foundation (besides the low price) is that it does feel light on your skin - but it definitely doesn't look that way! Also, it has a fair range of color choices. Other than that, I'm not impressed with this product.

Have any of you tried this foundation and liked it? If so, how do you apply it? Maybe I need to try a new application technique!

Natural Skin Care Products from the Grocery Store

Once again, I've been a little MIA :( Sorry about that but I have a few new parts to my face care routine that I'd love to share with you!

My face care routine (link: My Skincare Routine) really hasn't changed much, except for at night time I use freshly squeezed lemon juice as a toner. This is super inexpensive, natural, and does wonders for your skin! I simply but a cotton round into some lemon juice and apply it as I would a normal toner. It may sting for a second or two but nothing unbearable. Lemon juice has been shown to reduce acne scarring, help with inflammation and redness as well as giving your skin an unbelievable glow. When I first tried it, I noticed results the very next morning! (Don't apply this in the morning - your makeup won't go over it very well and it might be a little sticky).

The second part to my skin care routine is instead of adding an expensive night cream after my lemon juice toner, I simply use coconut oil as a moisturizer. It's natural, inexpensive and has amazing skin benefits (here are some other coconut oil benefits: Post on Coconut Oil). It is super hydrating and has anti aging benefits too. It will look a little oily and greasy when you put it on, but in the morning it's amazing how much your skin drank in! (Just remember to get organic and un-refined coconut oil!!)


What are your favorite natural skin care products?

Get the Easter Look - Pop of Color!

Easter is a time to spend with family, so you don't want to have over the top makeup - but the spring colors are so beautiful, so of course you want to play them up! How can you do this in a conservative way? Here's how!

-Of course, prime your face! My favorite is Tarte's Clean Slate Poreless Primer.
-Use a lightweight, glowy foundation like L'Oreal True Match Lumi.
-For a quick under-eye corrector, try CoverGirl & Olay's Simply Ageless Corrector. This has moisturizers as well as instantly corrects blue tints!
-Set your foundation with Too Faced Absolutely Invisible Translucent Powder. To get more of a glowy look, only use in your T-Zone.
-A matte bronzer to subtly contour your face is best. My favorite is Benefit's Hoola Bronzer
-A glowy, but subtle, blush is perfect for this look. Try Milani's Blush in Luminoso.
-To finish the glow, add some highlight above your blush and above the outer side of your brows. Use Mac's Soft & Gentle!
-You want simple eyeshadow - use Venus all over your lid and your inner corner as well as Faint in your crease from the Naked Basics palette.
-Pile on the mascara! One of my current favorites is L'Oreal's Telescopic Carbon Black Mascara.
-The key to achieving this look is by adding a pop of color - put this Milani Liquif'eye Metallic Eyeliner  in Aqua on your lower lash line! This eyeliner is so creamy and pigmented - I've been using it for years!

8 Spring/Summer 2013 Wardrobe Essentials

I CANNOT WAIT to start wearing shorts and tank tops again. Even though it's still cold here in the midwest, I'm already planning out my spring/summer wardrobe. Here are a few fashion essentials to have for the warm months:


A-Line Skirt - paired with a fitted top and some strappy heels, an you can't go wrong with an a-line skirt (NastyGal)

High-Waisted Denim Shorts - you can pair absolutely anything with these or just throw them on over your swim suit for an effortless look (Coal N Terry Vintage)

Ankle Strap Pumps -chunky sandals are out, and simple straps are in! (Prabal Gurung for Target)

Crop Tops - this is my new favorite trend - especially with a high-waisted skirt or shorts (GoJane.com)

Black & White - having one piece white and one piece black is the new trend - very bold and yet simple (LuLu*s)

Graphic Grunge Shirt - why wouldn't you want one of these? So easy & comfy! (Sabo Skirt)

Leather - need I say more? (Tobi)

Military - haven't always been a fan but I'm loving the military jacket trend! (H&M)

What are your favorite trends for spring/summer??

My HOLY GRAIL Beauty Item

No, it's not a high end makeup product, it's not even a low end either. You won't find this at Ulta or Sephora but can be purchased at your local grocery store...what could this magic product be? None other than COCONUT OIL! This oil is loaded with antioxidants and vitamins and has antibacterial properties as well. You will be amazed at the benefits!

Coconut oil is becoming super popular for beauty purposes but it's great for cooking too! It starts off as a solid but when you rub it through your fingers it quickly melts into more of a liquid. Just make sure to buy the Unrefined Virgin coconut oil - this type isn't processed in any way and is in it's most natural form.

I've mentioned in a previous blog that it makes a great hair mask - just saturate your entire head with this oil and leave it on for a few hours (or even better, leave it on overnight). Then just wash it off in the morning and your hair will be silky smooth. Now, other than a hair mask, I've listed some other uses for coconut oil (there are MANY more but these are just some of my favorites!)

-Use as an eye make up remover (this will moisturize your delicate eye area as well!)

-Use as a face moisturizer after you cleanse

-Helps prevent acne and helps with acne scarring

-Prevents stretch marks & wrinkles

-Use as an all over lotion, especially if you have dry skin, this will work wonders

-Can be used as a face mask (also great for people with dry skin)

-Use as a scalp treatment if you have dandruff

-Great as a cuticle oil

-Great for cooking!

-Protects against cancer

-Helps with intestinal/IBS problems

-Eating 1-2 tablespoons of raw coconut oil per day helps get rid of belly fat

-Aids in heart health

New All Time FAVORITE Foundation

So last week I was on vacation, and we did a little bit of shopping -- actually -- A LOT of shopping. Of course I had to go to Ulta and Sephora (since I don't have them super close to my house anymore) and I went a little crazy. Much to my surprise, I found my new favorite foundation -- Make Up For Ever's HD Foundation. OH MY GOSH this stuff is AMAZING!!

I've been searching high and low for a foundation that would give me that dewy glow instead of a perfectly matte face. However, foundations like this are extremely hard to pair with my oily skin. I tried L'Oreal's True Match Lumi Foundation and I liked it okay, but I wasn't thrilled with it especially because right when I put it on it made me look like an oily mess. I wear it on days I run errands and want a light coverage but I don't wear it otherwise.

The Make Up For Ever's HD Foundation gives you that amazing glow without looking too oily. BUT if you have oily skin you will need to set the foundation and I'd recommend taking some blotting paper or powder with you to touch up because after a few hours I still do get a little oily in my T-Zone.

I highly recommend this foundation for anyone who is getting sick of having an all matte face or is just looking to try something different!