Michelle's Favorite Drug Store Buys

Everyone loves a good deal.  I am always on the hunt for ways to save money but aren't we all?  One of the ways I try and save money on my beauty and hygiene products is by purchasing as many as I can at drug stores rather than buying more upscale brands.

 I love Lush's Karma Kreme, which you can read about here, but I also buy more inexpensive lotions too.  One of my favorites is Cocoa Butter by Hollywood Beauty.It also has vitamin E and is very thick and nurturing.  It's wonderful on eczema and a good makeup remover in a pinch.  It's about $5 and a really good value.

I also always buy FrizzEase Touch Up Cream.  My hair is wavy and dry and it takes away frizz in seconds and refreshes my hair partway through the day or when I am having a particularly frizzy day.  Here is a before and after:

Frizz Ease TouchUp Cream is roughly $8 at Walgreens and makes a huge difference as you can see.  I have been routinely purchasing it for the last seven or eight years.  I love it!

Ever since I had my baby in September, my hair has been dry and falling out.  My usual Paul Mitchell and Redken shampoos and conditioners weren't helping.  Deep conditioner, coconut oil, and vitamin E helped a little but not enough.  I was close to having a few inches of hair cut off when I grabbed a new shampoo and conditioner at Target.  I just wanted some inexpensive ones to get me through until I had my hair appointment and could purchase my usuals at the salon.  I am pleased to announce that my hair is shiny and soft again thanks to Argan Oil of Morocco renewing shampoo and conditioner.  The difference is crazy great!  My hair feels healthier and looks so much better.  I recommend these and will definitely be purchasing again!  Best part is that they are affordable.  

What are your favorite drugstore buys?

-Michelle

Becca Brightening Corrector

My makeup routine has come a long way from foundation and eyeliner to a full layered 'system' of first skincare, then makeup!

I have my I'm running errands today makeup and my girls night out makeup, as well as my must haves and my I shouldn't have bought this piles.

I have my weekend getaway and vacation minimal products, and my buy a 2nd to stock up on in case this product ever gets discontinued items.

One of my virtual You Tube friends Samantha Schuerman did a video on how to get what she calls "instagram face."  Sam has oily skin like I do, so I take her word on all her reviews, even more than the word of professional makeup artists.  Sam recommended Becca Brighener for under the eyes.  I had never tried a Becca product before, even though I know the Becca highlighters were all the rage.  Let's be honest here. I am just a normal girl, so I don't need 3 Ikea Alex drawers and a separate 'beauty room' to store 100s of barely used makeup products.  I need just my essentials. 
Okay I do have one Ikea Alex drawer because it looks oh-so-chic and I'm a sucker for organizational items and it really did keep me from having 7 different areas in my bathroom, bedroom, purse, junk drawer, and basement bin where my makeup was stored prior to purchasing the Alex drawers.  That aside, I didn't know which Becca highlighter to pick, why it was so expensive, or why I needed to be highlighted to begin with.  I had no desire to look like Edward Cullen in the sunlight, blinding people in the Target parking light from the light reflecting off of the $30 something dollar sparkles I took time applying to my cheekbones.  I knew 'strobing' was the new facial trend, creating a dewy look that looked natural but wasn't, but I'm not a follower of each and every trend.  I think Michelle would tend to agree that we each walk to the beat of our own drum, sometimes with inspiration from fellow fashionistas and sometimes from our own unique creative flares. We both would be more likely than 99% of our friends to walk out in public with an 'abnormal' look, yet don't confirm to the replications of every trend of the moment in beauty and fashion.  If that was the case, in just the last 2 seasons we would have gone from blue hair to Kylie lip color, to pink hair, to silver grey hair to vamp lip, and from tanned brown contoured cheeks to glistening dewy pale skin, from double lined winged eyes to no wing, from eyelash extensions and denim culottes to pierced noses and chins and plaid shirts.  I digress.  I didn't know which Becca brightener to buy since Jaclyn Hill's was sold out so I bought none.  No go on the highlighter for me, but I trust Sam and I decided to splurge on her recommendation of a brightener instead, after seeing how GORG her skin looked in her tutorial. 

Watch it here!

It really does photograph well and can be purchased at Sephora HERE!

 

-Erin

*This is not sponsored and the opinions and photos of this blog belong to the blogger.

Michelle's LimeCrime Review

I had heard a little about Lime Crime lipsticks in 2014 but Erin was the one who convinced me to look into them.  Lime Crime is a makeup brand that focuses on dramatic and untraditional lip colors.  Lime Crime features blues, greens, and purples amongst other daring shades.  The founder, Doe Deere, is said to have started the line because she was tired of seeing all the same colors available.  For me, brightly colored lipstick is something fun but not necessarily a staple in my makeup bag. I have been experimenting more lately and getting more confident wearing colors aside from cranberry and red.   So when I saw Erin in one of Lime Crime's pink shades and she swore that it lasted "forever,"  I knew that I needed to try it. Read Erin's review here.

Erin and I took advantage of Lime Crime's Black Friday sale to combine shipping.  I love makeup products and trying new things but I am less likely to try something new if I can't easily return it to a store or it's not refundable.  Lime Crime does not allow exchanges but you can get a refund or store credit within 30 days,  minus shipping fees back to them of course.  I was glad that Erin told me about their sale!

I ordered two colors: Geradium which is one of the Unicorn Lipsticks and Jinx, a Lime Crime Velvetines.  Geradium is a HOT pink.  I should have paid closer attention to it being a Unicorn Lipstick.  It is the epitome of a unicorn pink.  The website didn't really do it justice.  The color is gorgeous and I liked it but it is definitely not my color.  It is way too much pink for a redhead.  Jinx is a vamp, deep plum color.  It is very different from what I would normally wear.  Apparently I was feeling adventurous when I ordered!

The Lime Crime Velvetine smells like vanilla cake batter.  It applied smoothly and dried in an instant, matte velvet finish.  On me it is is much darker than the photo showed and that it looks like it will apply.  I LOVED applying it and was very impressed with the quality of the pigment.  It didn't sink into my lip creases or bleed at all.  I didn't even use a lip primer!

Here it is right after application:

Here it is after four hours and no touch ups:

During the time between photos I had eaten, drank from a glass and kissed my baby and it didn't smudge or stain at all!  I may be in love!  Yes, it's a little dark but I do still like it.  It is very on trend right now too.  

Do you like vamp lips?

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-Michelle

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*Photos courtesy of the blogger.  This was a non sponsored review.  Opinions belong to the blogger.

Lusting over LUSH

After all this time and gifting multiple products by LUSH, I finally used LUSH myself for the first time, thanks to Michelle!  We met for brunch, which we often do, and she surprised me with an unbelievable gift!  I have to say the presentation wrapping was GORG!  What a fun way to wrap a gift!

The gift wrapped in a headwrap, in my favorite aqua color I might add, contained 4 LUSH products!
I always wanted to try the bath bombs & she had picked out two for me!

She even customized her choosing based on my fitness soreness from lifting, since one contains salts which help relieve muscle soreness.
Michelle chose White Sea Salt Bath Bomb and Honey Bee Bath Bomb.

I thought the bath bombs would be my most loved products, but the smell of the Karma Kream is delightful!  It is pathouli scented but it reminds me of an orange scent and it's so refreshing!  I keep it on my nightstand, which I never did keep lotion there before, but I love applying it before I go to sleep to put me in a happy calming place before I drift off to sleep for the night.  The Santa Belly jelly soap was enjoyable but nothing to repurchase, as it didn't lather all that much and I kept dropping little red jelly pieces all over the shower floor.  I also didn't know if it was true soap since I barely got any lather so I used normal soap after as well.  The smell was an apple like scent in my opinion.  Children may enjoy it more for the texture and fun gold stars within.   

LUSH also supplied a card with the many ways to use the tie the scarf.  

Such a thoughtful gift and I loved it!!

Pictured below is my first bath bomb experience with the White Sea Salt Bath Bomb, which turned pink!  (no tub staining occurred)

Read Michelle's detailed LUSH review HERE

I love all of the fresh, natural ingredients, and LUSH is highly recommend on my list, especially for gift giving. The aromas from the gift are even better than your favorite baked goods because they last.  They make your car smell amazing on the way home too!

Please note LUSH ingredients are recommended to be used quite soon after purchase, so stocking up for year later is not ideal for some of the products.  Fresh is best!

Visit your store for the smells and the latest rotation of bath bombs offered, as well as demonstrations, and choose a git set already made if you so desire.  LUSH can be purchased in your local store or at www.lushusa.com.

Let me know in the comments what your favorite LUSH products are!

~Erin

*Please note all products mentioned were purchased and not endorsed, and opinions belong to the blogger.

Too Faced Born This Way- Michelle's Review

I feel like the world has been talking about Too Faced's Born This Way foundation recently.  Erin even tried it and reviewed it which you can read about here.  I am always skeptical of foundation reviews because they normally don't apply to me, as I have freckles and can't use medium or full coverage foundation.  However, reviewers, Erin and other bloggers raved about it so much that I had to try it.

Here are my thoughts about it!  The bottle is beautiful and it cute enough to keep out to admire.  I tried it and as I feared, but tried to ignore, the coverage is too much for freckled skin.  However, it feels luxurious, blends easily with fingers or a makeup sponge and is gorgeous on.  My skin did look fresh even though the full coverage covered my freckles too much.  I did find that it settled into my fine lines after a few hours.  I would have to wear it with primer to help combat the whole wrinkles thing and reblend it around my eyes as the day goes on.  That's true for lots of makeup though.  I had hoped that this magical, raved about foundation would not require primer.  In my mind such a foundation exists and I will continue to search for it.  

In conclusion, Too Faced Born This Way foundation is worth the $39.00 price tag.  It's a great product even though it isn't for me.  I recommend it if you do not have freckled skin!

Subscribe and stay tuned for our January giveaway!

-Michelle

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*Photos courtesy of the blogger.  This was a non sponsored review.  Opinions belong to the blogger.

MAC vs Purlisse BB Cream

I have red hair and freckles so finding foundation is always a challenge.  Some formulas are too heavy and cover my freckles too much leaving a huge difference between the appearance of freckles on my face and the rest of my body.  I refer to this is "freckle muting."  Freckle muting is a no in my life.  Nothing looks more unnatural than muted freckles on my face and the freckles on the rest of me seem to stand out even more.  No thank you!
During the summer I accidentally discovered Ulta's BB cream.  It gave me just the right amount of coverage and looked specially nice in the summer when I generally don't need as much coverage or wear as much makeup.  When the weather turned colder and my tan faded the color I was wearing, medium, was too dark.  I tried the shade below, light, but it was too light!  Obviously I knew that I could blend my own shade but my mornings are crazy hectic and getting the shade right takes too much time on especially crazy mornings.  So what's a freckled girl to do?
Fate stepped in and Ipsy sent me Pur Lisse Tinted Moist BB Cream.  Holy Batman!  My life is forever changed.  I was hooked from the first application.  It feels like lotion and is as easy to apply and blend as moisturizer.  It gives my skin just enough coverage without being too much and feels wonderful on.  It fits perfectly into my hectic morning since I can apply it so quickly and easily with my fingers.  It's basically the best thing since sliced bread.  I ordered it ASAP...apparently every other Ipsy Glam Bag recipient did too because it was on back order.  I was so bummed!
A few days later I was on my way to LA and had some time to waste at the airport.  I wandered into MAC and decided to try their BB Cream while I waited for my Pur Lisse.  I sampled it in the store and immediately noted that it was not as creamy feeling as Pur Lisse.  It felt more like regular foundation but the light medium color matched my skin tone so I decided to purchase it.  It's ok.  It's good enough but definitely not as wonderful as Pur Lisse.  It doesn't last as long and is harder to apply.  I wouldn't likely purchase again and it isn't really a good value.  In my opinion, a drug store BB cream would probably be just as good.
Pur Lisse for the win!

Make sure you subscribe and follow us to be a part of our January giveaway!  Stay tuned!

-Michelle

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*Photos courtesy of the blogger.  This was a non sponsored review.  Opinions belong to the blogger.

Botox or Black Friday?

I was beside myself when I realized that my thoughts were deep into the idea of actually contemplating getting Botox.  I thought cosmetic surgery was never going to be something I desired until I was 'over the hill!'  In my mid thirties, my face has started showing more and more signs of aging.  More recently, my lips have even showed signs, with some feathering and lines appearing around the once definitive outer edges.  With age, the naturally occurring collagen lessens.

Until I mentioned it out loud, I never knew how many people I actually know have gotten either Botox or lip enhancers!  I thought only California actresses got any of that, but it's more common than one might think!  Even girls in their twenties are plumping their lips, but more so for a certain look than for avoidance of age-defiance.

I was set on Botox, or Xeomin which is similar, but the cost.  Oh the cost!  It isn't feasible for me right now.  

My YouTube friend Brianna works for a plastic surgeon in Atlanta.  (I never met her, but she did personally SnapChat me back, which totally made my day and made me feel like a 14 yr old when a boy from a boyband waves in her direction from on stage.  I assume.  I wouldn't know.  I went to school when grunge bands were in.  We wore oversized jeans or JNCOs, flannels over tees, and combat boots.  High fashion nor high pitch screaming girls were not cool.)  Anyway, I learned from Brianna that medical grade skincare is incomparable to over the counter skincare products due to the deeper level of penetration to change the cellular makeup & is not readily available, but the doctor she works for is the best of the best and it is available through him!  I never heard of medical grade skincare until now!

I watched some of her recommendations here https://www.youtube.com/user/BriannaStanko  And then I watched more, and more, and this went on for months.  The products were pricey, but injections were even more, and each day that I hesitated my skin was aging another day so the least I could do was try some of the products she was using herself.  I waited for Black Friday  and purchased 5 items, targeting my face and lips.  I went with the brands SkinMedica and Skinceuticals, although my wish list is already full of other products to try! I couldn't narrow down what I wanted but thought I'd start with a few for now and can rotate some in next time I order and depending upin the time of year if my skin reacts well.  I cannot wait to give these a good try and hope to see a difference, if not at least prevent further aging.  

For now, Black Friday beat out Botox for me, and I even got a free eye treatment and a surprise free sample with my purchase!

                   

Add me on SnapChat for both Beauty and Fitness chatter RoeFit or Erin R

Some things can't be mixed so I have to figure out the exact skin care routine I'll be using morning vs. night this winter but I now feel like I have the fountain of youth in my hands. Brianna's channel also detials her current morning and night time routines to give you an idea, & lists 20% codes sometimes as well.  Please let me know if you have tried or will try any!  They can be purchased here https://www.premierlook.com/ !

~Erin

Please note I have no skin care training and have no knowledge of the products sold on the above site. These were personally purchased and not sponsored, and all opinions are my own.

Falsies? Really?

I'm here to school you a little bit on falsies...as in fake eyelashes, not bra stuffing.  Yes I wear fake eyelashes.  Sometimes.  Because it's fun, that's why. 

Actually they aren't fun to put on, but once they are on, bah-bam, totally worth it! They open the eye and add depth to your makeup look, and a sparkle to your eye.  I do love the glam look, but for an al natural look, I'd go without them.

I have always worn Ardell brand fake lashes, all synthetic.  I wore them more so in my party days, but I still enjoy the added glamour for a nice dinner out.  I watch my virtual friends online speak of so many amazing brands, but I have never spent any more than $4 on a pair, and even then I stretched out the number of uses.  House of Lashes Iconic is one of the middle priced pairs that are very popular, and the reason I decided to try them is because so many people recommended their dark colored glue, let alone the lashes.  Ardell glue wasn't my favorite so I ordered the dark glue, a pair of Iconic lashes, and a pair of Bourdoir lashes.  These is the shape and lash style I prefer, although they make many shapes/styles.

Iconic


Bourdoir

I have yet to try the Bourdoir, but I tried The Iconic and my opinion is...drum roll...

They are huge and gorgeous all at the same time!  I wouldn't wear them on the daily because they are over the top for Saturday at Shop Rite of Home Depot, but out in night time restaurant lighting they are stunning!



Both can be purchased at www.HouseofLashes.com

-Erin

All products mentioned were personally purchased and not sponsored.  Photos found on www.HouseofLashes.com.

Pumpkin Spiced NOT!

If you've followed our blog, you know I'm a monthly buyer of all types of products from Vitacost!

I buy food, cleaning products, and skincare products from the Vitacost website, and this was one of the first skin products I tried.
Andalou Naturals Fruist Stem Cell Science Glycolic Mask Brightening Pumpkin Honey 

I have 2 secrets to admit though.

First, I am not a fan of anything pumpkin, except decorations.  I'd pick a chocolate treat over a pumpkin tasting food any day!   I still liked this product, but will try another 'scent' next time.
Second, this is the first time I ever used a face mask!  My skin is showing signs of aging, most likely from years in the sun as a child, so I thought I'd try this out and I love it!  It brings out the dirt and leaves your skin smooth once washed off.  It was easy, as I only left it on for 10 minutes!

I loved the quote too.  "Knowledge is limited.  Imagination encircles the world." - Albert Einstein

Andalou has many other products I have saved on my Vitacost wishlist and can't wait to try!

My other post about Vitacost and past purchases can be found here!

Use my link for $10 off your first Vitacost order!

-Erin

*All items mentioned were personally purchased by the blogger and not sponsored.

Too Faced Born This Way foundation

You may know by my past posts that I am a big YouTube watcher!  I found it to be a great way to hear tried and true reviews of products.  Whether it be food, cleaning, clothing, or beauty, I can hear a live upfront first impression from someone just like me.  I find it even more impressionable when the opinion comes from someone who is very familiar with a multitude of competitive brands and the quality and formulations of high-end products that are not in my budget to try.

Most of my friends tend to prefer a low to medium coverage foundation, whereas I prefer high-coverage, as I spoke of HERE.   This being said, when the beauty addicts of the YouTube world raved about a high-coverage foundation, I was out the front door and driving pedal to the metal to the closest Ulta to pick my color.  I had it in my shopping cart on the website, but I couldn't even wait that long.  I needed this product, despite the hefty $39, high coverage equals porcelain doll face in my makeup mirror.  It is the Born This Way foundation by Too Faced.

I have cool toned skin, with a pink hue, but the Ulta employee matched me with the shade Warm Nude.  The yellow appearance behooved me because it really did blend into my skin.  This leads me to think I would be fine wearing a range above and below it as well whilst less tan during winter.  I still find it unsettling that I own a warm tone shade, yet I choose to apply it with every application so I'll be keeping this shade.

I urge you to try it.  My initial reaction was unimpressed but I wasn't using enough!  Kelly Strack from YouTube suggested 2 full pumps of product and just like that, it slid on top of my skin easily without much blending and it didn't get thick and cakey.  It is like a smoothing solution that is now my absolute top pick of foundation!

photo fro www.Ulta.com

It can be purchse here: http://www.ulta.com/ulta/browse/productDetail.jsp?productId=xlsImpprod12621017&skuId=2290018

See Kelly's channel here: https://www.youtube.com/user/mak3upbarbie

-Erin

This product was purchased and not endorsed.

Brown lipstick? Think again

I have had my eye on LimeCrime's Cashmere lipstick since it was released, but couldn't spend the $20 on it.

It's a taupy brown color, and reminds me of opening my Christmas stocking as a child.  Every year, without fail, I would receive nail polishes and lip sticks, and almost always my mom would give me lipsticks in a light brown color and a cinnamon color.  I remember wearing those colors daily in 7th grade and again in 10th when I was more into makeup. 

Over the past decade I thought those colors looked odd on me and hadn't touched them.  I did a makeup clean out last year and only then parted with my stocking stuffers because, let's just say they most likely expired since the 90s and may have smelled a little funny.

I came across MAC lipsticks and lip pencils in Stone and Spice within the last few months, but again would not pay the price, especially when some creme lipsticks can make my dry lips look drier.

Michele told me Ulta was having a sale so I took a risk and purchsed 2 Ulta brand lipsticks.  I chose colors similar to the MAC colors I desired Stone and Spice, but they aren't true dups nor did I want them to be.  I prefer the subtlty of the Ulta colors rather than the bolder MAC colors I was inspired by.  I bought Sweet Mocha 260 and  Bronzed Beauty 261.

I applied Sweet Mocha, which applies more brown than the mauve color it appears to be in the photo.  I stepped back and was amazed how much it changed my entire makeup look. It created a sophisticated look paired with neutral eyeshadows, and I just adored it.  It now stays in my purse so I can take it wherever I go.  I can't wait to pair Bronzed Beauty with my new MakeUpGeek foiled shadow Flame Thrower I mentioned HERE to create a copper bronzed look to wear with brown fall boots, or an olive or navy outfit. 

Brown lipstick had me fooled!  Once applied, Sweet Mocha is just dark enough to cover my natural lip color, but also not too dark of a brown.

Sweet Mocha (top), Bronzed Beauty (bottom)

I liked the formula of Ulta brand's lipsticks too, as it stayed through hours of conversation during date night.  I usually stick to what I know, but now I recommend and will repurchase Ulta brand lipsticks!  Thanks Michelle for the suggestion!

-Erin

*No products mentioned above were endorsed.

#Lipstick

Lipstick is one of my favorite things in the world.  When I am having a bad day then I take a moment, put my lipstick on, pour another cup of coffee, and handle whatever needs handling.  One of my all time favorite quotes is by Elizabeth Taylor and it is "Put on some lipstick and pull yourself together."  I abide by her advice and after I put my lipstick on, I always feel better.

I need to have a print like this one made to hang on my bedroom wall.  I just adore it and it is so true!

Earlier this week I was having a tough day.  I went through my usual routine of coffee, lipstick, and getting myself together.  I ran errands with all three of my kids, including my newborn.  I was tired after being up all night and stressed about a couple different things.  I had chosen one of my favorite lipsticks, Super Hot, by Sephora Collection and is one of their Rouge Cream Lipsticks.  I had applied it quickly in the car, without any primer or lip pencil and only wearing minimal other makeup.  I was delighted when I got back in the car after three busy hours and my lipstick still looked great.

I was so tired but I had to stop and take a selfie to document the awesomeness of the moment.  Forgive my crazy hair and under eye circles please!  Having a newborn is exhausting but at least it's nice to know that my lipstick still looked fab.

I definitely recommend Sephora Collections Rouge Cream Lipstick and am purchasing more today.  I am a huge fan!

-Michelle

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*Photos courtesy of the blogger.  This was not a sponsored review

More MUG eyeshadows!

My 'special delivery' arrived!  I got my anxiously awaited package in the mail! 

I first mentioned MakeupGeek (MUG) eyeshadows here!  The blend-ability still impresses me!

I decided to order 8 more, since I was missing a few essential base and crease colors.

I had to get the foil shadow called Flame Thrower, to create a copper look this season!

I bought:

Beaches and Cream

Stealth

Ice Queen

Flame Thrower (foiled shadow)

Latte

Barcelona Beach

Crème Brulee

Peacock with flash without flash I rearranged my Z palette and created labels, so I can remember which ones my YouTube beauty gurus recommend for different looks I try to achieve!

Peach Smoothie is another fan favorite, but a little too peachy orange for my skin tone and preference so Beaches and Cream was a lighter and softer option. I can't wait to try some more neutral looks for fall with this palette.

The regular shadows are $5.99 each! I got one on sale for $2.99 too! The foiled shadows are $9.99, and remind me of the look of MAC pigments but cost less and aren't nearly as messy!
MakeUp Geek products can be bought on my affiliate link here!
-Erin
*Photos courtesy of blogger.  Products mentioned were personally purchased and not endorsed.

MUF HD Microfinish Powder vs City Color HD Powder

My skin changed after I had kids and up until recently I was  looking for a good finishing powder to wear over my CK One foundation. I hadn't found a favorite until earlier this year when I started wearing Make Up Forever's HD Microfinish Powder.  It's easy to apply, makes my makeup last, and keeps my nose from becoming shiny as the day goes on.  It is great and I wear it almost everyday.  I would have been completely loyal and not tried any other finishing powders but ipsy sent me a sample of City Color's HD Powder and now I am completely sold on it!  It looks, feels, and works just as well as Make Up Forever's but is a fraction of the price!  You had me at "bargain!"

Both City Color HD Powder and Make Up Forever HD Powder are applied with a large, fluffy blush.  They are both equally long wearing on me, easily blendable, and easy to touch up if needed.  I rarely touch mine up though!  My favorite thing about both is that they don't show up as shimmer or white in pictures.  Many white finishing powders show in photos and that is always a fear of mine.  Thankfully these both passed the picture test!

The container for the Make Up Forever powder is very heavy and bulky.  It's a pain to carry in my purse because it is so unwieldy.  The City Color Powder container is much more lightweight and easy to travel with.  The mesh cover inside the Make Up Forever's powder container does help ensure it doesn't spill or that I don't put too much on my brush at once.  That would be a nice feature for the City Color Powder to have but maybe it does on the full size container.  Their website didn't disclose that detail.  Either way that wouldn't convince me to purchase the more expensive one.

In this picture you can see that the City Color HD Powder would be easier to spill.

The Makeup Forever HD Microfinish Powder is $34 at Sephora.  There are 8.5 grams in the container.   The City Color HD Powder is $5.99 on The City Color website and there are 7 grams in the container.  Likely, I will have to pay shipping for City Color HD Powder, but even then it will still work out to be cheaper than the Make Up Forever version.

I am absolutely sold on the City Color HD Powder.  I would recommend and repurchase the Make Up Forever version, but given the choice I will choose the City Color one all the way!  With all that money saved I can also buy another product to try.  Yay!

-Michelle

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*This is a non sponsored review.  All photos are courtesy of the blogger.

Ulta Matte Lip Cream Review

I know that I have written a lot about lipstick and Ulta recently.  I hope you aren't tired of hearing about them but I can't help it.  I just love both so much!  My newest favorite product is the Ulta Matte Lip Cream.  It is very pigmented, lasts well, and doesn't dry my lips out.  I love the burst of color it gives.  

While I do recommend this product, there was a bit of a learning curve with its application.  The lip cream is applied with a wand like a lip gloss but it is easy to over do.  You have to make sure to wipe off the excess before applying it.  I like to use the applicator tip to line my lips before  filling them in.  The next step is critical!  Let it dry before before applying a second coat!  The first coat should be a thin coat and it has to settle before you add more otherwise it bleeds.  Once the second coat is dry then I layer clear moisturizing balm over the top.  The balm seems to help keep it from settling in my lip's creases and keeps it looking fresher longer.

The shade I am wearing is called brilliant.  It's kind of an electric orange color.  As a redhead, I wasn't sure that an orange-y red would ever be an option but I am quite happy to have found this one!

-Michelle

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*photos courtesy of the blogger.  This was a non sponsored review

Lipstick Manicure

Do you get gel manicures?   Any manicure? It seems that tips, wraps, and lcn nails are out of date, but I still love my acrylic nails!  Without them, my polish would chip within the hour!  I normally get them square, and never had the desire to try the stiletto nail, which is the Lady Gaga inspired pointy-tipped dagger dragon claw nail shape that the younger generation and beauty gurus gravitate toward.

(photo found on pinterest, originally found on ebay.com)

I heard about a fresh tube of lipstick inspired nail trend and wanted to jump on board immediately! My favorite nail stylist Aya was 100% willing to try my request!   "Something different to keep me young," I told her! Now the style still uses nail polish and not lipstick, but the filed shape results in the angular shape of a freshly unwrapped lipstick!

 What do you think?

(photo belongs to 2StrongGirlsCM)

(photo belongs to 2StrongGirlsCM)

I can type, apply makeup, and do everything as normal, except pick up change or credit cards from a flat surface, which I couldn't do with my squared off acrylics either!  I think I'll be sticking with this look for some time to come!

~Erin

Recent Ulta Haul

I know I have talked about Ulta before but I can't get enough of that store!  It's one of my favorites and I am always finding new, awesome products or getting great deals there.  I went a couple of weeks ago to purchase my favorite foundation by CK One that I was nearly out of.  Like many women, during the summer my skin tans despite using a high SPF sunscreen.  I didn't want to purchase a bottle of my usual foundation in a darker color because I didn't think I would use it all before my tan faded for the winter.  While browsing and debating my purchase, I started chatting with the Ulta employee.  I mentioned my situation and she recommended the Ulta brand BB Cream for the few short few weeks that I would need a darker color.  Honestly, I wasn't convinced.  I had tried a BB Cream before and was totally unimpressed.  I decided to try it and then she mentioned that they were having a great special if you purchased $19.50 in Ulta brand products then you got a free gift.  Normally I could care less about the free gifts given at makeup counters.  I have a million makeup bags thanks to ipsy and don't really need samples.  Then she showed me the free gift and I audibly gasped in awe.  The gift was amazing!  It's a 15 piece gift set valued at $88.  It comes with a decent sized make up bag, a large sample sized matte lipstick, a blush duo, a mascara, two eye shadows, three makeup brushes, a $5 coupon off a future purchase and a couple samples.  How could I say no?  I decided to stock up on my favorite mascara, which you can also read about here, and to try the BB Cream she recommended.  I was also able to use a $3.50 coupon which brought my total down to $19.50 before taxes.  Therefore, I paid less than $20 for approximately $100 in makeup.  Score!

Here is what I paid for:

As you can tell, I have been using the BB Cream.  I am liking it!  I'll probably only use it for summer because it gives a very sheer coverage and usually I like a medium coverage.  It is perfect for summer though.  It glides on easily with my fingers and is very easy to blend.  I use a finishing powder and it lasts several hours.

Here is a picture of everything included with the free gift.  Amazing, right?!

Lastly, here is a photo of everything that I got!  

I am so excited about this purchase.  My makeup bag is definitely stocked and ready for fall and I can actually see myself using all these products.  If you haven't been to Ulta lately then I definitely recommend checking this deal out before it's gone!

-Michelle

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*This is a non sponsored review.  Photos courtesy of the blogger

Pads & Tampons Be Gone

I remember seeing an email or article going around years ago about not using maxi pads or tampons because of the chemicals on the cotton material.  I never thought much about it at the time.  Over the past year, I have switched to clean eating, avoiding chemicals and processed foods with great effort, which has led to the norm and feels like no effort at all.  More recently, I have also switched some cleaning products and more importantly because it enters my tissues and organs thorough my skin, I have switched to healthier alternatives to skincare.  My healthy deodorant review is here.

I know there are so many factors of my day and surroundings that are out of my control and therefore I am absorbing poisons daily, but I want to avoid even more exposure whenever I can, with the things that I can control.  I thought more about the toxins entering my body directly through my soft tissues every single month, and realized that since I put so much effort into avoiding harmful chemicals orally and through my skin, I needed to be more open minded about letting go of the stereotypical thoughts I had toward handling my monthly nuisance.

I ordered the Lunette, also called a Diva Cup.   I have yet to bear children so I ordered the smaller of the two sizes.  I received a purple silicone cup, and boiled it as the directions suggested. I read how to pinch it and insert it, and read to definitely use both hands when removing.  It was $40 but I knew it was a one time cost and would save me money over the years of not buying the cotton products if I could only convince myself to give it a real shot.

The first month I did not like it.  I gave it another try, because I honestly didn't like the alternative either.  The amount of times I was out of the house longer than expected and unprepared had caused so much unnecessary anxiety in the past, I wanted to try this approach.  A few months later, I loved it.  It became easier, quicker, more comfortable, and more convenient with no time restraints if I'm at someone else's house with an empty garbage or out and about.  I also don't have to wait for the start on Day 1.  I can insert the morning it's expected with no issues.

I can now wear white jeans 30 days a month if I want!  For health reasons, and also just plain convenience since it lasts for up to 12 hours on average, I highly recommend giving this product a try!  There are many articles online about the dangers of old fashioned pads and tampons if interested in doing your own research.  There are also washable pads, similar to reusable diapers if you prefer, but that didn't sound as feasible in my opinion.

I bought my Lunette here but you can also buy here

Are you willing to give it a try?

*The items mentioned was personally purchased and not sponsored by companies.

(Photos are courtesy of blogger.)

Ipsy Review

Ipsy is a monthly subscription box of beauty and makeup items.  Some of the items are full size but most are the larger or deluxe size samples.  You also get a cute makeup bag that everything fits in.  Some of the items are from drug store brands like Revlon and Loreal but many are speciality brands like NYX, Smashbox, Moroccon Oil, and Napolean Perdis.

I have been receiving Ipsy Glam Bags for a year now and I am overall pretty happy with the products I have received and the overall value of the items I receive.  I have received several full size items from Cailyn, NYX, Shea Butter, and Burt's Bees which were all worth more than the $10.00 monthly subscription charge.  I have also received samples of items that I ended up purchasing and samples of other items that I was planning to purchase, ended up trying through Ipsy and saving my money.  If you are a Beauty or Products Junkie like I am, then this subscription box is definitely for you!

This month my Ipsy Glam Bag included a sample of Smashbox's Photo Finish Foundation Primer, a sample of Dr. Brandt Skincare Pores No More Vacuum Cleaner, a trial size of Miracle Leave In Conditioner by Pure Brazilian, a Shea Butter Lip Crayon by Shea Moisture, and a Mini Eyeshadow Crayon by tre'StiQue.  The makeup bag is very soft and a great size for my daily essentials or as a spare for my pool or gym bag.

I'm not sure if you noticed, but the eyeshadow crayon is missing it's lid.  I contacted Ipsy and they quickly shipped me another one that arrived approximately a week later.  Their customer service was amazing and they didn't even question when I asked for a new one because of the missing lid.  I was quite impressed with how well they took care of me.  In the year that I have subscribed to Ipsy, that is the only issue I have had.

Again, I am happy with Ipsy and do recommend it.  It's probably the only mail that I look forward to each month!

-Michelle

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*Photo courtesy of the blogger.  This was not a sponsored review

Neutrogena naturals

I decided to try a new line of skincare!

Neutrogena naturals is sold at my local Harmon discount store.  I am usually weary of such names containing the word natural since false marketing is far too common.  I thought I would try it since I was in need of an actual facial cleanser I liked.  Using Bed and Bath coupons made it that much more enticing!  The label states No harsh chemical sulfates, parebens, petrolatum, dyes, phthalates.

I purchased the purifying facial cleanser, and the multi-vitamin nourishing moisturizer.  I'm in love with these products.  Usually I say 'yea another product, I'll use it up and try whatever one I buy next.'  These will both be repurchased!  I use the purifying facial cleanser on my skin brush, which I reviewed here.  It doesn't break me out or leave a film of residue.  The lotion helps the dry parts of my skin and I can apply my foundation over it with no problem.  Give it a try!

(Photo courtesty of naturals.neutrogena.com)

Can be purchased here:

http://astore.amazon.com/2strgircouand-20

-Erin

*Products mentioned were personally purchased and not sponsored.