Hi All! I’m back with my first check in for my third quarter project pan in 2018. This one is only two months long, because I took July off. You can see my first post with the products listed here.
This has been going pretty well as I have already panned three products:
Sorry this is so dark! The products I’ve panned are PUR No Filter Primer, Pacifica Crystal Power Hydro Mist and Reclaim Botanical Serum. I love all three of these products, but won’t be repurchasing them this year. I have so much makeup and skincare and it will last me through the end of the year.
Here’s what I have left:
Philosophy Hope in a Jar — I have about a 3rd of this left
Yes to Superblueberries Skin Recharging Yogurt Scrub and Mask — I have about a 4th of this left.
Reclaim Botanical Eye Cream — This is almost done, maybe a few more uses are left.
Botanics 100% Organic Refreshing Toning Spritz — I have about a week of this left. I really love this spray! It has a rosy-floral scent.
Rimmel London Lasting Finish 25HR Breathable Foundation in 01 Classic Ivory — It’s really hard to tell on this one. It could have a 3rd or 4th left in it, it’s hard to tell.
The Lavanila The Healthy Body Butter in Vanilla Grapefruit has just a few more uses in it.
The Tigi Bed Head After-Party still has a couple of weeks in it I think.
I will update again at the end of September and hopefully it will all be used up. Wish me luck!
Have you done a project pan before? How did it go?
It’s almost September! Yay! It has been a LONG, HOT summer and frankly, I’m glad it’s almost over! My daughters have been in school for over two weeks now, so I’m ready for cooler weather and a change in my beauty routine!
Below are my favorites this month. These are products I’ve been using all summer. I haven’t done a ton of reviews in August because I’ve been busy and I haven’t had many new products (I have a feeling that will change this fall!). Here are the one I have been loving most:
Anastasia Beverly Hills Norvina Eyeshadow Palette ($42 USD) — I would think this would be a predictable favorite for many of us this month! I purchased this as soon as went on sale at Ulta.com. I love purples shadow and I loved the packaging! I wish this had more purples, but the ones in it are very pretty and you can make lots of natural looks with it. There is a lot of kick up in the pans and their is fallout, but the shades blend well and are very pigmented!
Philosophy Pure Grace Endless Summer ($49 for 2 fl. oz EDT) — I have been loving this during the summer. It’s citrusy and fresh at first, then the musk gives a sultry finish. I received this in a set that includes a body lotion, but the set doesn’t seem to be on sale any more. You can get the perfume still. And I definitely recommend it!
jane iredale’s NEW Triple Luxe Long Lasting Naturally Moist Lipsticks ($35 each). These are actually new for fall and are a very new favorite for me! Each lipstick contains antioxidant-rich Moringa Oil to soothe and nourish, plus Tahitian Vanilla and Blackberry for subtly sweet, natural flavor. These are hydrating but feel really light on. My fave shade is the one shown, Jackie (peachy pink). It’s pretty now for summer and will also look gorgeous with dramatic eyes in the fall.
Urban Decay All Nighter Waterproof Setting Powder ($34 USD) — This gives me a matte look, but isn’t dry on my skin. That’s important to me as I age, and the fact is my face isn’t oily. But it does get greasy in the summer when it’s so hot and humid. The combo of this and the Urban Decay Chill setting spray really has kept my makeup in place all day during the hot weather.
Pixi Beauty Retinol Tonic (#15 USD) — This amazing toner features a unique time-release Retinol to help rejuvenate the skin for a natural glow. Powerful antioxidants and botanicals replenish the skin for a smoother, softer appearance. I love using this once a day (normally at night). It makes my sensitive a bit red at first, but then calms down and is so even-toned an smooth! Plus my skin looks great in the morning!
Derma E Firming DMAE Cleanser ($15.50 USD) — This has been my favorite cleanser for months now! It claims to cleanse away oil and makeup while supporting visibly firmer skin with this exclusive treatment cleanser. The formula contains skin-firming DMAE, antioxidants Alpha Lipoic Acid and C-Ester, calming Lemon Grass, Chamomile, natural astringents Horsetail and Horse Chestnut to be gentle on skin while encouraging healthy tone and texture. It doesn’t irritate my skin at all and cleanses so well while not drying out my skin.
So, those are my August faves. What have you been loving this month?
Hi all! Fall is just around the corner and I’m starting to do my fall makeup reviews. I’m so excited because this is one of my favorite times of year!
Below are new fall products that I have been sent for my honest review:
jane iredale Triple Luxe Long Lasting Naturally Moist Lipsticks
Just launched is jane iredale’s NEW Triple Luxe Long Lasting Naturally Moist Lipsticks ($35 each). there are 15 fresh “power colors” in a breakthrough luxury, clean formula. From electric pink (Natalie) to fine wine (Ella) to bold red (Gwen) to made-for-you nudes (Gabby, Molly, Sharon, Tricia), each lip-loving shade uses antioxidant-rich Moringa Oil to soothe and nourish, plus Tahitian Vanilla and Blackberry for subtly sweet, natural flavor.
I love how these feel on. They are hydrating but feel really light on. I do have to layer them to get an opaque look. I have these in Jackie (peachy pink), Rose (light merlot) and Ella (deep rose brown). I love nude and lighter colors and Jackie is so pretty on! I will wear the other two in the fall when I deepen my lip color.
Morgan Taylor Fall Safari Swatches
Morgan Taylor Lacquer has just launched their African Safari collection for Fall 2018. Inspired by the sweeping landscape of a safari, the Fall collection embodies the rich earth tones of this destination. Brilliant pearls of sapphire, pewter, and garnet compliment saturated crèmes giving the entire collection the uninhibited feeling that anything can happen under the starry skies of the Serengeti. Here are the shades:
· Are You Lion to Me? – Pewter Shimmer
· Off The Grid – Black Brown Crème
· No Cell? Oh Well! – Sapphire Blue Pearl
· Wanna Share a Tent? – Garnet Red Pearl
· No Sudden Mauves – Rose Mauve Pearl
· Neutral by Nature – Warm Nude Crème
These are all gorgeous for fall! I find that Morgan Taylor Lacquers apply easily and stays on for days! I love deeper polishes going into the cooler seasons and am exited to have these shades to play with!
I just received these these gorgeous Hard Candy eye shadow palettes and have been testing them out. The shadows are nice, but they do take some building up to get pigment. When I do build them up, they look so pretty all day! And there is little kick up in the pan or fall out on the eyes!
I am really looking forward to fall, but it’s still summer! And while the weather is still warm and the sun is shining, I want to wear bright colors!
Below are my picks for the end of summer. I received samples for my honest review of everything except for the Maybelline Soda Pop palette:
Maybelline New York Soda Pop Eyeshadow Palette
Maybelline New York Soda Pop Eyeshadow Palette ($13.99 USD) — I don’t have this yet, but I do want to get it because I think the shades are gorgeous! Here’s the info:
Use the NEW Maybelline New York Soda Pop Eyeshadow Palette to take nudes to a new level. Wearable neutrals meet bold pops of color – encompassing the hottest color trends in one convenient palette! Curated with 12 super creamy shades that pack a strong pigment punch, this palette offers intense color payoff in just one swipe. The best part? The palette is enriched with a cherry-cola scent that is sure to quench your color thirst. Soda Pop Eyeshadow Palette offers everything you need to create your soda-inspired look that POPS!
Wunder2 Wunderkiss Gloss Lip Liner ($11.95 USD) — This liner is created to be used with lip gloss! The liner is very smooth and easy to use. The claim is that it can be used to create a beautiful, long-lasting lip contour that keeps your lip gloss in place. I find that it does just that. My gloss looks fresh for longer. Available in 3 shades — Nude, Rose and Berry. I love the Nude, but the Rose is so pretty, too! The Berry is a little dark for me, but I might try it in the fall.
Purchase at www.wunder2.com
Sally Hansen Miracle Gel Sunset Splash Collection
I have been loving these Sally Hansen Miracle Gel Sunset Splash Collection for my end of summer nails looks. Give your nails a gradient summer splash with the “Sunset Splash” collection which features 6 shades. From glamorous sunset sky to glitter gradients this collection definitely has you covered. I love doing an ombre look with these or I use a cream like Smartease and add a shimmer or glitter accent like Metro Midnight. Plus since I use these with their gel top coat, they stay looking amazing for about a week!
What products are you loving now? Are you still wearing summer products or are you all about fall?
I have been testing new skin care products I was sent for my honest review. I love trying skincare to add to my daily routine. I think anti-aging skincare really helps my skin looks smoother and younger.
There are the current products I’m using:
OMG! Is This Really Me?
Dot Your Eyes
Live Life LIFTED
I received anti-aging skincare from Robin McGraw’s new line, Robin McGraw Revelation. Robin is Dr. Phil’s wife, and she has worked closely with chemists for years and each product has been custom-crafted to utilize the highest-quality, most potent active ingredients, along with cutting-edge technology. Products are void of harmful sulfates, mineral oil, parabens and chemicals. As with all Robin McGraw Revelation products, there is no animal testing. Many of the products are powered by their patent pending Dynamic Infusion Technology. The products I received are:
OMG! Is This Really Me? Instant Face Shaper ($34 USD) — Fast-acting formula of high performance ingredients. It claims to to visibly smooth, tighten, and lift the eyes, face, and neck. Packed with 5 unique peptides, each designed to target multiple skin concerns. When I use this, my skin does feel smoother and tighter instantly. I like using it under makeup for a smooth and youthful look during the day.
Dot Your Eyes ($40 USD) — This tightening eye cream takes a multi-action approach to refreshing tired eyes, combining cutting-edge skincare science with potent botanical ingredients to improve skin at the cellular level. Reduces the appearance of puffy eyes, dark circles and fine lines while assisting in natural collagen production to tighten puffy and sagging skin. I use this cream in the morning to ensure that my eye area is smooth before makeup. It really helps my concealer and powder look flawless!
Live Life LIFTED ($42 USD) — This formula delivers a potent blend of five skin-smoothing, anti-wrinkle peptides and hyaluronic acid deep into to hydrate as well as visibly lift, firm and smooth skin’s appearance for a more sculpted silhouette.This lightweight cream also features jojoba esters with moisturizing vitamins A, D, and C, plus free radical blocking, anti-aging vitamin E-rich sunflower seed oil to provide intense healing and hydration without the sticky after feel. I have been using this twice a day and have noticed a bit of a lift and tighter skin. I will continue using it to sculpt my chin and neck!
DERMAdoctor Wrinkle Revenge Rescue & Protect Eye Balm ($50 USD) — Super hydrating eye balm enriched with peptides, caffeine, hyaluronic acid and antioxidants, approved for use on delicate upper eyelids, under eye area and crow’s feet region.
Helps improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and helps the eye area feel refreshed, alert and youthful. I apply this on my eyes at night as a hydrating sleeping treatment. Its moisturizing, but not greasy. I’ve noticed that my eyes have been looking smoother since I have been using this.
Available at www.dermadoctor.com, Ulta and other great stores.
NeoCell Hair, Skin & Nails Beauty Chews
Neocell, Hair, Skin, & Nails Beauty Chews, Berry Medley, 30 Soft Chews — Feeling beautiful and healthy has never been so easy as it is now with NeoCell Hair, Skin & Nails Beauty Chews. These potent chews deliver beauty nutrients in a delicious soft chew bursting with natural berry flavors and are perfect for those who have trouble swallowing pills. I like the taste of these, they are a bit tarte. My nails and skin have been looking nice lately, so I will continue using these!
Research suggests that the right nutrients can have a major impact on hair, skin and nail health:
BioActive NeoCell Collagen – Lab tested for potency & purity
Hyaluronic Acid – Essential component for skin rehydration
Biotin – Supports healthy, luxurious hair & promotes natural energy
Vitamin C – Supports collagen formation in the skin, Antioxidant support against free radicals
What skincare products have you recently discovered?
I was so happy to get these eye masks! I have seen them reviewed and thought they looked fun! They are gold foil on the outside and a cellulose fiber that delivers hyaluronic acid and more! They look so cute on and when I removed them, my eyes looked amazing! Very smooth, bright, and my dark circles were reduced! Love!
The style of these lashes are Siren. I don’t wear lashes, but they are pretty. The band is really thin and I think these would actually fit my eyes. These might come in handy later, so I’ll hang on to them.
This Adesse New York oil includes Vitamin E, shea oil, sweet almond, and jojoba oils. This has a light scent. I haven’t used it yet because I have a cuticle oil I forget to use. I think I might give this away.
After I received this palette, I told my daughter who is leaving for college that I had a nice, neutral palette for her. Then I showed her this. She laughed so hard!
This palette is very good quality. It has sturdy packaging and a really nice mirror. The colors are obviously very bright. I am going to try them out soon and may do a review of the palette alone.
I will have swatches of this, the brow cream and the lipstick below.
Bang Beauty Chocolate Eyeliner — I don’t usually use eyeliner. I use shadow to line my eyes. But I do like gel eyeliner. I don’t wear black often, so this might be nice for every day. I will try this out. (But I don’t think it will work with the bright Laura Lee palette)!
Smashbox Be Legendary Lipstick in Action, vivid orchid cream. This is such a creamy lipstick that feels so good on! And the color is so pretty. But it’s not really for me. I like nudes or pinks. I have tried it out, so I will keep it. Who knows, I might use it (and this will go with the Laura Lee palette!)
Here are my swatches:
On the left is the eyeliner. I should have applied it with a brush because it was hard to do with my finger. You can see the color and it was really difficult to remove so it would probably last a long time on the eyes.
The lipstick is next. It’s really pretty. The next 6 shades are Laura Lee’s palette. From left to right is Issa Party, Damage Control, Karaoke, Dranks, Bottoms Up and Hungover. I have tried one shade, Hungover in my crease, outer corner and under my eyes. And it was gorgeous! So I’m kind of excited about the crazy colors.
I think this month was okay. I will use all of the eye masks and I’ll try out the palette and eyeliner. I’ll keep the lipstick or give it to my daughter. I’ll hold on to the lashes just in case I need them. I will probably give the nail oil away. I usually don’t keep as many products out of my BoxyCharm. So while I’m not blown away by anything, I will use some of it.
What do you think of these products? Do you get BoxyCharm? What did you receive?
Hi All! I’m excited to be reviewing the new Norvina palette by Anastasia Beverly Hills. This palette was created by Anastasia’s daughter Norvina.
“I have always wanted to create a palette that embodies my spirit. I’m a dreamer at heart and get lost in my own fantasy world daily. It’s a whimsical place that leaves you feeling carefree. If I had to explain how these colors made me feel, I would say “happy”.” – Norvina
I was so excited when I first saw this palette! Purple is my favorite color and I thought it was so gorgeous! I have a few ABH palettes, and I noticed that this one has more glitters — which I love!
The packaging of this is the soft velvet of all of the ABH palettes. It’s pretty, but does get dirty really fast.
The inside has a large mirror and comes with a double-ended brush that is good quality.
Shades:
Dreamer (metallic pink champagne)
Base (matte eggshell)
Summer (metallic foiled golden topaz)
Soul (matte wisteria)
Wild Child (duo-chrome frosty pink w/ a magenta shift)
Incense (matte dusty terracotta)
Rose Gold (metallic rosewood)
Love (matte mid-tone cool pink)
Celestial (duo-chrome plum w/ a violet shift)
Volatile (matte warm charcoal)
Dazzling (duo-chrome cool-tone bronze w/ a violet shift)
Eccentric (matte dark burnt orange)
Drama (duo-chrome aubergine w/ a cool bronze shift)
Passion (matte deep garnet)
Here are swatches:
These are the metallics and shimmers — Dreamer, Summer, Wild Child, Rose Gold, Celestial and Drama. They are all gorgeous. Wild Child is the hardest one to work with because it’s really sheer, I had to build it up in the photo. Drama is more of a matte with glitter.
Here are the mattes — Base, Soul, Incense, Love, Volatile, Eccentric and Passion. You can’t really see it in the photo, but Base, Soul and Love all have a little shimmer in them. I still use them in my crease and on my lid, but they are a bit shimmery. The other mattes are pigmented and a little powdery like normal Anastasia mattes.
There is kick up in the pan on most of the shadows in this palette. But all of the Anastasia palettes I have do this, so I’m just careful while applying.
So I have been using this for about a week, and honestly am still deciding how much I like it. It isn’t as bright and fun as I had hoped, but it is a really pretty neutral palette with a few pops of purple. And I have created natural glam and smokey eye looks using it.
I will keep playing with it and I think it will transition nicely into the fall months.
Have you picked up the ABH Norvina palette? What do you think?
Today is National Lipstick Day! It’s time to wear your favorite lip product — or maybe buy a new one!
I thought I would spotlight some of my fave lip products. Need some ideas?
Lipstick Queen Method In The Madness Lipstick
Lipstick Queen Method In The Madness Lipstick ($25, on sale today for $17.50) Lipstick Queen invites you to experience the magical chaos of Method In The Madness as swirls of ultra-luxe creamy hues combine into one bold lip color of its own.
Featuring several uniquely stunning shades, this rich and hydrating formula is infused with vitamin E leaving lips soft and supple to the touch.
The entire Lipstick Queen brand is on sale today for 30% off at Ulta. Also check out another fave, the Nothing But the Nudes collection each shade is $16.80 today!
Rimmel London Lasting Finish Lipstick
Rimmel London Stay Glossy 3D Lip Gloss
Rimmel London Stay Satin Liquid Lip Color
Rimmel London has amazing lip products!
Lasting Finish Lipstick ($4.99) — Intense long lasting color for up to 8 hours wear. +25% color impact, smooth creamy texture and all day comfort
Stay Glossy ($3.99) –These are high shine lip gloss. Gorgeous alone or over a lipstick.
Stay Satin Liquid Lipstick ($4.99) — A new vivid satin liquid lip color with superior color payoff! High-intensity color that delivers a bold satin finish in one stroke,lasts up to 8 hours and is comfortable on the lips. Available in 14 bold shades
This liquid lipstick features a unique arrow applicator for precise application and is available in a range of super saturated shades. It features a flawless matte finish, highly-pigmented color and is a long-lasting, saturated matte.
Define your glossy lip look with our ‘first of its kind’ WUNDER2 WUNDERKISS GLOSS LIP LINER ($11.95) to be used specifically with your favorite lip gloss! Use our unique glossy formula on the outside of the lips to create a beautiful, long-lasting lip contour that keeps your lip gloss in place. Available in 3 shades to perfectly complement the WUNDERKISSLip Plumping Glosses, create the most precise & perfect pout with gloss-rich lips.
What are your favorite lip products? And what are you wearing today for National Lipstick Day?
Summer is flying by this year! It has been a long, hot one. My youngest daughter starts high school in a couple of weeks and my middle daughter goes off to college. It’s crazy!
This summer I have been loving the items below. They include a cute quotation book on friendship, Biotin chews to help my skin, a fresh new summer perfume and fun holographic nail polish:
The Joy of Friendship: A Thoughtful and Inspiring Collection of 200 Quotations ($12.50 USD) — The greatest gift in life is friendship. The Joy of Friendship celebrates these all-important relationships by exploring the nature of friendship, how it forms, and how it endures. From childhood friendships to lifelong best buddies, it is the friendships we build along the way that defines who we are and what our lives are about. As Aristotle said, a friend is “a soul living in two bodies.” The Joy of Friendship collects this and other wisdoms to help you better appreciate those who make your world a better place.
NeoCell Biotin Burst Brazilian Acai Berry 30 Chews ($11.96 USD) — All natural formula bursting with delicious flavor. Acai Berry for protection from free radical damage. Having beautiful and radiant skin has never been so easy- or so delicious. NeoCell Biotin Bursts deliver high absorption beauty nutrients in delectable, gourmet soft chews.
I’ve been taking these for about a week. I like the berry taste and the fact that they are chews instead of pills. They are fun and easy to take. My skin has been looking pretty clear lately. I don’t know if it’s too early to see results, but I will continue to take them!
Philosophy Pure Grace Endless Summer ($49 for 2 fl. oz EDT) — summer is a state of mind—and a new limited-edition fragrance. This fragrance celebrates the sultriest of seasons with delicate layers of iced lychee, exotic pomelo and warm musk, conjuring calm and a carefree sensibility with a single spritz.
I have been loving this during the summer. It’s citrusy and fresh at first, then the musk gives a sultry finish. I received this in a set that includes a body lotion, but the set doesn’t seem to be on sale any more. You can get the perfume still. And I definitely recommend it!
The claim for this is that it embraces pure excess with rich textures, effects, and an extended-wear formula.
“With Platinum, we wanted to give the wearer an indulgent experience by creating shades, effects, and textures straight from their wildest dreams,” explain brand namesakesMorgan Haile and Taylor Daniel.
These are so gorgeous! I love all of the shades, but especially Disco Days, a mint green and Glow all Out, a rosey coral shade. They wear best with a top coat.
Hi all! This is the second part of my recent H2O+ Beauty review on new products. I received these for my honest review.
I really like H2O+ Beauty because the brand is built on the philosophy that effective skincare doesn’t need to be complicated. And they have leveraged the hydrating power of pure water. I love that the products are natural and I have really enjoyed the skin care and body care products I have used.
Here are the products I received:
H2O+ Elements Jelly Cleanser ($20 USD) — This is such a fun cleanser! It contains Argan Oil and Pearl extract and transforms from a bouncy jelly texture into a foam. It has a clean scent and doesn’t dry out my skin.
H2O+ Oasis Smart Tint LipColor ($12 USD) — A self-adjusting lip color that complements all complexions with a custom shade. I use the darker side for a soft blush shade, and the lighter side for a layer of shimmer. This is so pretty! And it’s a perfect light look for summer.
H2O+ Waterbright Massaging Eye Roller ($28 USD) — A massaging rollerball that helps reduce dark circles and puffiness of the delicate under eye area. The gel is cooling and hydrating. It features Pomelo, Snowflake Flower extracts and caffeine to helps reduce dark circles and puffiness while illuminating pigments instantly brighten my skin.
H2O+ On The Move Rollerball Fragrance ($18 each) — This is a water based fragrance that hydrates skin and adds a hint of shimmer. The two scents are:
Teak Rose — The light yet exotic wood fragrance showcases bergamot and orange blossom highlighted by aromatic rose and finished with dry notes of golden amber.
Lemongrass Vetiver — The alluring sparkling lemongrass scent features clean citrus notes of lemon, heightened by a ginger freshness and tempered by fresh grass.
I think the Teak Rose is my favorite, it’s kind of a smokey-rose scent. It’s fresh and sultry. The Lemongrass Vetiver is okay, it is a fresher scent, but not my favorite. These are fun to wear, especially if you like shimmer in the summer. And it’s nice that you can take these on the go.
Have you tried any new H2O+ Beauty products? Which ones are you favorites?
These are the metallics and shimmers — Dreamer, Summer, Wild Child, Rose Gold, Celestial and Drama. They are all gorgeous. Wild Child is the hardest one to work with because it’s really sheer, I had to build it up in the photo. Drama is more of a matte with glitter.
Forty, Flirty & Fabulous 