Beauty Scenario Tag

I first came across this tag on lifewithlilred‘s blog (read her Beauty Scenario Tag post here and follow her while yer there!).

Here we go!

You have to get rid of all your foundations and you can only keep one high end and one drugstore, which do you keep?

I would keep Too Faced’s Born This Way and e.l.f. Cosmetics Flawless Foundation.

You go for an interview and the lady interviewing you has lipstick on her teeth. Do you approach the subject or ignore it completely?

Telling her depends on the vibe. If I feel we’re jiving and her personality and mine aren’t clashing, I’d feel comfortable enough to tell her. I’d want to know, and honestly, telling her may earn points and possibly a job!

You’re not feeling yourself and need a pick me up. Which lipstick do you put on to make yourself feel beautiful?

I don’t wear lipstick, but I’d put on Buxom Full-On Lip Polish in Celeste because it’s pretty and glittery and glitter makes me happy. 🙂

You go back in time for a day to your teenage years, how would you do your hair and makeup differently?

I didn’t wear makeup as a teenager, but I would go back and slather on sunscreen like a crazy person. As for my hair, I wore it long and natural and wouldn’t change a thing about that!

You ask your hairdresser for a shoulder length Pixie Lott hair cut, but they hear wrong and give you a pixie cut.

Do you:

A) Smile, say thank you, leave and call your mom hysterical.

B) Cry in the chair and things get awkward.

C) Complain to the manager and demand a refund.

First, let me say that I had to google Pixie Lott because I had no clue who she is, and I still don’t. 🙂 As for an answer to the question, none of the above choices would be what I would do. While a bad haircut sucks, it is hair and it will grow back. I would most definitely let the hairdresser know in a kind way that I am unhappy with the cut, but I would make the most of it with product, hair color, whatever I could to make the best of it until it grew back. My motto in life is to pick my battles wisely. A bad haircut isn’t a battle to lose sleep over. I’d pay for the haircut, and even tip the hairdresser. Mistakes happen. I don’t think any hairdresser intentionally messes up a client’s hair.

Your friend surprises you with a 4 day city break and you have 1 hour to pack. Which ‘do it all’ palette do you pack in your makeup bag?

I’d choose the e.l.f. Cosmetics Mad for Matte Nude Mood palette.

Your house has been robbed, don’t worry everyone is safe, but your beauty stash has been raided. What’s the product you really hope is safe?

I’d be upset if my Jaclyn Hill palette and any of my Jeffree Star palettes were missing, or destroyed. They weren’t cheap. 😉

Your friend borrows your makeup and returns it in awful condition.

Do you:

A) Just pretend you haven’t noticed.

B) Ask them to repurchase it.

C) Secretly do the same to something of theirs.

My friends don’t borrow my makeup. However, if a friend expresses interest in a product I use, I’d either give them one from my backup stash or buy them their own as a little Thank You For Being My Friend gift. Borrowing makeup is weird.

How would you answer these questions? Do the Beauty Scenario tag and don’t forget to tag me so that I can read your answers!

Thank you for reading!

First Impressions- NYX Worth The Hype Mascara

I purchased the NYX Worth The Hype mascara at Walgreens ($7.99) a few weeks ago and have been using it daily for about two weeks now! In fact, I bought two new tubes for backups. 🙂 No, it hasn’t fully replaced my Benefit Roller Lash, but this mascara is definitely a new favorite!

Photo credit: Walgreens.com

My first thought was that I love love love the full brush! It isn’t bendy and the bristles hug my lashes coating them perfectly.

It was a breeze to do my bottom lashes, as well.

The formula is dry, which I prefer. The product didn’t bombard the brush and clump on my lashes. Any excess was easily removed with a dampened cotton swab.

For a more natural lash, my ride or die mascara is Benefit’s Roller Lash. I doubt I will ever find a mascara to completely replace the Roller Lash, however, the NYX Worth The Hype mascara will definitely be my go to for when I’m in the mood for lush, long, dark lashes. It is simply stunning on my eyes.

My lashes had definite volume, great separation, weren’t clumped together, were long, lush and black. I’d never received compliments on my mascara before but had received many compliments on my eyes in the first two days I used this product. 

The Overalls:

What I like: The wand, the formula, the application, the results, the price! Holy moly, y’all, this mascara is life.

What I don’t like: There isn’t anything I do not like about this mascara. Trust me, I tried to find SOMETHING.  There may be a small amount of transfer from my lower lashes, but it is hardly noticeable.

I am in LOVE with the NYX Cosmetics Worth The Hype mascara. Funny thing is that I haven’t read much about this mascara, or seen it used much on YouTube. It is absolutely worth the hype!

Have you tried the NYX Worth The Hype mascara? What are your thoughts?

Thank you for reading!

 

 

 

Scentbird – April 2018

If you’re not familiar, Scentbird is a designer fragrance subscription service.  You can opt to receive 1, 2 or 3 fragrances starting at $14.95 per month.  The fragrances come in a 0.27 oz (8 ml) bottle which provide enough product for 30 days. I receive three fragrances per month for $35.00.

The fragrances arrive in a bubble envelope and a card with information on each fragrance. The cards are great to use for sampling each scent.

My April fragrances:

Dolce & Gabbana Light Blue – From the Scentbird website:

A stunning perfume, overwhelming and irresistible like the joy of living. The scent is surprisingly colored with the liveliness of Sicilian citron, the happiness of Granny Smith apple, and the spontaneity of bluebells. Feminine and resolute notes are expressed with the intensity of jasmine, the freshness of bamboo, and the charm of white rose. The deep and true base embodies the character of cedarwood, the fullness of amber, and the embrace of musk.

My thoughts:  I enjoy this fragrance. It’s citrus-y with woodsy, floral and sexy undertones. I am loving the feminine fragrances with masculine undertones.

Cartier Baiser Vole – From the Scentbird website:

Cartier’s Baiser Vole (“stolen kisses”) celebrates a stunning light green lily note, from the verdant texture of its leaves, to the powdery embrace of its petals. The dry down is nothing more than a drifting current of serene green stems in water, infusing this fragrance with a gauzy, tender, and moonlit feel.

My thoughts:  This fragrance is powdery and feminine with a touch of citrus. I like it, but it’s not my favorite of the three.

Dolce & Gabbana Pour Femme – From the Scentbird website:

A creamy, silken jasmine note blends with rich, toasted marshmallow, while bright bursts of tangy raspberry and tangerine pop and swirl over a velvety soft orange blossom note in the heart.

My thoughts:  This is my favorite of the three. It’s a bit bold for a work day, but I wear it anyway because it smells wonderful.

I am really enjoying this subscription service! I get to try new fragrances at an affordable price.

If you are interested in trying Scentbird AND getting a free perfume for the both of us, clicky clicky here! If free perfumes aren’t your thing, clicky clicky here. 😉

Are you a Scentbird subscriber? What are your thoughts on a fragrance subscription service?

Thank you for reading!

Halo Beauty Hair Skin Nails Booster – Weeks 2 & 3 Results

Hello and welcome back, lovelies! I have completed Weeks 2 and 3 of my 3 month challenge taking the Halo Beauty Hair Skin Nails Booster supplement. Read my Challenge post here. The clicky clicky will open in a separate window. 🙂

The product is $39.95 plus $4.95 shipping which made my total $44.90 for a 30 day supply. The daily intake is two capsules per day. I take two each morning with breakfast.

I still have not had any weird side effects, other than bright yellow pee about 30 minutes to an hour after taking the supplement. 🙂 Others have noted the same, so I’m not concerned.

Starting Week 2, I have experienced a slight bout with tiny whiteheads on my face, but they go away in 2-3 days. The breakouts haven’t been enough for me to stop taking the supplements. I am still experiencing the breakouts on Week 3, but again, I don’t know if the pimples are from the supplement and they’re not that bad. My routine has not changed; I wash my face in the morning and in the evening before bed. I also do a sheet mask 2-3 times a week.

I have not used foundation for just over a month now. I have been moisturizing, using primer, a highlight, blush and mascara.

Here are my BEFORE photos:

Here are my Week 2 results:You can definitely see my skin is brighter in the Week 2 photos. The discoloration and my unsightly age spots have lightened.  The cystic acne on my chin is still gone, however, you can see the two pimples that only lasted 2-3 days. I also have noticed the fine lines around my lips have slightly diminished.

I forgot to take a photo of my nails at Week 2, but I will admit that I have not yet noticed much difference. The growth has not improved and they’re still brittle and peeling. I really don’t expect much for another couple of weeks. I also have not noticed much where my hair is concerned. The hair will be a bit tricky to document because my hair is already pretty healthy and soft, but I will do the best I can to provide updates.

Overall, my skin looks and feels soft. I have eczema breakouts every so often but have noticed that the dry, scaly skin has improved. I get patches under my arms, in my armpits and on my legs. I dry brush 2-3 times a week which also helps in maintaining soft, healthy looking skin.

Here are my Week 3 results: My skin has been freshly cleansed and I moisturized after I took the photos. My skin looks brighter and my age spots look as if they’re continuing to get lighter in color. My redness isn’t quite as noticeable. I still have patchy discoloration on my cheeks, though it looks to be improving. I continue to get compliments on my skin at work. No one knows that I am taking a supplement. My nails have improved a little since starting the supplements. My cuticles aren’t as dry; upon inspection as I write this, my cuticles aren’t dry at all. My nail beds are a soft pink and actually look really good. I expect the nails to take a few more weeks before I growth results. When my nails are healthy, I keep them at an active length. Right now, as they are brittle and peeling, I keep them short.

At the 1 month mark, I will post all first month results side by side in one post. If you wish to see my Week 1 results, click here. The clicky clicky will open in a separate window.

I am excited to complete Month 1! Bottle #2 arrived yesterday!

What do you think of my Week 2 and 3 results? Are you taking the Halo Beauty Hair Skin Nails Booster supplement or any other supplement? What are your thoughts on supplements?

Thank you for reading!

Life

Life has been a bit more disruptive as of late. Nothing terribly serious, just minor inconveniences that fractured my motivation.

I will be posting my Week 2 and 3 results of Halo Beauty Hair Skin Nails supplement together.

Thank you for sticking around during my absence. ❤

 

Halo Beauty Hair Skin Nails Booster -Week 1

Hello, lovelies! I have completed week 1 of my 3 month challenge taking the Halo Beauty Hair Skin Nails Booster supplement. Read my Challenge post here. The clicky clicky will open in a separate window. 🙂

I take two supplements each morning with breakfast.

I have not had any weird side effects, other than bright yellow pee about 30 minutes to an hour after taking the supplement. I have noticed a slight increase in my energy. I am usually yawny by early afternoon and have not been since day 1 of taking the supplement. I have also been going to the gym daily, which may have a part in my increased energy.

About three weeks before receiving my Halo Beauty supplements, I decided to stop using foundation. I have only been cleansing each morning, moisturizing, priming, using highlight and blush, as well as mascara and setting spray. I cleanse and moisturize my skin at night before bed. My skin did not improve from not using foundation. The only difference I noticed was that I didn’t have makeup settling into my fine lines and wrinkles making my skin appear younger. My before photos are taken the day before my Day 1 of taking the supplement.

Here are my week 1 photos:

You can see that the cystic acne on my chin has almost cleared up. The redness has greatly diminished. The slight redness on my cheeks has faded. My wrinkled forehead is still a wrinkled forehead. 😉  In these photos my skin is freshly cleansed and not yet moisturized. 

In all the below photos, my skin in the before photos is freshly cleansed and moisturized. The BEFORE photos are taken the day before Day 1 of taking the Halo Beauty supplement. In the week 1 result photos, my skin is freshly cleansed but NOT moisturized.

The cystic acne on my chin is almost cleared up. The two little bumps are no longer raised and red. I am a bit more red in the before photo. I also had a patch of dry skin on my chin from using hydrogen peroxide and apple cider vinegar prior to receiving my Halo Beauty Supplements. The dry skin cleared up after two days of taking the Halo Beauty Supplement.

I don’t see much difference yet, other than my face isn’t as red. It has only been one week, though.  I am confident that my skin will continue to improve.

The left top and bottom photos are before Halo Beauty.  The right top and bottom are my 1 week results. 

I have watched many reviews on Youtube and know that it will take weeks for any improvement to my hair and nails, however, I decided to post the before and week 1 results of my nails.

Looking at my before and week 1 results, I can’t really complain about my skin as it really isn’t that bad. I have slight redness, sun spots and wrinkles. I am also 45 years old and didn’t really take care of my skin for the better part of 20+ years. It could be worse. My expectations for this supplement are to strengthen my brittle nails, improve redness and cystic acne on my face, as well as help with dry skin on my entire body. I do not expect my wrinkles to disappear, though I would like for my fine lines to diminish. 🙂 We’ll see!

I am surprised that I have not had an allergic reaction to any of the ingredients considering I am allergic to most things that are natural and good for me. 😉

Continue following for weekly updates!

What do you think of my week 1 results? What are your thoughts on taking supplements?

Thank you for reading!

 

My Favorite 5 for $5.00

I love seeing what affordable products others use.  I’ve found some of my very own favorites from $5.00 and under from posts like this!

Here are my top 5 for $5.00 (All links will open in a separate window):

• L.A. Girl Pro Conceal High-Definition Color Correcting Concealer (Green) – $3.74 I love this color correcting concealer. It really works to cover any red spots that I get from dry skin or acne.
• e.l.f. Hydrating Water Sheet Mask – $3.00  I can’t say enough about this sheet mask, however, if you’re interested, I write about it here, here, here, and here. Because I like you, I’ll spare you having to click on the links and just tell you to just go and BUY THIS MASK. Trust me.
• Rimmel Stay Glossy Lip Gloss in Dorchester Rose ($3.97) I love this lip gloss so much that I buy 3 at a time. It’s not long wearing, but it has the perfect amount of sheer pink color and glitter to make my  lips look hydrated and kissable. 🙂
• O’Keeffe’s Lip Repair in Unscented and Cooling Relief ($4.49) I am addicted to this lip balm. I use it in between lip gloss application, I use it when I don’t wear lip gloss and I always put it on my lips before bed. It provides much needed relief when no other balm can. I have one in every room of my home, as well as in every nook in my Jeep, and three in my handbag. 😉
• e.l.f. Baked Highlighter in Moonlight Pearls – $4.00 This is a highly misunderstood product. Once you scrape off the top layer, this highlight is freeking AWESOME. Look, I get it. You shouldn’t have to scrape off the top layer, but it’s only $4.00 and once you do scrape off the top layer, this highlighter is better than that $38.00 highlighter. My favorite highlight kit is the Nicole Guerriero glow kit, but the one I reach for sometimes even before the NG glow kit is this e.l.f. baked highlighter. It is beautiful on my skin, doesn’t accentuate any texture, and just looks glowy and gorgeous. For $4.00 I’ll scrape off three layers, spin around twice and listen to Despacito 6 times IN A ROW.

What are your top five for $5.00? Do you use any of mine?

Thank you for reading!

Halo Beauty Hair Skin Nails Booster

I decided I would give Tati’s Halo Beauty Hair Skin and Nails Booster supplement a try. The product was $39.95 plus $4.95 shipping which made my total $44.90 for a 30 day supply. The daily intake is two capsules per day.

Pretty much anyone in the beauty community has heard of Tati (GlamLifeGuru), the launching of her brand Halo Beauty, and her first product release of the Hair Skin Nails Booster Supplement.

Taken from Halo Beauty’s website:

Halo Beauty’s Hair Nails & Skin includes 21 natural and safe beauty boosting ingredients:

• Vitamin C
• Vitamin D3 (Vegan from Lichen)
• Vitamin B1 (as Thiamine)
• Vitamins B2 (as Riboflavin)
• Vitamin B6 (as Pyridoxine)
• Biotin
• Zinc (as zinc methionine)
• Copper (as copper gluconate)
• Manganese (as manganese gluconate)
• Catalase
• Rosehip Powder Extract (4:1)
• Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM)
• Saw Palmetto
• Embilca Officianalis (Amla) 45% Tannins
• Grape Seed Extract
• Pumpkin Seed Powder
• Ceramide-Rx (Gluten-free Phytoceramides)
• Horsetail Equisetum arvense
• Astaxanthin
• L-Glutathione
• Alpha Lipoic Acid

You can read more about the supplement at HaloBeauty.com.

While my hair is pretty nice (it’s my best feature, if I do say so myself 😉 ), my nails have always been brittle, and my dry skin could use some help. I’m not too concerned with my fine lines and wrinkles, though it’d be a bonus if the supplement helped in diminishing the li’l boogers! I am also hoping the supplement will help with the cystic acne on my chin.

Here are my before photos:

For my challenge, I will take the supplement once a day starting today for three months while tracking my progress here with photos. I will post my results weekly.

Did you purchase Halo Beauty Hair Skin Nails Booster? What are your thoughts on supplements?

Thank you for reading! 

3 Products I Always Repurchase

I took this idea from Paige (Currently, Lately). You can read her 3 Products here. Give her a follow while you’re there.

#1: e.l.f. Cosmetics Flawless Finish Foundation in Natural – $6.00

I have been using this foundation since 2008-ish. I always keep at least four bottles in my stash because I cannot allow myself to run out of it! When applied with a beauty blender, this foundation is gorgeous on my skin. I am not the best at skin matching, so I tend to stick with what I know looks beautiful on my skin.

I live for it.

#2: Soap & Glory The Righteous Butter Body Butter – $15.00/$4.00

I always purchase this when Ulta has it for Buy 1 Get 1 for 50% off, or when Walgreen’s has it on sale. I buy the travel size to keep in my handbag.

My skin is so soft and it smells so good! I’ve been using this daily for over a year now.

I go through a tub about once a month, and the travel size about one every 2-3 weeks.

#3: Rimmel London Stay Glossy Lip Gloss in Dorchester Rose – $3.97

I go through these like crazy! This is not a long wearing gloss, but it’s so shimmery and pretty that I don’t care if I have to constantly reapply product. I’ve been using this color for about one year now and I’ll be bummed should they decide to discontinue this line. I keep at least 3-4 in my backups drawer. 🙂

I have several favorite glosses, but this will always be my go-to budget friendly gloss!

Do you use these products? What 3 products do you always repurchase?

Thank you for reading!

Maybelline totaltemptation Mascara

On a mascara haul, I picked up the Maybelline totaltemptation mascara in Blackest Black. Also, NOT the waterproof formula. Read that debacle with the Covergirl Total Tease mascara here.

This mascara is $7.94 at Walmart. It does come in a waterproof formula and in three colors: Blackest Black, Brownish Black and Very Black. I appreciate that Maybelline has packaged the waterproof formula in a pretty blue tube making it easy to differentiate between the two versions. Yes, sometimes reading packaging is a challenge. 😉

totaltemptation claims from the packaging:

• 85%* saw bold, full volume with no overload
• 92%* saw lengthened lashes
• 4 out of 5* loved their lash look

With this type of mascara formula, I prefer the thick, full brush that this mascara provides. The formula is dry but felt a bit sticky upon application. My initial reaction was that I was definitely going to have major transfer with this mascara. It dried nicely and without flaking.

 

I loved how the wand hugged my lashes and coated them perfectly. The instructions say not to allow the mascara to dry between coats. I used two coats. I even liked the way the mascara applied to my bottom lashes. During the day, I didn’t have any transfer. The mascara has a light fragrance, and I could smell it every so often throughout the day, which was weird, but it wasn’t strong and didn’t irritate my eyes.

I can’t properly photograph my eyes; the photo does not do this mascara justice. My lashes were lush and black.

 

These photos were taken at 6:30pm, after a full day of wear.

After about 4 days of use, the mascara came out of the tube a bit clumpy and didn’t apply to my lashes as nicely. I ended up having to wipe away excess product off the wand before application. It reminded me of how L’Oreal’s Lash Paradise and Too Faced Better Than Sex acted shortly after using. I still liked the mascara and continued to use it daily for 5 days.  Absolutely no transfer, and the mascara held up pretty good for about 10 hours of wear. Cleaning up excess off my skin was a breeze using a dampened cotton swab.

The Overalls:
What I liked: I will definitely continue to use this mascara when I want a dark and lush lash. The wand is perfect for this type of formula. The mascara dries nicely, does not transfer, and wears beautifully for at least 10 hours, and even looks good after an hour sweating at the gym. The mascara is infused with coconut which leads me to believe this is where the scent comes from. The price point is affordable at $7.94. I definitely like this mascara better than the L’Oreal Lash Paradise.

What I did not like: After 4 days, the mascara was clumpy and did not apply as beautifully without having to remove excess from the wand before application. Other than that, I could not find anything else I did not like with the Maybelline totaltemptation mascara.

I give the Maybelline totaltemptation Mascara 4 out of 5 mascara wands. 🙂 The only thing keeping this mascara from being a total 5 is the clumpiness after only 4 days of use. If it behaved more like my beloved Benefit Roller Lash, this mascara would be a 5 and I’d probably not touch my Roller Lash for a long time. I will definitely repurchase and will continue to use the tube I have.

Have you tried the Maybelline totaltemptation Mascara? What were your results?

Thank you for reading! 

 

 

Ulta’s 21 Days of Beauty – March/April 2018

I’m a bit behind in posting about one of the best sales of the year, but I know all y’all are on top of it!

Ulta is having Beauty’s Biggest Event from March 18 through to April 7th! There are different deals each day with Hot Buys available every day of event. I wasn’t all that impressed with the offerings this go round.
I did end up ordering a couple Benefit Roller Lash mascaras (my holy grail mascara!) for $12.00 each (normally $24.00 each). In order to get my free shipping, I also purchased filler items, such as as my beloved Soap & Glory The Righteous Butter body butter. It is currently buy 1 get 1 at 50% off. ❤

On April 7th, I’ll order the Mac Prep + Prime Fix+ Setting spray. 🙂 I LOVE this setting spray!

I order my products online to ensure that I get them. I dislike going to the store to find they are out of the products I want. 😦

What are you getting in the 21 Days of Beauty sale?

Thank you for reading!

Scentbird – March 2018

This is my first Scentbird unboxing! I love perfumes but cannot justify spending upwards of $60.00 for a bottle, so this subscription service is perfect!

If you’re not familiar, Scentbird is a designer fragrance subscription service.  You can opt to receive 1, 2 or 3 fragrances starting at $14.95 per month.  The fragrances come in a 0.27 oz (8 ml) bottle which provide enough product for 30 days. I opted for the two fragrances each month at $25.00/mo., however, I just upgraded to three fragrances per month for $35.00.

The fragrances arrive in a bubble envelope with a card with information on each fragrance. I liked the card because I could spray the perfume on each to make sampling each scent a bit easier.

 

I also received a fragrance tube in a pretty pearl white. The perfume bottle fits perfectly inside and to use, just twist up like a lipstick. Kindly ignore my nails.

I received Michael Kors Michael and Tom Ford Black Orchid.

I wasn’t sure I was going to like the Tom Ford Black Orchid fragrance. It is a bit strong, and even had me wondering if I had accidentally selected a men’s cologne. I wore it the other day and the scent softened into a lovely smell that grew on me. I kept sniffing at my hair to smell it. Because I have sensitive skin, I don’t spray perfume directly onto my skin. I always spritz it into my hair. At Sephora, a 1 oz bottle of this perfume is $84.00.

From Scentbird’s website: Black Orchid’s dark feast begins with intensely sweet hothouse jasmine and gardenia, with their drooping petals backlit by blackcurrant and bergamot. An oil-painted orris note follows in the heart, infused with deep fruit and spice accords. Gourmand chocolate and vanilla accents heighten the midnight velvet base.

Michael Kors Michael is my favorite of the two and it actually reminds me of one of my favorite perfumes, and signature scent, Marc Jacobs Woman. I’ve worn this scent for many years and am almost out, but it’s $90.00 for 1.7 oz! At Sephora, a 1 oz bottle of the Michael Kors Michael perfume is $66.00.

From the Scentbird website: Michael Kors Michael is a sumptuous robe of buttery tuberose undercut by tamarind, creamy fruit, and peppery florals, Michael is a Big White Floral. Musky woods and grassy vetiver impart a feeling of space and light, making you feel like the most beautiful woman in the room.

I am very happy with both selections. I love woodsy, sexy fragrances with floral and spicy undertones, so these are just perfect for me.

I am excited to continue receiving new fragrances each month and building my collection without needing to spend a fortune.

To subscribe to Scentbird and get a free perfume, clicky clicky here! If free perfumes aren’t your thing but you still want to subscribe, clicky clicky here! 😉

Are you a Scentbird subscriber? What are your thoughts on a fragrance subscription box?

Thank you for reading!

 

ipsy – March 2018

March ipsy is here!

If you’re not familiar,  ipsy is a beauty subscription service for $10/month.  You receive 5 beauty products; some deluxe sample sizes, with the occasional full size product. Everything arrives in a cute zippered makeup bag.

This month’s theme is Create! “Turn yourself -and your world- into a work of art. Dance. Sing. Sculpt. Write. It’s time to create your masterpiece!”

The bag is coloring-book inspired and came with two markers. It’s black and white canvas with bright pink zipper accent and satin ribbon zipper pull. The inside of the bag is a satin black with the ipsy logo x @pcwitte (Priscilla Witte, the collaborator for this month) on pink satin. I actually prefer the bag in its uncolored state.

Let’s get to the goodies!

• CLARK’S BOTANICALS Retinol Rescue Overnight Cream – $98.00
• DIRTY LITTLE SECRET COSMETICS Baked Highlighter in Bellini – $14.00
• SKIN&CO ROMA Truffle Therapy Cleansing Cream – $35.00
• EYEKO Lash Alert Mascara in Carbon Black – $26.00
• DOUCCE Freematic Eyeshadow Mono in Lola – $10.00

If you’re interested in trying out the ipsy subscription service, click my referral link here. If you’d rather check out ipsy without my referral link, clicky clicky here!

❤ Cherilyn 

MorpheMe – March 2018

This is my last set of MorpheMe brushes from Liveglam. I cancelled and replaced this subscription with Scentbird. You can read my post about Scentbird here.

If you aren’t familiar, MorpheMe is a subscription service through Liveglam that offers $30 worth of Morphe brushes for $19.99/month!  The brushes come in a bubblewrap envelope with a cute little accordion card that has brief descriptions of each brush.  I have been subscribed since February 2017 and have received a wide variety of brushes. You can check the website a few weeks before shipping to see if you want to skip the month, swap one brush or swap ’em all. You can choose one of these options without having to unsubscribe.

This month’s brushes are from the Rose Gold collection. They have a nice black handle with a shiny rose gold ferrule.

Let’s get to the goodies! All links will open in a separate window:

R3 Precision Pointed Contour – $12.00 This dense, pointed synthetic brush fits into the contours of the face and works well with cream products. It can also be used to set the eye with powder and is ideal for pressing concealer into the skin without eating up your product.

R4 Pro Angle Blush – $10.00 This angled synthetic brush sweeps blush across the cheekbones and also fits the hollows of your cheeks and along the jawline for a perfect contour.

R33 Round Blender – $5.00 Dense synthetic brush with a round, tapered tip that lets you tap in concealer and place product precisely in smaller areas such as the under-eye and around the nose.

R42 Oval Shadow and Concealer – $5.00 A dense, flat oval-tipped brush that pats down concealer or color for maximum coverage. The synthetic bristles make it perfect for cream and liquid products.

Total: $32.00

I hope you have enjoyed my monthly brushes! I look forward to sharing a new subscription unboxing with you!

If you’re interested in signing up, clicky clicky HERE . 😉  It’s $19.99/month.

❤ Cherilyn 

 

 

Boxycharm – March 2018

It’s already almost the end of March! I love when the beauty boxes start arriving! Boxycharm is my favorite. ❤

If you’ve not heard of this box, Boxycharm is a monthly beauty subscription service. For $21/month, you receive 4-5 full sized beauty products in a cute little black box.  Each box is always worth $100+!

This month’s theme is Baecation.

Let’s get to the goodies!

 

• Pretty Vulgar “Make Them Blush” blush in Prim Vixen – $26.00 This blush looks a bit too pink for me, but I’ll try it because it is pretty.
• PUR x BOXYCHARM Eyeshadow Palette – $36.00
• The Vintage Cosmetic Company Smokey Eye Brush Set – $18.04 (on sale)
• South Mane Beauty Under Eye Gels – $10.00 I am curious to try these!
• Butter London Double Decker Lashes Mascara – $20.00 I love trying out new mascaras! A review will be done on this one!

The blush packaging is really pretty! I don’t know about this color though! It’s a lot brighter than I thought.

 

Top Row from Left to Right: Purfect, Nakey, Belle, Squad, Charmer, Alliance, Bae, ATL           Bottom Row: Duet, MIA, BFF, Boxy Black

Box total: $115.15

I am happy with this month’s box. It’d be nice to get a blush palette or something other than an eyeshadow palette, but I am happy with the products. They are always of good quality. Boxycharm doesn’t disappoint!

If you want to check out Boxycharm for yourself, click my referral link here!  If you want to check out Boxycharm and subscribe without clicking the referral link, clicky clicky right here!

❤ Cherilyn 

Wet n Wild Nail Polish Haul/Review

I don’t paint my nails as often as I’d like to because I work with my hands and wash my hands about 20 times a day thus causing my nails to chip after just one day. I can’t stand being at work, or anywhere with chipped nail polish! I have even used top coats that are supposed to be similar to having gel nails. It’s frustrating!

I recently purchased a whole lot of polishes from Wet n Wild online. These polishes can be purchased in stores, but the shade ranges available in my local stores are limited.

Wet n Wild is an affordable brand, and cruelty free. 🙂

Let’s get to the goodies!

Hard As Ice Top Coat claims (From the Wet n Wild website):

• Up to 1 Week of Wear and Shine
• 3-Free Technology: No Formaldehyde, Toluene or Phthalates
• Prolongs the wear of nail color
• Brilliant shine that lasts for days
• Helps prevent chipping

1 Step WonderGel claims (From the Wet n Wild website):

The first gel formula that doesn’t require a top coat and cures without a lamp, this nail color breakthrough is about to become your nail MVP.

• Up to 2 weeks of color & shine based on consumer grading
• No UV Light Required
• No Harsh Removal
• 3-Free! No Formaldehyde, Toluene, or Phthalates!

I am wearing two coats of the 1 Step Wondergel in Left Marooned, no top coat.

The swatches are all a generous two coats without a top coat. Shades below are from left to right:

• All That Jazzy
• Crime Of Passion
• Left Marooned

 

Megalast claims (From the Wet n Wild website):

• A revolutionary resin polymer system for exceptional color adhesion
• Calcium and mineral fortified to help prevent nail discoloration
• 3-Free! Formaldehyde, toluene, and phthalate free!
• Our ManiCurve™ Pro Brush! It’s absolutely incredible! The rod is flat so the liquid drains down to the bristles equally, and the rounded bristles hug your nail curves perfectly!

The below photo I am wearing two coats of Haze of Love with a random glitter polish from an e.l.f. Cosmetics holiday collection and one coat of Hard As Ice topcoat.

This polish only lasted about 3 days before it started to chip. It was very pretty, but I was a bit disappointed in its wear time.

The swatches are all a generous two coats with and without a top coat. Shades below are from left to right:

• On A Trip
• Haze Of Love
• Under Your Spell with two coats – this color was sheer with two coats
• Under Your Spell with four coats

Wildshine claims (From the Wet n Wild website):

• Purse Pride! New improved formula and packaging!
• High-shine finish in every color imaginable!
• 3-Free: No Formaldehyde, Toluene, or Phthalates
• Still the #1 selling nail polish in the market!

I am wearing two coats of Burgundy Frost and two coats of Sparked (on my third finger/ring finger) with one coat of the Hard as Ice top coat. I know it looks messy, but I promise I cleaned up the edges! My cuticles were a nightmare. Don’t judge me! 😉

The swatches are all a generous two coats with and without a top coat.

Shades below are from left to right:

• Red Red
• Grasping At Strawberries
• Dreamy Poppy
• Casting Call
• Blazed
• Black Creme
• Be More Pacific

Shades below are from left to right:

• Bijou Blue
• Ready To Propose
• Metallica
• Burgundy Frost
• Sparked

Even without a top coat, the shine is there!

If I hadn’t hit my nail on my Jeep door today after work, my index fingernail would not have chipped and would still look pretty good.

The Overalls:

The 1 Step WonderGel shades are very pretty. I love the price point at $4.99. The polishes are quick drying, and even better do not require the use of a top coat. The brush is perfect in that it coats my nail in one swoop.  The color range is large. The website claims up to 2 weeks of color and shine. This is accurate. After about one week, the polish did chip some on the edges of my nails, but again, as I work with my hands, one week of beautiful looking polish is more than I’ve had with other polishes. The polish removes easily, but it is a bit messy, especially with the darker shades. The cleanup on my skin was easy; I just removed the polish from my nails then went back over my nails and fingers with a clean cotton ball soaked in remover.

The Megalast polishes are quick drying and the shades are beautiful.  The price point is exceptional at $2.49. The colors are creamy and shiny, even without a top coat. I like the brush; it coats my nail perfectly. One shade required 3-4 coats because it was a bit sheer, but most of the polishes have beautiful color with two coats. The color range is fairly decent. The downside is that this polish did not wear for as long as the 1 Step WonderGel and the Wildshine polishes. I got almost 3 days of wear before the polish started to chip. It still held up better than any other brand of polishes and I will continue to use this collection.

WildShine polishes are gorgeous and creamy. They are also shiny without a top coat. The brush is a bit more narrow, but for the price point at $0.99, I can’t complain. The formula is quick drying.  The color range is large. I applied two coats with one coat of the Hard As Nails top coat and after 4 days, I have just a bit of fading at the tips. The polish has not chipped and has held up better than expensive polishes. I am blown away by the longevity of a $0.99 nail polish! The Wildshine polishes are my favorite of the three collections. I am currently wearing the Burgundy Frost with Sparked on my ring fingers. It’s been my favorite combination and one that I have received many compliments on, even from men!

I am incredibly impressed with the Wet n Wild line of nail polishes! I love that I can go at least one week without having to touch up or remove altogether after one day. I know I will now paint my nails more often. I have spent more money on polishes that aren’t as impressive as the Wet n Wild collection. The polishes in each line are definitely worth your money. I look forward to adding more colors in each collection.

I give each collection 4.5 out of 5 Beautifully Manicured Nails.  🙂 The half point is because I believe the polishes would last longer on my nails if I didn’t doink around with poker chips all day.

Have you tried Wet n Wild nail polishes? What are your thoughts?

❤ Cherilyn 

Covergirl Total Tease Mascara

On a recent haul, I picked up the Cover Girl Total Tease waterproof mascara. I grabbed waterproof on accident. Yeah, I know. I wanted to kick myself.

As I was browsing the makeup aisles for mascaras, the pink and black packaging caught my eye, as well as the funky wand.

Before I continue, I have to ask those who wear waterproof mascara, WHY?! And how in the holy hell do you take it off?  I used micellar water, two different makeup remover wipes, the e.l.f. Cosmetics Hydrating Gel Melt Cleanser, as well as Pond’s cold cream, and I was still picking mascara off my lashes. What the heck is in this stuff? I will be more careful in future to read the packaging because this waterproof mascara thing sucked.

Rant over, let’s get to the review. 🙂 Also, if you’ve read this far, Thank You. ❤

At first glance, I liked the wand.

 

The wand is thin and slightly stiff. I thought the little teasing comb would be interesting, and it was easy to use for my outer lashes and my bottom lashes. As for the formula, it’s wet, maybe even a bit oily feeling. The wet formula made application messy, and being that I bought waterproof, cleanup of the excess was a pain. My left eye looked as though I was wearing eyeliner because I couldn’t wipe away the excess, while the right eye appeared neat. These photos were taken around 8:00am. I liked the way my lashes looked. They’re full, long and dark.

 

Throughout the day I did not have any transfer, but by 3:00pm my eyelashes felt sticky and heavy. I could not wait to get home to take it off. In the photos my lashes look like they are stuck together and they certainly felt that way.

 

The Overalls:

What I liked: The application of the Cover Girl Total Tease mascara and how it looked on my lashes. My lashes were dark and nicely coated with natural looking separation. I liked that I did not have transfer throughout the day. I’d be willing to purchase this mascara in the regular formula, even though it is wet and a bit oily. The wand is nice and I found the teasing comb useful for my bottom lashes. The price point is affordable at $7.48 at Walmart. It is just under $9.00 at Ulta.

What I did NOT like: The waterproof version. I do not know if this is why the mascara felt sticky and oily after about 7 hours of wear. Now, while this is not a deal breaker, because 7 hours of wear isn’t too bad, I get a bit more out of my Benefit Roller Lash. And my Roller Lash doesn’t make me feel like I want to rip my eyelashes off  just to remove the product from my eyes!

I would NOT repurchase this mascara, nor will I be using this mascara again. Waterproof mascara is witchcraft and I cannot support such sorcery.

I give the Cover Girl Waterproof Total Tease mascara 1 pair of beautiful black lashes.

Have you tried this mascara in its waterproof formula? What are your thoughts?

❤ Cherilyn 

S&T, Inc. Always Off Makeup Cloths

I picked up these microfiber makeup removing cloths at Walmart. A 3-pack was $2.99.

 

A bit of information about these cloths:

• 6″ x 12″ cloths, (15.2 cm x 30.5 cm)
• Quickly and easily remove makeup
• Plush microfiber gently lifts away dirt, oil and makeup
• Durable and washable
• Eliminate the disposable cloths
• Use wet or with your favorite facial cleanser or makeup remover

I don’t know what I was thinking these were. I guess I thought they were infused with some sort of cleanser that didn’t require water, or only required minimal water to remove makeup. Obviously I didn’t really read the packaging.

Yes, the cloth wiped off my makeup. Sort of. So, I got the cloth wet and yes, it took off my makeup. Kind of. Then I used my e.l.f. Hydrating Gel Melt cleanser, and the cloth took off my makeup. 😐

There’s no need for a long, drawn out post about this, so let’s just get to it.

The Overalls:

It’s a washcloth. It did not remove my makeup any better than a plain ol’ washcloth. The Always Off makeup cloth was actually a bit more tough on my skin because of it being microfiber. When wet, I had to drag it across my face. It’s only soft and pleasant feeling against my skin when dry. Thankfully, I only wasted $3.00.

I am giving the S&T Always Off Makeup Cloths 1.5 Freshly Cleaned Faces. The half point is only because I misunderstood what this product was. That’s my fault. If you want a pretty washcloth, perhaps this product is for you. Maybe I used it wrong, but I read the simple instructions and still, this “unique cloth” didn’t wipe away my makeup any better or faster or smoother or softer than a normal cotton washcloth.

Have you tried these makeup remover cloths? What is your preferred method to remove your makeup?

❤ Cherilyn 

Why I Wear Makeup

If you would have told me 5 years ago that today I’d have a 4-drawer dresser (and a closet) full of makeup, and that I would be a beauty blogger, I’d have laughed in your face. Like, full on UGLY laugh, tears streaming down my face, and maybe even pee a little. HEY, I’M 45. IT HAPPENS.

I am asked all the time why I wear makeup. It’s simple, really.

I wear makeup because I enjoy it.

I know I am just as beautiful without makeup as I am with makeup.

I wear makeup because it makes me happy.

I wear makeup to enhance my beauty.

I wear makeup because it’s challenging.

I wear makeup because it’s fun.

I wear makeup because I truly enjoy the products, as well as the process of applying the products.

I wear makeup because I love the smells (sometimes!) and the packaging.

I wear makeup because it’s just another way of self-expression.

I wear makeup because I can.

No matter the reason, no matter the people who say “you wear too much makeup” or “makeup is such a waste of money” or “Well, I don’t have time to do all that”… never feel guilty or feel that you need to explain yourself for doing what you enjoy.  Don’t allow the insecurities of others steal away your joy. Not only where makeup is concerned, but in all aspects of life.

What do you love about makeup?

❤ Cherilyn 

Scentbird

A wise person once said that “One can never have too many makeup brushes”.  And this is most certainly true in the case of someone who isn’t subscribed to a monthly brush club and several beauty boxes. 😉 I have an abundance of makeup brushes, in all styles and shapes and for all purposes. Trust me, I never thought this day would come. With that written, I have decided to cancel my MorpheMe brush subscription and replace it with Scentbird. I know, I know.. I can have both the MorpheMe and Scentbird subscription services, but honestly, I don’t know when I’ll ever use the overflow of brushes I currently have. Perhaps in the future I will do giveaways to lighten the load. 🙂

Perfumes seem to be getting more expensive and I cannot justify spending $60.00+ on a 2oz bottle of lovely smelling smelly stuff. Even the minis are expensive! I purchased a set of three mini Estee Lauder Modern Muse perfumes at 0.14oz each for $30.00, but with Scentbird, I can get 0.27oz of different perfumes monthly starting at $14.95. With that said, lemme explain how Scentbird works…

Scentbird is a monthly fragrance subscription service that sends 1, 2 or 3 perfumes in a 0.27oz bottle that provides a 30 day supply of a designer fragrance starting at $14.95/mo. I opted for the two fragrances each month at $25.00/mo.

They send you one fragrance case, though you can purchase additional cases in all different colors for $12.95.

You can select fragrances to put in your monthly queue ahead of time, or log in and select your fragrances before your month is shipped. If you don’t select your fragrances, Scentbird will choose for you based on the answers to the short quiz you take to determine which scents are suited for you.

I love the option to search and select perfumes by my personality, scent type and occasion. There is also a search function that allows you to enter a fragrance name, which is handy if you don’t know which category your favorite scent is in.

I am excited to try and share my experience with you!

Are you a Scentbird subscriber? What are your thoughts?

❤ Cherilyn 

My Beauty Space ‘n Stuff

I thought I’d show y’all where I keep my daily beauty products, as well as show you my stash. It’s always interesting to see how organized people are, as well as seeing all the cool products they have that I don’t have that I might want to have, too. 😉

Here is my little 4 drawer dresser right outside my master bathroom. I keep my brushes, beauty sponges, currently used lipglosses up top, and my moisturizers, cleansers/toners and cotton balls/pads in that wicker basket.

The top left of the drawer has my foundations, primers and concealers. The right has my setting sprays and powders.

The left side of the second drawer has my highlighters.  My mascaras and brow gels are in the middle, and my bronzers and blushes on the right. The third drawer houses all my eye shadow palettes, liquid shadows and singles.

 

I keep my dry brushes on hooks located on the side closest to my master bath.

I love my little space. I love that it’s right outside my bathroom keeping everything I use within reach.

Now we move to my overflow area. 🙂 This is a closet in my hallway where I keep new product, backup product, my masks, moisturizers/exfoliators and shaving stuff.

I adore sheet masks and have an abundance of them. There are about 10 e.l.f. Cosmetics Water Sheet masks in there. 🙂 Also, my love for Soap & Glory The Righteous Butter is real and it’s deep. I stock up when Ulta has their buy 1 get 1 at 50% off. I go through a tub every month and the smaller ones I keep in my handbag. I go through the smaller ones every 2-3 weeks.

The below photo shows where I store my backup products, lip balms, etc. The larger drawers hold my backups of mascaras, brow products, falsies, powders, setting sprays, and my perfumes. I don’t wear perfume much anymore so I just buy the minis.  The smaller storage drawers hold all my lip glosses, liquid lips, lip balms, lip exfoliators and lip pencils.

I try to keep my beauty products as organized as possible so I can easily see what I need to restock up on, as well as not drive my husband bonkers with makeup everywhere!

Your turn! Show me your beauty space ‘n stuff!

❤ Cherilyn 

Covergirl Peacock Flare Mascara

Not long ago, I picked up the Covergirl Peacock Flare Mascara in Extreme Black. I had just done a wear test and review of the Essence Volume Stylist 18hr mascara that did not go well.

Because I love mascara and am always searching for the next best thing, I decided to give this a try. And well, I love peacocks. ❤

The Peacock Flare mascara is available in five shades: Extreme Black, Intense Black, Jet Black, Black and Black Brown. There is also a Waterproof version.

Claims (Information taken from Ulta‘s website):

• Feather-fan brush catches, coats, and separates each lash
• High-build formula provides instant clump-free volume for lashes that are dark, lush and fanned out for a dramatic transformation
• Does not flake or smudge

The packaging is GORGEOUS. The cap has a rubber handle for a better grip, which is kind of genius. Not that dropping my mascara wand is a frequent problem, but the rubber grip makes the handle a bit easier to hold onto for application. The tube is a beautiful peacock metallic-ish green with a black chevron-style flare. It’s just beautiful and eye-catching.

The wand is interesting.

It’s almost an hour glass shape but it’s fat in the middle.

Now, here we get to the negative. I do not like the wand. It is far too flexible and when I wipe off any excess on the tube opening, it flings mascara everywhere. I prefer a slightly stiffer mascara wand that grabs my lashes, not bends with them. The wand also made it difficult to do my bottom lashes. I managed, and didn’t make too much of a mess, but it wasn’t easy.  On the subject of transfer or excess mascara on my skin, the product did wipe away easily with a dry cotton swab, as well as a damp cotton swab. Mascara that is easy to clean up is a huge bonus.

The formula is nice and there was enough product on the wand to coat both eyes, but not too much that there is an excess amount that needs to be cleared.  In the photos, my lashes look long and  are a nice dark black. Throughout the day I didn’t have much transfer. Ulta’s website claims this mascara does not flake or smudge. I don’t know if smudge also means transfer, but the mascara did not flake, and again, I had very little transfer. In the photos, I have two coats on my lashes.

Ulta has the Peacock Flare mascara for $8.99, however, I picked up mine at Walmart for $7.94.

Let’s get to the overall:

Pros: The formula is great. It does not flake and I had very little transfer. The mascara is available in quite a few shades, as well as a waterproof version. The packaging is gorgeous, and the price point is awesome at $7.94. After 8 hours of wear, the mascara still looked good and felt comfortable on my lashes.

Cons: The flexible wand kind of ruined it for me. I want a wand that will grab my lashes to coat them nicely. A flexible wand only bends with my lashes and makes it more difficult to get a good look, and can be messy if the wand pushes my lashes up to my eyelids.  I’ll keep this mascara in my daily drawer, but I won’t reach for it as often as I would if the wand were better.

I give the CoverGirl Peacock Flare mascara 3.5 out of 5 beautifully coated eyelashes for its price point and all that good stuff I wrote two paragraphs up. 🙂  Despite the flexible wand, it is a great mascara.

Have you tried the CoverGirl Peacock Flare Mascara? What are your thoughts? What is your holy grail mascara and why?

❤ Cherilyn

The Beauty Tag – 30 Questions

I love doing these types of posts! I was browsing the beauty tag and came across these 30 fun questions!

Please feel free to copy, just make sure to tag me so I can read your answers! 🙂

1. Do you remember your first makeup item?

I think it was probably a lipstick or lip gloss and I was in junior high school. I didn’t really get into makeup until my early 20’s.

2. Describe your perfect mascara. Have you found one that fits your specifications?

OooOooh good question! My perfect mascara is a blackest black formula, has a great wand that is skinny and a bit stiff. I have tried, and continue to try, different mascaras, however, one that has captured my heart is Benefit Roller Lash.  This mascara fits all my specifications so much so that I can stop my search, but then I just wouldn’t be a proper beauty blogger if I did that! 🙂

3. What kind of coverage do you prefer from foundation?

I prefer light to medium coverage. I don’t mind if my imperfections peek through as I prefer a more natural look. I’m no spring chicken and at 45 years old, less is definitely more!

4. Favorite high end brand?

That’s a really tough question. I don’t know if this brand falls under high end, but it’s expensive enough to, so I would have to say Dr. Brandt. I don’t purchase many high end products. I don’t consider Tarte, Urban Decay, Smashbox, etc., as high end.

5. What cosmetic brands have you always wanted to try but still haven’t?

I really want to try Dior Foundation and Marc Jacobs bronzer.

6. Favorite drugstore brand?

Hands down, e.l.f. Cosmetics. All day, err’day. <—– Sorry about that word.

7. Do you wear fake eyelashes?

No. I own quite a few pairs of them, but I’m kind of a doofus when it comes to coordination, so I just dream about being able to wear them and be envious of those who have skillz.

8. Is there any kind of makeup you can’t leave the house without?

Mascara and lip balm. All day, err’day. <—– Sorry about that word. Again.

9. What is your most cherished beauty product?

I love my Jeffree Star eye shadow palettes. They are just so sleek and sexy and glamorous. No, it’s not completely weird to use the word sexy to describe an eye shadow palette. Yes, it’s totally weird.

10. How often do you shop for makeup? Do you like to pick up an item here and there or get lots of goodies at once?

At least once a week. If I don’t run out to shop, I’ll shop online. Typically I pick up a few items here and there unless there’s a good sale goin’ on. I go ham when there are sales.

11. Do you have a “beauty budget” or do you spend freely? 

I try to keep to a minimum between $50.00-$100.00 monthly. There are weeks that I don’t buy anything, though.

12. Do you utilize coupons, rewards cards and sales when you shop for cosmetics?

Definitely! I use Ebates, as well as take advantage of reward points at Ulta and Sephora. I also go ham when e.l.f. Cosmetics has their 50% off sales, as well as Ulta’s 21 Days of Beauty sale.

13. What type of product do you buy the most of?

For makeup it’s a tie between mascara and highlighter. Skincare would be sheet masks.

14. Is there a brand that you absolutely can’t stand?

No.

15. Do you avoid certain ingredients in cosmetics like parabens or sulfates?

Obviously ingredients I am allergic to, like coconut oil/water. I probably should be more mindful, but most products nowadays are jumping on board with better ingredients.

16. Do you have a favorite place to shop for makeup?

It’s a tie between Ulta and Sephora. I like both for different reasons. Ulta feels drugstore to me but I prefer to shop there on days that I’m feeling anxiety and can’t handle the semi-upscale’dness of Sephora.

17. Do you like trying new skincare products or do you keep a certain routine?

I do tend to stick with a routine, but will occasionally try new products. I am mindful of ingredients with skin care because I am allergic to coconut oil/water.

18. Favorite bath and body brand?

I am in love with Soap & Glory. ❤

19. If you could only buy from one brand, which brand would you choose?

Again, hands down, e.l.f. Cosmetics. All day, err’day. <—– I’m sorry, I can’t help myself.

20. What brand do you think has the best packaging?

Tarte definitely has pretty packaging, Kat Von D also slays, and Jeffree Star, well, have you seen the Blood Sugar palette? ❤

21. Which celebrity always has great makeup?

I am going to say Gwen Stefani. She just always looks so well put together with her classic red lip and pin-up style hair.

22. Do you belong to any online makeup communities?

No.

23. Favorite Beauty Gurus

I love Tati, NikkieTutorials, Jaclyn Hill, and Jeffree Star. I also like thataylaa, JessicaBraun, KathleenLights and Andrea Matillano.

24. Do you like multi-functional products like lip and cheek stains?

I don’t have any so I can’t really say if I like them.

25. Are you clumsy in putting on makeup?

No, not really. I only use what I am confident with which makes me less clumsy. Throw in bronzer, contour and eye liner and then YES, I am clumsy! 🙂

26. Do you use makeup base/primer for the eyes?

I use foundation. If I am going to wear eye shadow, I’ll use an eye primer, but I don’t wear eye shadow on a regular basis.

27. How many hair products do you use on a typical day?

Well, aside from shampoo and conditioner, none! Occasionally I will use Loma Repair serum but I don’t use it daily.

28. What do you apply first, concealer or foundation?

If I have red spots to cover, I’ll use color correcting concealer first. If I don’t need color correcting, then I go right to foundation and skip concealer altogether. 🙂 Remember, less is more. I think that applies to skin at any age.

29. Do you ever consider taking makeup classes?

I thought about it seriously about 6 months ago, but it’s just a passing dream. I learn a lot from YouTube videos and from just playing around in my bathroom!

30. What do you love about makeup?

I love that there are no rules in makeup. Makeup allows a different level of creativity, a different level of expression to flow, and can be suited to each individual’s style.

Your turn! Don’t forget to tag me! ❤

❤ Cherilyn 

MorpheMe – February 2018

My February brushes have arrived!

If you aren’t familiar, MorpheMe is a subscription service through Liveglam that offers $30 worth of Morphe brushes for $19.99/month!  The brushes come in a bubblewrap envelope with a cute little accordion card that has brief descriptions of each brush.  I have been subscribed since February 2017 and have received a wide variety of brushes. You can check the website a few weeks before shipping to see if you want to skip the month, swap one brush or swap ’em all. You can choose one of these options without having to unsubscribe.

Let’s get to the brushes! (All links will open in a separate window):

This month’s brushes are from the Elite series. The handles are a sturdy black wood with a gunmetal ferrule and synthetic bristles.

• E34 Tapered Blush ($17.00) Excited to have a backup of my favorite blush brush!
• E23 Deluxe Blender ($7.00)
• E61 Pointed Highlight ($8.00)

I like all three of this month’s brushes, and as previously mentioned, I am happy to have a backup of my favorite blush brush, the E34. 🙂

Total box worth: $32.00

If you’re interested in signing up, clicky clicky HERE (this link will get us both a free brush!), or clicky clicky HERE if you don’t want a free brush. 😉  It’s $19.99/month.

❤ Cherilyn 

Dry Brushing

As a little girl, my mother used to do this process on me called dry brushing.

I was born with eczema on over 90% of my body and suffered with dry, scaly skin. I also had hyper-pigmentation on my neck which is a condition where patches of skin are darker than the surrounding skin. The darkening occurs when an excess of melanin, the brown pigment that produces normal skin color, forms deposits in the skin. I had this across my neck, and in the 70’s there weren’t lasers to help. Once my eczema would dry and scale over, my mother used a dry brush to scrub the dry skin from the eczema off my body and to scrub the pigmentation off my neck. It was an incredibly painful process that left my neck red and raw for a few days, but it worked. I certainly would NOT recommend dry brushing skin with eczema and using the process to remove hyper-pigmentation.

I had forgotten all about dry brushing until I watched Tati discuss it in one of her recent skin care YouTube videos. The first thing Tati talks about in this video is her dry brushing process. lilykoi hawaii also has an exceptional video on dry brushing. I actually prefer Lily’s video. I made the decision to start dry brushing so I headed out to the store to pick one up.  I bought the ecoTools dry body brush.

 

Natural bristles are recommended, but this one is made with cruelty-free synthetic bristles. I would rather have natural bristles; I ordered this trio from Amazon:

The ecoTools brush works pretty well, but I don’t feel like it does much on my feet.  After each brushing, my skin from my calves up to my neck tingled. I felt as though my skin was awakened. My colored tattoo looks brighter and the overall appearance of my skin is brighter and healthier.

Once I received my dry brushing trio, I decided to try dry brushing my face. I wasn’t quite sold on dragging a dry brush across my face, but I did it first thing in the morning after dry brushing my body and it felt amazing! After my shower, my face appeared brighter and I noticed fewer blackheads (gross, I know) on my nose. I just take the brush and brush my face in circular motions, including my chin and even my ears.  I’ve been dry brushing my face daily now for two weeks and my skin is brighter, the blackheads on my nose have greatly diminished, the cystic acne I had on my chin for months is almost gone and the overall appearance of my skin is incredible!  I swear if you told me there’d be a day that I’d be dragging a dry brush across my face, I’d think you were freekin’ nuts. I thought my battery-operated facial brush was giving my face a good clean, but it really isn’t. I’ll dry brush and continue to use my battery-operated facial brush for cleansing, but I owe the refreshed, bright, blackhead-free face to my dry brushing.  I do use the gloves to wash my body, and they’re amazing. I am more than pleased with this product.

Here are great tips on dry brushing from Organic Spa Magazine (click here for more):

1. Beginning with the soles of your feet, use swift upward strokes and brush from the feet up the legs, working toward your heart. Repeat five times.
2. Brush from the ankles to the knees on all sides of the legs. Repeat five times.
3. Once you’ve covered your lower body, move to your hands and work up your arms. Brush from the wrist to the elbow on each surface of the arm (front, back, inside, outside) and repeat for the area between the elbow and shoulder. Repeat five times.
4. Next, using a long-handle brush—or ask your partner to help—brush your back. Beginning with your lower back, stroke from the bottom of the spine up to the bottom of the shoulders blades, or as high as you can reach. Do this for the center, left and right sides of the lower back. Repeat five times.
5. Last, work on your abdomen (moving in a clockwise direction to follow the movement of the colon), chest and neck. It’s best to avoid your face as facial skin is
   too sensitive.
6. Brush for about three to five minutes until your skin is slightly tingly.
7. Shower after you’ve dry brushed your entire body to wash off dead skin. Alternate between the hottest water temperature and the coldest. This stimulates circulation, bringing more blood to the top layers of the skin.

Dry brushing is said to not only exfoliate, but also improves blood circulation, breaks down cellulite, and helps skin to absorb nutrients by unclogging pores. I highly recommend dry brushing for all the incredible benefits aside from smooth and soft skin. I have had such amazing results in just a few weeks of dry brushing.

Do you dry brush? How has dry brushing helped your skin?

❤ Cherilyn 

ipsy – February 2018

I am always excited when I receive the notification that my ipsy bag has shipped. 🙂 It’s the little things, y’all.

If you’re not familiar,  ipsy is a beauty subscription service for $10/month.  You receive 5 beauty products; some deluxe sample sizes, with the occasional full size product. Everything arrives in a cute zippered makeup bag.

This month’s theme is Unzipped.  Self-Love Starts Here: See Why *Everyone* (Including You) Deserves to Feel Sexy.

The bag is a pretty soft pink with a black lace trim. The zipper pull is a round black rubber tab with ipsy imprinted in pink. The inside is a shiny black satin-style material. I’m not a fan of pink, but find the bag to be very pretty and feminine.

 

Let’s get to the goodies!

 

• PÜR Mini Fully Charged Mascara – I really like this mascara! Wore nice all day without transfer.
• BANG BEAUTY Blush in Smoked Peach – Not a fan of blushes with a sheen. I’m going to give it another shot. Perhaps it was just too much with highlight. It is a pretty color, though.
• BIOBELLE Perfecting Primer Facial Mask – Will have to update when I use this product.
• BLAQ Meteor Shower charcoal scrub – Will have to update when I use this product.
• LUXIE BEAUTY Blending and Shading Eye Brush 249 – This brush will go in my brush pile for future use.

If you’re interested in trying out the ipsy subscription service, click my referral link here. If you’d rather check out ipsy without my referral link, clicky clicky here!

What do you think of this month’s ipsy bag and goodies? What’d ya get?

❤ Cherilyn 

I Sang the National Anthem

In 2015, I had the honor and privilege of singing The National Anthem before a Fort Myers Miracle baseball game. There were 1,500 people in attendance.

I was nervous even though I had a few months to prepare. Hell, I had practiced for this day since I was FIVE.

I’m not a pro, I don’t get paid millions to sing. When I went to vocal training, I made it clear that I wanted to sing our Anthem as it should be sung, without grandstanding, but with great honor. So, this is the only time I will ever be able to kick Fergie’s arse at something. 😜

I am incredibly proud of myself for being given this honor. I know my singing isn’t perfect, and it is a tad pitchy, but I’m not a professional. And I remembered the words. 😊

Thank you for listening.

❤️ Cherilyn

Boxycharm – February 2018

It’s the month of love and I LOVE my beauty boxes!

I just received my February Boxycharm! If you’ve not heard of this box, Boxycharm is a monthly beauty subscription service. For $21/month, you receive 4-5 full sized beauty products in a cute little black box.  Each box is always worth $100+!

This month’s Boxy theme is Galaxy Glow! I was pretty excited when I saw the spoilers for this month’s box. Let’s get to the goodies!

• Cover FX Shimmer Veil in Amethyst ($28.00)
• Ofra Cosmetics Pop-Up Palette Mini ($19.00)
• Ofra Cosmetics Blush Godet Refill in Winter Rose Glow ($12.00)
• Crown Brush brush trio ($29.99 on sale right now for $20.99)
• PUR Cosmetics X-Faux Lips Plumping Lip Exfoliator ($17.00)
• Vintage Cosmetics Smokey Eye Pencil in Jet Black ($21.00)

Box Total: $126.99!

I was hoping for the Naked Cosmetics Holographic Highlighter Palette, but I’m not mad at the Ofra palette and blush. The Cover FX Shimmer Veil is beautiful! The brushes are very soft and I’ll probably try the medium brush for highlight application. I won’t use the black eye pencil so I’ll pass that on, and I am curious to try the lip exfoliator!

Overall, I am pleased with this month’s Boxycharm. I’ve not been let down since subscribing almost one year ago.

If you want to check out Boxycharm for yourself, click my referral link here!  If you want to check out Boxycharm and subscribe without clicking the referral link, clicky clicky right here!

What’d you get in your Boxycharm?

❤ Cherilyn 

Essence Volume Stylist 18hr Mascara

I watch a lot of YouTube beauty and skin care product reviews. I always want to see how a product works on different people before investing my money, even with products that are easy on my budget.

My favorite reviewer to watch, and one I trust most is Tati. I have purchased more products based on her reviews than of anyone else.

My most recent Tati Approved purchase was the Essence Volume Stylist 18hr Mascara. This mascara is inexpensive at $4.99.

I have two because the first one I purchased seemed a bit dry.

I am always on the hunt for a great mascara. I love a good dark thick mascara because my eyelashes are light in color. My favorites have been Lash Paradise and Benefit’s Roller Lash. The Lash Paradise is nice, and gives my lashes a full volume look, but it’s a clumpy nice full volume look. Benefit’s Roller Lash has been a consistent favorite. It gives my lashes that natural yet voluminous look. I’ve never had an issue with clumping or drying out and I find myself always going back to the Roller Lash.

The packaging of the Essence mascara is lightweight. It does feel cheap with its big ol’ bulky plastic lid.  It reminds me of those fat markers I used as a kid. I also DID NOT LIKE that the packaging was NOT secured with plastic making it tamper-resistant. Anyone can open the tube and either apply to their lashes while in store, or touch it with their fingers. I reached for one waaaaaay in the back hoping no one had opened it.

Besides the huge hygiene issue, I like the wand. It did a great job coating my lashes. At first application, the mascara applied fairly nicely, it did come off a bit clumpy, but by the time I was done coating the one eye, there was a perfect amount of product left on the wand to coat my left lashes. The formula is nice and thick and is a deep black.

There was some odd separation on my lower lash. I took these photos about 30 minutes after application. You can kind of see a bit of transfer on the bottom lashes.

 

Overall, my lashes looked voluminous and long.  After about 30 minutes, I had transfer from my bottom lashes. Throughout the day the transfer was insane. I had raccoon eyes and was constantly wiping away the transfer from my eyelids and under eye. I gave this mascara another try the next day.  The mascara was clumpy out of the tube, so I just wiped off the excess and applied it to my lashes. Again, it looked beautiful on my lashes, but the transfer throughout the day was nuts!

What I like about the Essence Volume Stylist 18hr Mascara is the price point. I also like the way the mascara looks upon application.

What I do not like about the Essence Volume Stylist 18hr Mascara is the packaging not being secured with a tamper seal. I also don’t like the amount of product that comes out on the wand. I either have to wipe off the excess on the tube opening, which creates a big mess, or use a tissue to remove excess and that is a waste of product. I also do not like the transfer. I looked awful after an hour of wear time.

Products that work for others may not work for me, and it appears I am not a good candidate for this mascara. I’ve never experienced this level of transfer. Transfer happens when skin oils come in contact with makeup, but I have never noticed even the slightest bit of oil around my eyelids/undereye area. It’s OK, I’m not mad at it. I’ll still buy Tati Approved products! ❤ She approves them, not makes them. 🙂

I give the Essence Volume Stylist 18hr Mascara one pair of RABID racoon eyes for it’s price point at $4.99, which is great, but RABID raccoon eyes because of the packaging not having a tamper-resistant seal.

Have you tried this mascara? What was your experience?

❤ Cherilyn 

Valentine’s Day

Happy Valentine’s Day, lovelies! ❤

I’m not the romantic sort. Never have been, which is weird according to my friends.

I’ve just never been into the mushy love stuff. It all makes me uncomfortable, which brings me to the point of this post. 🙂

Many years ago, I read Shopgirl, a novella written by Steve Martin. Yep, that Steve Martin. I loved the book so much that I was thrilled when it was made into a movie starring that Steve Martin.

It’s been many years since I last watched the movie, but it’s currently playing on HBO so I watched it when I was out with the flu. The entire movie is sweet, but I relate to Steve Martin’s character, Ray Porter, much more than Claire Danes as Mirabelle Buttersfield. The ending of the movie brings me to tears every single time.

I was that girl who never allowed herself to fall. Ok, correction.. I was that girl who never allowed herself to ADMIT to falling.  In love.

I’d never admit it until it was too late. Sometimes that was a blessing in disguise. Sometimes I lost what would have been great loves because of my stubbornness, or fear.  Or both.

It was both.

At 2:02 is where I most relate to Ray Porter, and at 2:06 is where I really lose it when the camera pans to Mirabelle’s face. I’ve seen that face. I’ve even been that face. I don’t know which is more painful.

I think you’ll like the novella and the movie.

Happy Valentine’s Day, y’all.

❤ Cherilyn 

 

 

Tattoos

I have four.

I had wanted a tattoo since my early 20’s but waited until my late 30’s just because I really wanted to be sure I was ready for the commitment.

I decided on an owl on my back. As a nature/wildlife photographer, birds are my favorite to photograph. I love owls, and living here in Florida, we have many different species of owls here, one being the burrowing owl.

This tattoo took 2.5 hours and after it was finished, I wanted to go back in for another. I can’t remember what year I got my first tattoo. If I had to guess, I’d say 2011. I am in love with my owl. ❤

My second tattoo is the birds on my collarbone. The two birds represent my two daughters. Again, a bird theme because I love birds. I will add two smaller blue birds, for my Grandsons, and a third smaller bird for my third Grandbaby due in September from my oldest daughter.  We don’t yet know what she is having. ❤

My third tattoo is an aperture because photography is my passion. Most don’t know what the aperture is and I usually tell them the tattoo is from Chase Bank and mandatory to get if your mortgage is through them. 😉 This tattoo has since bled into almost one big blob and needs to either be covered up or re-worked. I am thinking of having it re-worked with white to separate the lines.

 

My fourth tattoo, my beloved peacock sleeve, began in December 2014. I have 15 hours at $100.00/hr invested in this sleeve. While the colors aren’t what I was going for, I do love the tattoo and I get many compliments on it daily.  I had always wanted a peacock sleeve. I love peacocks; I think they are one of the most beautiful creatures ever.

The first photo is the outline, which took four hours. The second and third photos were the coloring sessions, each at 4 hours.

The below photo is the last of the work I have had done and was a three hour session. This is how my sleeve currently looks.

I still need to have some work done on my sleeve, and then to think of a background, if I decide to go that route.

It is incredibly important to search around to find an artist who takes the time to listen to your wants and is open to your ideas. My artist for my sleeve came highly recommended and while he did an amazing job, he didn’t listen to me when I said what colors I wanted and did not want. My tattoo is beautiful, but not what I had in mind colors-wise. As a tattoo is on your skin forever, it is well worth your time to do your research in selecting an artist. Do not be embarrassed to ask to see past work (any artist should have a portfolio) and ask questions. I will not be returning to him for future tattoos.

Also, cheap tattoos are not always good tattoos. You truly DO get what you pay for. An hourly rate between $100-$150 is pretty common in my area. That’s not to say that an expensive tattoo can’t be a crappy tattoo. 🙂

Occasionally I am looked at with a scrunched nose. That doesn’t bother me. I don’t mind questions by others, but it is rude to say “I’d NEVER do THAT to MY skin”, and the popular one that I get told all the time “I don’t like when pretty ladies have tattoos”. Well, you are entitled to your opinion, but you are not entitled to tell me your opinion. 🙂 It is also rude to ask how much a tattoo costs. I don’t mind if others ask me, though, because I know they’re just curious. I always answer with “I have 15 hours at $100/hr invested”. Often I am asked for the story behind my tattoos. Well, there isn’t one. And when I say that, I am greeted with a disappointed “Oh”. Sometimes the meaning behind tattoos is personal and private.  Sometimes there isn’t a story behind a tattoo. Most everyone I know who has tattoos do not like being asked the meaning or story behind their choices. It’s just another opportunity for the non-tatted person to sneer when the meaning or story isn’t wowing enough. I also don’t mind when people ask me about the pain. People are just curious, and I find it’s easier to just answer the questions with a smile on my face. Being nice helps break the stereotype of us being ex-cons or druggies. 🙂

I know that tattoos are becoming more socially acceptable, and I’ve never been denied employment because of my tattoos. I’ve only been asked to wear long sleeves. Even as a professional in the corporate world, I didn’t have to cover my sleeve. I am pleased to see that those of us who get tattoos as a method of expression aren’t being discriminated against quite as much anymore.

Do you have tattoos?

❤ Cherilyn 

Smaul Haul (<— See What I Did There?)

I thought it was time to pick up a few new mascaras floating around to give ’em a try, and while I was out, I picked up a few more things!

I found three mascaras, a highlighter, a new PM moisturizer. a bubble face mask, and a face mask trio.

• Covergirl Peacock Flare mascara in Extreme Black ($7.94) Available in Extreme Black, Extreme Black Waterproof, Intense Black and Jet Black
• Covergirl Total Tease Waterproof mascara in Very Black ($7.94) Available in Black, Very Black and Black Brown
• Maybelline total temptation mascara in Blackest Black ($7.94) Available in Blackest Black, Brownish Black and Very Black
• Maybelline Master Chrome Metallic highlighter in Molten Gold ($7.94)
• SpaScriptions Rose, Gold and Cucumber Face Mask trio ($6.74)
• SOO AE Charcoal Clay Bubble Mask ($2.50)
• CeraVe Facial Moisturizing Lotion PM ($8.27)

I am excited to try the mascaras! I don’t know which one I’ll try first! 🙂  I am currently using the CeraVe brand face wash and daily moisturizer that I thought I should introduce the night moisturizer into my routine.

Have you tried any of these products? What are your thoughts?

❤ Cherilyn 

Blogger Recognition Award

I was nominated for the Blogger Recognition Award by the wonderful Mrs T (Life With Mrs T). Mrs T writes amazing product reviews, posts stunning eye looks, shares her unboxings, and writes lifestyle posts that leave her readers wanting more. I love her eye looks posts as I am envious of her talent and her bold use of color. You can read her post about her Blogger Recognition Award here.  Give Mrs T a follow. Thank me later. ❤

Thank you so much for the nomination! I am so grateful and thankful for your recognition! I am enjoying getting to know you through this platform. ❤

What is the Blogger Recognition Award?

The Blogger Recognition Award is an award that fosters the blogging community through connecting with each other and working together to grow our little patch of the internet.

What is my blog about, and why did I start writing?

My blog started in January 2017. In fact, I just had my first year anniversary here on WordPress! I haven’t written a post about it because I was battling the flu the past couple of weeks.

I started my blog as a place to share reviews of beauty and skin care products. I initially posted reviews on Facebook with positive results from my friends, but was growing a bit tired of the private messages trying to get me to try Rodan + Fields, Mary Kay, and other expensive products at each turn.  While I didn’t mind the recommendations, after all that’s what I was doing, I wanted to focus on products that were budget friendly and easily available. This is when I decided to create a blog.

I had no idea where blogging would take me, if anywhere. I didn’t even think anyone would ever read my reviews or even care about my thoughts on a product! I mean, who am I? I can’t even apply eyeliner without looking like a raccoon, how can I expect others to take whatever I write about seriously? It’s been a fun journey and I plan on continuing the fun!

Advice for bloggers starting out 

Advice #1: Content! Content is more than just words. Just a few things that I believe are important to content and keep me interested in a blog:

• Content that is current and relevant to the community you are reaching out to.
• Content that is well-researched and fact based. If it is a review of a product, the post should thoroughly discuss the product with pros and cons to help readers determine if they should pass or try the product. Please note, I don’t have to see you in the bathtub with a bath bomb to be persuaded to buy said bath bomb.

You don’t have to be an award-winning writer or published author to write a great blog. I’ve been writing since I was 4 years old, and, I, use, commas, incorrectly, I end sentences with prepositions, and start sentences with And, and my sentence structures make people cringe, and I make up words, and use ain’t and y’all and cliches.

Lastly but not leastly <— made-up word: Photos of whatever you are blogging about are awesome, but if your photos are blurry, kindly don’t post them. Look, I know I am guilty of posting less than perfect photos, but none have been blurry. Nothing makes me leave a post faster than a post with photos that induce vomiting. Also, sure it is nice if photos have amazing props, but definitely not necessary to make your pics stand out. Crisp clear photos on a kitchen counter top are better than a blurry photo with pretty props.

My nominees (The rules are to select 10, but I always select five):

The Bellezza Corner Love her posts about beauty and life!

Life with Lil Red Amazing sense of style and those shoes, honey!

Charlotte’s Makeup Blog Stunning fashion sense and great reviews on beauty products!

Simply Beyoutified  Can I just say how much I love her blog name? ❤

Polished by Amy I am so envious of her work!

The Rules

Congratulations on your nomination! Write a post detailing everything about it.

You need to thank the blogger who nominated you and provide a link to their blog in your post.

Give your readers a brief history about this awesome award.

New bloggers always love some good advice. Give them two of your best pieces of advice.

Now for the fun part, select 10 other amazing bloggers to nominate.

Last but not least, comment on everyone’s blog and give them a chance to hear about their nomination.

❤ Cherilyn

Revisiting the Beauty Blender

Over the past year since first purchasing, I have had some mixed feelings on my beauty blender. I liked it at first (read that review here) but then I quickly changed my mind. I didn’t like how it drank up my foundation and how it was just exhausting to use. It was blend, blend, blend, bounce, bounce, blend, bounce, blend, bounce, you get the picture.  To be honest, I didn’t like the work it took for foundation application and took to only using the beauty blender occasionally to apply powders and cream products. As I am not a regular user of powders and cream products, so away went the beauty blender.

I hadn’t touched it again until recently.

I am sure that I’m not alone in that my makeup application changes as I learn new techniques or see selfies and wonder what the heck I was thinking with a certain look! Previously I preferred a heavy hand with foundation, also known as being a full coverage queen. 🙂 I realized that my mature wrinkly skin looks better with a light hand, and a light foundation application just isn’t as beautiful with a brush as it is with a beauty blender. I have some pretty great foundation brushes, but in comparison with my beauty blender kind of fall flat.

Before we continue, please ignore how completely gross my beauty blender looks. 🙂

Over the past month I have fallen in love with my beauty blender! Even on the days that I was ill but had to go to work, I grabbed my beauty blender to apply my foundation. Yes, even while not feeling well, I dampened that beauty blender and went to town with the blend, blend, blend, bounce, bounce, blend, bounce, blend, bounce, you get the picture. I also have a Morphe beauty sponge that I use damp to apply my setting powder. My skin has looked GORGEOUS, and I am so impressed with both sponges that I don’t know if I’ll ever go back to using a brush for foundation application.

There are absolutely NO streaks on my skin with my beauty blender. My skin looks flawless and natural. Using a beauty blender is still exhausting, but again, the less product I use, the easier and quicker the blending. Don’t get me wrong here, my brushes aren’t crap. They have served me well for many years. I didn’t quite get that it takes work to make foundation look exceptional on my skin. I was positive I’d never try my beauty blender again, much less love it so much that I cleaned and then stored away my foundation brushes!

Do you use a beauty sponge to apply your foundation? What tips do you have for extending its life or even tips for use?

❤ Cherilyn 

ipsy January – 2018

It’s the first ipsy bag of 2018!

If you’re not familiar,  ipsy is a beauty subscription service for $10/month.  You receive 5 beauty products; some deluxe sample sizes, with the occasional full size product. Everything arrives in a cute zippered makeup bag.

January’s theme is Game Face. Have Your Strongest Year Yet—Set Goals, Crush Them, and Look Fierce Doing It.

The bag. Hmm. It’s definitely sporty looking, but I don’t think of sporty when I think of makeup. I don’t think of makeup when I think about sporty. It’s a mesh bag with the ipsy logo imprinted on a bright yellow tag located on the side of the bag, and a shoestring-ish zipper pull. The inner of the bag is a bright yellow. I get where ipsy is going with it, though. Set goals, crush them, and look fierce doing it.

Let’s get to the goodies! (All links will open in a separate window):

SERAPHINE BOTANICALS Raisin + Cream Long-Lasting Lip Stain ($24.00) Not really my color, though it is pretty. I’m not sure if I’ll use this.

CIATÉ LONDON Fierce Flicks Liquid Eyeliner ($19.00) I do not use eyeliner so I’ll be passing this on to a friend.

LUNA BY LUNA COSMETICS Eyeshadow in Juliet ($15.00) This is a pretty color. I’ll probably pass this on to a friend, though.

BEFINE SKIN CARE Exfoliating Cleanser ($24.00) I love getting exfoliating cleansers in my beauty boxes. I am looking forward to using this!

BIOREPUBLIC SKINCARE Sheet Mask Duo: Aloe Rescue & Pomegranate Crush ($4.99 ea.) I love getting sheet masks in my beauty boxes! These ones look promising.

I must admit I am less than impressed with the very first ipsy bag of 2018. It’s just meh for me, but not meh enough to cancel. I’ve had ipsy for almost a year and I’ve been happy with most of the bags. For $10/mo. I can’t really complain.

If you’re interested in trying out the ipsy subscription service, click my referral link here. If you’d rather check out ipsy without my referral link, clicky clicky here!

What do you think of this month’s ipsy bag and goodies? What’d ya get?

❤ Cherilyn 

Boxycharm January – 2018

My January Boxycharm is here! This is my first Boxycharm unboxing of 2018!

If you’ve not heard of this box, Boxycharm is a monthly beauty subscription service. For $21/month, you receive 4-5 full sized beauty products in a cute little black box.  Each box is always worth $100+!

January’s theme is Rock 2018.

Let’s get to it! (All links will open in a separate window):

Crown Brush Glam Metals Palette  ($29.99) I haven’t had an opportunity to play with this palette as I came down with the flu just after receiving my Boxy. The colors are pretty, soft and plenty pigmented, though!

Dr. Brandt Luminizer Primer ($38.00) I have been using this primer every day since I got my Boxy and I love it! I have never used a primer that makes my skin look so radiant and makes my foundation apply to my skin beautifully. It is expensive and I’m not sure if I’ll repurchase. I may see if I can find a dupe.

PUR Bronze & Brighten Palette ($34.00) I have used the highlight shade daily. It gives my skin this beautiful golden glow. I haven’t used the blush or the bronzer yet, and am not sure I will. They’re both a bit too shimmery. The highlight is very pretty though, and will continue to use this in rotation with my tarte Amazonian Clay highlighting and blush palette.

girlactik Matte Lip Paint in Posh ($23.00) This is my first girlactik product. Posh looks like a really pretty color on the website, but it’s a rusty terracotta brown/orange/red color on my lips. I don’t like it and probably will not use it. It smells nice, dries down and feels good on my lips, but it’s just a shade that I can’t pull off too well.

it Cosmetics Brow Power Universal Eyebrow Pencil ($24.00) I am not a fan of eyebrow pencils. I think this is mainly because I don’t know how to use them! I prefer to use The Brow Gal powder and the e.l.f. Cosmetics brow gel. I’ll gift this to a friend.

Total Boxycharm worth: $148.99! Wow!

Overall, I am pleased with the first Boxycharm box of 2018. Regardless of the few items I won’t be using, the Dr. Brandt primer is wonderful, as is the PUR palette. Both products are worth more than what I pay monthly for my subscription.

If you want to check out Boxycharm for yourself, click my referral link here!  If you want to check out Boxycharm and subscribe without clicking the referral link, clicky clicky right here!

❤ Cherilyn 

I’m Back!

OMG you guys, I have not been that sick in years!

The flu virus has been terrible this year, more so than previous years.

I am glad that I am pretty much back to normal, or at least at about 90%! Still dealing with some congestion and coughing, but it’s light and manageable.

So glad to be back here! I have missed reading your posts and I have missed blogging!

I hope you have all been good and staying healthy!

❤ Cherilyn

Blahhh Too

Hi, beauties! Ugggghhhh I am still really sick.

I am coughing so much that my chest is sore. I am keeping hydrated and resting but I am losing my mind!

I tried going back to work after being out since Thursday, and I only lasted an hour. I am giving it another go tomorrow. I have to work!

I hope to be back soon!

I hope y’all are staying healthy.

❤️ Cherilyn

Blahhh

I have the flu.

I was excited to return to posting but am now ill so I won’t be back for a few more days.

I hope everyone is well.

❤️ Cherilyn

Life

Hello beauties!

I have had my Grandson since Friday which means I haven’t had a moment to write!

I have two Grandsons. Dante is 3 and Josiah is 5.5 months old.  They are the loves of my life. I love these little boys more than I love my own children. 😉  If you have Grandchildren, you’ll understand this love.   ❤

Regularly scheduled blogging will resume this week! 🙂

I hope everyone is enjoying their weekend!

❤ Cherilyn

January – 2018

It’s the first MorpheMe brush unboxing of 2018!

If you aren’t familiar, MorpheMe is a subscription service through Liveglam that offers $30 worth of Morphe brushes for $19.99/month!  The brushes come in a bubblewrap envelope with a cute little accordion card that has brief descriptions of each brush.  I have been subscribed since February 2017 and have received a wide variety of brushes.

This month’s theme is New Year, New Me. The brushes are from Morphe’s gunmetal series. Each brush has a gorgeous gunmetal ferrule and handle with synthetic bristles. The brushes are very lightweight and feel inexpensive, but the quality of the gunmetal series brushes is usually very good. I have a few that I use regularly and like them.

Let’s get to the first brushes of 2018! (All links will open in a separate window):

G5 Pointed Powder ($15.00) This brush is fluffy and soft. This will go into my collection until I need to replace a current powder brush.

G39 Deluxe Foundation ($8.00) I am definitely going to try this brush. It is dense and looks like it’ll be awesome for foundation application. I love using foundation brushes, though lately I have been into using my beauty blender.

G42 1″ Flat Contour ($8.00) I don’t much use these brushes. I usually pass them on in gifts.

Total box worth: $31.00

If you’re interested in signing up, clicky clicky HERE (this link will get us both a free brush!), or clicky clicky HERE if you don’t want a free brush. 😉  It’s $19.99/month.

Well, whattaya think of this month’s brushes?

❤ Cherilyn <<<<<<
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tarte Limited-Edition Blush Bazaar Amazonian Clay Blush Palette

I have wanted this palette for so long; it was on my Christmas Wish List post, but at the time I just could not justify spending $44.00 on a palette I’d only have half a use for. But as it turns out, each shade is gorgeous on my fair skin; I just have to be light-handed with the darker shades.

Well, my wait paid off because just after Christmas, tarte had their 70% off sale and I was able to pick up this blush palette for $20.00!

The tarte Limited Edition Blush Bazaar palette is packed with eight deluxe Amazonian Clay blushes and two highlight shades in both warm and cool tones for every skin tone. The outside packaging is Moroccan inspired and is exquisite. The palette’s look and feel is high-end quality.

The shades are LIFE…

The blushes blend well, the highlight shades are beautiful, and incredibly long-lasting. I am not someone who likes to fuss with my makeup throughout the day. I adore makeup that even without the use of a setting spray, has longevity. I apply and re-apply lip gloss and lip balm more than enough throughout the day to keep me busy!

I am wearing highlight shade Worthy mixed with Whimsical underneath the blush shade Dainty. Please excuse the massive dry skin patch on my nose. Also, I am 45 and have mature skin freekin’ wrinkles.  I wanted so badly to edit them out, but I didn’t. Much. 😉 On a side note, my mascara is Benefit Roller Lash and my lip gloss is Rimmel London Stay Glossy in Dorchester Rose with a bit of Beauty Pageant Lip Ammo from Jeffree Star.

Overall, the tarte Limited Edition Blush Bazaar Amazonian Clay blush palette is incredible and well worth the $44.00. If you can find it, BUY it.  I am in love with this palette, and have used it every day. It has definitely made me a new fan of the Amazonian Clay blushes, that should I ever need another blush in the future, tarte, you got me FOR LIFE. ❤

I give this palette 5 out of 5 Pretty Blushed Faces. 🙂 ❤

Do you have any of the tarte Amazonian Clay blushes? What is your go to blush?

❤ Cherilyn

Q & A Time!

I thought I’d do a Get To Know Me post with some questions I found around the internet.

1. If you didn’t have to sleep, what would you do with the extra time? I’d be out exploring with my camera. If I didn’t have to sleep, I’d not miss a shot at any time of the day/night!
2. What fictional place would you most like to visit? Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, of course.
3. Are you usually early or late? I am always at least 15 minutes early to everything. My mother raised me to believe if you are on time you are late.
4. What’s your dream car? I have two dream cars, and I currently drive one. My Jeep is my dream vehicle (it’s not a car 😉 ) and any BMW 7 series. If I ever get a luxury vehicle, it will be a BMW. I also used to want a Maserati. 🙂
5. What is the luckiest thing that has happened to you? In 2007, I, along with 40 other coworkers, won the lottery. The entire pot was $56 million, however, we split $7 million dollars, each taking home after taxes around $130,000. It was a surreal moment.
6. Where would you spend all your time if you could? I would spend all my time in the wilderness. I could walk in the woods for hours. The wilderness along a river is ideal.
7. What is one of your favorite smells? Rain. I love the smell of the air when and after it rains.
8. Describe your dream home. My dream home would be a small cabin in the woods, along a river, on 100’s of acres of land, with no one in sight. I love seclusion and the sights and sounds of the wilderness.
9. What is the best and worst thing about getting older? The best thing is the wisdom and experience that comes with age. The worst is the decline of health.
10. What is the most annoying habit that others have that drives you crazy? Nail biting. I absolutely HATE seeing people put their hands/fingers in their mouths. Our hands are so dirty and I cringe at the bacteria people are putting into their mouths when they stick their fingers in their mouths. Also, the sound of nail biting makes me insane.

Please feel free to copy the questions and input your answers on your page! Tag me so that I can read your answers!

❤ Cherilyn  

Top 10!

Not long ago I did a review of e.l.f. Cosmetics as a brand. e.l.f. Cosmetics are affordable products that are also vegan and cruelty free. You can read my review of e.l.f. Cosmetics as a brand here.

For this post, I decided to share my Ride or Die e.l.f. Cosmetics products ranging from makeup to skin care.

Let’s get on with the goodies! (All links will open in a separate window):

• Flawless Finish Foundation (Natural) – $6.00 This foundation is my ride or die. I’ve been using this foundation for maybe eight years, if not longer. I’ve tried other foundations but I always go back to this one. The foundation is oil-free with a semi-matte finish, has SPF 15, and feels light on my skin. I don’t like to wear a lot of makeup and I love the no makeup makeup finish this provides while keeping my look light and balancing out my redness.
• Hydrating Gel Melt Cleanser – $10.00 I recently discovered this product and it is amazing! I use this every evening to remove my makeup. It is awesome at removing my makeup and cleansing my face. With daily use, one jar lasted me just over a month.
• Baked Highlighter (Moonlight Pearls) – $4.00 First, to my Nicole Guerriero Glow Kit, this is my affordable makeup ride or die highlighter. I use this more than any other highlighter in my collection. Depending on my mood, I sometimes mix this with the Shimmer Highlighting Powders mentioned below.
• Shimmer Highlighting Powder (Rose Glow/Starlight Glow/Pearl Glow) – $6.00 I LOVE these highlighting powders. Each shade look gorgeous on my skin. They can be a bit messy, but I love the wet shine I get, and I am often complimented on my glowing skin when I wear this in any shade. I have a difficult time choosing between the baked highlighter and these so to be fair to them, I rotate. 🙂 ❤
• Hydrating Water Sheet Mask – $3.00 I LOVE LOVE LOVE this mask. Best sheet mask I’ve ever used. I mention it here, here, here and here.  Either read all those posts or just take my word for it; if you haven’t yet tried this sheet mask, what the sheet mask are you waiting for? Either go buy a few now or wait until the next 50% off sale and pick up a few for $1.50.

• Contouring Blush & Bronzing Powder (Fiji) – $4.00 This has been my ride or die blush for many years. I don’t use the bronzing side as much as I use the blush, but you can see both are soon to hit pan. The color is similar to Too Faced’s Love Flush blush in Love Hangover, which is my #2 blush. Over the years, I’ve gone through at least six of these. The formula is long lasting and the shade gives me a beautiful natural flushed look.
• Eye Makeup Remover Balm – $4.00 During one of e.l.f.’s 50% off sales over Thanksgiving, I came across this Eye Makeup Remover Balm and decided to give it a try. It was 50% off so no biggie if it was a dud at $2.00. It’s basically a waxy balm that you apply over your eyes to break down your eye makeup and remove it with gentle ease. I was so impressed with how well this balm works. I wish it came in different packaging, and had more product. With daily use, I went through one balm in less than 2 weeks. $4.00 is a bit pricey for the amount of product you get, but I don’t mind paying $2.00 when it’s on sale.
• Angled Blush Brush – $4.00 This is my favorite affordable blush brush. It’s the perfect size and the angle allows precision application of my blush. It’s also great for bronzing, though I don’t bronze on a regular basis. The bristles are a soft synthetic, and are vegan and cruelty free.
• Lip Exfoliator – $3.00 I use this lip exfoliator about once a week before application of lip balm or lip gloss. It really helps to keep my lips a lovely pink shade and looking healthy and soft. My favorite is Sweet Cherry.
• Flawless Concealer Blush – $3.00  I use this brush for precise powder application around my nose and mouth. I also have one to remove excess mascara from under my eyes. The bristles are a soft synthetic, and are vegan and cruelty free.

There ya have it. Ten awesome products that have been my ride or die, some new and some for years!

What are your e.l.f. Cosmetics ride or die products?

❤ Cherilyn 

O’Keefes Lip Repair

I have a strange love affair for lip balms.

I’ve tried just about every one of ’em available from the most popular brands to lesser known brands. Ever since visiting Massachusetts in 2006, my lips have not been the same. I need to wear a lip balm every day, all day, and even slather it on before going to bed at night. I carry one in my pocket, I have three in my handbag, there are two in my Jeep, and I have one in every room of my home.

Recently, I had issues caused from a lip product I received in a beauty box. I received the Skyn Iceland Berry Lip Fix with Wintered Red Algae in my November ipsy bag. I used it several times daily for about a week before I noticed it was causing a horrible allergic reaction. My lips and areas around my mouth were red and incredibly irritated. My lips were a mess. It was painful and uncomfortable, and just looked horrible. I was embarrassed by the redness and wore extra makeup to cover it up. My usual Chicken Poop wasn’t helping, which was surprising because any lip issue I’ve ever had has been fixed by using my Chicken Poop. I tried Vaseline, which helped the dryness, but the redness wouldn’t go away.

Frustrated and feeling as if I was out of options, a friend recommended O’Keeffe’s Lip Repair Lip Balm. I went to Walgreens the next day and bought two of them.

I opened the lip balm and immediately applied it to my dry, irritated lips. No freekin’ lie, within 15 minutes my lips felt better than they had in MONTHS, even before the lip issue from the reaction to the red algea lip balm. I was amazed. The next day I went to Walmart where they had the balm for $1.00 cheaper, so I picked up two more.

THIS STUFF IS THE BEST. The website claims the lip balm “Creates a flexible barrier” and “Provides instant relief and all day moisture in 1 use”. These claims are absolutely true. I put it on in the morning and wear my lip gloss over it. As a bonus, it works as a barrier keeping my lip gloss out of the wrinkles around my lips.

My lips have not been dry, haven’t cracked or felt uncomfortable or red since using. I use it multiple times a day every day and will continue to use it every day.

Overall, I am incredibly impressed and thankful for this product! I give O’Keeffe’s Lip Repair Lip balm 5 outta 5 Soft Smooches!

Have you tried this product? What lip balms do you use?

❤ Cherilyn 

e.l.f. Cosmetics – Makeup Remover Balm & Hydrating Gel Melt Cleanser

In the mid-November e.l.f. Cosmetics 50% off sale haul, I picked up the Eye Makeup Remover Balm ($4.00/$2.00) and the Hydrating Gel Melt Cleanser ($10.00/$5.00). I have used these products for just over one month now and wanted to share my review of them both in one post.

Let’s start with the Eye makeup Remover Balm.

Holy moly, you guys, I am so darned impressed with this product! You get 0.06 oz (1.7 g) of product in a lipstick-style tube. This stuff, OMG this stuff removes my mascara gently and without leaving a greasy residue. Most nights I’d use Pond’s Cold Cream, and it always leaves a film on my eyes, no matter how much I rinse and wipe. I don’t like the constant tugging at my eyes to get rid of that pesky residue. The e.l.f. balm wipes away easily with a warm washcloth and there isn’t that ugly film left behind. I don’t have to roughly wipe away at my eyes either. I like the packaging for travel, though I would much prefer if it was a cream in a jar, but I’d really like if it was available with more product because I will go through these like crazy. With daily use, this product only lasted me two weeks.

I have also been using the Hydrating Gel Melt Cleanser for over a month. I am on my second jar.

I use this product in the evening to remove my makeup and cleanse my face. The jar has 1.41 oz (40 g) of product in a lovely green glass jar. The packaging is beautiful and looks like a high end product.  The cleanser has a petroleum jelly look and consistency so it’s a bit weird applying it to my face. You apply a thin layer of the product to your face with dry hands and once it is all over your face and neck, you activate it with warm water and massage into your skin for 10-15 seconds. I did not apply this to my eyes as I use the eye makeup remover balm to remove my eye makeup. Once I touch my face with wet fingertips, the gel turns into a light soapy cleanser. I thoroughly massaged my face and then rinsed with warm water. I have also used this with my Conair True Glow facial brush. My face is clean and free of any greasy residue.  My makeup is completely removed, and my skin is clean and soft. After cleansing, I use my Dickinson’s Enhanced Witch Hazel as a toner before applying moisturizer.

I read the reviews of the Hydrating Gel Melt Cleanser and some have stated that it’s purely a makeup remover and should be used as a cleanser before your actual face cleanser. Perhaps this is true for those who use heavy foundation, concealer, bronzer, blush, full glam eye makeup, etc. I use a light hand with foundation, I do not use concealer or bronzer, and I rarely wear eyeshadow, so perhaps for me, this cleanser cleans my face without having to use another product. After using, I apply witch hazel as a toner and there isn’t any remaining makeup on my cotton pad. Upon close inspection, my skin truly looks clean.

I am incredibly impressed with both products.  I have repurchased two more of the Hydrating Gel Melt Cleansers and one of the Eye Makeup Remover Balms on the Black Friday 50% off sale.

Overall, I give the Eye makeup Remover Balm products 3 out of 5 Freshly Washed Faces for its amazing performance and sleek packaging. I think $4.00 is a bit pricey for the amount of product you get, but I don’t mind paying $2.00 when it’s on sale. I will definitely be repurchasing this product. Should e.l.f. Cosmetics come out with a larger tube, I will give this 5 Freshly Washed Faces. 🙂

I give the Hydrating Gel Melt Cleanser 5 out of 5 Freshly Washed Faces for its affordable price, gorgeous packaging, and its amazing performance.  With daily use, I was able to get just over one month of use before cracking open another jar. I hope this is a product that e.l.f. Cosmetics keeps around for a long time.

Have you tried these products? What are your go-to makeup remover products?

❤ Cherilyn 

 

Happy New Year!

May you all have a happy, healthy and prosperous 2018!

❤ Cherilyn

 

2018

Christmas is over. The decorations are put away. Christmas music has been replaced with top 40 hits.

I hope y’all had a wonderful day full of love and great food!

Now, it’s New Year’s Eve!

I won’t be going out tonight. I haven’t gone out on New Year’s Eve in very many years. It’s just too dangerous to be out on the road, unless I am going somewhere I can spend the night, which most likely isn’t ever the case. So, I’ll open a bottle of champagne or three, throw on a party hat and put on my New Year’s Eve tradition movie (you can read that post here). Sometimes I stay up until midnight. Most times I’m asleep by 10pm. We’ll see if I can manage to stay up tonight!

I am looking forward to 2018. Each year there is pain, some tragedy and heartache, but with pain, tragedy and heartache there are life lessons that help us grow and provide us with strength we never knew we had.

Let’s do this, 2018.

Happy New Year, y’all.

❤ Cherilyn

Social Media – Part WOAH!

I recently joined Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest.

Holy Social Media, y’all, I can’t keep up!

The only one I am finding myself able to keep up with is Twitter, and that is mainly because whenever I post content, it automatically posts to Twitter. I find myself checking my Twitter more than any other form of social media.

How do y’all do it?

Because I know I won’t be able to maintain all four platforms, I have decided to let go of the Facebook page, as well as Pinterest. I will keep Twitter and Instagram.

If you follow me on Instagram, please let me know! As soon as I signed up I had 300 spam accounts follow me. I want to be able to follow you in return, so let me know it’s you! 🙂

Follow me on Twitter!

❤ Cherilyn 

 

Beauty Boxes – 2017

As 2017 comes to a close, it’s time for a year-in-review of the ever popular beauty subscription boxes.

Subscription beauty boxes have been around for quite some time though I only jumped on the bandwagon last year. Beauty boxes are a great way to try many different cosmetic brands and products, as well as hair and skin care. I’ve been introduced to many brands I’d not know about if it weren’t for my subscriptions.

I’m going to break down the boxes I currently receive, as well as a few I no longer receive, and review each (All links open in a separate window):

Boxycharm ($21.00/mo.) –  This is my favorite monthly box, hands down. For $21.00/month, I receive 4-5 full sized beauty products from brands such as Smashbox, Tarte, Becca Cosmetics, Ofra, and Dr. Brandt, in a cute little black box.  Each box is always worth $100+! I’ve not had many disappointments with Boxycharm. Even when I received a broken palette, they sent me a replacement without a hassle. I received a palette in almost every box, and I have been able to use most of the products I’ve received. The lipstick shades have been mostly misses, but I’m not a huge lipstick wearer so it’s not that big of a deal. I just pass on whatever I know I won’t use. I won’t be getting rid of this subscription anytime soon, and I am excited to see what Boxycharm brings its subscribers in 2018. I give Boxycharm 5 out of 5 party hats!

If you want to check out Boxycharm for yourself, click my referral link here!  If you want to check out Boxycharm and subscribe without clicking the referral link, clicky clicky right here!

ipsy ($10.00/mo.) – I absolutely adore ipsy! For $10.00/mo., I receive 5 beauty products; mostly deluxe sample sizes, with the occasional full size product from brands such as Smashbox, TonyMoly, Pixi, Ofra, and Dirty Little Secret Cosmetics. Everything arrives in a cute zippered makeup bag.I don’t always receive products I can use, but I always receive a cute makeup bag that I can use or pass on as a gift. I don’t just receive cosmetics in my ipsy bags. ipsy sends skin care products, and the occasional hair product. As with Boxycharm, I like ipsy because I get to try brands and products that I don’t receive in other boxes. I look forward to receiving my bag each month.  I give ipsy 4 out of 5 party hats! 

If you’re interested in trying out the ipsy subscription service, click my referral link here. If you’d rather check out ipsy without my referral link, clicky clicky here!

MorpheMe ($19.99/mo.) – MorpheMe is a makeup brush service through Liveglam that offers $30 worth of Morphe brushes for $19.99/month!  The brushes come in a bubblewrap envelope with a cute little accordion card that has brief descriptions of each brush. I’ve been a subscriber for almost a year, and am fairly happy with this service. December brushes were a miss, though they were pretty. I can skip a month without being penalized or removed from the shipping list. I can also trade brushes for past brushes. I’ve done both; skipped a month and traded brushes for a past set. It didn’t throw off anything and I was happy I had those options. I don’t know if I’ll continue to keep this subscription through 2018. I’ll continue for a few months into the new year to see if they up their game. Overall, it’s not a bad subscription and it’s a great way to add to your brush collection. I give MorpheMe from Liveglam 4 out of 5 party hats!

If you’re interested in signing up, clicky clicky HERE (this link will get us both a free brush!), or clicky clicky HERE if you don’t want a free brush. 😉

Birchbox ($10.00/mo) – I was only subscribed to Birchbox for a few months, and I really liked the boxes, but I felt I was subscribed to too many services (WHAT?!) so I let this one go. I liked the products received, but I liked ipsy just a bit more, and I also like that for the same price, I get a cute makeup bag with ipsy. Birchbox isn’t a bad box, it’s all a matter of preference. I give Birchbox 3 out of 5 party hats!

Play! by Sephora ($10.00/mo) – For a few months, I was subscribed to Play! by Sephora, but the products were less than meh. I am allergic to anything with coconut oil/water, and currently with coconut oil/water products being all the rage, that was all I received in my monthly Play. There weren’t many products I was able to use. I was a bit disappointed. I give Play! by Sephora 2 out of 5 party hats. 

The choices of boxes are endless! These subscription boxes are not just limited to beauty products. There are food boxes, perfume boxes, PERIOD boxes and boxes for pets. A great resource for subscriptions is My Subscription Addiction. This website breaks it down better than any other!

What boxes do you subscribe to? Plan on adding any new subscriptions for 2018?

❤ Cherilyn 

e.l.f. Cosmetics

e.l.f. Cosmetics are probably my favorite. Most of my makeup collection is from e.l.f. because they are so affordable and most of the products are amazing. A bonus is that e.l.f. products are vegan and cruelty free.

I was introduced to e.l.f. back in 2007 when I was searching online for bridal party gifts. I ended up ordering spa sets from e.l.f. for my bridal party and they loved them! I can’t recall if e.l.f. sold makeup at the time. I do remember my first makeup purchase through e.l.f. was mascara. I didn’t wear much makeup at the time, but eventually I upgraded to foundation and blush, purchasing it through e.l.f. Cosmetics. I never looked back and have been a supporter since.

It’s nice for those of us who are amateurs in the beauty world to have options for affordable makeup that isn’t cheap in quality.  Back in the day to get affordable makeup was to get makeup that was of horrible quality and/or made with dangerous chemicals.  e.l.f. Cosmetics is also a wonderful option for even the most advanced makeup artist. The quality of most of the products is top notch, even sometimes exceeding those products from high end companies. It is wonderful to find cosmetics that are up to par with high end cosmetics.  As most drugstore makeup rises in price, beauty on a budget is still possible with e.l.f. Cosmetics.

I’ve had some misses with e.l.f. Cosmetics but I can’t get mad at a product that doesn’t work when I’ve only spent $3.00. Yes, $3.00 adds up, but I’ve not had many misses, and all makeup that are misses go to the young people in my life who need some of the misses to practice for the all the future hits.

I am sure that if you’re anywhere online reading beauty blogs or watching tutorials on YouTube, you are familiar with e.l.f. Cosmetics. What was your first purchase? What products are your hits? What products have been misses?

❤ Cherilyn 

Tarte Cosmetics Sale!

Ok, beauties.. head on over to Tarte’s website for 70% off!

I have wanted the Limited Edition Blush Bazaar palette for a while now, but just could not convince myself to spend $44.00.

I just purchased it for $20.00, which I could do guilt-free. 🙂

So, GO! And then tell me what you bought. 🙂

 

 

❤ Cherilyn 

Social Media!

One of my goals for 2018 is to kill it with this blog!

With that said, I have decided to open a few social media accounts! I don’t know if I’ll be able to keep up, but I’ll certainly try!

 

If you’re on Twitter, Facebook , Instagram or Pinterest, comment your usernames below, or just click on my clicky clickies above to follow me and I’ll follow you back!

Please bear with me as I get them up and running.

❤ Cherilyn 

Day 25 – 25 Days of My Favorite Christmas Songs

Merry Christmas! Happy Holidays! Seasons Greetings!

We’ve made it! Here we are on Day 25, the last day of 25 Days of My Favorite Christmas Songs! I hope everyone has enjoyed all my posted songs!

Ok, drum roll, please…

Carol of the Bells performed by the Trans-Siberian Orchestra is TO DIE FOR. I absolutely love this song and if I had to choose only one holiday song to listen to for the rest of my life, this would be the song. I blast this in my Jeep, I listen to it over and over again while on my laptop working, I just love it. It was my favorite song to sing in choir.

Turn up the volume! The beat drops at 2:47!

Thank you so much for all your comments and your participation, and I hope you enjoyed this hashtag!

Merry Christmas! Happy Holidays!

❤ Cherilyn

 

Blogmas! (Day 25) Happy Christmas!

Blogmas is over! Oh my goodness, I didn’t know if I’d make it through!

Thank you all for reading my Blogmas posts, and for your comments! I enjoyed reading your posts and getting to know you and your holiday traditions from the U.S. to all y’all overseas.

Whether you celebrate the holidays or not, enjoy the day with your loved ones!

Merry Christmas! Happy Holidays!

❤ Cherilyn 

Day 24 – 25 Days of My Favorite Christmas Songs

I must admit, I am not much a fan of Bruce Springsteen, HOWEVER… Santa Claus is Coming to Town always always always puts a huge smile on my face and gets me in the mood for Christmas. It makes me long to be a kid again staying up all night in my bed waiting patiently and listening intently for Santa to arrive!

❤ Cherilyn

 

Blogmas! (Day 24) Christmas Eve!

It’s Christmas Eve!

Christmas is tomorrow!

2018 is one week away!

Blogmas is over tomorrow!

Holy yellow snow!

Ok. WOAH. Let’s slow it down a bit.

As it is the last few days of December, I usually spend them reminiscing over the year, and reflecting over how I can do things differently in 2018. I don’t beat myself up over the past. Rather, I think about how I handled situations that arose and make it a goal to handle issues better in 2018.

I want to slow down more in 2018.

I want to get back to the things I love: camping, photography, kayaking, and traveling.  I need to refocus and reintroduce myself to the things I once loved that I put on the back burner for whatever reason.

I want to stop making excuses.

I want to concentrate more on my health and fitness. Again, more excuses kept me away from the gym, and my absence only made getting back into the hang of going again much more difficult. I need to remind myself how I felt after I worked out. How seeing my body change for the better made me feel better.

I want to decide what I want to do with my life. I know. I’m 45. I should already know what I want to do. But I don’t. And I’m OK with that. I’m OK with continuing on this path but I know I can do more. I’m not too old.

I want to make this blog PHENOMENAL! I’m working on changes, and I’m excited to see just how far I can take this.

2018 is going to be awesome, y’all. I can feel it.

In case you’re not on here tomorrow, Merry Christmas. Happy Holidays. ❤ Enjoy your day with loved ones. I am looking forward to reading your posts on how you spent your day.

❤ Cherilyn 

Day 23 – 25 Days of My Favorite Christmas Songs

If Wham’s Last Christmas is not on your holiday playlist, we can’t be friends. 😉  Still very sad at the loss of George Michael. Not many celebrity deaths affect me, but his passing broke my heart.

❤ Cherilyn

Blogmas! (Day 23) The Ugly Christmas Sweater Party

On Wednesday, December 20th, we had our company Ugly Christmas Sweater party. Only a few didn’t participate, but those that did proved to be some tough competition!

My Ugly Christmas Sweater is posted here.  I made it myself because you really can’t buy an Ugly Christmas Sweater; they’re just not ugly enough. I decided to make a complete ensemble as a Christmas tree. I even had the star topper headband. I wore brown pants to represent the trunk of the tree.

Here’s a photo of me (far right) with a few of my coworkers: Chris, Heather and Brandon.

Top photo from left to right: Chris, Heather, Brandon and ME! Bottom left photo: Brandon, Tabby and Heather. Black and white photo: Tabby, ME and Heather. Third photo on bottom: Corey, Antonio, Alexa and Joe. Bottom right photo: Heather and ME!

The contest and our party was a great time! Heather won Most Flammable and took home the main prize for Ugliest Christmas Sweater! Brandon won Most Rash Inducing! I took home Most Creative.  🙂

Top left photo from left to right: Corey and Winner of Ugliest Christmas Sweater Heather. Top right photo: ME, Bob, Corey, Heather and Brandon. Bottom left photo: Jeff and Ron making the tough decisions of who to award Most Creative, Most Flammable, Most Rash Inducing and Ugliest Christmas Sweater. Bottom middle photo: Heather and Brandon. Bottom right photo: The winners! Heather (Most Flammable and Ugliest Cristmas Sweater), ME! (Most Creative) and Brandon (Most Rash Inducing)

After the contest, we all exchanged gifts. My manager handmade a personalized blanket for 15 of us, as well as a personalized ornament.  Each blanket was made to represent our personalities.

My blanket has the cutest outdoor theme because I love the outdoors and camping. The back of the ornament has the seven slots to represent my Jeep. ❤ The meaning behind both gifts is touching and thoughtful.

Everyone loved the Snowman mason jars. 🙂

Looking forward to a new year with these goofballs!

❤ Cherilyn 

Day 22 – 25 Days of My Favorite Christmas Songs

Martina McBride’s vocal range is GOALS. When she sings Independence Day, I get the chills, as I’m sure most people do!

What Child is This – Martina McBride

❤ Cherilyn

Blogmas! (Day 22) The Christmas Tag

IT’S DAY 22, Y’ALL!

This is my first year blogging and my first year participating in Blogmas.

So, yeah. Blogmas. The Christmas Tag. Good grief, guys, it’s been a tough tag. I really didn’t think it would be what with so much crap available to write about Christmas. But, it’s been a difficult task coming up every day with an idea related to Christmas.

I started off strong, but then life got in the way and I knew I was going to fall behind. And that’s OK. Blogmas can be whatever I want it to be. I don’t have to post every day. But, I wanted to. In order to keep up, I’ve had to write several posts ahead of time. Thank gawd for the ability to schedule posts. I’ve done about three to four posts in a 2 day block of time, and it’s really been nice to have that as an option.

Blogmas has been a fun tag. I have enjoyed reading everyone’s posts; from all the different gift ideas, the Q & A’s, to the Do’s & Don’ts. It’s nice to learn about y’all.

Have you enjoyed the Blogmas tag?

❤ Cherilyn 

Day 21 – 25 Days of My Favorite Christmas Songs

Billie Holiday is without a doubt my favorite singer of her time. She is another timeless classic who left us far too soon.  If you enjoy the music of Billie Holiday, I encourage you to watch Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar & Grill. It is a phenomenal story of Billie Holiday, and it will move you.

I’ve Got My Love to Keep Me Warm – Billie Holiday

❤ Cherilyn

Blogmas! (Day 21) New Year’s Eve Traditions

The year was 2002.

I introduced my girls to what would be our New Year’s Eve tradition for years to come: Watching 200 Cigarettes while wearing party hats and drinking sparkling grape juice in plastic champagne glasses.

200 Cigarettes is a 1999 indy film produced by MTV (rated R) starring Courtney Love, Ben Affleck, Casey Affleck, Gaby Hoffman, Christina Ricci, Marth Plimpton, Paul Rudd, Janeane Garofalo, Dave Chapelle, Kate Hudson, and Jay Mohr.

The film is summarized by IMDb as “a collection of twentysomethings trying to cope with relationships, loneliness, desire, and their individual neuroses”.

WARNING: The clip has adult language

Even with my girls living on their own, we all still hold up our tradition and we text each other that we’re watching the movie. It’s sad that we’re not watching it together, but I love that we all still keep up with our quirky tradition.

Do you have a movie that you watch every year? What traditions do you have for New Years eve?

❤ Cherilyn

Day 20 – 25 Days of My Favorite Christmas Songs

We’re almost done!  I hope everyone is enjoying my favorite songs.  This has been a fun post to make every night.

I love this song and I ADORE Michael Buble. This song also reminds me of my husband.. it’s a sweet inside joke between us and my girls. ❤

It’s Beginning to Look A Lot Like Christmas – Michael Buble

❤ Cherilyn

Blogmas! (Day 20) The Christmas Tag

Taking this post from Kristyn (The Life of Kristyn), I have answered her questions for Blogmas Day 20! Christmas is just around the corner, y’all!

1. Do you start your Christmas shopping on Black Friday or wait until the last-minute?
I am mostly a last minute shopper, however, I do get some early online shopping done on Black Friday.

2. If you could be in any Christmas movie what would it be?
A Christmas Story. The time period the movie is set is back when kids could play outside without much worry. Basically, it reminds me of my childhood. Also, I would love to have Ralphie’s parents as my parents.

3. Which do you like better: Christmas Eve or Christmas Day?
Christmas day!

4. When does your family put up your Christmas tree and who decorates it?
The tree goes up a few days after Thanksgiving. We don’t have a tree this year, though. The holidays just kind of snuck up on us so we’re going tree-less. 😦

5. White lights or coloured lights?
I used to love colored lights, and I still do, but as I get older, I prefer the classic look of white lights.

6. Are you guilty of peeking at your presents or do you like the surprise?
I have been known to peek, but I try not to because I do like the surprise.

7. Would you rather live in a gingerbread house or in Santa’s Workshop
Definitely Santa’s Workshop. I’d eat the gingerbread house. 😉

8. Tell us your Christmas Eve traditions!
As a child, Christmas Eve was the night we’d all pack in the station wagon and go look at all the Christmas lights around town. Then we’d go home and open ONE gift and spend the rest of the evening until bedtime watching the Christmas specials on TV. As an adult, it’s just a cosy night indoors, watching Christmas specials on TV until bedtime. Once my grandchildren get a bit older, we’ll do the traditions I had as a child.

9. If you could be under the mistletoe with anyone who would it be?
Anyone? Hmm… Norman Reedus. He’s such an odd looking fella, but I absolutely LOVE him.

10. What tops your tree?
An angel.

11. Can you name the 12 days of Christmas?
Partridge in a pear tree/Two turtle doves/Three french hens/Four calling birds/Five golden rings/Six geese a laying/Seven swans a swimming/Eight maids a milking/I CAN’T THINK OF #9!!/Ten lords a leaping/Eleven pipers piping/Twelve drummers drumming

12. Have you ever gone Christmas caroling?
Yes, though it has been many years.

13. Do you countdown to Christmas? If so, how many days are left?
I do not countdown. I couldn’t even tell you what today’s date is. 😉

14. What are some foods and treats you can count on having every holiday season?
Apple pie and pumpkin pie. I’m hypoglycemic, so we don’t have a lot of sugary treats during the holidays.

15. How has Christmas kept its magic for you as you’ve grown older?
It’s just the time of year that does it. The music, the movies that are on TV along with the classics, the children and their excitement.. all of these things help to keep the Christmas magic alive. ❤

Great questions! Now it’s your turn! You’ve been tagged! Remember to tag me and Kristyn so we can read your answers!

❤ Cherilyn 

Day 19 – 25 Days of My Favorite Christmas Songs

This song has been covered so many times that I wonder if it’s in the running for the most covered Christmas song ever!  My favorite is the original by Eartha Kitt.

❤ Cherilyn

Blogmas! (Day 19) Homemade Snowman Mason Jar Gift

I wrote a post on making these but didn’t break down how I made them! I got the idea last year when I made the same jars but as reindeer and filled each jar with chocolate/salted caramel gourmet pretzels.

What you’ll need:

• Mason jars with lids (8 oz)
• Black spray paint
• Orange craft paint
• Paint brush to paint the jingle bells
• Medium jingle bells
• Googly eyes
• Medium black buttons
• Ribbon (If you’re like me and not too crafty, buy lots of ribbon)
• Glue gun with plenty of glue sticks
• Top hat ornaments (optional)
• White candies/cookies/pretzels

I needed 15 jars, so I purchased two cases of the mason jars with lids from Walmart. Each case was under $8.00. I also purchased black spray paint, medium sized jingle bells, orange craft paint, paint brushes, lots of ribbon, a bag of black buttons, and top hat ornaments. I had googly eyes from a previous craft.

First step was to paint the lids and inner caps black. I wanted to give the snowmen jars a top hat effect. I laid out some shipping paper on my lanai table and laid out all fifteen lids and their inner caps.  I spray painted each one with several coats. I probably should have primed the lids, but because I’m not a regular crafter, I didn’t think of it until I noticed the black paint was taking some work to stick. Eventually, it all came together and the lids were a nice black color.

Next, I painted the fronts of the medium sized jingle bells orange. I wanted a cute way to represent the snowman’s carrot nose. I was hoping that the jingle bells would still jingle after being glued onto the jars, but they don’t. I took great care to ensure the little clanger inside the jingle bells didn’t attach to the hot glue, but it didn’t matter. The jingle bells don’t jingle. So, after the jingle bells dried, I glued them to the middle of each jar. Sheesh, how many times did I type jingle bells?

Jingle bells.

Then I took the googly eyes and hot glued those to each jar. I pretty much burned off my fingerprints doing this, so I can’t offer tips on not burning yourself. I know traditionally snowmen have coal eyes, but I wanted my snowmen to have googly eyes to give more of a cartoon-y, silly look.

The ribbon was a bit tricky. I used one ribbon as the length template and cut 15 ribbons. I glued a ribbon to each jar to give a scarf look, and then glued on a black button to the middle.

A lucky find were the top hat ornaments at the Dollar Store! I didn’t want to go ham on this project but these top hats were just too adorable. I bought them to finish the look.

To finish the jars, I filled them with these yogurt pretzels from The Fresh Market. Each container was $9.99.

I was a bit disappointed that they didn’t have white chocolate gourmet pretzels. Last year I used pretzels and was hoping  to do the same this year. These yogurt pretzels were the next best thing, and they actually taste pretty good.

If you don’t want to limit yourself to white candies or cookies, you can paint the jars white and fill them with other treats.

 

The finished look:  After finally completing this project, I suggest using something other than jingle bells for the snowman’s nose. I’ve had to re-glue several because they keep popping off. And they don’t jingle. 😦 They do look cute, though.

Overall, this project cost $75.00, making each jar about $5.00. I’m happy with the way the jars turned out!

Tomorrow is our work party! Can’t wait to take these in for my coworkers! 🙂

❤ Cherilyn  

 

Day 18 – 25 Days of My Favorite Christmas Songs

Johnny Cash fits in my 25 days of my favorite Christmas songs like chocolate fits to peanut butter.

Little Drummer Boy – Johnny Cash and Neil Young

❤ Cherilyn

 

Blogmas! (Day 18) ipsy Unboxing Christmas Edition 2017

Here we are with the ipsy Christmas unboxing! I love this; it’s like an early Christmas present! 🙂  This is my final December unboxing.  I’m looking forward to what ipsy has in store for us in 2018!

If you’re not familiar,  ipsy is a beauty subscription service for $10/month.  You receive 5 beauty products; some deluxe sample sizes, with the occasional full size product. Everything arrives in a cute zippered makeup bag.

This month’s theme is Snow Globe and the bag is gorgeous! It’s a wintery mix of frosty blue and sparkly silver with a Tiffany Blue-ish zipper pull. The ipsy logo is embossed in silver.

Let’s get to the goodies!

 

• PurLisse Beauty Coconut + Rice Sheet Mask AND a Green Tea + Ginger Sheet Mask -($8.00)
  • Not sure I can use the Coconut sheet mask as I am allergic to coconut. I’ll pass it on to a friend. I can’t eat ginger (allergies), so I think I’ll pass this one on, as well, just to be on the safe side!
• TonyMoly The Chok Chok Green Tea Watery Cream – ($25.00 for full size) I honestly don’t know much about this product. Watery cream just sounds weird.
• Smashbox Cosmetics Be Legendary Lipstick in Legendary- ($21.00) This is a classic holiday red! I’m not into bold lipsticks, but I will probably wear this to my company’s Ugly Christmas Sweater party on the 20th!
• Luxie Beauty Precision Shader Onyx Brush 239 – ($14.00)  I like this brush and will put it in my rotation.
• treStiQue Mini Brow Pencil in Espresso- ($10.00)  This pencil is a bit rough. Not sure I’ll get much use out of this.

I’m not too impressed with this month’s bag, but it’s not a total miss. I guess I was just expecting something more festive to end the year. Even if everyone doesn’t celebrate Christmas, we ALL celebrate the new year. Oh well. 🙂

If you’re interested in trying out the ipsy subscription service, click my referral link here. If you’d rather check out ipsy without my referral link, clicky clicky here!

❤ Cherilyn 

Day 17 – 25 Days of My Favorite Christmas Songs

I love singing this song but this time I’ll let the magnificent Ray Charles woo you with his version. 😉

Winter Wonderland – Ray Charles

❤ Cherilyn

Blogmas! (Day 17) Would You Rather – The Blogmas Edition

Hello, lovelies! Taking from Aimee’s post, I thought I’d answer her Would You Rather questions – Blogmas Edition!  Please feel free to copy and answer for yourself, but don’t forget to tag me and Aimee so we can read your answers!

Let’s do this!

1. Would you rather not celebrate Christmas this year or not celebrate your birthday this year? I’d rather not celebrate my birthday. I prefer celebrating Christmas because it’s so much better! Everyone gets gifts on Christmas. 🙂
2. Would you rather get many small presents or one big present? Oooh, that’s a tough one. There are some big items I’d like, but it’s also fun to have many small presents, too. Hmm.  I’ma say one big present because I can buy myself all the small presents. 😉
3. Would you rather be at home for Christmas and get presents or go to Disneyland but not get any presents? Definitely be at home. I do not like theme parks AT ALL so going to Disneyland would not be fun for me.
4. Would you rather eat fruit cake for two days or candy canes for two days? Well, without a doubt, CANDY CANES BECAUSE FRUIT CAKE IS YUCKY.
5. Would you rather live in a giant gingerbread house or ride the Polar Express? Another tough question! If I lived in a gingerbread house I’d soon be homeless because YUM. I love to travel so sign me up for Polar Express!
6.  Would you rather see “the Nut Cracker” or dance in “the Nut Cracker”? SEE the Nut Cracker. Although, me dancing in the Nut Cracker would be hilarious. But I’d probably pull a muscle and not be able to walk for a week. Let’s just play it safe and stick with See. 😉
7. Would you rather be covered in Christmas lights or tinsel? Christmas lights! Tinsel bugs me so much.
8. Would you rather swim in a pool of eggnog or a pool of warm cocoa? Well, I’d have to choose warm cocoa because how uncomfortable would it be to swim in eggnog?

These questions made me laugh! Such a good variety of quirky questions! Thank you, Aimee, for posting this and letting me play along!

❤ Cherilyn 

Day 16 – 25 Days of My Favorite Christmas Songs

Karen Carpenter’s voice is perfection. I love her singing this song. She was a true talent gone way before her time.

Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas – Carpenters

❤ Cherilyn

Blogmas! (Day 16) Boxycharm Unboxing Christmas Edition 2017

I was dying to get my December Boxycharm in the mail and it arrived a day earlier than expected!

If you’ve not heard of this box, Boxycharm is a monthly beauty subscription service. For $21/month, you receive 4-5 full sized beauty products in a cute little black box.  Each box is always worth $100+!

Let’s get to the goodies!

• RealHer Blush Kit  ($32.00) – The shades in this blush kit are gorgeous, but I think there is only one I can use.
• Beaute Basics Bronze Essentials ($39.95) – A pretty shimmery bronzing palette, but I will be passing this on.
• Tarte Tarteist Lash Paint Mascara ($23.00) – I really like this mascara! It gave my lashes crazy length! The wand is stiff, which I really like. It grabs each lash and coats them nicely, but not thick and goopy. I am always asked if I’m wearing falsies, and nope. I can’t apply false lashes to save my darned life. 

  

• Pretty Vulgar My Lips Are Sealed Lightweight Liquid Lipstick in Secret Sabotage ($24.00) – I’m wearing it in the photo and it’s such a pretty color. It doesn’t dry down making it transferable, but it’s light, not sticky and so very pretty. It did kind of run into the fine lines on my top lip, but if I just use the elf cosmetics Lip Lock Pencil, the color didn’t run. The packaging is pretty with gold accents and roses on the cap. I didn’t notice much of a smell.
• Crown Deluxe Blush Brush ($12.00) – This brush is seriously soft. It will be put into my brush rotation.

Total box worth: $130.95

Overall, this is a decent box. I like the blush and the bronzer palettes, but honestly, I know I won’t use the bronzer palette and I may only use just one of the blush shades. I’m diggin’ the blush brush, the mascara and the liquid lipstick. Every box can’t be a total win, but it’s not a total loss, either.

If you want to check out Boxycharm for yourself, click my referral link here!  If you want to check out Boxycharm and subscribe without clicking the referral link, clicky clicky right here!

❤ Cherilyn 

Day 15 – 25 Days of My Favorite Christmas Songs

This is how I like my blues…

Please Come Home For Christmas – Charles Brown

❤ Cherilyn

Blogmas! (Day 15) Another Early Christmas Present to Myself

This Blogmas post is going to be a bit different. We’re going to get a little serious here. I titled this Another Early Christmas Present to Myself because I was going to wait until the first of the year. But this is something that can’t wait, and though money is tight during the holidays, this was a gift I needed to give myself. Here’s how it went down:

A sun spot I have had on my leg for about 7-8 years started to change. At first it developed redness around the top edge, and looked a bit larger. Then within a week, the entire spot was red and itchy. Then a few days later it definitely grew in size and was a dark red.  The photos don’t really show just how dark red it was, but it looked like a blood blister.

During all this spot changing, I was googling like crazy to see if I should be worried or if I should wait until the first of the year when my health insurance kicks in. The answer was a no. The spot would not look the same if it was split in half, it had grown significantly in size and was a deep red in color. It went from a light tan freckle color to blood red in less than two weeks.

I headed to the dermatologist on Friday, December 1st at 9:30am.

The doctor could not say anything other than there was definite cause for concern because of its fast progression. She did a punch biopsy, which removed the entire spot from the inside out, stitched me up with three stitches on the inside of my leg and three on the outside and sent me on my way with instructions to return on December 15th to have the stitches removed.

The biopsy results would take a week, however, the dermatologist called me a few days later with the results:

Precancerous, but the biopsy removed it all.

When I got the call, I was at work, sitting at a poker table. We’re not supposed to be on our phones at the table, but this qualified as a call to take no matter what. After I hung up, I almost started crying because I hadn’t slept in weeks and now I could stop worrying. Under normal circumstances family is the first to find out these things, however, since I was at work and sitting on a poker table,  all my players and coworkers were the first to know. 🙂 I can’t even begin to describe how overjoyed I was, and still am, with the outcome. ❤

My message to you is DO NOT WAIT. If you notice something funny, even a slight change, DO NOT WAIT to have it checked. I had three spots checked and the other two were nothing. Even better if it turns out to be absolutely nothing. Please know that melanoma is a fast and aggressive cancer. Who knows what the outcome would have been had I waited a couple more months? The spot had changed so quickly in a 2 week period that had I waited, I don’t want to think about it because I didn’t wait. And the spot was removed. And those precancerous cells are no longer there.

This would qualify as the best early Christmas present to myself EVER.

❤ Cherilyn 

Day 14 – 25 Days of My Favorite Christmas Songs

Team Elvis FOREVER.

I’ll Be Home For Christmas – Elvis

❤ Cherilyn

Blogmas! (Day 14) Another Gift Idea

I didn’t think about this gift idea when writing my first Gift Ideas post, and I am kinda glad I didn’t because this gives me another post to write because how many things can one write about every day until Christmas?! I am enjoying Blogmas, especially reading y’all’s posts, but holy cinnamon-smelling pine cones, it’s a difficult tag to keep up with writing-wise!

I was distracted by the opening of a bag of potato chips and I forgot what the heck I was doing.

Oh yeah.. another awesome gift idea! Subscription boxes! RIGHT?

I am currently subscribed to three:

• Boxycharm ($21/month) (it’s my fave so it goes first)
• Ipsy ($10/month)
• MorpheMe by Liveglam (Offers Lipstick, Nail polish and Morphe brushes subscriptions at $19.99/month)

I did get Sephora Play for a few, but with everything coconut being all the rage right now, I had to cancel because I’m allergic to coconut everything. Yay me.

Some other popular beauty box subscriptions are (Prices below are for U.S.):

• Birchbox ($10/month)
• FabFitFun ($50- seasonal)
• Play! by Sephora ($10/month)
• Glossybox ($21/month)
• Scentbird ($14.95/month)
• Madame Ladybug (A PERIOD BOX! Prices vary)

There are even FOOD boxes! And skin care boxes! And nerdy boxes! And boxes for pets!

I used My Subscription Addiction to help with this post.  You can go to their website or just keep readin’ here because I’ve also made it a bit more convenient for you to choose which boxes you’d like to check out by linking ’em below because MERRY CHRISTMAS, YA FILTHY ANIMALS.  All links will open in a separate window:

• Click here for all the boxes available for women and men who love beauty
• Click here for all the boxes available for men
• Click here for all the PERIOD boxes
• Click here for all the FOOD boxes (I subscribed to Graze for a good 6 months and enjoyed it!
• Click here for all the geeky/nerdy boxes
• Click here for all the boxes available for pets
• Click here for all the boxes available for $10.00 or LESS

Beauty subscription boxes are an affordable way to try new products whether you’re a makeup pro, or just starting out in the vast and overwhelming world of cosmetics.  It’s nice to get a little box of surprise goodies each month.  Receive a product you don’t like, already own, or isn’t your color? There are also a lot of groups to trade products with other members, and I think that’s such a great idea.  Search around Facebook, and even in the comments of the beauty box subscription Facebook pages.  Just be mindful of how and who you trade with.

The food boxes are also amazing. I have a friend who has food allergies. She’s allergic to everydamnedthing, and she is subscribed to one that sends her prepped meals. It saves her from having to research every little thing to make sure it’s safe for her to eat.

Did’ja even see that there is a PERIOD box? I don’t know why I all caps PERIOD. I chuckle when I change the font color to red. 🙂 I promise I’m not a 10 year-old boy.

So, you get the point with the boxes. The possibilities are endless. And who doesn’t love receiving boxes with awesome goodies in the mail?!

❤ Cherilyn 

Day 13 – 25 Days of My Favorite Christmas Songs

Oh, Otis Redding, with your soulful voice, how you make me dream of a white Christmas…

❤ Cherilyn

Blogmas! (Day 13) Oh the Places I’d Love to Go for Christmas

I live in Florida. That means sunshine and 100 degree weather

all

year

round

Well, with the exception of hurricane season, which is July through November, but it’s still hot as hell, just a tad rainy and windy, too.

Living in Florida can make getting into the Christmas spirit a bit difficult. How can one be winter holiday festive while wearing shorts and flip flops? And that is why I decided to share with y’all my winter holiday festive Christmas travel bucket list. I only have a few places I’d really love to visit for the holidays…

This first one is a no brainer:

New York City. Ice Skating in Central Park. Rockefeller Center. The Rockefeller Christmas Tree. Dyker Heights Christmas Lights. The Holiday Window Displays. FAO Schwarz. Empire State Building.

Reykjavik, Iceland. The Oslo Christmas Tree. Christmas Valley. Christmas Markets. The Botanical Gardens. Ice Skating at the Town Square. The Northern Lights.

ALASKA. Seriously. It’s Alaska. Bald Eagles. Fishing. Northern Lights. Festive Downtown. From Anchorage to Fairbanks to Juneau to the North Pole, Alaska promises to be beautiful at Christmastime. While I was browsing online for this post, I came across Christmas in Fairbanks which is a website of a home in Fairbanks, Alaska that has internet-controlled Christmas lights!

I played around for a few minutes. It works and it’s so funny to see it work, and to see the lights go off and on because others are playing along!

Where in the world would you like to spend Christmas? Have you been to New York, Alaska or Iceland? Tell me all about your visit!

❤ Cherilyn 

Day 12 – 25 Days of My Favorite Christmas Songs

No Christmas playlist is complete without You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch.

❤ Cherilyn

Blogmas! (Day 12) Books I’ve Read in 2017

Wow! Day 12! I’m just about halfway done with Blogmas! I’m only goin’ until Christmas day, y’all. I mean, it is Blogmas not Decemberas, right. 😉

I thought an interesting post would be to list all the books I’ve read in 2017. I only read when I am at work thus the short list. I don’t have the time discipline to read when at home. Currently, I am not reading as much at work because we are in our busy season, which means I am actually working more than I am sitting on my arse. 😉

Before busy season began, I managed to read quite a few books, though:

• Billie Holiday Lady Sings the Blues
• Billy Crystal Still Foolin’ ‘Em: Where I’ve Been, Where I’m Going, and Where the Hell Are My Keys
• The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin
• Etta James Rage to Survive
• Steve Martin Born Standing Up: A Comic’s Life
• Carol Burnett In Such Good Company: Eleven Years of Laughter, Mayhem, and Fun in the Sandbox
• Carol Burnett One More Time A Memoir
• Tim Conway What’s So Funny: My Hilarious Life
• Carol Burnett Carrie and Me: A Mother-Daughter Love Story

And I am currently more than halfway through with:

• Ronald Reagan An American Life

Autobiographies are my favorite genre, and I am a huge fan of comedians from when I was a child. Comedy has been a lifesaver in more ways than one. I am also a huge fan of blues, jazz and R&B from the 20’s through to the 50’s. The next book to read after I finish Reagan’s autobiography is Johnny Cash Cash: The Autobiography.

I don’t know if I can top the amount of books I read in 2017! I’ll give it a try!

What books have you read in 2017? Is your goal to read more in 2018?

❤ Cherilyn 

 

Day 11 – 25 Days of My Favorite Christmas Songs

Well, we’ve made it to day 11!  I hope everyone is enjoying my favorite Christmas songs.

What’s Christmas without a hippopotamus?

“I Want a Hippopotamus for Christmas” is a Christmas novelty song written by John Rox (1902–1957) and performed by Gayla Peevey (10 years old at the time) in 1953. The song peaked at number 24 on Billboard magazine’s pop chart in December 1953.

I Want a Hippopotamus for Christmas – Gayla Peevey

❤ Cherilyn

Blogmas! (Day 11) Early Christmas Present With Bonus Review

I bought myself an early Christmas present and it arrived a few days ago. 🙂

I decided to upgrade my facial cleansing brush with the Ultimate Skin Spa Facial Cleansing System from Vanity Planet.  I really want the Clarisonic, but it is a bit out of my budget. The Vanity Planet website has their Facial Cleansing System listed at $125.00 but there are codes everywhere, even on the VP website for 70% off. I was able to purchase this one with shipping/tax for $44.00.

I have the Conair True Glow Battery-operated facial cleanser brush and it is an awesome cleansing brush for $15.00. The downside is that it only has one brush type available. Other than that, this brush is fantastic and worth it if you don’t much care to switch brushes. You can purchase it online, but I picked up mine at Walmart.

This brush from Vanity Planet comes in this pretty little purple case, is water resistant and requires 2 AA batteries (not included).  The brush has two speeds and comes with three different brushes:

• Daily Cleansing Brush
• Exfoliating Brush
• Silicone Brush

Upon removing it from the box, the case is decent and sturdy. The brush and its components fit nicely inside and it’s a lovely pastel shade of purple. My first impulse was to touch the bristles of each brush. I really like the silicone brush. The bristles are not too soft but not too hard so as not to cause damage to the skin. I am disappointed with the exfoliating brush. It is just as soft as the daily cleansing brush. I did put in a request with Vanity Planet for a replacement brush but I haven’t heard back yet. As it is the holidays I understand a delay in response.

My first time using the brush was with the silicone component to remove my makeup using the elf Cosmetics Hydrating Gel Melt Cleanser. This didn’t work too well. The elf cleanser isn’t the best to use with a brush. It is best massaged into your skin with wet fingers. After cleansing my face, I decided to use the silicone brush as an exfoliator with the elf Cosmetics Exfoliating Scrub. The cleansing brush has two speeds.  I used speed 2 to exfoliate my face. I actually really liked the silicone brush for exfoliating! I’m sure I’ll prefer the exfoliating brush replacement, but in the meantime, the silicone brush felt nice against my skin. It wasn’t harsh and my skin felt and looked good after.

Overall, I would not pay full price for the Vanity Planet Facial Cleansing System. Yes, it is nice, but I think I’d enjoy the Clarisonic much more. Had I not been impatient and swayed by such a discount, I could have saved to pick up a Clarisonic gift set. I will continue to use and enjoy the cleansing brush from Vanity Planet as it does do what it’s supposed to do without issue.

I give the Facial Cleansing System from Vanity Planet 3 out of 5 Freshly Cleaned Faces.

Do you ever treat yourself to an early Christmas present?

❤ Cherilyn 

 

Day 10 – 25 Days of My Favorite Christmas Songs

You haven’t really heard Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer until you’ve heard it sung by The Temptations.

Put a little soul in your Christmas, boo.

❤ Cherilyn

Blogmas! (Day 10) Christmas Gift Ideas

As mentioned in other posts, I enjoy buying gifts. I like the challenge of finding something special for someone that will either become a sentimental gift or is already a sentimental gift.

I thought I’d share some of my gift ideas that are a bit different than the other gift idea posts that are floating around.

Here we go!

If you’re wanting to purchase a unique handmade gift, Etsy is my favorite online place to find these special gifts.

One of my favorite Etsy shops belongs to my photographer friend, Dave. His shop is Outerbostonia Photography. Dave’s photography is gorgeous, and anyone, even those who aren’t artsy fartsy, will love and appreciate Dave’s exceptional talent. He may even make a special order for you.

If you have little girls, or even teen girls who like handbags and purses, the shop Southlandgirls has the cutest crocheted little handbags! A few years ago I bought myself two from a shop no longer on Etsy. They’re perfect size for keys, wallet and phone. Even as an adult, I received many compliments when I carried one. It’s just a unique gift and one that will be cherished as though you crocheted it yourself.

I can’t sew a button and I can barely brush my teeth without making a mess, so there’s no way I’d even attempt to make one of these. I think any girly girl would love a cute crocheted handbag.

Once I subscribed to ipsy I realized I would have more makeup bags than I could ever use. Gifting them to friends/loved ones filled with beauty products will soon be a gift idea that I’ll use! So, on that note, a great gift idea would be a cute makeup bag and fill it with the mini face masks from Sephora.

 

Each mask is $4.00 and they have 8 different varieties. You could even buy a few sheet masks and fold them to fit inside the makeup bag. Include a Pore Refining Face Brush from elf Cosmetics and you’ve got yourself a great inexpensive gift for your bestie who loves face masks.

Another great idea using a makeup bag or an unused ipsy bag is to fill it with travel sized products like the Benefit Roller Lash, travel Mac Fix Plus, or this cute Tarte Limited Edition Precious Picks Color set. How awesome is that set and it’s only $10.00!

I know some of the travel sized items can be a bit pricey, but you can pick out 3 items around $10.00 each and use wrapped candy as filler. The options for filling a makeup bag are endless.  Just use some creativity and you can create a gift that is practical and meaningful. And as a bonus, if you’re a horrible present wrapper as I am, it’s a gift that’s already wrapped! Slap a bow on it and a curly ribbon on the zipper pull and you’re done! 😉 Or it’s a gift that is perfect for a cute gift bag.

Do you have a quirky friend, coworker or family member? How about that friend that is difficult to buy for? Well, how about a couple pairs of silly socks for their gift? My favorite website for goofy socks (because I LOVE goofy socks) is The Sock Drawer.  They have holiday themed socks, as well as your average silly socks for the rest of the year. 😉 They always have socks on sale and they have goofy socks for men, also. Buy several pair and stuff ’em in a stocking. I bought one of my male coworkers a pair of the Mixed Tape socks. We’ve worked together for 2 years and I’ve always said I don’t know if I should slap him or make him a mixed tape, so the socks with the mixed tapes were my way of saying that he’s an OK dude.

He still wears them. 🙂

My last gift idea is another custom gift and one that I had a friend make for myself. 🙂 I give myself the best gifts. Everyone knows someone or knows someone who knows someone who makes decals or tee-shirts. Buy 6 or 7 stemless wine glasses from the dollar store and have decals put on them for makeup brush storage:

Or, for your wine drankin’ friend, pick up a stemless wine glass from the dollar store and have your decal-making friend make a custom decal to put on the wine glass.  

This custom wine glass one is perfect for my friends. 🙂 Image is from Pinterest.

Custom made items, even those that you don’t actually make yourself, are great gifts that provide wonderful, long lasting memories. I always think of my friend Heather, who made my brush holders for me. It gives me a smile.

I hope this post has helped you with some unique gift ideas for your friends and loved ones! This was a fun post to write for Blogmas!

❤ Cherilyn 

Day 9 – 25 Days of My Favorite Christmas Songs

Reggae is my first love. I enjoy such a wide variety of genres, but reggae is a go-to most days.

Please enjoy this cover of Bob Marley and The Wailers singing White Christmas.

❤ Cherilyn

Sunshine Blogger Award

How awesome it is to find myself nominated for the Sunshine Blogger award by Charlotte! Check out her blog A Touch Of Charlotte for wonderful posts on fashion, reviews on makeup, posts on travel and lifestyle posts.

Thank you, Charlotte, for this lovely honor!

Give Charlotte a follow.  You can thank me later. 🙂 ❤

Here are the rules to follow for the Sunshine Blogger Award:

RULES

• Thank blogger(s) who nominated you in a blog post and link back to their blog.
• Answer the 11 questions that the blogger asked you.
• Nominate 11 blogs to receive the award and write them 11 new questions.
• List the rules and display the sunshine blogger award logo in your post and/or on your blog.

These are my answers to Charlotte’s questions:

• Who is your role model?
  • I would have to say my mother. I learned many things from my mother, but the best things are my manners and work ethic. She continues to be my role model.
• How would your friends describe you?
  • My friends would say I’m a goofball and brutally honest.
• Do you have any pets ? If so, what are their names ? If not, what pet would you like to get?
  • I have two dogs: A Boston Terrier named Tux and a Shih-Tzu named Carson.
• What’s your favourite thing to do in your spare time?
  • I adore photography. So, anytime I can spend outside with my camera is a great time.
• Imagine you could be a fictional character, who would you be and why?
  • The first character I thought of was Harry Potter. He’s a wizard who uses his wizardry for good. Also, I really would love to have an owl and a Nimbus 2000.
• What are the top shops that you like to buy things from ?
  • Sephora
  • Ulta
  • Walmart
• What are your fears?
  • SPIDERS
  • All bugs, really.
  • Ladybugs scare me, too.
  • So do butterflies.
• What is one thing that you wish that you would have known when you were 13?
  • 12 years of school goes by a lot faster if I’d have just shut up and enjoyed it rather than complain how it sucks and that I hate homework and blah blah blah. Also, to skip college and go to a trade school.
• How would you describe your style?
  • I’d say sloppy. But apparently I’m punk with black hair, wearing converse, and quirky socks.
• Are looks or personality more important for you?
  • I prefer personality. You can be Jason Momoa hot but if you’re as exciting as a table, it’s just not gonna work out, ya know?
  • 
  • Mmm, Jason Momoa.
• What gets you up every morning?
  • If it wasn’t my infant-sized bladder, it’d be my dogs because they have to pee and they’re hungry. 😉
  • I get up in the morning because I love my life. I know that sounds so rom-com, but it’s true. And I have two Grandsons that make it worth getting up in the morning. ❤

And my nominees for the Sunshine Blogger Award:

The Style of Laura Jane

Queen of the Girl Geeks

don’t give a jam

Currently, Lately

fortyflirtyfabulous

Ok, now here are MY eleven questions for my nominees!

1. What motivated you to start blogging?
2. Do you play any musical instruments? If yes, what do you play and why did you choose said instrument? If no, do you wish you could play an instrument and which would you choose?
3. What is your favorite sound?
4. What would be your dream adventure?
5. What was the best book you’ve ever read?
6. What has been your proudest achievement?
7. Who do you go to for advice?
8. So, you’re stranded on a desert island. What five things do you have with you? To make this even more interesting, you can’t pick obvious things like your family, your bestie, your dog (or guinea pig) (or lizard) (or cat).
9. What is your biggest pet peeve?
10. What calms you?
11. Early bird or night owl?

❤ Cherilyn

 

Blogmas! (Day 9) MorpheMe Unboxing Christmas Edition 2017

It’s time for the first Christmas edition unboxing! ipsy and Boxycharm are on their way!

If you aren’t familiar, MorpheMe is a subscription service through Liveglam that offers $30 worth of Morphe brushes for $19.99/month!  The brushes come in a bubblewrap envelope with a cute little accordion card that has brief descriptions of each brush.  I have been subscribed since February and have received a wide variety of brushes.

This month’s brushes are a gorgeous red color with synthetic bristles.

• RG6 Tapered Blush ($11.00)
• RG8 Flat Buffer ($10.00)
• RG18 Round Crease ($8.00)
• RG24 Blending Fluff (7.00)

Total box worth: $36.00

I don’t typically throw new brushes into the rotation right away, but I’m going to give these a try. I am especially curious about the RG8 Flat Buffer. It looks like it could be a smaller version of the Y6 Pro Flat Buffer. I was hoping for some killer brushes for the month of December, so this is a bit disappointing. The brushes are nice, but they could have sent some premier brushes for the holidays, even if it’s just two or three. These aren’t that bad and the color is gorgeous.

If you’re interested in signing up, clicky clicky HERE (this link will get us both a free brush!), or clicky clicky HERE if you don’t want a free brush. 😉  It’s $19.99/month.

❤ Cherilyn 

Day 8 – 25 Days of My Favorite Christmas Songs

Sweet Jesus, Mahalia Jackson singing this song is what every song should want to be.
Her voice is glorious.
This song is Christmas.

❤ Cherilyn

L’Oreal’s Revitalift 14 Day Challenge

For the past 12 days I have been doing the L’Oreal Revitalift Challenge. I posted my first day and first 7 days photos here.

At first, I liked the moisturizer, other than the strong scent that lingers on my skin. While it did nothing to improve my wrinkles and fine lines, I felt it provided decent moisture to my normal to dry skin. Even without anti-aging improvement, I decided to finish the challenge until I noticed that at a few days prior to yesterday’s Day 12, my skin was pretty oily. I have normal to dry skin so I can only contribute the oil to using the Revitalift moisturizer. By the time I got home from work yesterday my face was an oily mess.

I cleansed, exfoliated and used toner which I don’t normally do until before bed. I didn’t apply any of the moisturizer. Within 30 minutes, my skin was oily.  I did not use the Revitalift moisturizer last night, and I did not use the Revitalift moisturizer this morning.

I will not be finishing the challenge because I do not want my skin to continue being oily.

Other than the oily skin, I did not notice any positive changes in my skin. I have never much believed in the anti-aging hype. I do not believe there is a cream or an ointment that can diminish fine lines and wrinkles. There are products that contain harsh ingredients that plump the skin giving the appearance of diminished fine lines and wrinkles, but the harsh chemicals are doing more underlying damage.

I appreciate being sent the challenge, however L’Oreal’s Revitalift line is just not for me.

Did you do the Revitalift Challenge? Do you use anti-aging products? What do you think?

❤ Cherilyn 

Blogmas! (Day 8) What Christmas Means to Me

Christmas means a stocking with unwrapped candy thrown in it. Christmas stocking candy isn’t candy if it doesn’t have bits of red lint attached to it. And not just any candy.  It was this candy crap:

I don’t recall the significance behind these candies, but there has to be one because there are about 345 varieties in this one can and only 2 of them are worth eating. The rest are only good enough to throw at your siblings.

Besides the red lint horrible candies, my mom put an orange and a handful of nuts in our stockings. If memory serves, this tradition dates back to the Depression when times were tough and citrus was considered a luxury.  Even though I wasn’t born until 1972, and the Depression ended in 1939, five years prior to my mother’s birth, she felt it necessary to teach us this part of history with a visual rather than a chat at the dinner table. As an adult, I can appreciate the history lesson, and even as a teenager I can let it slide. As a six year old? I want candy canes, chocolate and a few of those Lifesaver books that all my friends used to get in their stockings. 

Raise your hand if you remember those.

Christmas means alternating turkey and ham. If we had ham at Thanksgiving, we were having turkey at Christmas. I didn’t like when my mom would make a ham because she’d stick cloves all over it, and I hate cloves. The meal was unpleasant every other Christmas.

Christmas means the greatest Christmas specials on t.v. :

• Rudolph the Red-nosed Reindeer
• Frosty the Snowman
• A Charlie Brown Christmas
• How the Grinch Stole Christmas
• Santa and the Three Bears

Santa and the Three Bears was my favorite when I was a little girl.

Christmas means twinkle lights, the smell of a Christmas tree, and making my annual horrible ornament at school. I was not a crafty child. My star usually just looked like a circle. My mom was kind though, and my ornaments always found their way to the back of the Christmas tree.

Christmas means mailing off the entire Sears catalog to Santa. Who needs to write a list when I want everything in the catalog?

Christmas means baking Santa’s cookies with my mom. We always made him peanut butter cookies.

Christmas means waking up at 4AM on Christmas morning and forcing my mom to wake up so we can open presents.

Christmas means dinner with my family. It was usually just the four of us (mom, sister, brother and me) because the rest of our family is in Canada. But to be honest, I liked it when it was just the four of us. It wasn’t chaotic and loud. My mom had on her country Christmas favorites playing, and we’d finally get along for a little bit. After dinner we were able to eat our pie in the living room while watching The Wizard of Oz. And we’d get along again for another hour.

Christmas means the world to me.

❤ Cherilyn 

Day 7 – 25 Days of My Favorite Christmas Songs

I have loved Judy Garland since the first time I saw her in The Wizard of Oz in the early 70’s. So, it makes sense that I love her version of Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas.
She is timeless and classic.

❤ Cherilyn

Blogmas! (Day 7) My Letter to Santa

Dear Santa,

Thank you for taking the time to read my letter. I’ll keep this short and sweet because I know you be busy, yo.  <—- I’m really sorry for that.

There’s no need to lie and say that I’ve been exceptionally good this year. I don’t know how you do it, but you know when I am sleeping, you know when I’m awake, you know if I’ve been bad or good, so I’m going to bribe you for the things I want, how do you feel about cake?

I’m just gonna jump in with both feet because life isn’t any fun when you’re hesitant. At least that’s what my fortune cookie from last night said. I think.

I only request two things:

I would like a blue parakeet. Tiffany Blue is my favorite color, but I will love any variation of blue.  Of course I will need all the things that are required when you have a parakeet, like a cage, bird food, a mirror, one of those beak cleaning things, etc. Oh, and a cover for the cage because I hear it helps to quiet the birds at night. I know I typed birdS, but I assure you, I only want one bird.

Last but not least, I would LOVE a new Macbook Pro. Mine was just diagnosed as a paperweight, and I miss it more than I miss eating cake.  I still eat cake, I just eat smaller portions of cake. So, to be accurate, I miss my Macbook Pro more than eating larger portions of cake. In fact, I’ll give up the bird for the Macbook Pro.

Thank you for flying around the world and giving people awesome gifts. Say hi to the reindeer, and of course, to the Mrs.!

Lots of love,

Cherilyn

 

 

Day 6 – 25 Days of My Favorite Christmas Songs

Third Day is one of my favorite Christian rock bands. Their music is awesome with a bonus being the positive messages in their lyrics.
My sister introduced me to Third Day in 2004 by taking me to see them in concert. Since then, we’ve made it a tradition to see them when they come to our area. It’s been a good few years since they’ve been here, but I am thankful for the memories of years past.

O Come All Ye Faithful – Third Day

❤ Cherilyn

Blogmas! (Day 6) To Wrap or Not To Wrap

I LOVE buying gifts. I love everything that involves buying a gift, including the research for those challenging gift ideas.

I HATE wrapping gifts.

If I have to wrap gifts, it’s not a pretty sight. I have to sprawl out on the floor, scissors and tape, tags, bows and ribbon scattered about. Usually one side of the gift has more wrapping paper than the other, or I’ll tear the wrapping paper by tugging too hard, or I’ll tear the wrapping paper while having to do some contortionist move to avoid tearing the wrapping paper just to reach the scissors because I left them on the other side of the wrapping paper.

The gift bag? The gift bag was created for people like me. I’m not an engineer, and I feel wrapping presents requires a degree in engineering. I either overshoot on how much wrapping paper I need or I grossly undershoot. Is undershoot a word? I know you can be overwhelmed , and you can be underwhelmed, but can you ever just be whelmed? 

I like bows and ribbons and sticky Christmas tags. I like sparkly tissue paper and arranging it delicately over and around the gift. Gift bags aren’t messy. I can’t tear a gift bag. And if I tear the sparkly tissue paper, who cares? I usually buy it in bulk because tissue paper only comes in two sizes: a pack with 3 sheets and a pack with 827569283604 sheets.

Do you wrap? HOW DO YOU DO IT, MAN?! I envy you.

❤ Cherilyn 

Day 5 – 25 Days of My Favorite Christmas Songs

Frank Sinatra can sing anything and make me swooooon.  His voice is so dreamy.

 

I’ll Be Home For Christmas – Frank Sinatra

❤ Cherilyn

ANOTHER elf Cosmetics 50% Off Sale Haul!

elf Cosmetics had yet another 50% off sale on the U.S. Thanksgiving holiday. Of course I took advantage and purchased a bunch of goodies that I’ve not tried before. On this haul, my subtotal was $73.00, however, thanks to the 50% off, I saved $36.50 and I received free shipping.

Let’s get to the goodies! The red asterisked items are products I’ve tried and repurchased because they are AWESOME. All links will open in a separate window:

• Hydrating Gel Melt Cleanser – $10.00 ($5.00) I ordered two because I’ve used this every night for the past two weeks and it is freeking awesome. **
• Shimmer Highlighting Powder in Rose Glow – $6.00 ($3.00) I am addicted to these highlighting powders. The colors are subtle and so pretty.  I have two – Pearl Glow and Starlight Glow. They’re both gorgeous.
• Poreless Face Primer – $6.00 ($3.00) I’m not a big primer user but I like to keep one or two on hand. I don’t think I’ve used the poreless primer.
• Concealer in Ivory – $3.00 ($1.50) I purchased this more for an eyelid primer. I forgot to take a picture of it.  Oops.
• Lip Lacquer in Natural – $2.00 ($1.00) I accidentally put two of these in my cart. For $1.00 I’m not mad about that. I’ve heard some positive things about their lip lacquers so I decided to try one out.
• Lip Lock Pencil – $3.00 ($1.50) Decided to try this product as I have fine lines around my lips and my lip gloss is attracted to them like I’m attracted to makeup. THIS WORKS! Review coming soon!
• Daily Face Cleanser – $4.00 ($2.00) I think I’ve tried this before but the packaging was different. I’m going to give it another go.

 

• Exfoliating Scrub – $5.00 ($2.50) Another interesting skin care product that I’m looking forward to trying. It’s amazing that even with my extremely sensitive skin, I am still willing to try new skin care products.
• Baked Blush in Pinktastic – $3.00 ($1.50) Another product that I accidentally purchased two. I bought this more for its highlight-y appearance.
• Matte Blush Duo in Soft & Subtle – $4.00 ($2.00) A favorite blush is the Contouring Blush & Bronzer Duo in Fiji. I decided to give this one a shot. The colors look beautiful.
• Makeup Remover Cleaning Cloths 2 pack – $5.00 ($2.50) I like these to remove makeup swatches off my skin. 🙂 Can’t beat 40 clothes for $2.50. I don’t think it’s a good bargain at regular price. I can buy the Walmart Equate Beauty cloths for under $4.00 for 40 wipes.
• Brush Shampoo – $3.00 ($1.50) This is another product I have used before and like.  It cleans my brushes well, has a light scent which I like, and is inexpensive. **

Did you treat yourself to anything during this sale? What’dya get?

❤ Cherilyn

 

Blogmas! (Day 5 ) My Most Memorable Christmas

I have struggled with this post so much that I wasn’t going to write it.

I don’t have one specific Christmas that stands out above others. However, when I think of Christmas, I usually go to my memories of living in Germany from 1996-2000.

Winter was cold enough to wear scarves and hats and gloves and boots and comfy down coats. The Germans love festivals (they know how to throw a party) and each town had their Christmas markets (Christkindlmärkte) where the aromas of baked goods and glühwein (German mulled wine) filled the winter air. We created a new tradition in our new home country to attend the Christkindlmärkte and then go to the closest tree farm to pick out our Christmas tree.

I miss wandering around a Christmas market in the evening drinking warm glühwein from a collectible festive mug, browsing various market items to include cuckoo clocks and delicious German foods under a tent filled with twinkly white lights.

The German traditions of Christmas are so much different than what we were used to, but we adapted well, and even incorporated German tradition into our American traditions.

I feel blessed to have experienced such wonderful times.

 

❤ Cherilyn

 

 

 

 

 

Day 4 – 25 Days of My Favorite Christmas Songs

Alvin and the Chipmunks Christmas Don’t Be Late is such an iconic Christmas song that takes me back to my childhood.  I can’t help but smile when I hear it. I hope you smile, too.

❤ Cherilyn

Blogmas! (Day 4) Christmas Trivia

This Blogmas quiz is going around so I thought I’d have a go at it, however, I have modified it a bit.

• When do you start getting excited for Christmas? 
  • I start getting excited around November. I’m not much of a Thanksgiving person, so I’m usually ready to move on to Christmas pretty early. On December 1st, I change my phone ringtone to Carol of the Bells. 🙂
• Have you ever had a White Christmas?
  • Yes! From 1996-2000, I lived in Hauptstuhl, Germany and we had an intense white Christmas my first year, and tiny white Christmases thereafter. Though the snow made everything sparkly bright and beautiful, I prefer to live without it.
• Do you open presents on Christmas Eve?
  • When my girls were little, it was our tradition to open one gift on Christmas Eve. Now that my children are adults, we don’t really have a gift exchange anymore. If we do gifts, we save the opening until Christmas morning.
• What is your traditional Christmas meal?
  • The meal varies. We will go from a turkey one year to a ham from Honeybaked Ham to smoked filet mignon to a smoked brisket. The meat doesn’t matter to me because all I want is the green bean casserole and sweet potatoes!
• Can you name all of Santa’s reindeer?
  • Yikes! This is like naming all of the seven dwarves! Ok, so this took a bit of thinking and singing out loud, but I think I got them all:
  • Dasher
  • Dancer
  • Prancer
  • Vixen
  • Comet
  • Cupid
  • Donner
  • Blitzen
  • Rudolph
• Is your Christmas Tree real or fake?
  • REAL! The best smell of Christmas is the tree! I don’t even mind the mess because a real tree is worth it.
• BE HONEST! Which do you prefer:  Giving gifts or receiving gifts?
  • I prefer giving gifts. I am big on finding gifts that are either already sentimental or will become sentimental. I love putting thought into what I get for my loved ones. I also enjoy those gifts that are a challenge to find. When my youngest daughter wanted a specific High School Musical nightgown, I searched the world for it and ended up finding one overseas. She wore it until she outgrew it as a nightgown and it fit her as a t-shirt!
• What made you realize the truth about Santa?
  • I’m not really sure. I think I always kind of knew but wanted to believe so I played along for years, and in fact, I still do play along. It’s fun to believe in the spirit of Santa.

These were fun questions! Go ahead and answer them and tag me in your posts!

❤ Cherilyn 

Day 3 – 25 Days of My Favorite Christmas Songs

Whitney Houston’s Do You Hear What I Hear is my favorite version of this classic Christmas song. This is Christmas song goals right here.

Do You Hear What I Hear – Whitney Houston

❤ Cherilyn

 

Day 7 – L’Oreal’s Revitalift Challenge

I have completed the first seven days of L’Oreal’s Revitalift 14 Day Challenge.

Here are the before pics:

Here are the pics after 7 days of using each morning and night:

After 7 days, what I do like:

I like that the moisturizer is thick and feels moisturizing. It hasn’t caused my skin to break out or irritate my sensitive skin. It melts into my skin and doesn’t affect makeup application.

What I do not like:

I do not like the scent. It is incredibly strong and I can smell it on my face even after makeup application, and throughout the day.

So, after 7 days, my observation? I don’t notice any difference in my wrinkles/fine lines.

Perhaps my wrinkles are wrinkles that won’t go away without a proper send off. Maybe they just really like my face. Either way, I’m  stuck with them for the rest of my life, and I’m OK with that. I am sort of proud of my wrinkles. I’ve earned them through having children, going through a divorce, surviving other stressful life events, and SMILING.  I’m kind of attached to them and what they represent. I am proud of how I am aging. I am 45 years old and love when people ask my age because I don’t look it nor feel it. 🙂 I have no judgments on those who do not want wrinkles. I am a big fan of You Do You. ❤

I will finish the 14 day challenge because I’m halfway there, but I won’t be purchasing this product, or any other product geared solely at anti-aging. I’m going to continue concentrating on keeping my outsides healthy by taking care of my insides with diet, and taking care of my outsides with exercise and sunscreen.

And I’m going to keep laughing and smiling.

Tell me, do you notice any changes in my skin?

Are you using L’Oreal’s Revitalift products? What are your thoughts on the multi-billion dollar anti-aging industry?

❤ Cherilyn 

Blogmas! (Day 3) Christmas Flicks

On today’s Blogmas, I am going to share THEE FIVE BEST CHRISTMAS MOVIES EVER.

A Christmas Story

If you have not watched this movie, stop what you are doing and watch it NOW. Then watch it again on Christmas eve and then watch it again on Christmas day. Better yet, if you are in the U.S., set your idiot box to TBS and watch it on a 24 hour loop.  Learn these quotable movie lines because you’ll be quizzed later: “You’ll shoot your eye out!”, “Ohhhhhh fuhhhhhh…”, “FRAH-GEE-LAY, that must be Italian!”, “I want an official Red Ryder, carbine action, two-hundred shot range model air rifle!”  🙂

Elf

“OooOooh, what’s a Christmasgram? I want one!”  This is such a feel-good, funny, and charming Christmas movie. Buddy the Elf is a tad annoying, but you fall in love with his free spirit, his innocence and his passion for what he believes; that he is an elf.

This is another quotable movie, so get to watching and if you don’t say “I just like to smile, smiling’s my favorite” or repeat “Fran-cisco” a hundred times over, keep watching until you do.

Die Hard

If you haven’t seen the “It’s not Christmas until I see Hans Gruber fall from Nakatomi Plaza” meme, you’re doing the Christmas season wrong, my friends.

Yet another quotable movie, Die Hard is THEE Christmas movie. Ask anyone. Go on, I’ll wait.

The Twilight Zone marathon

Ok, so this one isn’t really a movie, you got me on that, but it is a must watch in between the 24 hours of A Christmas Story. 🙂

A Charlie Brown Christmas (1965)

This movie takes me back to my childhood. It holds such special memories of watching this in my living room with my family. I’m not much of a religious person but my favorite part of A Charlie Brown Christmas is Linus explaining the meaning of Christmas:

What are your favorite Christmas movies?

• ❤ Cherilyn

Day 2 – 25 Days of My Favorite Christmas Songs

I have loved Dolly Parton since I was about 4 years old. My mother is a huge country music lover so I grew up listening to Dolly, as well as many other classic country artists.

It only makes sense to have Hard Candy Christmas as a favorite Christmas song!

Hard Candy Christmas – Dolly Parton

❤ Cherilyn

 

Blogmas! (Day 2) Christmas Decorating

I love Christmas. From the festive music to the smell of Christmas trees to the shimmering decorations, it’s my second favorite holiday after Halloween.

I’ve always been one to go ham on the decorations. I just moved into my current house not long ago so I most likely will not be decorating this year, but here’s a glimpse of just how ham I go when I had my townhome a few years ago:

I don’t have stairs in my current home, but I loved decorating the stairway with the bows. It was such a lovely touch to the inside decor.  What do you think?

How do you decorate for the holidays?

❤ Cherilyn

 

 

elf Cosmetics – Studio Blush & Shimmering Lip Shade Shifter

I recently purchased the elf Cosmetics Studio Blush ($3.00/$1.50) in Candid Coral and the Shimmer Lip Shade Shifter ($5.00/$2.50) in Lighten Golden Glow during the mid-November elf Cosmetics 50% Off Sale. I was super excited to try the Shimmer lip. The swatches below show one in sunlight and one in normal lighting.

Shimmering Lip Shade Shifter

Shimmer on the left side of swatch.

Shimmer on the left side of swatch.

Shimmer on its own

Both products left me more than unimpressed. The blush doesn’t have much pigment and the shimmer lip balm is just glittery wax in a lip balm form.

The shimmer lip balm only makes your lips look wet, rather, glossy, but it’s not a shimmery glossy look. When I think of shimmer, I think of a glittery shine.  This just provides a wet look. It’s not that bad on its own; you can see in the photo of the shimmer on its own that it’s gold and glittery-ish, but for $5.00 it could be better. I have used it on its own because it has a golden tint. I do like that the shimmer lip didn’t irritate or dry out my lips. It actually felt nice on my lips but isn’t long lasting, which I didn’t expect it to be. I think $2.50 is still a bit too high for what it does.

Moving on…

The blush is a huge disappointment. I had to really dig my finger into this Candid Coral blush just to get any sort of pigment.

The only upside is that both products are inexpensive, and were even less expensive because I purchased them during elf’s 50% off sale. This is why I adore elf Cosmetics. While I would rather not waste any money on less than impressive makeup, it’s not such a heavy blow to my budget, and I can pass these misses on to the younger beauty lovers in my life for them to play with.

I give the Studio Blush in Candid Coral 1 Glitter Bomb simply because it is an affordable product that I’m sure someone would appreciate.

I give the Lip Shimmer 2 Glitter Bombs because I can still use it on its own, it isn’t drying, and I like the sleek packaging.

Have you tried these products? What lip shimmer do you use and recommend? What is your go-to blush?

❤ Cherilyn

Day 1 – 25 Days of my Favorite Christmas Songs

Josh Groban has one of the most beautiful singing voices I have ever heard.  I am so in love with this song that I legit get the chills when he sings.

O Holy Night – Josh Groban

❤ Cherilyn

 

25 Days of My Favorite Christmas Songs

I love Christmas music. I can listen to it all year long and I LOVE that my place of employment plays Christmas music all day every day until January 1st.

To celebrate, starting December 1st, every night at 7pm EST I will post my favorite Christmas song with the hashtag #25daysofmyfavoritechristmassongs  🙂

Feel free to play along, even if you don’t have 25 favorite Christmas songs! This is not just exclusive to Christmas! Whichever holiday you celebrate I’m sure has some amazing music, so start posting and tag me so I don’t miss your posts.  I’d love to see all the different songs.

❤ Cherilyn

Blogmas! (Day 1) Ugly Christmas Sweater!

On December 20th, we’re having an Ugly Christmas Sweater party at work. Normally, I don’t participate in these things because if you remember from this post, I am not a crafty sort of person, and buying a pre-made ugly Christmas sweater just doesn’t seem right.

This year I decided to participate and because I was already in the crafty mood, I opted to make my Ugly Christmas Sweater. It’s more of an Ugly Christmas Long-sleeved Shirt because here in Florida sweaters are difficult to come by. I picked up this green shirt and the earrings at Walmart. The decorations were purchased at the Dollar Tree. The santas were on a headband that I dismantled for another reason you’ll see that further down the post. I purchased the green LED lights from Walmart LAST YEAR to put on my Jeep for Halloween.  There are also jingle bells scattered across the garland to make for a wonderfully annoying jingle throughout the evening.

And here is my Ugly Christmas Sweater!

Oh, it gets better… (Open in full screen for optimal lookage):

 

And because my look is that I am a Christmas tree, it isn’t complete without… (Open in full screen for optimal lookage):

 

The holidays are going to be fun this year.  🙂

What do you think of my creativity? It’s more of an Annoying Christmas Sweater than anything.

Show me your Ugly Christmas Sweaters!

❤ Cherilyn 

 

Day 1 – L’Oreal Revitalift Challenge

I recently received the 14 day L’Oreal Revitalift Challenge packet. I’ve not really tried anti-aging moisturizers because I don’t believe they work, and most have ingredients that are too harsh for my sensitive skin.

As you can see, I have lots of wrinkles around my eyes. Ignore the puffiness.  I had just woken up and I’m currently on antibiotics for strep throat. 😦 My bathroom lighting is quite harsh but it shows my imperfections perfectly. 🙂

Upon opening the package, it had a strong perfume-y scent.  I can still smell it on my face, even after applying makeup and a setting spray. It’s not unpleasant, just strong. The moisturizer went on nicely and wasn’t greasy. It melted into my skin without affecting makeup application.

I’ll post updates with photos on Day 7 and on Day 14.

Have you tried this product? What are your thoughts on anti-aging products?

❤ Cherilyn

Homemade Holiday Gifts

Holy moly, it’s that time of year! The holidays are right around the corner and usually I am scrambling at the last minute to get gifts for my coworkers. Last year I decided to get crafty and make my coworkers reindeer mason jars filled with chocolate/salted caramel covered pretzels.

Before we continue, there are 7 things you should know about me —–> 1) I am NOT a crafty person. 2) I dislike crafts. P) I can’t count. 8) I have no idea where how and when I obtained a glue gun, but I have one and I also own 854567 glue sticks.

Last year I made 12 of these jars and the aftermath left me with:

• Second degree burns on my fingertips from the hot glue.
• I was trapped at my dining room table in a hot glue string web.
• I dropped 68964567896 googly eyes on a TILE floor.
• They bounced everydamnedwhere.
• I had to buy 9876546898656 red noses just so I could use 12.
• I had to run to The Fresh Market 17 times because I kept eating the gourmet pretzels.
• I had to buy new pants because I kept eating the gourmet pretzels.

Yeah, I know. They look more like funny faces being held up in a robbery. 😐  Despite the burns and the incredible mess I made making these, I think they turned out super cute and my coworkers loved them.

Homemade gifts make such an impact because of the thought, the time and effort. I don’t spend any time outside of work with my coworkers, but they’re people who still deserve a thoughtful gift made with love. ❤

This year I am making the same type of jars only I am making snowmen with white chocolate pretzels.

Here are two of the jars minus the white chocolate pretzels.  I have made 8 so far.  I ran out of ribbon so I had to run out and grab more.  I’ll have all fifteen jars completed by the end of next weekend.

It’s far too early to buy the gourmet pretzels.  I like the way they turned out! The noses are jingle bells that I painted orange.  I spray painted the lids black to give the top hat appearance but then I found these adorable top hat ornaments at the Dollar Store! I had to buy them! I am in love with how they are turning out! Much cuter than last year’s reindeer that look like they’re being robbed at gunpoint.

Whattaya think? I appreciate your feedback!

Are you a crafty person? Do you make homemade gifts for family, friends and coworkers?

❤ Cherilyn 

elf Cosmetics Brush Cleaner Wipes

I purchased the elf Cosmetics Brush Cleaner Wipes ($3.00/$1.50) during the elf Cosmetics mid-November 50% Off Sale. I was hoping these wipes would be a great way to clean my brushes in between the major cleanings. I really like the Brush Shampoo and thought these wipes would be just as good.

 

Upon opening the package, the wipe had a strong scent. It smelled like the Brush Shampoo only stronger. I used it to clean one foundation brush. The wipe did somewhat clean my brush, but left an oily residue on my brush and on my hands.  I wouldn’t want to use the brush on my face unless the residue dries down.

 

I am a bit disappointed because it would have been nice to have an alternative to cleaning my brushes in between the deep cleanings. I am hoping elf will work on perfecting the formula because this is a product that has potential.

Overall, I will not be purchasing these again.

I give the Brush Cleanser Wipes 1 Greasy Wheel and that’s only because I like the packaging.

Have you tried these wipes? How do you clean your makeup brushes?

❤ Cherilyn

 

elf Cosmetics 50% Off Sale Haul

Just recently elf Cosmetics had their 50% off sale, and I always take advantage of these sales because it’s a great time to stock up on products I love and always use, and a great way to try newer products. I received my goodies on November 18th and I’m dying to share them with y’all!

Bolded items are products I’ve not yet tried. The red asterisked products are products I love and stock up on at every opportunity! All links will open in a separate window:

• Studio Blush in Candid Coral ($3.00)
• Tinted Lip Oil in Mocha Kiss ($6.00)
• Shimmer Lip Balm in Lighten Golden Glow ($5.00)
• Flawless Finish Foundation in Natural ($6.00) **
• Prismatic Highlighting Duo in Mermaid Tail ($8.00)
• Lock On Liner and Brown Cream in Espresso ($4.00)

• Beautifully Bare Sheer Tint Brow Gel in Dark ($5.00)
• Clear Brow and Lash Mascara ($2.00) **
• Hydrating Gel Melt Cleanser ($10.00)
• Eye Makeup Remover Balm ($4.00)
• Hydrating Water Sheet Mask ($3.00) **
• Brush Cleaner Wipes ($3.00)
• Eyebrow Duo Brush ($3.00)
• Mini Glam Case in Watermelon ($4.00)

Shimmer on its own

I purchased all these goodies for just under $65.00 (that includes sales tax). I saved $51.50! Did you take advantage of e.l.f.’s 50% off sale? What’d you get?

❤ Cherilyn 

 

 

ANOTHER e.l.f. Cosmetics 50% Off Sale!

It’s Thanksgiving in the U.S. and to celebrate, e.l.f. cosmetics is having another 50% off sale!

Click on the below photo to go to e.l.f.’s website to get your stash!

I know. I JUST received an e.l.f. 50% off sale package the other day, what else could I possibly need that I didn’t order a few days ago? Well, this time I decided to purchase all items I’ve not used before, with the exception of the Hydrating Gel Melt Cleanser because I just received this, I’ve used it the past two evenings, and I LOVE it.  A review will be up soon because this is a product to be shared! If you’re curious about this product, right now you can get it for $5.00!

On this haul, my subtotal was $73.00, however, thanks to the 50% off, I saved $36.50 and I received free shipping.

Go here to get your goodies! Then tell me what you got! 🙂

To all my friends celebrating today, have a wonderful day filled with family, friends and food. ❤

❤ Cherilyn 

Christmas Wish List 2017

I don’t even want to think about how close to the holidays we are! Can we just slow things down a bit, please?

Ok, fine, slowing down isn’t going to happen, so I may as well just jump on the Holiday wish list board. So, with that little bit of whine out of the way, let’s get on with my Christmas wish list from affordable to WOAH.

• Stila Eye for Elegance Liquid Eyeshadow Set ($45.00)
• Estee Lauder Modern Muse Mini Spray Coffret ($35.00)
• Tarte Limited Edition Blush Bazaar Amazonian Clay Blush Palette ($44.00)
• Clairsonic Mia 2 Flawless Finish Set ($169.00)
• Tiffany & Co. Women’s Tote ($1450.00)
• Apple Watch Series 3 – ($399.00)

There ya have it!  It’s short but sweet! If I had to choose only one item from above, it’d be the Tiffany tote. Once a year I treat myself to a Tiffany gift. I am not a wearer of jewelry so I buy things more practical that I’ll use like a Tiffany wallet, a Tiffany pen, mugs and sunglasses. The tote is a bit out of my price range, but this is a wish list, right? 🙂

What is on your wish list?

❤ Cherilyn 

Let’s Talk About Nails!

Something I have not discussed on my blog is nail polish!

I have a pretty good sized collection of nail polishes.  I used to paint my nails daily in a wide variety of colors and in a wide variety of designs. The only time I could not paint my nails was when I was in massage therapy school.

I don’t paint my nails as often as I’d like; as a designated player, I use my hands to push and pull poker chips and push cards, and because of this, my polish is easily chipped. I can’t always fix my nails after work and it drives me crazy working for days with chipped nail polish. It just looks tacky and makes it seem as if I don’t care much about my appearance. When your hands are the main focus of your job, a nice manicure is important. Even if I don’t wear polish, my nails are trimmed, clean and free of hang nails.

I love all colors of nail polish from neutral to crazy bright colors. I also love painting my nails to show support for certain causes.  Often I paint my nails black with a blue line to show support for our police men and women. Recently for Halloween I painted my nails black and swiped bright orange across each nail. It was a quick way to express both holiday colors and I received many compliments even though I really didn’t put forth much effort.

Whether I do it myself or go to a salon, painting my nails is a fun way to express creativity, show support for causes I hold near and dear, a great way to get in the holiday mood and to just cheer myself up with a bit of splashy color!

Do you like to paint your nails? What crazy designs have you had painted on your nails? Do you go to a salon or do your own nails?

❤ Cherilyn 

ipsy – November 2017

I received my ipsy bag and I just can’t help but fall in love with ipsy a little more each month!

If you’re not familiar,  ipsy is a beauty subscription service for $10/month.  You receive 5 beauty products; some deluxe sample sizes, with the occasional full size product. Everything arrives in a cute zippered makeup bag.

This month’s bag is not a favorite, but I was hoping I’d receive the bag in the aqua/teal shades. It is a cute jewel-toned bag with the ipsy logo printed in silver on the zipper pull.

Let’s get to the goodies (All links will open in a new window):

• Tarte Deluxe Amazonian Clay 12-hour Blush in Feisty – Tarte has a limited edition of 5 deluxe blushes for $35.00
• it Cosmetics Your Skin But Better CC Cream in Fair– No offer available
• Skyn ICELAND Berry Lip Fix with Wintered Red Algea – (ipsy25 for 25% off)
• Manna Kadar Lip Locked Stain in All of Me – (ipsy2017 for 20% off)
• Naked Cosmetics Metallic Loose Powder in Mother Nature #06 – (ipsy30 for 30% off)

If you’re interested in trying out the ipsy subscription service, click my referral link here. If you’d rather check out ipsy without my referral link, clicky clicky here!

❤ Cherilyn 

Boxycharm – November 2017

It’s that time again! My November Boxycharm is here!

If you’ve not heard of this box, Boxycharm is a monthly beauty subscription service. For $21/month, you receive 4-5 full sized beauty products in a cute little black box.  Each box is always worth $100+!

This month’s theme is Sweater Weather. Let’s get on to the goodies (All links will open in a separate window):

• Luxie Beauty Quad Eye Travel Set – ($32.00) OMG this travel set of eye brushes is the cutest! The brushes are so soft!
• Cover FX Illuminating Setting Spray – (31.00) I am excited to try this spray. I have a bit of an addiction to setting sprays and one that illuminates my skin? Uh, yes please!
• • Ok, I tried this spray and, um, it’s weird. The sprayer isn’t bad, but it shoots out in super short spurts. <— say that 10 times fast. Also, it is pretty on my cheeks, but my forehead just looked oily.
• Winkylux Kitten Palette – ($25.00) Raise your hand if you need another eyeshadow palette? Yep! My hand is raised right along with y’all! 😉 This is the cutest little palette. The shades are very pretty and the swatches applied nicely.
• LAQA & Co. Cloud Lips Matte Lipstick in Storm – ($17.00) This is an interesting color. Looks NOTHING like the color of the lipstick. It was a bit streaky, and it is a pretty color, but one that I definitely cannot wear.
• KNC Beauty Collagen Lip Masks – ($15.00) This is a strange product that I’m curious to try! I don’t think I’d purchase unless they truly do perform miracles! A 5 pack is $24.99. I’ll definitely be reviewing these!

Total box worth: $120.00!

Overall, this box isn’t my favorite, but I do like the full size setting spray, the adorable eyeshadow palette and those travel eye brushes!

If you want to check out Boxycharm for yourself, click my referral link here!  If you want to check out Boxycharm and subscribe without clicking the referral link, clicky clicky right here!

❤ Cherilyn 

MorpheMe Unboxing – November 2017

It’s a new month and the subscription boxes are startin’ to roll in!

I just received November’s set of Morphe brushes.

If you aren’t familiar, MorpheMe is a subscription service through Liveglam that offers $30 worth of Morphe brushes for $19.99/month!  The brushes come in a bubblewrap envelope with a cute little accordion card that has brief descriptions of each brush.  I have been subscribed since February and have received a wide variety of brushes.

I opted to trade this month’s brushes for the foundation brush set that was sent back in February.

• E8 ($6.00) – Detail Contour – I’ll probably use this for precise powder application.  I don’t contour much. I may even see how it holds up for highlight application.
• M439 Deluxe Buffer ($14.00) – I already own this brush, but it’s one of my favorites for applying foundation. I am excited to have another as back up. 🙂
• E26 Oval Foundation/Concealer ($13.00) – I’m not sure I’ll use this brush for foundation. I prefer to use flat brushes for primer application. Also, this is the first dual-ended brush in my collection. It’s a nice looking brush.

Overall, I am more excited to have a spare M439 than I am about the other two brushes, but the actual November brushes didn’t excite me, and I already have the big fluffy powder brush.  I like the option to trade out brushes and to skip months without penalty. I’ve been a MorpheMe subscriber since February and I’ve not been disappointed.

If you’re interested in signing up, clicky clicky HERE (this link will get us both a free brush!), or clicky clicky HERE if you don’t want a free brush. 😉  It’s $19.99/month.

❤ Cherilyn

e.l.f. Cosmetics 50% Off Sale!

Hey there, lovelies!

Ok, ok, this is not really a haul post YET.  😉

e.l.f. Cosmetics is having their 50% off sale!  Also, Ebates is currently offering 15% cash back!  I am not sponsored by e.l.f. Cosmetics or Ebates. I actually use Ebates and just want to pass the awesomeness off to y’all!  I made my purchase last night and did not receive 15% cash back, which is a bit of a bummer, but I saved $51.50 on product so I’m not mad.

Clicky clicky to shop at e.l.f. and clicky clicky to sign up for Ebates.  All links will open in a new window.

I always take advantage of the e.l.f. 50% off sales.  It’s a perfect opportunity to pick up items I’ve not tried, as well as to stock up on my favorite products! Though e.l.f. cosmetics are already incredibly affordable, why not try new products for 50% less than their normal price?!

I picked up 10 items I haven’t tried; some pretty new since the last time I browsed the website.  I also take advantage of stocking up on my favorite products like the Flawless Finish foundation (in Natural), and of course, my FAVORITE sheet mask! I picked up 10 sheet masks for $15.00 vs. $30.00.  If you’re a frequent reader of my site, you’ll know how much I LOVE LOVE LOVE the e.l.f. sheet mask.

Will YOU be taking advantage of e.l.f.’s 50% off sale? Share your wish list and haul!

❤ Cherilyn 

Gerard Cosmetics – Nikkia Joy Setting Spray

One of my favorite setting sprays is the Gerard Cosmetics Slay All Day setting spray, so of course, when Australian makeup artist and Youtuber, Nikkia Joy came out with her collaboration, I had to pick up a couple bottles. If you like watching makeup reviews and tutorials, give her a watch. She’s charming, has an Australian accent, and just has a very likable personality.

I received the spray a few weeks ago and was dying to try it out.  I have about 5 of the Slay All Day sprays and they’re almost empty. I love this setting spray but it does dry out my skin, so I use it in rotation with the Morphe Prep & Set.

The Nikkia Joy spray has a light rose scent that isn’t over-powerful. I smell it briefly on my face after application, but it’s light and eventually fades. The formula is the same as the standard Slay All Day sprays; it LOCKS your makeup down! If you have dry skin, it can be slightly drying because of the alcohol, but it works in keeping my makeup looking flawless all day!  It is also cruelty free and made here in the U.S.A. 🙂  Below is a slow-mo video of the sprayer:

At the time of my purchase, Nikkia Joy had a code to buy one get one free, so I received two bottles for $22.00.  As of 10/27, the JOYBOGO code still works! If you only wish to purchase one bottle, use the code JOY for 35% off!

What setting sprays are your ride or die?  Have you tried the Gerard Cosmetics Slay All Day? 

Boxycharm – October 2017

I received my Boxycharm last week! If you’ve not heard of this box, Boxycharm is a monthly beauty subscription service. For $21/month, you receive 4-5 full sized beauty products in a cute little black box.  Each box is always worth $100+!

This month’s theme is Spellbound!  I received 5 full sized products in this month’s box and I’m excited to share them with y’all! All links will open in a separate window:

• Dr. Brandt Pore Dermabrasion – $58.00  I used this a few days after receiving my box, and it’s OK.  I have sensitive skin and it didn’t irritate my skin.
• Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector Pressed Highlighter (Prosecco Pop) – $38.00 I am glad that I received the pressed powder, though it is a bit too gold for my skin color. I may use it from time to time.
• Tarte Tarteist Quick Dry Matte Lip Paint (Front Row) – $20.00 I didn’t like this color on me at all. I’m more of a lip gloss gal.
• Jonteblu Lip Liner Pencil (Brown Sugar) – $5.00 Meh.
• Dirty Little Secrets Eyeshadow Chubby (Illusion) – $14.00 I haven’t used this yet.  It’s very pretty, though.

Total box worth: $135.00!

If you want to check out Boxycharm for yourself, click my referral link here!  If you want to check out Boxycharm and subscribe without clicking the referral link, clicky clicky right here!

❤ Cherilyn 

October Favorites

October is the month of birthdays in my family!  Just to name a few: my youngest daughter turned 23, my oldest grandson turned 3, and I turned 45!                              Happy birthday to all of my October beauties! ❤

Here are a handful of products that were my favorites during the month of October –   (All links will open in a new window):

• Morphe G36 Round Powder brush – ($14.00) I received this brush in my MorpheMe subscription box back in February but only started using it a few months ago to apply foundation. It’s soft and dense and buffs out my foundation perfectly.
• e.l.f. cosmetics Baked Highlighter – Moonlight Pearls ($4.00) I have had this highlight for a couple of years and always find myself reaching for it. It is the perfect shade for my skin tone and never fails to give me that glowing from within appearance.

• Gerard Cosmetics Slay All Day Nikkia Joy Rose Setting Spray – ($22.00) GC Slay All Day is one of my ride or die setting sprays. If you want your makeup to last longer, then look no further. The Nikkia Joy spray has a beautiful light rose scent and performs just as the regular Slay All Day setting sprays. It does tend to dry out my skin, so I use it in rotation with the Morphe Prep & Set spray.
• Smith’s Rosebud Salve – ($6.00) I use this salve before going to bed and just before makeup application to keep foundation off my lips. It has a light rose scent and is hydrating. It’s been a favorite for at least 7 years.
• Victoria’s Secret Pure Seduction Fragrance lotion – ($18.00) My BFF gave this to me as a birthday gift and I’ve been using it almost daily. It smells SO darned good! It has a fruity and fresh scent that isn’t overpowering. I just use a small amount on my arms and on the back of my neck and it leaves me smelling good all day.

What are your October favorites!

Boo! Get To Know Me Halloween Style

Halloween is my favorite holiday. When my girls were younger we’d decorate the house and throw the best Halloween parties.  We had the foggers and the giant spiders and the strobe lights and the zombies hanging from trees and the graveyard in the front yard. We had a stoop where we’d set out a cd player and blast spooky Halloween sounds on during the night. Dogs wouldn’t even walk on our side of the street!

And our costumes. We weren’t the cutesy costume family. We dressed up with fake blood and gore. Scaring the poo out of the kids was my favorite. 😉 And they loved it! This is the only photo I could find from 2006. I wish I had photos of me as Evil the Clown! Out of all my costumes, Evil the Clown was the best!

Our Halloween parties were memorable with me telling the kids a ghost story incorporating their school and using some tidbit facts that I quizzed their parents for weeks before. At the end of the evening, Homemade Halloween songs cd’s were included in the goodie bags and then we’d have a group photo taken.  I’d use a 1 hour photo service to have the photos ready for the parents at pick-up. Touches like these helped make our parties the event that kids wanted to attend.

When we moved into a smaller home, I sold all of my costumes and decorations.  It pained me to do so, but we just didn’t have the space for the containers upon containers of decorations. Now that I have two grandsons, I am slowly building back up my collection.

Do you celebrate Halloween? Share your stories with me! 

 

 

Favorite Brushes

Morphe. Now, there’s a brand that triggers a bunch of people on Youtube.

I use Morphe products.  I LOVE the setting spray. I love my brushes and I enjoy my Jaclyn Hill palette.  I don’t have any other Morphe makeup products other than the JH palette so I cannot attest to their quality.  I do have more Morphe brushes than any other, and I like them.

Before I joined the MorpheMe brush club in February of 2017, I purchased several brushes from Morphe online. The brushes had great reviews and were inexpensive. I wanted to do this post to share how my brushes have held up since purchasing almost a year ago.

I’ll post about my favorite 5 Morphe brushes below. All links will open in a separate window:

M510 Pro Round Blender – ($8.00) I purchased this brush and use daily in rotation with the R40 for highlight application.  I love the way this brush distributes the product onto my skin. This brush has goat hair bristles and has a long slender handle. There is some fraying and a bristle sheds from time to time, but I have had this brush for almost a year, I wash it quite often and it still works just as good as it did from day one.

 

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R40 Deluxe Pointed Blender – ($6.00) I received this brush in a MorpheMe box in April 2017. I use it daily in rotation with the M510 for highlight application.  Another goat hair bristle brush with a  long slender handle, I like the way the product is distributed onto my skin.  This brush also has light fraying with minimal shedding, is washed often and looks and performs well with daily use for six months.

 

E34 Tapered Blush – ($17.00) – I purchased this brush almost one year ago and use it daily for blush application.  It is washed frequently, and has no fraying, but had minimal shedding just after purchasing. I no longer experience shedding with this brush.  It has a thicker handle and feels comfortable in my hand.  The bristles are synthetic, are not rough, and feel soft against my skin. It picks up ample product and applies beautifully on my skin.

 

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E41 Round Deluxe Powder ($23.00) – I purchased this brush almost one year ago and I use it daily for powder application.  I wash it frequently, has no fraying and I haven’t experienced any shedding. I LOVE big fluffy powder brushes.  This has synthetic bristles and is so darned soft!

 

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M439 Deluxe Buffer ($14.00) –  I purchased this brush almost one year ago.  It is washed frequently, has no fraying and no shedding. I love this brush and use it in rotation with the G36 for foundation application.  It is a dense brush with a medium in length but stocky handle. It buffs out my foundation to a flawless finish.

 

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G36 Round Powder ($14.00) – I received this brush in my first MorpheMe subscription box in February of 2017. I started using it about 2-3 months ago for foundation application and it is tied with my M439 as a favorite for foundation.  This brush has synthetic bristles, is washed frequently and has no fraying or shedding.  It is soft and buffs out my foundation perfectly.

 

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The goat hair bristled brushes don’t hold up as well as the synthetic brushes, but even with their fraying and light shedding, are still just as soft and their performance still outstanding.

Morphe brushes are inexpensive, however, if you only want to purchase a few brushes, the shipping cost is a bit much unless you spend $75.00 (for those in the U.S.). Select Ulta’s will carry Morphe products in store and online, which will hopefully curve that shipping cost.

Overall, my Morphe brushes have held up for almost a year, with daily use and frequent cleanings with brush shampoo and isopropyl alcohol. For the price, I cannot complain at their fraying and shedding.   I will continue to use, purchase and recommend Morphe brushes for their low price point, quality and durability.

Do you use Morphe brushes? Share your Morphe brushes experience! 

 

 

ipsy – October 2017

This month’s theme is Spellbound. “Everything feels enchanted, mysterious, and…different!”  For my birthday month, this bag is perfect!

If you’re not familiar,  Ipsy is a beauty subscription service for $10/month.  You receive 5 beauty products; some deluxe sample sizes, with the occasional full size product. Everything arrives in a cute zippered makeup bag.

The bag is a gorgeous crimson in a lacy floral print and black accents with a black silky inside. The zipper pull is in the shape of a bat and I am in love with it!

My first impression of the bag was that it reminds me of Dita Von Teese as it has a vampy romantic burlesque look.  ipsy has upped their game with their bags lately.

Let’s get on with what was in this gorgeous bag!

• Tarte Cosmetics Deluxe Lights, Camera, Lashes 4-in-1 Mascara –  Full size $23USD (No promo code)
• Hanalei Papaya Enzyme Powder Cleanser – Full size $20USD (Papaya for 30% off)
• Dirty Little Secrets Eyeshadow in Bronzed – $12USD (ipsy20 for 20% off)
• It Cosmetics Bye Bye Pores Pressed Powder – Full size $29USD (No promo code)
• Firma Beauty 201 Tall Blender Brush – $12.99USD (ipsy for 10% off)

If you’re interested in trying out the Ipsy subscription service, click my referral link here. If you’d rather check out Ipsy without my referral link, clicky clicky here!

❤ Cherilyn

MorpheMe Brushes – October 2017

If you aren’t familiar, MorpheMe is a subscription service through Liveglam that offers $30 worth of Morphe brushes for $19.99/month!  The brushes come in a bubblewrap envelope with a cute little accordion card that has brief descriptions of each brush.  I have been subscribed since February and have received a wide variety of brushes.

This month’s brushes are pink as October is Breast Cancer Awareness month.

Here are some facts from the National Breast Cancer website:

• One in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer.
• Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in women.
• Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death among women.
• Each year it is estimated that over 252,710 women in the United States will be diagnosed with breast cancer and more than 40,500 will die.
• Although breast cancer in men is rare, an estimated 2,470 men will be diagnosed with breast cancer and approximately 460 will die each year.
• On average, every 2 minutes a woman is diagnosed with breast cancer and 1 woman will die of breast cancer every 13 minutes.
• Over 3.3 million breast cancer survivors are alive in the United States today.

When breast cancer is detected early, and is in the localized stage, the 5-year relative survival rate is 100%.  Early detection includes doing monthly breast self-exams, and scheduling regular clinical breast exams and mammograms.

PK14 Tapered Powder brush ($15)

PK4 Contour Blush brush ($11)

PK36 Tapered Blending brush ($6)

PK524 Oval Shadow brush ($6)

PK45 Angled Brow brush ($5)

Total box worth: $43

If you’re interested in signing up, click HERE (this link will get us both a free brush!), or click HERE if you don’t want a free brush. 😉  It’s $19.99/month.

Hair.

I have a lot of it.

It’s thick and curly and gets curlier the older I get.  Not sure why that is, but I’ll take curlier hair over no hair all day every day.

I’d have to say my hair is my best feature.  I receive the most compliments on my hair, with my big ol’ blue eyes being second. I’ve had just about every crazy hairstyle imaginable and in just about every color.  I’ve since mellowed and have been coloring my hair jet black for almost 10 years.

Other than coloring every 6-8 weeks, my hair care routine is fairly simple:

• I don’t wash my hair on my days off.
• The day before my days off I do not use conditioner. I only use shampoo.  I am about to go two days without washing so I minimize the use of products that make my scalp oily.
• I NEVER brush my hair.  In fact, the only time my hair gets combed is when I go to the salon to have it cut. I run my fingers through my hair to remove any tangles.
• I get haircuts on a regular basis. I try to have at least 3 inches cut every 6-8 months. This helps keep my hair healthy and soft.
• I use a hair mask about once a month. My favorite is the Briogeo Don’t Despair, Repair! Deep Conditioning mask.
• I don’t use products like hairspray, mousse, pomades, etc.  If I do use a product, I use Loma Serum or a Garnier Fructis leave-in conditioner.
• If I put my hair up in a ponytail, I use elastic hair ties that reduce breakage. I don’t make it a habit to pull my hair back in a ponytail unless I’m at the gym.

As with skin, your genes, hormones, and diet play a part in hair health.

What do you do for hair care?  What are your favorite products?

September Favorites

September was a wonky month. My MacBook Pro was pronounced kaput, and Hurricane Irma smashed into Southwest Florida. I don’t have many this month, but even with these annoying interruptions, I managed to snag me some favorites!  All of my September faves proved their awesomeness during Hurricane Irma recovery.

My September Favorites (All links will open in a new window):

• Equate Pre-Moistened Nighttime Soothing Makeup Remover cloths – After Irma, these cloths were LIFE. I didn’t have power for six days and though I washed my face when I took a cold shower, after a day cutting up and cleaning up the tree debris outside my house, a nice cold cloth soothed my skin.
• Cover FX Perfect Setting Powder – This powder is $35USD, however, I picked it up during Ulta’s 23 Days of Beauty sale for $17.50. I LOVE this powder. A little goes a long way.  I stopped using setting powders because they all sit in my fine lines and make me look 15 years older. I don’t have that issue with this powder.  It makes my skin look soft and my makeup smooth. I’d pay $35 for this all day.
• TIGI Bed Head Urban Antidotes Resurrection shampoo & conditioner – I have been using this shampoo and conditioner for quite a while now but like the Equate Beauty makeup remover cloths, this combination really hit a homerun for me after Hurricane Irma.  We were without power for 6 days. I took cold showers for 6 days. This combination helped keep my hair from slapping the crap out of me.
• Equate Daily Moisturizing Lotion – I use this lotion when my skin is out of control with eczema.  I get breakouts on the creases of my arms, the tops of my shoulders and my underarms.  This is a dupe for Aveeno’s Daily Moisturizing Lotion, however, I prefer this brand over Aveeno. My eczema has been bad due to stress but this lotion helps keep it under control and speeds up healing time.

Ok, September, you provided some obstacles but you can’t keep me down! Bring on October AKA my birthday month!  🙂

 

re:p. Bio Fresh Mask

In keeping with the skin care theme from my last post, I thought I’d do a review on the re:p Bio Fresh Mask that I received in my September ipsy bag.

Thanks to Hurricane Irma, my skin currently hates me. I have a triangle of blemishes on my nose and a lovely spot on my right cheek. I don’t normally deal with breakouts unless I stray from my diet, and well, I strayed.  I strayed hard, y’all.  It was really difficult to stay on my diet when I didn’t have power. My first hot meal 4 days after the hurricane was Chick-fil-A. And I drank soda. YUCK.  After the storm when stores were open, soda was the coldest drink we could find because water was sold out everywhere, as was ice.

Ok, so my face was irritated and blotchy with redness and dryness. I washed my face with Aveeno Clear Complexion Foaming Cleanser and went to town applying this mask to my face.  It’s weird because the mask looks like it has orange pulp in it, but it’s crushed calendula and chamomile! Application was a breeze.  Some masks dry before you can cover your entire face.  This one went on with ease. It has a light fresh scent and feels really good on the skin. The instructions call to leave the mask on for 5-10 minutes.  I left it on for 10 minutes.

So while the mask is working its magic, let’s talk about the claims and what’s in it.

Claims:

Calm irritated skin and reduce redness and inflammation. Fresh herbs gently remove debris and dead skin cells while massaging into your skin. Kaolin, a gentle yet powerful mineral clay, draws out impurities for smoother, softer skin. Crushed calendula and chamomile, visible in the formula, reduce inflammation and aid in skin recovery.

Certified cruelty free, Formulated for sensitive skin. Free of mineral oil, sorbic acid, animal ingredients, surfactants, parabens, mineral oil and propylene glycol.

Ingredients:

A whole bunch of stuff no one can pronounce. Seriously.  The list is pretty damned long. Out of 38 ingredients there are only six I can say without spitting.

Final Thoughts:

This mask was calming to my irritated and stressed out skin. My face was free of redness, felt soft not only after my skin dried, but even the following day, and my skin looked refreshed and hydrated. The crushed calendula and chamomile provided gentle exfoliation, which is nice because I am careful when it comes to exfoliation. My skin is easily irritated and exfoliators can do more damage than good.

I give the RE:P Bio Fresh Mask 3.5 out of 5 clean smiley faces. 🙂

If I liked it so much, why only 3.5 clean smiley faces? The mask is nice and made my skin look and feel pretty good, but the price point is pretty high. When the tube I have runs out, I won’t purchase this at $41USD for 4.5oz.  I can get this same feeling with a less expensive mask.

Did you get this mask in your September ipsy?  Have you tried it and if so, what are your thoughts?  Is $41 too much to pay for a face mask?  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Skin Care

I’ve been blessed with a fairly nice complexion and normal to dry skin.

I didn’t always take care of my skin.  As a teenager, I baked in the California sun, never using sunscreen, using baby oil as a tanning lotion and aluminum foil as a blanket. Oh how I wish I was kidding about the aluminum foil.  I not only cooked my skin on the beach, I was a frequent tanning booth user. I didn’t start wearing makeup until my mid 20’s.

While the elements play a part in the appearance of your skin, diet is also a factor in your skin’s health.  I eat pretty healthy, and I drink LOTS of water. I stay away from sugary drinks and soda.

My routine has slightly changed over the past year or two with the introduction of sheet masks. I used mud masks on a regular basis before using sheet masks.

A typical day starts out like this:

In the shower, I use Aveeno Clear Complexion Foaming Cleanser to wash my face. I’ve used this cleanser for more years than I can remember.  Occasionally I’ll switch up face cleansers, but always go back to Aveeno because it’s been the best. It doesn’t irritate my eyes and isn’t drying.

After my shower, I use OleHenriksen Sheer Transformation Perfecting moisturizer. My moisturizers sometimes change because there is always a new better one that offers insane moisture, and with normal to dry skin, hydration is my jam.  I don’t suffer with dry patches quite as often since using the OleHenriksen moisturizer, and it quickly melts into my skin before makeup application.

In the evenings I use Pond’s Cold Cream for makeup removal.  Last month I purchased a Conair True Glow battery-operated facial brush and use this with the cold cream. This combination is MAGIC.

If I get home late for whatever reason, I use Equate Pre-Moistened Night-Time Soothing Makeup Remover Cloths to remove my makeup.

After makeup removal, I use the OleHenriksen Sheer Transformation Perfecting moisturizer. It’s a bit pricey, but it’s worth it.  You can purchase a travel size (0.5oz) at Sephora for $12.00USD.

Once or twice a week I use the e.l.f. Hydrating Water Sheet mask. I’ve written about this mask more than any other product! I LOVE this mask. I love to use the remaining serum to moisturize my face and neck.

Once a week I use the Aveeno Skin Brightening Daily Scrub. I use this with my Conair True Glow battery-operated facial brush to gently exfoliate.  Usually after exfoliating, I use the e.l.f. Hydrating Water Sheet mask. Again, I use the remaining serum to moisturize my face and neck.

Every so often, I use a brow razor with the eos brand shave cream to shave the fuzzies off my face. No, the fuzzies don’t grow back black and thicker. They always come back the same: fuzzy. 🙂 After I remove my fuzzies, I use the e.l.f. Hydrating Water Sheet mask to hydrate. As always, I use the remaining serum to moisturize my face and neck.

Just these steps alone help keep my skin clean, and for the most part, acne-free.  Any blemishes I do get are when I stray from my normal diet and when it’s that time of the month. 😉

Do you follow a skin care routine? What are your favorite products? Do you use any of the products I use?

 

 

 

 

 

 

ipsy – September 2017

I received my September ipsy bag a few days ago! While I am always like a little girl on Christmas when my beauty boxes arrive, it’s these little things that help brighten up my world after this hurricane.

If you’re not familiar,  Ipsy is a beauty subscription service for $10/month.  You receive 5 beauty products; some deluxe sample sizes, with the occasional full size product. Everything arrives in a cute zippered makeup bag.

This month’s bag is a textured faux leather black bag with a gold accent and the ipsy logo imprinted in gold on the tassel pull. The inside is a gorgeous satin purply/blue.  I am living for this month’s bag!

September’s theme is Like. A. Boss. The bag is about being the strongest, most fearless version of YOU, with products selected by Charlotte Cho, co-founder of Soko Glam and the Klog.

Let’s get to the goodies! (All links will open in a new window):

• LUXIE Beauty Rose Gold Medium Angled Shading Eye Brush 207 – $12USD (Ipsy207 for 30% off)
• Pixie by Petra Beauty Blush Duo (Peach Honey) – $18USD (No promo code)
• Smashbox Photo Finish Radiance Primer – $39USD (No promo code)
• Elizabeth Mott Pop! Goes the Shadow (Gunmetal) – (ipsypop for 25% off)
• re:p , real elemental practice Bio Fresh Mask – $41USD (ipsters for 20% off)

I love this month’s Ipsy bag and products!  There isn’t a product I won’t be able to use. I am excited to try the mask, the Pixie blush and the eyeshadow in that stunning Gunmetal!

If you’re interested in trying out the Ipsy subscription service, click my referral link here. If you’d rather check out Ipsy without my referral link, clicky clicky here!

Pixi Hydrating Milky Mist

This is the first Pixi product I’ve purchased and tried. I bought this for $15USD at Target after seeing it on Tati’s channel. The link will take you to her video and at 3:06, you’ll hear her thoughts on this product.

I have dry skin and am always looking for different ways to hydrate and moisturize. I was looking forward to trying this product and am impressed with the simple packaging and a sprayer that is AHHHHHH <3.

The mist is fine and has a light floral scent. It’s actually pleasant. Overly fragrant products give me migraines. Upon spraying for the first time, the mist was cooling and it dried pretty quickly on my skin. After drying, my skin didn’t feel sticky; it felt nicely moisturized. Makeup application was just as easy as if I had followed my usual moisturizing routine.

Claims:

• This featherlight mist provides an instant surge of hydration with hyaluronic acid to plump skin
• A blend of black oat, provitamin A, and linoleic acid makes this rejuvenator the perfect first layer of moisture before serums or makeup
• Suits all skin types
• Not tested on animals 🙂
• Paraben free

Ingredients:

A whole bunch of stuff no one can pronounce.

Final thoughts:

I’m giving the Pixi Hydrating Milky Mist 4 out of 5 bottles of moisturizer. 🙂 I love how light this mist feels on my skin. It is incredibly moisturizing without being greasy or sticky.  I will continue to use this daily before makeup application. The price point isn’t too bad and if I continue to like it, I will continue to buy it! I’ll update again in the future especially after trying the mist after makeup application.

Have you used this mist? What are your thoughts?  What is your go-to moisturizer?

 

 

 

 

Boxycharm – September 2017

Oh how I have missed writing these posts! Despite Hurricane Irma uprooting our trees and our lives, I received my tiny box of heavenly goodies amidst it all!  🙂

Ok, let’s get on with the unboxing!

If you’ve not heard of this box, Boxycharm is a monthly beauty subscription service. For $21/month, you receive 4-5 full sized beauty products in a cute little black box.  Each box is always worth $100+!  This month, Charmers received SIX products!

This month’s theme is Boxy Baddie (All links will open in a new window):

• Soiree Diaries Eyeshadow Palette – PUR Cosmetics ($34USD)
• Eye Brows – MAC Cosmetics ($18USD)
• Ultra Satin Lip Liquid Lipstick in Strip – Colourpop ($6USD)
• Luminous Loose Blush – Studio Makeup ($35USD) I couldn’t find a link to purchase!
• Face Perfecting Brush – bareMinerals ($28USD)
• Don’t Despair Repair Deep Conditioning Mask – Briogeo ($20USD)

Total box value: $141USD!!  WOW!

I am excited to use the Deep Conditioning hair mask.  After this hurricane and a week of cold showers, my hair HATES me. It is in desperate need of some repair. I’m also excited to try the foundation brush by bareMinerals! That loose blush in a pretty peachy coral looks beautiful, and that eyeshadow palette?! Seriously, Boxycharm went outside the box on this one.  😉

Overall, I am happy with this month’s box!  Boxycharm hasn’t had any misses for me since I’ve subscribed almost one year ago.

If you want to check out Boxycharm for yourself, click my referral link here!  If you want to check out Boxycharm and subscribe without clicking the referral link, clicky clicky right here! 

 

Hurricane Irma – Part WHEW!

We survived Hurricane Irma!  We live in an area in Southwest Florida where the hurricane hit us as a Category 3 on September 10th.

Gusts up to 140MPH. ​

 

​This was taken as we pulled up to our house for the first time.  We were overwhelmed at the mess in the front yard.

We had to cut away through trees for almost 45 minutes just to get to the front door.

We decided to evacuate to a more hurricane-safe home just ten minutes up the road from our home. I was stubborn and hesitant to leave the comfort of my home, but decided it was the best decision.  I am glad that we did because if we had left our vehicles in our driveway, they would have been crushed by falling trees.  We were also considering moving the vehicles to the back yard where they would have been fine, damage-wise, but we wouldn’t have been able to leave because a tree fell on the gate.

Returning to our home the next day was stressful.  One access street was blocked thanks to a downed live wire.  The other two streets were flooded with downed trees blocking the roads.  I drive a Jeep so I drove over a tree and through the flood water to our home. I couldn’t park my Jeep on our driveway because of a fallen tree, so in the below photo, my Jeep is parked on our front lawn.

As many trees that are on our property, and as many that fell, only one just grazed the house and created minimal damage on the storm gutter. We are so incredibly fortunate.

This is the downed tree that hit the roof and damaged our gutter and is also blocking our garage.

This is the Royal Poinciana in our back yard. I wish I would have taken a photo to show how massive this downed tree is.  It’s fallen over our fence into our neighbor’s yard.

Again, we are so incredibly fortunate that the only damage to the house is to the gutter. We had a close call with flooding with the water reaching only 20 feet from our front door. We went almost 6 days without power.  Power was restored just this morning.  Cleanup begins on Tuesday.  We can’t wait to get back to normal.

Yes, hurricanes are a part of living in Florida, and we are fortunate that it has been 12 years since our last hit (hurricane Wilma).

I hope everyone else in Irma’s path is safe and sound with little to no damage to your homes.
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Hurricane Irma

I live in Southwest Florida and am in the projected path of Hurricane Irma.

I’ve lived in Florida for 13 years and am no stranger to hurricane warnings and actual hurricanes. I drove through Frances when I moved to Florida, and I was here when Hurricane Wilma hit.

I am prepared. I have hurricane shutters.  I have a big ol’ bin full of supplies, plenty of water and canned goods.  My vehicles are gassed up, as is my generator.

Anyone in the projected path, please be safe.  Get prepared now.  Don’t wait until the last minute.

Y’all will be in my thoughts.

 

August Favorites

August finished a bit bumpy and sad as I found out that my MacBook was beyond repair. I am still undecided in purchasing another MacBook so in the meantime, I found a great deal on a PC laptop to hold me over. This has allowed me to get back to blogging. Not being able to blog for a few months was painful. I missed out on sharing and keeping up with you guys.

It’s so good to be back and with that, let’s get on to it!

My August Favorites (All links will open in a new window):

• Morphe Prep & Set spray ($14.99USD) – I LOVE this spray! As it is an aerosol, the mist is fine and covers without showering my face with raindrops. The Morphe Prep & Set spray locks in my makeup all day.  I will be stocking up on this spray as soon as it is back in stock. Whenever that is.  😐
• e.l.f. cosmetics Hydrating Water Sheet mask ($3.00USD) – I cannot say enough positive things about this sheet mask. It is infused with magical goodness that hydrates my skin like nothing else ever. I use at least twice a week because I have normal to dry skin.  This mask keeps my skin’s moisture in check.  e.l.f. recently had their 50% off sale and I picked up 10 of them for $15.00USD!
• Conair True Glow Battery Operated Facial brush ($16.50USD) – I purchased mine at Walmart for $14.99USD but can no longer find it on their website. I bought it and didn’t have high hopes that it would work well, but it proved me wrong! I use this daily with Ponds Cold Cream (avoiding my eyes, obviously), and I use it once a week with Aveeno’s Daily Exfoliating Daily Scrub. The brush came with three of the same brush heads, and has two speeds.  It uses 2 AAA batteries NOT INCLUDED. The brush is waterproof so it can be used in the bath or shower. I have noticed my skin is more clear and the blackheads on my nose are minimal.  For under $20.00USD, you can’t get a better rotating facial brush.
• Benefit Roller Lash Curling and Lifting mascara ($24.00USD) – I wrote a review on this mascara and you can read it here (link will open in a new window). In short, I LOVE THIS MASCARA AND WILL BUY AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN. ❤
• Crown Large Round Buffer paddle brush($24.99) – I received this brush in a beauty box. I LOVE it! I think it’s a contour brush, however I use it for foundation application. It’s soft, dense and applies my foundation perfectly.

Have you tried any of my favorites? What are your favorites for the month of August?

Let’s hope September decides to slow down and smell the roses!

 

Benefit Roller Lash Mascara – A Review

I know I have fallen in love with more than a couple of mascaras over the past year, but that’s what anyone who adores makeup does, right?

In July, I purchased the Benefit Roller Lash mascara for $24.00USD from Sephora. I have heard great reviews about this mascara so I decided to try it for myself. Disclaimer: I don’t know how to properly photograph my lashes without looking like a weirdo, so this is the photo y’all get.  🙂  Yes, I am THAT pale fair-complected.

I am super impressed with the Roller Lash mascara.  My lashes without mascara are very light and almost invisible.  Even if I go without makeup, if I leave the house, mascara is a definite must in order to avoid looking soulless.

With the Roller Lash mascara, I have increased volume and length on both top and bottom lashes.  The wand comes out of the tube with just enough product, and isn’t clumpy or flakey. I love how the Roller Lash wand coats my bottom lashes and I can apply the product to my bottom lashes without poking out my eyes. Other brands have fat clunky wands, and I almost always poke my eye. I’m not all that skilled in bottom lash application so I need a mascara wand that makes application a bit easier and a lot less dangerous.

Continuing on with the awesomeness of the Roller Lash mascara, excess mascara is easily wiped away with a cotton swab or makeup brush once dry. I always have excess mascara during application because I am a messy doofus in this department. Also, with a few other brands, I have mascara rub-off on my eyelids.  Not the case with this product.

The Roller Lash mascara looks and wears amazing throughout the day, and even after sweating at the gym for two hours. I’ve had this tube for almost two months, have used it daily, and it’s still going pretty strong.

Benefit Roller Lash Curling and Lifting mascara does come in a travel size for $12.00USD. This is still a bit pricey considering a full size L’Oréal Lash Paradise (a dupe for Too Faced Better Than Sex mascara) is around $9.99USD. I own both the L’Oréal and Too Faced mascaras, and like both, but prefer the Benefit Roller Lash to these.

I give the Benefit Roller Lash Curling and Lifting mascara 4.5 out of 5 mascara wands because even though this mascara is amazing and I will definitely repurchase, the price point is a bit high. However, I included the .5 because Benefit does offer a travel size of this product.

Have you tried the Benefit Roller Lash mascara?  What are your thoughts? What is your ride or die mascara?

❤ Cherilyn

 

Ulta’s 21 Days of Beauty

It’s back! The best holiday (after Halloween and Christmas) is back!

Ulta’s 21 Days of Beauty!

I received my catalog in today’s mail, which was a nice surprise after the long morning I had finding out my Macbook Pro is kaput.😞

I immediately came inside the house, poured myself a big ol’ glass of my favorite pinot noir (Yellow Tail), plopped on the sofa, opened my Ulta catalog, with pen in hand, I was ready to circle all the items I need.  Yes, NEED.

Hmm.

I am a bit disappointed with the items offered. After going over everything at least 20 times, there is only ONE day that appeals to me. UH…say what?!

September 9th.

I purchased the Benefit Roller Lash mascara in its travel size almost 2 months ago. I then immediately purchased the full size because HOLY POO IT’S AMAZING. Yes, I know. I felt this way about a few mascaras in the last 6 months, but this one has been consistent with its awesomeness.

I promise to do a review post on this mascara, but if you’re anyone who uses mascara, I am sure you’ve tried it. Right? Right?! Psst… try it!

So, September 9th is my day. One day. One. *sigh*

Tell me, what are you planning to pick up during Ulta’s 21 Days of Beauty? Do you have any recommendations?

💕Cherilyn

Update!

OMG I miss blogging so much! 

This morning I finally took my Macbook in to the Apple store for diagnosis. My graphics card is toast. Unless I can find a replacement part, I will have to purchase a new Mac, and that’s just not possible at this time.  I have a friend with a computer repair business and I am hoping he can get my Mac up and running, even if temporarily, until I can afford a replacement.

Blogging from my phone/iPad has proven difficult so I’ve stayed away. 

I miss you guys! I miss posting! 

I hope everyone is doing well! I will be back! 

💕 Cherilyn 

100!

Currently I am still without my Macbook. I’ve beem so busy with moving that I haven’t had a moment to get to the Apple store. I am going crazy without it!

While I have been away, I reached an awesome milestone! 

Thank you for reading and for interacting! Thank you for sticking around while my posting has been minimal. Thank you for following my blog during my absence! 

I am hoping to be back full force soon! 

💕

Shills Purifying Peel-off Mask – Updated Review

My laptop is still down which is why I haven’t been posting. 😞 I am hoping to take it in next Thursday.

Let’s get on with the post!

I decided to try this pore mask again using a thinner coating, and it worked!

Applying just enough product worked in removing the dirt from my pores.  I was amazed at the dirt that came up on the mask! It really pulled out all the dirt and oil trapped under my skin. Of course it removed hairs, too.

I tried to get pictures but I couldn’t get my phone to focus. I didn’t record this attempt either because I didn’t think it’d be worth the effort. I honestly did not think this was going to work.

I put too thin of a layer on my forehead. Hopefully you can tell how much product was used.

Also, please note that removing the thinner coating hurt like a bitch.

If you use the mask and find it too painful to remove, a cotton ball soaked in witch hazel easily removes the product.
Use the witch hazel after removal as a toner, then moisturize.
I purchased this from Groupon for $7.00.
❤️

e.l.f. cosmetics Haul

I was running low on the e.l.f. hydrating water sheet masks, so I ordered a handful more, and then I was forced to order all this other fabulous stuff!

EDIT: I received these items a few weeks ago and was going to redo the swatches, but with moving and my Mac not working, I haven’t had an opportunity. 

Let’s get on with the haul! 

• Hydrating water sheet masks ($3.00ea)
• Volumizing & Defining mascara ($2.00)
• Lengthening & Defining mascara ($0.40!!- no longer available)
• Volumizing mascara ($2.00) <——- This is my favorite e.l.f. mascara
• Beautifully Bare Lash tint ($1.60!!- no longer available)
• Sunkissed Glow bronzer ($2.00)
• Lip Duo in Deep Brown ($6.00)
• Best Friend Eyeshadow duos in Bestie Brown, Soul Mate, Peach Squad, Tea for Two, & Pink Pal ($3.00ea)

The bronzer is actually very pretty.  It doesn’t have any shimmer, and it seemed to blend out nicely on my arm.  The lipstick and lipliner are a deep and dark brown.  The lipstick almost reminds me of the Mary Kay shade Toffee I used to wear wayyyyyyy back in the day! I don’t even wear lipstick but the beautiful brown color sucked me in. I included a photo with and without flash because it was really difficult to get a good swatch.

The eyeshadow duos are slightly disappointing. I didn’t expect much for $3, but I did expect more than chalky and patchy application. 

These shadows are meh at best.

The shimmers were OK in that the colors are pretty but they’re stiff to swatch.  I had to apply a lot of product to get a good swatch. There wasn’t much fall out for any of the shimmers, though.  The mattes, eesh, the mattes are a hot mess.  They are chalky and they just swatched awful. The only redeeming quality is that for being chalky is minimal fall out. Peach Squad swatched the best.  I’ll give the shadows a few more tries.

The beauty of e.l.f. cosmetics is the brand is affordable and an occasional miss doesn’t break the bank. 

Have you tried any of these products? 

❤

May Favorites

Well, another month has come and gone which means it’s time for another Monthly Favorites post!  

My May favorites (All links open in a new window):

1) Ponds Cold Cream – I decided to go old school and try this way of makeup removal. I like it.  I think.  I’ve used it daily for over a month, and though it still feels strange to use a cream to remove my makeup, it really works!  My skin feels so soft and moisturized after using. I don’t always use it to remove my eye makeup though because I can’t get it completely off and then my eyes have this weird film that annoys the crap out of me.  For my mascara removal, I use a facial cleansing cloth.

2) It Cosmetics Superhero Mascara – I bought this on a recommendation from Bonnie (Queen of the Girl Geeks).  Read my First Impression on this product here.  I was hesitant to purchase this mascara because I had a bad experience with a similar mascara that rhymes with Poo Taced Smetter Ban Hex. I purchased the Superhero mascara, received it on May 1st, tried it for the first time on May 2nd, and have used it EVERY STINKIN’ DAY since without fail. I LOVE IT.  I will do a separate review on this mascara because it’s deserving of its own post.

3) IBY Beauty Blush in Peach Sheen – I received this blush in a Beautycon beauty box.  I tried it for the first time at the beginning of May and have used it every day since, thus giving my Too Faced Love Flush blush a break.  🙂 It’s a beautiful shimmery peach.  I didn’t use this right away when I received it because of the sheen, but I find that I actually like the shimmer it gives to my cheeks. 

4) Purpose Dual Treatment moisturizer – I have incredibly sensitive and sometimes dry skin.  I did an internet search for the best moisturizers, and Purpose was #6 out of 15 in an article by Elle posted in March 2017. Read the article here. I only use this moisturizer at night because it is a bit heavy and I don’t have much time in the morning to wait between moisturizing and makeup application. Purpose is incredibly hydrating. I sometimes get dry patches from setting sprays and hydrating mists (I know, ironic, right?), and I use this moisturizer to help heal the dry areas.  It works pretty much overnight.  Highly recommended by dermatologists, this moisturizer puts my dry skin in check. It’s affordable at less than $5.00. Keep it away from your eyes, though, because once you get it in, you can’t get it out.

5) Rimmel London Stay Glossy lipgloss (Dorchester Rose) – I am in love with this lipgloss. It isn’t a long wearing gloss, what gloss is? But I don’t mind reapplying becaust it’s a beautiful shimmery sheer nude with little glittery particles that make my lips look pretty.  I love it so much that I have at least 3 backups.  🙂  The formula isn’t drying or sticky. I have a few different shades in this line and they’re all pretty awesome, but Dorchester Rose is my fave.

6) OGX Orchid Oil Color Protect – This product also came in a Beautycon beauty box, but you can buy it at Ulta, Walmart, etc..  I just started using this the first week of May and I love it!  I color my hair black every 4-6 weeks, and this spray is supposed to slow premature fading.  I don’t know if it really helped with that, but it did make my hair feel incredibly soft and it smells… OMG the smell… it smells wonderful, and that wonderful scent lasted all day.

Have you used any of these products?  Share your May favorites with me in the comments!

❤️

 

Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara – UPDATE

In March, I purchased a deluxe sample size of the Too Faced Better Than Sex mascara from Sephora. At the first use, I LOVED this product.  The mascara was unlike any other I’d ever used.  The wand is hourglass shaped and just enough product covered the wand to make for wonderful application.  My lashes looked UH-MAY-ZING. In fact, I was SO in LOVE that I wrote a blog post about it ——-> Read it here (link will open in a new window).

Not the best pics, but these are the pics I took after the first time using the mascara. I did not apply to my lower lashes because the wand is so bulky that I was afraid I’d poke out my eye.

The claims (Taken from Too Faced’s website):

What I love about the mascara:

My lashes had insane volume and looked longer. The product did not flake or look clumpy.  Each lash was coated perfectly.  Clean up was a cinch!  Excess mascara came off my skin so easily with the swipe of a brush or cotton swab. The mascara held up well during the day, again, with no flaking or transfer. I had never been so impressed with a mascara, so much so that I was going to spend $23 on a full sized tube.  Well, I didn’t have to purchase a full size because a friend saw my post on Facebook and bought me one.  I was elated! I used the travel size for a while longer and then finally cracked open the full size.

What I dislike about the mascara:

In 3 days, the tube was a clumpy mess.  Mascara bunched up on the wand and created a mess on my fingers and on my sink.  It was a mess to apply.  I was so disappointed! I called Sephora and they agreed to allow me to return it for a new one.

The photos don’t do the mess justice.  In fact, I had just wiped the tube just before I thought to take photos, so most of the mess was cleaned up.

I was hopeful that it was just a dud and that my new one wouldn’t behave badly. WRONG. The same happened with the replacement. I was not happy.  A $23 mascara should not do this! On April 3rd, I contacted Too Faced on Facebook on Facebook and messaged them with the photos. I still have not heard from them, and my message still shows as unread. *angry face*

 

Look, I know they’re busy, however, a large company such as Too Faced should have a department (and probably does) solely for social media and responding to messages. It’s discouraging.  I contacted e.l.f. cosmetics about a discontinued product and heard from them within 24 hours.  Jus’sayin’.

I really enjoyed the mascara and wanted to overlook these issues, though at $23, I just can’t let it go. It has such amazing potential. 

I do have to say that I didn’t have ANY issues with the travel size. The travel size actually had a narrow opening for catching excess product. I would gladly spend $12 on the travel size because it is THAT good. 

What are your thoughts on this mascara? What is your ride or die mascara? 

❤️

Makeup Collection Part 5 – Concealer

If you have mature skin, concealers can make or break you.

I sometimes use concealer to cover age spots, pimples, and redness. I do not put concealer under my eyes because no matter the product, my wrinkled under eyes are magnified and I look older than I am.  The reason I have so many concealers is because I wanted to try different products to see if I could use under my eyes.  All were a fail, so now I keep all products away from my under eye area.

Holy poo, I have a lot of concealers!

The plastic container is from my local Dollar Tree.

• NYX Color correcting palette (I only use the green)
• Bye Bye Under Eye (light/medium)
• Maybelline Master Conceal (light/medium)
• Hard Candy Glamoflauge (I bought this to cover a tattoo. It worked OK)
• e.l.f. Concealer palette
• e.l.f. Maximum Coverage concealer (Porcelain)
• NYX CC cream (Peach) I have NO idea why I purchased this.
• NYX HD studio concealer (Fair)
• Maybelline Instant Age Rewind (Fair)
• Maybelline Instant Age Rewind (Brightening  )
• e.l.f. HD concealer (light/green/purple) I think I bought these before I knew what they were for. Now that I know, they’re probably expired.
• Measurable Difference Concealer collection (from a beauty box)

The Maybelline Instant Age Rewind concealers dry out my skin, so I use them sparingly, if at all anymore. The Maybelline Master Conceal is a pretty good dupe for the Bye Bye Under Eye, and half the cost.  I don’t think e.l.f. makes the green and purple HD concealers anymore.

After seeing how many concealers I have and don’t use, I think it’s time for a more brutal decluttering!

What concealers do you love?

❤️

Life.

My Macbook is dead. I can’t get to the Apple store until next Thursday.  😞

I am moving house. 😁 I get the keys next Friday. So, I am packing my current house. 

My posts may be limited. I will do my best to keep up using my phone and ipad.

Life happens. 

Hope y’all are having a great week! 

❤️

Cherilyn

Makeup Collection Part 4 – Primer

Primers.  They’re kind of a boring product, right?  I don’t have a large collection because I decluttered a crap load not long ago, and to be honest, I always forget about ’em because I don’t always use a primer.  I find when my skin is free of texture and red spots, I go without.

The plastic container is from my local Dollar Tree.

My current tiny collection of primers:

• e.l.f. Aqua Primer mist
• Maybelline Master Prime (My current favorite)
• Maybelline Instant Age Rewind
• Maybelline Baby Skin Instant Pore Eraser
• e.l.f. hydrating under eye primer
• Smashbox Photo Finish
• benefit The POREfessional (Maybelline Master Prime is probably a good dupe for this product at half the price)

All of these primers are OK, though my preferred primer is the Maybelline Master Prime. It has a nice moisturizer feel, and I prefer that to the slippery silicone feel that I get with the Age Rewind, POREfessional, Baby Skin, and Smashbox primers.

Before I realized I’m allergic to coconut oil/water, my favorite primer was Too Faced Hangover RX.  I didn’t use it daily, which is why it took a while to realize I was allergic to the ingredients.  😦

I haven’t tried any of the illuminating/highlighting primers, though I’d love to!  I have heard great things about the Catrice brand, as well as the Maybelline Blur + Illuminate primer.

Do you always use a primer? What is your ride or die primer?  Let’s see your collection!

❤ 

 

Boxycharm – May Unboxing

If you’ve not heard of this box, Boxycharm is a monthly beauty subscription service. For $21/month, you receive 4-5 full sized beauty products in a cute little black box.  Each box is always worth $100+!

This month’s theme is Makeup is Art (All links will open in a new window):

• Convertible Brow – The BrowGal in Brown Fair ($35USD)
• Brow Brush – The BrowGal ($14USD)
• Round Contour Brush – Crown Pro ($24.99USD)
• Liquid Glow – Temptu ($24USD) Boxycharm card lists this product at $29.50, but Temptu’s website has it for $24.
• Highlight & Contour Palette – IBY Beauty ($40USD)

Total box value: $143.49  WOW!

I have the Convertible Brow in 01 Dark Hair.  I received it in a beauty box, and I LOVE it! I’m not all that good in the brow department and this product makes me look as if I am.  I just dust on a light coating of the dark powder, spoolie it through, add some brow gel and my brows look amazing.  I use it every day with The BrowGal brow brush.  They’re both great products.

That brush!  I have wanted a paddle brush since I first saw Tati use one in a tutorial! I am excited to use this brush!  I tossed the lid because I won’t use it and it annoyed me trying to put it back on.  I’m far too impatient for lids. I’ll be using the brush tomorrow and reviewing it soon!

I am diggin’ the highlight/contour palette (the colors looks gorgeous!), as well as the liquid highlight!  I don’t contour often, but I highlight err’day.

Overall, I am happy with this month’s box!  Boxycharm hasn’t had any misses for me since I’ve subscribed over 6 months ago.

If you want to check out Boxycharm for yourself, click my referral link here!  If you want to check out Boxycharm and subscribe without clicking the referral link, clicky clicky right here!

❤