e.l.f. cosmetics hydrating water sheet mask – A Review

I’m ducking because I know I’ve mentioned this sheet mask several times on my blog that one of you is prepared to throw something at me, but I swear I mention it so many times for good reasons!

Look, for $3 USD, you can’t get a better sheet mask. No, I don’t work for or with e.l.f. cosmetics (e.l.f. cosmetics, if yer reading this, I’m available!).  I just want to share this awesome product with youz guys! I purchase this mask from their website and I buy these suckers in bulk.  You can buy yours here.

Lemme tell you a true story… last night I decided to shave the peach fuzzies off my face. I swear I’m part animal because I’m a freekin’ hairy beast.  In case you’re wondering, I use eos shaving cream with the Touch N Brow razors from Sally Beauty. No, the peach fuzz does not grow back black, coarse and thicker.  I’ve been doing this for years and my peach fuzz is still peach and just as soft as it was the day I was born.  After removing my peach fuzz I used the e.l.f. sheet mask to hydrate my skin.  The cooling sensation from the wet mask felt amazing after I removed my face fur.

Ok, can we just take a moment to whoo hoo over how this sheet mask fits on my face? The mask comes out of the package super goopy with its miracle serum and clings to my face perfectly. I don’t have to continually smooth it out to keep it adhered to my face.  The part above my lip stays above my lip.  The eye holes are perfect.  The mask covers my entire face and stays on my face until I take it off.  JUST LOOK AT THAT FIT!  LOOK!

I kept the mask on for 30 minutes.  I have no idea how long the instructions call for (I just checked, it’s 10-15 minutes), but I did 30 minutes because I’m 44, have mature skin and need all the hydration I can get. After 30 minutes I removed the mask and massaged in the miracle serum left on my face, as well as used the remaining miracle serum in the package.  I just allowed it to absorb into my skin.  I didn’t rinse or apply moisturizer.

I have used all kinds of sheet masks but none compare.  I don’t know what’s in it, all I know is it works at hydrating my dry skin.  Oh, here’s what’s in it:

e.l.f. has most definitely stepped up its game with its skincare line, and there’s no shame in my game using these products vs. high end.  I’ve paid a lot more than $3 for sheet masks at Sephora and Ulta, and none measured up to this mask.  I continue to buy other masks because that’s what I do.  I buy other masks, try ’em out, then post the reviews here for you to either run out and buy them, or save your money.  🙂

I haven’t been able to find these sheet masks in store and I’m hoping that soon changes. I don’t mind ordering online, but when I order online I always end up buying a whole bunch of other products because I CAN’T HELP MYSELF.  I’ll be doing an e.l.f. haul post next week because clearly I have a problem.  😉

Do yourself a favor and buy a few of these sheet masks.  I say to buy a few because you’ll use one and then be mad that you didn’t order more.  TRUST ME.

Buy ’em ———-> here

Thank you for reading! ❤

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Thank YOU!

As I write this, I have 64 readers!  That is amazing!  I am incredibly thankful and grateful for each one of you!

The interaction is the best!  I love knowing that I wrote something someone can relate to, or that I wrote a review that gets someone excited to try the product. Sharing in this capacity is incredibly fulfilling.  I want to create more, and read more about you, and find more people to interact with and learn about.

Why I started this blog: I started this blog after doing several product reviews on my Facebook page.   I originally wanted to do YouTube videos, but I lack the confidence presently to take that step.  To venture into the video world, I started doing a weekly face mask Facebook post with a video of opening, explaining and using the face mask.  The posts did very well, and I started getting requests, and even had friends join in and post their own videos with reviews.  With the Facebook posts taking off, I decided to start this blog.  I haven’t introduced this blog to my friends and family just yet, and I may not.  I kind of like the separation.

Since starting in late January, I have come to “know” some pretty amazing people! From reading posts about beauty to posts about life, poetry, inspiration, and of course, the reviews on products from all over the globe, and FOOD, this is such an incredible platform that I am truly thankful to be a part of!  Y’all are incredible and I am so fortunate to get to learn about you!

Why the blog name cherilyn does?: When I had the idea to do YouTube videos, I wanted a name that didn’t pigeonhole me into one genre.  I wanted to do things and post videos about those many different things from photography, to beauty/makeup, to off-roading, to cooking and exercise, and more!  I want to share the places I go and the things I do.  🙂 Each video was going to be titled in the format cherilyn does kayaking or cherilyn does off-roading.  Rather than title each blog post in this manner, I decided to title the entire blog as cherilyn does…

This post is a Thank You to all of you.  You are appreciated.  ❤

Thank you for reading and for your continued support!

Makeup Collection Part 2 – Blush/Bronzer/Contour

Happy Saturday!

Y’all ready for part 2 of my makeup collection? Today’s post is showing you my collection of blushes and bronzers, with a few contour palettes thrown in.  These are the boring products, right along with primers.

Again, you’ll see a lot of e.l.f. products because affordable makeup is key when buying products that I do not use on a regular basis.  I can play around and find what works for me without spending a lot of money. My skin has a negative reaction with some higher end products, which is why I turned to e.l.f. cosmetics about 5-6 years ago.  Only recently have I started reintroducing high end products back into my makeup collection.

I don’t contour or bronze often and I was completely surprised at the amount of blushes I have!  I thought I only had MAYBE 3 or 4.  I have TWELVE, including two blush palettes! To be fair, a few are from beauty boxes.  🙂

The plastic container used to store my collection is from my local Dollar Tree.

Blushes:

• Too Faced Love Flush blush (Love Hangover)
• Wet ‘n Wild Coloricon ombre blush (In a Purple Haze)
• Wet ‘n Wild Coloricon ombre blush (The Princess Daiquiries)
• Wet ‘n Wild Coloricon (Apri-Cot in the Middle)
• e.l.f. Contouring blush/bronzer duo (Fiji)
• e.l.f. Contouring blush/bronzer duo (St. Lucia)
• e.l.f. baked blush (Peachy cheeky)
• e.l.f. powder blush palette (Light)
• e.l.f. cream blush palette (Soft)
• IBY Beauty (Peach sheen)
• pür cheek stain (Rosé)
• NYX bright idea illuminating stick (Rose Petal Pop)
• The two e.l.f. blushes in the back are extra Fiji and St. Lucia blush/bronzer duos

Bronzers/Contour:

• Wet ‘n Wild ColorIcon bronzer (Ticket to Brazil)
• e.l.f. cream contour palette
• e.l.f. warm bronzer
• e.l.f. bronzer palette (Light/Medium)
• e.l.f. bronzer palette (Deep/Dark)
• e.l.f. foundation stick (Coffee) Discontinued

What blushes, bronzers and contour products do you have?  Do you regularly bronze and contour? Show me what you got!

Thank you for reading! ❤

 

Friday Fun! 21 Quirky Questions about Beauty & Pop Culture Favs

Taking a post from one of my favorites, Bonnie (Queen of the Girl Geeks), titled Friday Fun! 21 Quirky Questions about Beauty & Pop Culture Favs (read Bonnie’s post here), below are my answers to her fun questions!

One – Favorite Decade?

I am going to have to copy Bonnie and say the 80’s! I was a huge fan of Duran Duran, Adam Ant, Madonna, INXS..  I can go on and on! When I think back on favorite times of my life, the 80’s definitely stand out.

Two – Favorite Lipstick?

I don’t wear lipstick so I’ll answer with my favorite lipgloss: Rimmel London’s Stay Glossy in Dorchester Rose.

Three – Last Movie?

I just finished watching Karate Kid (the original) for the millionth time. 🙂  LOOK EYE, ALWAYS LOOK EYE.

Four – Shampoo I’m Using Right Now?

Garnier Fructis Color Shield in rotation with TIGI Urban Antidotes Resurrection shampoo

Five – 5th & 15th Book On My Kindle Shelf? 

I don’t have a Kindle, however, the books I have on my shelf are:

Etta James – Rage to Survive and Johnny Cash – Cash

Six – Most Hated 80’s Fashion?

Stirrup pants.  Uggh, the absolute worst.

Seven – First Concert?

New Kids on the Block.

Eight – Most “Meh” Beauty Product?

Any liquid lipstick and concealer.

Nine – Heels or Flats?

Heels! I don’t get to wear them often, though.

Ten – 3 Favorite Beauty Brands Right Now?

e.l.f., Too Faced, and Maybelline

Eleven –  What’s In Your Purse Make-Up Bag?

Maybelline Master Prime blurring primer, e.l.f. flawless finish foundation, e.l.f. blush, e.l.f. volumizing mascara, a Real Techniques beauty sponge, and a couple e.l.f. brushes.

Twelve – Favorite TV Mom?

Lois from Family Guy.

Thirteen – I hate the number 13.

I’ll use this number to share a random fact about me.  I suffer from claustrophobia.

Fourteen –  Splurge Beauty Buy?

Jeffree Star Androgyny eyeshadow palette and the ABH Nicole Guerriero Glow Kit. SO WORTH IT, THOUGH. 🙂

Fifteen –  Beauty Quirk?

EYEBROWS.  Shaping, plucking, anything to do with my eyebrows.  Right along with 80’s stirrup pants, they’re the worst.

Sixteen –  Travel Wish List?

Africa, Bora Bora, Egypt, Prague, Alaska.. the entire world! 🙂

Seventeen – Lush vs. Bath & Body Works?

Haven’t tried either.  😦  I think I’ve used Bath & Body Works products, but it’s been a while so I don’t remember if I liked them.

Eighteen – Closet TV Indulgence?

Watching the World Poker Tour.  And Dirty Jobs.  I have a crush on Mike Rowe. 🙂 I mean, who doesn’t?

Nineteen – Biggest Beauty Fear?

Trying a new look and leaving my house looking foolish.  I also want to try doing YouTube videos, but I don’t think I ever will get the nerve.

Twenty – Geek-Out TV Fest Favorites?

I enjoy Grace and Frankie, OITNB and Game of Thrones.

Twenty-One – What are you eating right now?

Nothing. BUT, I’m getting ready to make a small bag of popcorn.

Tag!  You’re it! Copy and paste, link back to Bonnie and tag me so I can read your posts!

Thank you for reading!  ❤  Don’t forget to read Bonnie’s post !

April Favorites

With a new month quickly approaching, I wanted to join in on the monthly Favorites posts. I love reading yours and then going out and buying what your favorites are in hopes they become my favorites!  🙂

My April favorites (All links will open in a new page):

1) PÜR Miracle Mist Hydrating Spray – I picked this up during Ulta’s 21 Days of Beauty for $13.  It smells so good and I use just a few sprays to refresh my skin after makeup application.  The citrus smell is invigorating. I only use it a few times a week in the morning after showering.  A lot of these mists/sprays contain ingredients that are harsh on my sensitive skin, and though I may enjoy how they feel on my skin, I use them sparingly to avoid irritation. This mist retails for $18 at Ulta.

2) OLEHENRIKSEN Sheer Transformation Perfecting Moisturizer – I LOVE this moisturizer.  I use this about three times a week in rotation with another moisturizer, but I love how it melts into my skin without that heavy greasy feeling.  It’s perfect when my skin has dry patches. I buy the smaller size (0.5oz) for $12 rather than a 1.7oz jar for $38.  I purchase this at Sephora.

3) Too Faced Love Flush blush in Love Hangover – I picked up this blush during Ulta’s 21 Days of Beauty for $13.  The color is a lovely peachy pink and looks beautiful on my fair skin. I am so in LOVE with this blush! It doesn’t smell, and it blends out wonderfully.  It is rare that I find a blush I like so much, and out of all the cosmetics in my collection, blushes are not something I have more than 3 or 4 of.  I have been using this every day and will be sad when I have to pay $26 for a new one.

4) Morphe M521 brush –  This is my new holy grail/ride or die/tried and true brush that I use to apply my highlight.  I recently switched from using my daily use of the Morphe M441, which also works pretty danged well, but I prefer the M441 brush more for eyeshadow application/blending.  The M521 is shorter and fatter. I try to switch up brushes each month so that I can find new favorites.  This brush is $5.99 on the Morphe website.

5) Cargo Cosmetics Around the World eye shadow palette – This palette came in my Spring 2017 Beautycon box. I don’t usually wear eyeshadow on the daily, but I have for most of April.  The colors in this palette are beautiful, highly pigmented, and blend OK, but HOLY FALL OUT, BATMAN! Do your eyeshadow first before applying the rest of your makeup. Amsterdam is a great inner eye highlight shade, and my most used shades are Paris, Moscow, Athens, and Toronto.  This palette retails for $34.

6) Anastasia Beverly Hills Nicole Guerriero Glow Kit – This will probably be my favorite every month until I hit pan on each shade and then I’ll be sad until I buy a new one. I LOVE LOVE LOVE this glow kit.  I am fair skinned but I don’t allow that to keep me from using every highlight shade. I try to mix it up using other highlighters, but I look at this palette and just can’t pass it up.   It is stunning, I don’t care what anyone says.  I’ll never think of this palette as a waste of money.  This Glow Kit is $40.

What are your favorites?  Are any of my favorites your favorites?

Makeup Collection Part 1 – EyeShadow

Makeup collections.  I thought I’d show mine in hopes that y’all will show me yours! 🙂  In order to keep it interesting, I broke it down into parts. I decided to start with my most favorite beauty product that I don’t use enough: eyeshadow.

I do not often wear eyeshadow but when I see a beautiful palette, or even a lovely single shadow, I have to buy it. A couple of the palettes below are from beauty boxes.  Also, you will see that I have a lot of e.l.f. products.  Because I do not wear eyeshadow regularly, I tend to purchase affordable palettes that allow me to play around and work on my application technique.  Occasionally, I will allow myself to splurge on a higher end palette. 🙂

The plastic containers I store my shadows in are from my local Dollar Tree.

• Jeffree Star Beauty Killer
• Jeffree Star Androgyny
• Cargo Cosmetics Around the World
• Pure Cosmetics Buff Collection
• Makeup Revolution (Ultra 32/Flawless 3 Resurrection/Affirmation 32)
• z palette with random shadows from beauty boxes
• e.l.f. baked eyeshadow palettes (California/Seattle)
• e.l.f. Prism (Naked)
• e.l.f Prism (Smoke)
• e.l.f. Everyday Smokey
• e.lf. Mad for Matte
• e.l.f. Mad for Matte 2
• e.l.f. Rose Gold
• e.l.f. Need it Nude
• Naked Cosmetics (Desert Sunset)
• e.lf. Clay eyeshadow palettes (Necessary Nude/Saturday Sunsets/Seaside Sweetie/ Smoked to Perfection)
• e.l.f. Holiday (Smokey)
• e.l.f. Holiday (Natural)

Single eyeshadows:

• Naked Cosmetics (Desert Sunset)
• Peek Cosmetics (250K8)
• e.l.f. Aqua Beauty Molten Liquid (Brushed Copper)
• Artist Couture (Diamond Glow Powder)
• Wet n’ Wild (Sugar & Creme Brulee
• e.l.f. smudge pot (Ain’t That Sweet/Gotta Glow/Wine Not/Cruisin’ Chic/Brownie Points/Poppin’ Party)
• e.l.f. Long Lasting shadow (Gala &Toast)
• Too Faced Chocolate Soleil/theBalm Bahama Mama/Elizabeth Mott Whatup Beaches bronzers

I love the Jeffree Star palettes, and though I do not use them nearly enough to justify their purchase, they are amazing shadows and worth every penny, so I don’t feel guilty buying them.  🙂  The Cargo Cosmetics and Buff Collection palettes are from beauty boxes, as is the tiny z pallet, which is filled with single eyeshadows received from beauty boxes. I purchased the Makeup Revolution palettes from Ulta during a sale.  A few of my single shadows aren’t shadows, but bronzers, and I thought the Artist Couture was a single eye shadow but it’s a loose powder highlighter, so I have since removed it from my eyeshadow collection and put it with my highlighters!

Show me your eyeshadow collection!

Thank you for reading! ❤

Mascara – A Rant

I have had it with mascara.  I LOVE mascara, and I need mascara, but within the last year of trying new mascaras, some expensive, some middle of the road, I’ve been left with nothing but disappointment.

Remember back in the day when you’d have to give a good tug to pull out that mascara wand and then hear a snug bloop noise, almost like a “tupperware burp” and the mascara wand would come out and look as if it didn’t have any product on it? That noise was because the mascara had a narrow opening to remove excess product from the wand. Remember you’d have to dip your wand into the tube 5 or 6 times to be able to coat your lashes like a fiend?  I miss those days.

Now, we get mascaras with openings as wide as the Grand Canyon and globs of product coming out on the wand.  This ticks me off.

Look at the opening of this mascara tube.  It’s just a big ol’ hole.  I could tip this over and the wand would just fall out. I only purchased this yesterday.  It’s already a mess with product around the rim. *sigh*

This is the issue I had with my $23 Better Than Sex mascara from Too Faced Cosmetics. Too much product is coming out and creating a flippin’ mess.  I can deal with a smudge of mascara on my face, but I had it on my hands, it was all over the tube, and all over my sink. And let me tell you, $23 for a mascara is ridiculous. I know I’m a bit rage-y.  I know it’s just mascara, but it’s super frustrating to spend $6 here, $8 there, $23 over there for a product that you get 3 uses out of before it becomes a disaster in a tube, getting mascara all over the place, and not usable any more.  I haven’t even written my Too Faced BTS mascara post yet because I’m so disappointed.  That mascara has such AMAZING potential.  The sample size was PHENOMENAL. That’s what suckered me in. Get your shite together, Too Faced.

Before I started changing up my mascara game, I used the e.l.f. brand mascaras.  Never had a problem like this.  The only issue I faced was the mascara drying up within a few weeks to a couple months. But hey, for $3, I’ll take that over a clumpy and sloppy mess err’day. <—–  I’m so sorry for using that word.

I bought this Rimmel Scandaleyes Retro Glam because it’s supposed to be a dupe for the Too Faced Better Than Sex mascara. The wand is similar, probably better, but it’s still a nightmare when applied to the lashes because of the amount of product that comes out of the tube.  Yes, I wipe the excess off on the tube.  I’ve even dabbed the wand with tissue, but I shouldn’t have to do that.  The wand should come out with just enough product.

Ok, I’m going to end my rant.  If you’ve read this far, you are a saint.  ❤

Have you had this issue?  What is your main beauty product rant?

Dermactin-TS Moisturizing Sheet Mask – A Review

Yesterday morning I decided to try this Dermactin-TS moisturizing sheet mask.  I’ve never tried this brand before; I recently picked up this mask at Sally Beauty.  I prefer hydrating and moisturizing masks because while my skin is normal to dry, currently I am experiencing bouts of dry patches.

I opened the pack and immediately it smelled slightly medicinal. I unfolded the mask and was surprised to find that it was in two pieces.  The eye holes had flaps, so I don’t know if I was supposed to cover my eyes. I just left the flappy eye parts down. As you can see in the photo, the nose piece was really large.  It was just a strange mask.

I placed it on my freshly cleansed face. This mask was saturated pretty well.  It felt nice on my face and I like that I didn’t have to continuously press the mask onto my skin.  It held on pretty well. The instructions called to leave it on for 15-20 minutes and then wash off any remaining residue with warm water.

After 20 minutes, I removed the mask and rinsed off the residue.  My skin looked somewhat moisturized, and I smelled the medicinal serum.  Even after applying moisturizer, I could still smell the serum from the mask.  It’s not overpowering, just noticeable.

I don’t have anything negative to say about the mask.  My face did look moisturized and hydrated, and my skin felt nice.  Thirty minutes later, my skin still felt really good.

I give this mask 4 **** out of 5 asterisks. 🙂

Have you tried masks from this brand? What are your go-to sheet masks?

Thank you for reading! ❤

 

Things I Love

Earlier yesterday I read a sweet post from the beautiful Meena (makeupandmeena) titled Things I Love.  After reading her words, I was inspired to write my own post filled with the Things I Love.

With Meena’s permission, I have linked her Things I Love post here.

Here are my

(These are in no particular order)

I love my family.  We live pretty close to each other, but we don’t see each other all that often.  Busy schedules tend to interfere.  ❤

I love my grandson.  I know he constitutes as family, but he deserves his own little paragraph. My grandson, Danté, is 2.5 years old and is my best friend.  I love him more than anything ever in this world.  I cry happy tears when he’s asleep in my arms, and sad tears when I watch my daughter drive away with him crying in the backseat. He is my world, and I’d do anything for him. ❤

I love my dogs.  I have a Boston Terrier and Shih-Tzu. They are pains in the arse, but I can’t live without them.  ❤

I love all things beauty. That includes YouTube.  I watch more beauty tutorials and reviews than shows on television. I love makeup and face masks. Buying products and sharing my thoughts on them is fun and keeps me busy.  ❤

I love the small group of friends that I have.  Thanks to being burned many times in my life, I set high standards for those I choose to hang around with.  I have many acquaintances, but a pretty wonderful small group of friends that I actually spend time with and confide in. ❤

I love my Jeep. I never thought I’d see the day where I love a vehicle so much that when I walk away from it, I turn around to get another glance.  I have wanted a Jeep since I was about 10 years old. Finally, at 41, I bought one. It’s expensive, not just with the monthly payment, but with the upgrades and the modifications, but I wouldn’t trade it for the world.  I’ve met so many amazing people, I have gone to many beautiful places to ride, and have participated in events that raise money for charities, including a charity to support the families of fallen Law Enforcement Officers. ❤

I love Christmas music.  I will sing Christmas carols all year round (and annoy everyone around me). My absolute favorite Christmas song is Carol of the Bells by Trans-Siberian Orchestra (listen here – at 2:48 the beat DROPS, ya’ll).  ❤

I love my black Converse Chucks.  I have to wear dress pants and a nice blouse to work, but I refuse to wear anything else on my feet but my black Chucks. In fact, I only wear my black Chucks to work.  On my days off, I wear flip flops or tennis shoes. ❤

I love frozen marshmallows. I don’t eat them very often, but I enjoy a few as a yummy snack from time to time. Freeze ’em then eat ’em.  Thank me later. ❤

Last but NEVER ever least, I love photography. It’s a hobby, it’s a passion. From landscapes, to flowers, to my dogs, to wildlife, my ultimate dream is to work for National Geographic. ❤

I hope you have read and enjoyed Meena’s Things I Love post, and enjoyed reading mine!

I challenge YOU to write your own Things I Love post!  If you accept this challenge, please include a link to Meena’s post.

Don’t forget to tag me so that I can read your posts! ❤

 

Sally Beauty – A Haul

This morning I went to Sally Beauty to see what face masks I can pick up! I tend to forget about Sally Beauty as I probably shop there twice, mayyyyybe three times, a year.

I really went to Sally Beauty because I wanted to pick up one of those facial cleansing brushes, just an inexpensive one, to use to cleanse my nose.  I have the most trouble with my nose, where blackheads are concerned, so I don’t want to spend a lot of money on a facial cleansing brush that I won’t use for my entire face.

Well, I did buy an inexpensive brush for under $2 (with my beauty card), as well as a bunch of masks, and some brow razors.  Obviously I can’t go into Sally Beauty and NOT look at their face masks and other skin care products!  I mean, what kind of woman would that make me?! 😉

Here’s a pic of my haul:

I have never tried the Dermactin-TS brand, so I’m excited to give ’em a go.  I picked up two moisturizing, one anti-aging and one purifying sheet masks.  I also bought a 3-step pore refining and deep hydration treatment mask from the same brand.

I’ve used the Freeman brand before, and I’ve liked all but two (charcoal and black sugar scrub gave me hives, and the diamond dust one was a nightmare with the diamond dust getting into my eyes even though I was careful, mom.).  The Freeman masks I bought:

• Brightening green tea & orange blossom peel-off gel mask
• Clearing sweet tea & lemon peel-off clay mask
• Deep clearing manuka honey & tea tree oil clay mask/cleanser
• Rejuvenating cucumber & pink salt clay mask

While browsing, I spotted this Queen Helene Volcanic Ash masque, and I HAD to buy it. Stay tuned for a review on this interesting product!  I have several Queen Helene masques and scrubs and I like them all.

I use the brow razors to shave off the peach fuzz on my face.  🙂

I spent just under $40 for all these goodies.

Have you tried any of these products? Do you use a facial cleansing brush? If so, what are your thoughts?

Thank you for reading!  I hope y’all are having a beautiful day! ❤

Ipsy – April Unbagging

I received my Ipsy bag on Thursday! After watching all the videos and reading all the posts on the April bag, I could not wait to get mine in the mail!

If you’re not familiar with this, 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.  Look how cute the bag is for April!

I am diggin’ this month’s bag. It’s a sturdy vinyl with a nice zipper pull.

This month’s products include:

• hanalei Aloe Soothing Gel  – $30 (ALOE30 for 30% off)
• PEEK Beauty eye will stay eyeshadow in 250k8 – (IPSYEYE20 for 20% off)
• theBalm Cosmetics Mary-Lou Manizer  –  $24 (IPSY20 for 20% off)
• hey honey Bésame Mucho shea butter & propolis lip balm – $14 (KissMeHoney for 20% off)
• Luxie Dreamcatcher Precision Foundation Brush 660 – $23 (IPSY660 for 30% off)

While I was waiting for my hair color to sink in, I tried out the hanalei aloe soothing gel and I really enjoyed how it felt on my skin.  I washed my face and applied this product instead of moisturizer.  I have it on my face this morning as I write this. The gel is clear and has a nice clean scent. It dried pretty quickly on my face and feels really nice on my skin.  I wish this would have been a full sized product. A full sized jar is $30, and though I can get 30% off, I am sure I can find something almost as similar for a lot less.  I also tried the hey honey Bésame Mucho shea butter & propolis lip balm.  This balm feels good on my lips.  It’s a very slippery balm, and it comes out white but appears clear on the lips. It glides on nice and doesn’t have any sort of weird taste.  I put it on my lips before going to bed and it held up pretty well.  I have it on my lips this morning.  It’s not bad, but it’s not $14 good. For $4, my Chicken Poop is better.

The other products I received I have not yet tried.  I have quite a few Luxie brushes, but I’ve not used them.

Overall, I am pretty happy with this month’s Ipsy bag and products.  I love receiving items that I’ve never used or heard of.    🙂

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!

Thank you for reading! ❤

I Feel Pretty – Thursday’s Makeup

Two posts in one day!  I’m uppin’ my game, y’all!  I am going to break down today’s makeup routine as I tried out new products that I’ve had for a while, and two products that I received just yesterday in my April Boxycharm!

Yes, I am reusing the photo from my Cargo Cosmetics Essential Lipgloss review for this post because it’s the only pic I took, and I do not like taking selfies.  My bathroom lighting was too harsh so I was in my living room in front of my sliding glass window.  It’s a bit overcast here in Florida today, so I apologize for the lighting issue. Also, I don’t know how to take selfies.  I’m the photographer, not the photographee. 😉  And holy nostrils, batman.  

I don’t usually wear makeup on my days off, but I spent the day out with a girlfriend, and that requires a done up face.

Here we go!

I moisturized with the Ole Henriksen Sheer Transformation moisturizer. I did not prime or add color correcting concealer to my face today before going in with my e.l.f. flawless finish foundation in porcelain (now called natural). I wanted a sheer foundation look today so I used my beauty blender for application. Once my foundation was on, I dabbed a bit of the e.l.f. hd powder in sheer to set my foundation. Then it was time to add a bit of brow powder from the Convertible Brow from The BrowGal.  Today was my first time using this product and I LOVE it.  It came in a beauty box (I think Boxycharm) and it retails for $35.  I used the black powder on my eyebrows. I know, I am in need of some serious eyebrow shaping; I’m workin’ on it! 😉

Once my brows were done, I applied the Rimmel London ScandalEyes flex mascara on the top lashes (those are my natural lashes, y’all) and applied the e.l.f. Volume Plumping mascara to my lower lashes. Next, I used my Ofra Rodeo Drive highlighter that I received in my April Boxycharm.  I apply the highlighter on my cheekbones. Then I applied my Too Faced Love Flush blush in Love Hangover.  I always apply my highlighter before my blush.  At 44 years old, I can’t bling too much because it draws attention to my wrinkled under eyes. This process gives me the most beautiful and subtle glow that still leaves me beaming for the gods.

 

Ok, can I just say the Too Faced Love Flush blush in Love Hangover… this blush is so danged beautiful!  I have been using it every day since I bought it. It is my absolute perfect shade.  I bought it for $13 at Ulta during their 21 Days of Beauty.  It retails for $26, which is a bit too pricey for me, but I may just have to repurchase when this one’s gone.

So, after all of that beautyness, I use a clean brush to remove the excess mascara because UGGH I ALWAYS HAVE EXCESS mascara, and then I’ve decided to try something new. I am in love with e.l.f.’s Mineral Mist (Revitalizing Mist), which they have discontinued (and I am heartbroken), and have decided to try it as a setting spray.  I wrote a post about this magic mist here.  I must say that it’s 5.5 hours later, and my makeup still looks pretty danged good. I think I’m onto somethin’ here!

I did not wear eyeshadow today, so, I finished off my look with the Cargo Cosmetics Essentials Lipgloss in Umbria.  Read my review on this product here!

I hope you are having a wonderful day! ❤

Cargo Cosmetics Essential Lipgloss (Umbria) – A Review

I received the Cargo Cosmetics Essential Lipgloss in the color Umbria in my April Boxycharm (retails for $16).  It’s a beautiful sheer bronze shade lipgloss.

The packaging is pretty with the Cargo Cosmetics logo imprinted on the chrome lid.  The tube is plastic.  The doe foot applicator is incredibly cheap and easily bends making application almost a sloppy process.  This lipgloss came in a beauty box so I can get over that detail, however, if I had paid $16 for this, I’d not be happy.

The color is very sheer.  You can see the swatch on my arm shows a shimmery bronze, but when applied, it sheers out to almost clear in color.  It’s still very pretty when on my lips.  The lipgloss isn’t sticky, has a sweet smell, it might be vanilla, which is pleasant and not overpowering.  The product feels nice and moisturizing on my lips.

I like this lipgloss and will definitely continue to use it, but unless the applicator is different in a store bought gloss, I will not repurchase.

 

I am giving the Cargo Cosmetics Essentials Lipgloss in Umbria *** 3 asterisks out of 5 because the packaging is cool, the color and texture is pretty, and it wears nicely.

Do you own any of the Cargo Cosmetics Essentials Lipglosses?  What are your thoughts?

Thank you for reading! ❤

 

Boxycharm – April Unboxing

I was excited to receive this month’s Boxycharm because DAT HIGHLIGHTER DOE!

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 Boho Glow box:

• Rodeo Drive Highlighter – Ofra Cosmetics ($35)
• Contour Blending Sponges (3pcs) – PÜR Cosmetics ($36)
• Concealer Palette – Measurable Difference ($19.99)
• Lip gloss in Umbria – Cargo Cosmetics ($16)
• Hairgurt Smoothing Yogurt Shampoo – Hairgurt by Project Beauty ($10)

Total box worth: $116.99

I probably won’t use the concealer palette, and I’m excited that FINALLY, I received a beauty box with a lipgloss in a color I can use! The Hairgurt smells delightful; I’ll be using that tomorrow. The highlighter is gorgeous!  I swatched it and the color was stunning and it glided across my skin like butter.  I’m not a huge beauty sponge fan, but I’ll give it a go.

I’ve been a Boxycharm subscriber for maybe 6 months now, and I’ve enjoyed every box, even if there is a product included that I won’t use.

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!

Thank you for reading! ❤

Morphe Brush Box – April Unboxing

Here we go with April’s MorpheMe brush unboxing, rather, unenveloping! The packaging isn’t the cutest; it’s a bubble wrap envelope, but it has a cute accordion card with a breakdown of the brushes.

This month’s brushes:

• R10 – Deluxe tapered powder brush ($14.99)
• R40 – Deluxe pointed blender ($5.99)
• R8 – Pro flat contour brush ($11.99)

Total box worth: $32.97

These brushes are gorgeous! Made with goat bristles, each brush has a sturdy black handle and rose gold ferrule! So pretty!

I enjoy this subscription box because you can never have too many brushes. 🙂  So far, all the brushes have been awesome, and none have been repeats.

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.

Saturday – Getting To Know Me

Today is Saturday, and I have my 2.5 year old grandson (His name is Dante) until later this afternoon.  He’s still sleeping as I type this (it’s 8:07AM).  ❤

As it is my day off, I don’t wear makeup or wash my hair.  I do wash my face thoroughly in the morning and then moisturize moisturize moisturize!  My skin is so incredibly sensitive that I really need to have a day or two during the week to give it a rest from product.  If I’m going to be outdoors, I will use a BB cream with SPF or just plain ol’ sunblock on my face because I live in Florida, and well, I may as well be living on the surface of the sun because Florida is pretty danged close. 😉

On days that my skin really needs help, I’ll use the e.l.f. hydrating water sheet mask for a bit more hydration.  I know I’ve rambled on about this mask before and there’s a reason for that! If you have not used this sheet mask, do yourself a favor and pick up a few.  For $3 USD on the e.l.f. website, you won’t be disappointed.  I say pick up a few because if you only buy one, you’ll be disappointed that you didn’t order more to have on hand.  I haven’t used any of the other e.l.f. masks.  If you have, let me know your thoughts!  I’m kind of interested in the bubble mask.

For days I don’t wash my hair, I use Loma Fortifying Repairative Tonic.  It’s a light oil that only requires one tiny pump to tame the fly aways and make my hair look shiny and healthy.  I am not a fan of dry shampoos; they make my scalp itch.  I picked up a 4.25 fl. oz bottle of the Loma tonic from my hairdresser for $20 USD.   A little bit of this stuff goes a long way.

Do you give your skin and hair a day off from product?

Have a great day, y’all!  ❤

Dr. Jart+ Water Replenishment Sheet Mask – A Review

I am OBSESSED with sheet masks and regular masks and exfoliators and moisturizers. OH  MY!

I went to Sephora yesterday morning to exchange my Too Faced Better Than Sex mascara (OMG that’s a post I have to write), and I decided to browse the sheet masks.  I picked up seven of the nine shown, with the last one on the right one that I just used.

I have used several of the e.l.f. hydrating water sheet masks and I LOVE them.  For $3, it is AMAZING and I highly recommend it, even if you do not have dry skin. The others I have not yet tried.

Yesterday afternoon I used the Dr. Jart+ Water Replenishment Sheet Mask.  This mask is $7.50 at Sephora.  This mask does not contain parabens, sulfates or phthalates.  Here’s all the goodness it contains:

• Chamomile flower water to hydrate skin.
• Marine collagen which absorbs well, enhances moisture, improves skin texture, and provides anti-fine wrinkle effect.
• Witch hazel extract to improve corneum barrier function and prevent water evaporation, also provides a moisturizing effect.
• Cactus extract which contains 12 vitamins, provides an acne calming effect and moisturizing effect.

My thoughts:  The sheet mask was large, too large, especially above the lip, and the nose and chin area. The mask was saturated pretty well in the serum, but I had a difficult time keeping it on my face, and I had to constantly smooth it out onto my skin. The directions are to keep the mask on for 15-20 minutes, which I did, and then massage the remaining serum into the skin.  My skin LOVED the serum and my face looks incredibly refreshed and hydrated. I’ll probably buy this mask again just because my skin reacted well to the serum.  It is a bit pricey, but my skin did soak up the magic, and it didn’t make my face itch or break out in a rash, so it’s money well spent.

**** <—— I’m giving it 4 out of 5 asterisks just because the sheet mask was so large and clunky on my average sized face.

I’d prefer to just buy a tube or a jar of the serum and massage it into my skin, but I don’t think that’s an option.  Ahem, Dr. Jart+ (and you others), GET ON THAT.  🙂

I am curious to try the other masks but limit myself to one mask biweekly, unless my skin is a disaster and needs the help. I also have tubes of masks and exfoliators that I love.  I’ll have to share those another time.  Sheet masks seem to be the rage right now.

Do you have a favorite sheet mask?  What is your skin type and skin care routine?

My Beauty Space

Until I can turn our extra room into a beauty room, I currently have a beauty space in my bathroom.  I use a 4 drawer dresser to store my makeup.  I thought it would bother me to have this in my bathroom, but it has become the best thing ever.  I have a pretty nice linen closet in my bathroom, but space is limited, and if you’ll take a look at these photos, you’ll see I have a lot of STUFF.  I’m also big on organization.  Clutter drives me insane.  The storage bins are from the dollar store.  Nothin’ beats organization for a buck!

Welcome to my Beauty Space:

I love my brush holders.  I’ve done a post about them before.  The holders are actually stemless wine glasses, and my friend made the the decals for me.  The glass jars and wine glasses are from the dollar store.

This drawer contains all my primers, concealers, foundations, setting/fixing sprays, and setting/finishing powders.   

This drawer has all my highlighters, brow pencils, mascaras, bronzers and blushes.

 

My eyeshadow palettes, single eyeshadows and primers live here.

This is where I store extra product, false eyelashes, brush cleaner, my ipsy bags and extra brushes.

I love my teeny tiny beauty space in my bathroom.  Everything is accessible and nicely stored.

Show me your Beauty Space or Beauty Room!  I’d love to get some inspiration from your spaces for my future space!

I Work Out

Last week I signed up to Crunch Fitness.  Tomorrow night I do my first Belly Butt and Thighs Bootcamp class.  I’m looking forward to it, but I’m not looking forward to it.  I mean, I’m going to hurt afterwards.  While the reward will be worth it, all I’ll be thinking about while sweating away the Snickers bar I had for lunch is stopping at the gas station on the way home and buying another Snickers bar.

I kid, I kid.  While I do partake in eating unhealthy food from time to time, I do not partake often because I don’t like the way I feel after; sluggish and heavy.

It’s been about 2 years since I’ve worked out in a gym atmosphere.  I’m not easily intimidated by things, but my anxiety likes to tell me that I am.

I don’t much do or keep to New Year resolutions.  I tend to create goals later in the year to avoid the pressure. 🙂

Do you work out?  What goal(s) do you have for yourself, fitness wise? Do you have a favorite class or routine?

Music – 1987

Why You Treat Me So Bad – Club Nouveau

I went out with some friends last night and the DJ played this song.  I was amazed that I remembered the lyrics as I haven’t heard this song in over 20 years! Hearing it brought back so many memories.

 

The year was 1987.

I was 15 and a sophomore in high school.

Such a different world all those years ago. I very much lived in the moment.  I didn’t think too much into my future because I wanted to do so much that I decided to just allow life to move me in whatever direction it felt.  At 15, I experienced much heartbreak and pain, and I wasn’t fully aware of how it would impact me and mold me into the woman I am today. I wasn’t aware of my inner strength, and if I could go back, I wouldn’t change a thing.

At 15, I wanted to be a songwriter, a singer, a performer, a comedian, a dancer, a choreographer (Ohhh, I had moves back in the day!), a pilot, a poet, a wanderer.  I had big dreams.

I accomplished 4 of those.  😉

Life is beautifully strange.

What song(s) take you back years?  Share your song stories!