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!

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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!

 

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 

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 

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 

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 

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 

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 

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

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 <<<<<<
;

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

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 

 

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 

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 

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 

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 

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 

 

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

 

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 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 

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 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 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 

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

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

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 

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 

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? 

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! 

 

 

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.

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! 

 

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

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 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!

❤ 

 

Shills Black Purifying Peel-Off Mask – A Review

I decided I’d try this popular (and painful to remove!) pore deep cleansing mask for myself. I picked it up on Groupon for about $7USD.

I also decided to film it.

This is my FIRST video of ME.  It’s a little sloppy, a bit low in volume, and with horrible bathroom lighting, but I did it.

Overall, I wasn’t impressed with this mask.  I didn’t see anything on the peeled off pieces.  The pain was minimal; it hurt more on the cheek area and around my nose.  It wasn’t too terrible.  If you’re waiting for your popcorn to pop, or your nails to dry, or you have to poop, give my video a watch.  It’s only 4 minutes.  🙂

I am going to work on doing more videos; if you’re so inclined, please subscribe to my YouTube channel.  🙂

If you watched the entire 4 minutes, Thank You.  ❤

My Makeup Bag

I have a little black zippered bag from e.l.f. cosmetics that holds all my makeup goodies! This bag is soft imitation leather with nice zippers and plenty of room for whatever I can stuff in it!

It has two zippered pouches- a large one for cosmetics and a smaller one with sleeves to hold brushes/beauty tools.

In my cosmetics side:

• e.l.f. clay eyeshadow palette in Necessary Nudes
• e.l.f. blush/bronzer duo in Fiji
• e.l.f. baked blush/highlight duo in Rose Gold
• theBalm Mary-Lou Manizer highlight
• Maybelline Baby Lips SPF 20 lip balm
• e.l.f. hypershine gloss in Fairy
• benefit the POREfessional primer
• pur~lisse SPF 30 BB cream
• it Cosmetics Superhero mascara
• PÜR Cosmetics blending sponge
• e.l.f. hd powder
• e.l.f. compact mirror
• Gerard Cosmetics Slay All Day setting spray in Ginger

Whoooo that’s a lot o’ stuff! More often my travels take me to Jeep events and a full face of makeup isn’t ideal for playing in the mud, but I bring a small cosmetics bag because I do wear makeup when I go out at night.

In the brushes side:

• Eyelash curler
• Tweezers
• Cotton swabs
• Hair tie
• All kinds’a brushes
• Jo Malone perfume samples

I travel with just the minimum necessities to achieve a lovely look.  🙂

What’s in your bag?

❤

Morphe Brush Box – May Unboxing

I received my Morphe brushes today!  I LOVE this subscription service!  One can never have too many makeup 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.  This month’s theme is Voyage to Glam.

This month I received 5 brushes from their Gun Metal collection!

The May brushes (All links will open in new window):

• G1 – Small Buffer ($9.99)
• G19 – Round Liner Contour ($2.99)
• G38 – Mini Contour ($5.99)
• G40 – Pro Detail Powder ($5.99)
• G41 – Mini Contour ($5.99)

Total box worth: $30.95

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.

Thank you for reading! ❤

Happy Star Wars Day!

SMAUL HAUL (see what I did there?)/First Impression – It Cosmetics Superhero Mascara

Based on an awesome review from Bonnie (Queen of the Girl Geeks), and my had-it-up-to-here’dness with mascara (yes, I completely just made up that word here’dness), I ordered the It Cosmetics Superhero mascara.  I also ordered a sample of the Hello Lashes.  The It Cosmetics Superhero mascara retails for $24 USD. You can buy it here.

I received my goodies yesterday.

I used the Superhero mascara this morning…

Now, this is ONLY my first impression.  I’m not gonna jump to a quick review because I did that with a mascara that shall not be named (it rhymes with Poo Taced Smetter Ban Hex), but I gotta say, I LIKEY.  Let me remind you, I SUCK at taking selfies.  I wanted to concentrate on my phenomenal looking lashes which is why my forehead is cut off.  Also, my forehead is HUGE, so I had to cut most of it out to fit my face into the frame.

Ok, so back to the first impression of the It Cosmetics Superhero mascara.  I get it.  I get why it’s everyone’s favorite. The wand is simple, and just enough product comes out of the tube.  Usually I have to use a different mascara for my lower lashes, but because this wand is pretty danged nice, I didn’t have to reach for another mascara.  I love how my lashes look!  The mascara doesn’t appear to be flakey, and it certainly isn’t clumpy.  AHEM, POO TACED, this is how it’s done.

I am going to use this mascara daily throughout the month of May and then provide an update on its wear.  Let’s hope this one lives up to it’s Superhero name and makes it in my May Favorites post.

Thank you for reading and have an amazing day! ❤

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! ❤

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 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! ❤

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! ❤

 

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!

Every Day Makeup Drawer

I am very much a creature of habit.  I change things up a bit, but seem to always go back to my tried and trues.

Same applies with beauty products.  Sometimes I am blessed with a keeper, other times, well, not so much.  Because I have sensitive skin, I tend to keep using what works.

These are the products that I use on the daily.  A few are new to my collection (they are in bold), but most are oldies but goodies:

Anastasia Beverly Hills Nicole Guerriero Glow Kit – I am loving this glow kit! This was very much a splurge for me, and I’m glad I bit the bullet and made this purchase.  Even though I have fair skin, I use every color in this palette. I always apply my highlight before my blush to give me a gorgeous glowing cheekbone.

Maybelline Master Prime primer (Blur & Smooth) –  This primer was a backup when I didn’t use the Too Faced Hangover primer.  Unfortunately, I have developed an allergy to coconut water/oil, so I had to get rid of the Hangover primer.  The Maybelline is now my go to primer.

Benefit Porefessional primer –  I received this sample size and it’s OK. It does as it’s intended. I most likely will not be buying the full size as the Maybelline works the same for a few dollars less.

Chicken Poop Lip Junk –  I love love love this lip balm.  I use it to prime my lips in the morning while applying my makeup.  I also use it throughout the day in between using the Rimmel Stay Glossy lip gloss.

Rimmel Stay Glossy (Dorchester Rose) – I wear this all day long. I have a few different shades, but this one is my favorite.  It’s a lovely light nude shade that sparkles.  It’s gorgeous.

NYX Color Correcting palette – I use this palette almost every day to cover redness.

e.l.f. flawless foundation (Porcelain) – I have been using this foundation for a few years.  It makes my skin look amazing.  I do try different foundations, and I really like the Too Faced Born This Way foundation, but I always go back to this one. e.l.f. has recently changed the name from Porcelain to Natural.  The color is a perfect match for my fair skin.  I can’t see me finding anything I like enough to replace this foundation.

e.l.f. High Definition powder (Sheer) – I use this to set my foundation.  I just dab my brush and pat it on my face, keeping the powder away from my under eye area.

NYX Micro Brow pencil (Espresso) – I have black hair so I think this color is too brown, but I use it because I keep forgetting to pick up a darker shade. 😉 I love that it is micro because I tend to have a heavy hand and this keeps me from going overboard in the shading department.

Too Faced Better than Sex mascara – I recently received a sample size and I loved it! A friend gave me a full sized mascara and I noticed that it is clumpy and the brush picks up too much product. I’m a bit disappointed, so I’m not sure I’ll be repurchasing. I may just pick up another sample size here and there.

e.l.f. Volumizing & Defining mascara – I use this for my lower lashes.  I am NOT a pro at applying mascara to my lower lashes, in fact, I don’t always wear it because I suck at applying it!

Too Faced Love Flush blush (Love Hangover) -Before I received this blush, I used the e.l.f. Contouring Blush and Bronzer powder in Fiji.  I forgot to add it for the photo. I just received this Too Faced blush last week.  I ordered it during the Ulta 21 Days of Beauty.  I love the color and it looks beautiful on my skin.

e.l.f. Beautifully Bare Sheer Tint Finishing Powder (Fair/Light) – I sometimes use this powder once my makeup is done.

Jeffree Starr Androgyny palette – When I am feeling bold enough to wear eyeshadow (not an every day thing), I reach for this palette.  I LOVE it.

Jeffree Starr Beauty Killer palette – The statement above applies here, also.  🙂

Pure Cosmetics Buff Collection – Ditto to the statement up there.  😉

Urban Decay All Nighter setting spray – OMG I love this spray.  I actually rotate between this and the e.l.f. Makeup Mist & Set.

That’s it!

What is in your every day makeup drawer?  Let’s see ’em!

 

Dr. Lip Bangs Lip Freak Buzzing Balm – A Review

This stuff is weird.

This came recommended by a friend because of my love of lip balms. Two weeks ago I headed over to Ulta to purchase.  It’s $4.95 USD. I picked up the flavor Sin-o-Mint. 🙂

I couldn’t wait to try it because of the buzzing feeling that was described to me and advertised on the packaging. I opened up my new balm, wiped off my Chicken Poop, and applied this new gem to my lips. It took a few seconds before the buzzing kicked in.  It is bizarre to say, but yes, it makes your lips feel like they’re buzzing!  It’s the craziest thing! Your lips don’t feel cool or soothing as if you used peppermint balm, like Burt’s Bees.  It really is a buzzing feeling!

Lip Freak is 100% natural, but is not vegan as it is made from humanely harvested white beeswax.

From the Lip Bang’s website: Lip Freak contains the following ingredients: Beeswax, Proprietary Essential Oil Blend Including; Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond Oil),Cinnamomum Zeylanicum (Cinnamon Oil), Natural Tocopherols (vitamin e), Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary Oil Extract), Stevia Rebadiana Leaf Extract, Natural Flavors. Some flavors may also contain Mentha Piperia (Terpene Free Peppermint) Oil.

The website claims what makes it buzz is “a super-secret, patent-pending blend of pure essential oils that, when combined together, create that unique buzzing sensation”.

I like it but I don’t know if I like it.  I’m not sure it’s a lip balm I can reapply throughout the day because I think the buzzing would soon grow to annoy me.  But, as something to use every now and again for a weird sensation, I’m into this, and at $4.95, it’s no big loss if I don’t use it all the time.

Have you tried this lip balm?  Do you find it as weird as I do? Do you have a favorite flavor?

 

Ulta’s 21 Days of Beauty

I am excited for Ulta’s 21 Days of Beauty sale, so much so that I visited my Ulta store and peed on the things I want to claim as mine!

Just kidding!  I haven’t done that, but I have put some of the things I want in my online shopping cart.  🙂

Here is the link to shop Ulta’s 21 Days of Beauty online.

Day 1 begins tomorrow!

March 19th:

• Too Faced Love Flush Blush (Love Hangover)
  • Regularly $26/Sale $13

March 20th:

• Fiona Stiles Light Illusion Prism Palette
  • Regularly $28/Sale $14

March 22nd:

• Buxom Full On Lip Cream (Not sure of the color I want!)
  • Regularly $20/Sale $10

March 26th:

• Becca Backlight Priming Filter
  • Regularly $38/Sale $19

March 31st

• Smashbox Photo Finish Primer Water
  • Regularly $32/Sale $16

April 8th:

• Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Wiz pencil (Granite)
  • Regularly $21/Sale $10

HOT BUY (Available every day of the event):

• PÜR Miracle Mist Hydrating Spray
  • Regularly $18/Sale $13

Not a bad haul for under $100!

What will you be picking up during Ulta’s 21 Days of Beauty? Is there something I missed that I should try?

TonyMoly I’m Real Avocado Mask – A Review

A friend of mine gave me this TonyMoly I’m Real Avocado sheet mask a few days ago and I decided tonight was the night to treat my face to some nutrition.  This mask can be purchased at Ulta for $3.75.

Upon opening the package, the goo smelled really good.  Oddly, it did not smell like avocado.

The mask was super saturated but to the point where it easily tore removing it from the package.  You can also see that the mask tore on my forehead from adjusting it to my face.

Do not be fooled by the unpleasant look on my face.  I’m happy, I really am.  🙂  The instructions say to leave the mask on for 20-30 minutes and then massage remaining goo into skin.  I decided to leave it on for 30 minutes.  I recently had an eczema breakout on my face thanks to an allergic reaction to coconut water/oil in a few products I had been using, so I haven’t really used any masks except for the e.l.f. water sheet mask, which is AMAZING for hydrating your skin.

Afterthoughts:  I like this mask and the way it smells and feels while on my skin.  The goo also dried pretty fast and my skin does look a bit healthier.  It’s always hard to tell if these masks really do anything.  It didn’t irritate my skin, which is a huge bonus, and it looks to have helped with the remaining bit of eczema that’s hanging around my face like an annoying ex-boyfriend.

For $3.75 USD, I’d buy this product.

Have you tried this mask, or any other masks by TonyMoly?  What are your thoughts?

 

When Your Highlight is on Point

I couldn’t resist! 

Have a great day, y’all! 

Favorite Brushes

Ok, y’all.. it’s Monday, so let’s talk makeup brushes.

How addicted are you to buying brushes? I love browsing the brushes whenever I’m in Ulta or Sephora, even Target and Wal-Mart. I am subscribed to the Liveglam MorpheMe service (I receive several Morphe brushes each month for $19.99).

These are the brushes that I keep out on my vanity.  How cute are those holders, right? They are wine glasses that I bought at the dollar store, and my friend who runs a decal business made the awesome decals.  I love these so much!

Even though I keep all of these brushes out, there are only a few I use on a daily basis.

My favorites are:

• Morphe M439 – I use this to apply foundation (occasionally I use my beauty blender)
• Morphe G36 – I use this to apply setting and finishing powder
• Morphe M441 –  I use this to apply highlight
• e.l.f. Angled Blush brush – I use this to apply blush
• Real Techniques Multi-Task brush – I use this to blend in my blush and highlight

I do not have any favorite eyeshadow brushes, and I don’t always bronze or contour so I don’t have a favorite for either.

I clean my brushes every few weeks with Aveeno Baby wash for eczema.  Sometimes I spot clean by spraying with isopropyl alcohol and wiping with a cotton pad.

What are your favorite brushes?  Do you store your brushes in a unique holder?  Show me!

The Original Beauty Blender – A Review

Finally! My beauty blender review!  I kept putting off posting this review because I wanted to continue using the beauty blender a few more times in hopes that I’d fall in love with it.  But, that just didn’t happen. *sad trombone* 

Here we go…

So, a month ago, I decided to splurge and purchase my first original beauty blender.  I’d used the Real Techniques beauty sponges prior, and wasn’t a big fan.  I mean, they were just OK. I decided it was time to try the REAL, the Original Beauty Blender.

I used the beauty blender the next morning and I liked it. I thought the application of my foundation looked nice and streak-free. I do feel as if it only provided medium coverage regardless of if I used a full coverage foundation. The beauty blender is a bit more bouncier, softer, and easier to squeeze out excess water than the Real Techniques sponge.  I was impressed with the difference, BUT…

I used it again the next day, and for the next several days.  I cannot lie, after each use, I found myself goin’ back with my Morphe brush to apply more foundation.  I just wasn’t feelin’ it.  It seemed like a lot more work to apply foundation. With my Morphe brush (or any of the other brushes I have for foundation application), application is effortless and my foundation looks flawless.  I never have to add more foundation.  I still continued to use the beauty blender, and even used it one day to apply cream blush and contour. I used it to apply powder, and used it dry to remove any product from under my eyes.

Overall, I do like the beauty blender, but I will not repurchase when this one falls apart.  I prefer to apply my foundation with a brush.  I also do not bake my face or use concealer under my eyes, so the beauty blender really doesn’t provide much of a purpose for me.  I really wanted to like it enough to use every day.  Now, I will say that I do find myself reaching for it should I accidentally get some product under my eyes, or accidentally go ham with the foundation.

The beauty blender is good product, it does as it promises, but it’s quite a lot of work for me, and just too pricey for my needs.

Ipsy – March Unbagging

My March Ipsy bag is adorable. It’s a lovely peachy pink bag with a pretty rose gold zipper pull.

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. 🙂   This is my third bag, and for $10, I don’t have any complaints.

This month’s beauty products include:

• Marula Facial Oil (deluxe sample) – A 1 fl.oz bottle is $58. (IPSY2017 for 25% off)
• INT Cosmetics eyeshadow in Goddess Gold – $4 (IPSY20 for 20% off)
• theBalm Bahama Mama bronzer (sample) – A full size is $20 (IPSY20 for 20% off)
• Elizabeth Mott  blending brush – $15 (Blending50 for 50% off)
• OUAI Hair Treatment Masque (deluxe sample) – Full size $32 (IPSY20 for 20% off)

I am subscribed to Boxycharm, Liveglam’s MorpheMe brush subscription service, and the Beautycon subscription service.

 

Chicken Poop Lip Junk – A Review

Yes, you read that right.  This review is about a lip balm called Chicken Poop. A disclaimer on the balm : Contains no poop.

I first bought Chicken Poop Lip Junk three years ago.  Ever since a visit to Massachusetts in 2006, my lips haven’t been the same. I am constantly needing to apply lip balms, lip gloss, anything to keep my lips moisturized. I have a bin full of balms and rotate through them depending on my mood.  Burt’s Bees has been a favorite for years as I love the cooling effect it provides, but it just doesn’t hydrate.  I still keep my Burt’s Bees on hand, but my go-to balm for the past couple months has been my Chicken Poop.

I found Chicken Poop by searching online for natural lip balms.  I am allergic to almost everything, so I have to be careful and read ingredients.  I have incredibly sensitive, and sometimes dry, skin (eczema survivor right here), and I’m allergic to almost everything soothing to the skin, including coconut oil.  RIGHT?!  How is that even possible?  I am also sensitive to 100% pure aloe.  Hi, my name is Cherilyn. I have weird toes and eczema and I’m allergic to aloe vera and coconut oil. *sigh*

So, I was searching online and came across the Chicken Poop website.  I decided to buy one. It has a light scent, almost smells like green tea.  It doesn’t have peppermint so there isn’t a cooling effect, but it’s super hydrating and feels really good on my lips.  I wear it all day when I’m not wearing lip gloss, and I never fail to smear it all over my lips before bed.  I had an annoying smidge of dry skin smack in the middle of my bottom lip that even with exfoliation, I could NOT get rid of. It was driving me insane.  I’d pick it off and it’d reappear.  I started using my Chicken Poop and I haven’t had the dry skin patch since.

One tube of Chicken Poop is $4.  They also have a Chicken Poop- Outdoors.  I bought two, but not a fan because it’s white like sunblock.  I may use it outdoors when kayaking, but I love my Baby Lips lip balm by Maybelline because it has SPF and is clear in color.

If you have dry lips, go to Chicken Poop’s website and find a retailer near you, or order a tube online.  It’s great lip balm, and a great conversation starter when someone notices your lip balm is Chicken Poop. 🙂

Highlighters – Application

I have an obsession with highlighters.  I know I am not alone in this obsession.  🙂

A favorite I have been using regularly is this Vintage double highlighter palette that I received in a Boxycharm.  I LOVE it!

 

However, I just received my Anastasia Beverly Hills Nicole Guerriero Glow Kit, and I know this will quickly become my favorite! But this post isn’t about all the amazing highlighters out there…

I want to talk about highlight application.

I have watched a million makeup tutorials with application of highlighter, and everyone seems to apply it the same: the highpoint of the cheek or along the cheekbones over top of their blush.

Whenever I put highlight over my blush, even with blending it out, it looks harsh and heavy, so I started applying my highlight first and applying my blush over top, then blending it out together. It provides a beautiful, shimmery look that isn’t harsh, but still leaves me glowing for the gods.

I love seeing the soft glow of my highlight peeping through my blush.  It just makes it look so much more natural, and I’ve received many more compliments on my skin.

How do you apply your highlight?  Which highlighter do you find yourself reaching for the most from your collection?

 

 

Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara – A Mini Review

Late last night I received my Sephora package containing my ABH Nicole Guerriero Glow Kit, and also in the box was a sample of the Too Faced Better Than Sex mascara in a pretty pink tube.

I used it this morning and OMG I am in love!  My eyelashes looked AMAZING. The wand grabbed each lash and perfectly separated and coated each one.  My lashes look long and just amazing! That wand is perfection.

I haven’t paid more than $6 for a mascara in years, but I am so damned impressed with this stuff that I’m going out tomorrow to buy a full size.

Do you use the Better Than Sex mascara? If not, what is your holy grail mascara?

 

Morphe Brush Box – March Unboxing

NOTE:  I did NOT participate in the No Makeup Challenge YET.  🙂  I think the e.l.f. Nourishing Night Cream upset my eczema because I used it the night before the challenge and woke up with irritated skin.  😦  So, the No Makeup Challenge has been rainchecked.  I will do it, though!

Ok… so, I’ve been subscribed to Liveglam‘s Morphe brush subscription box now for two months.  Today, I received my second set of brushes.  The packaging isn’t all that cute- it’s a black bubblewrap envelope, and the brushes are in plastic sleeves.  It does come with this cute accordion style flyer that explains the purpose of each brush.  I don’t really need foo-foo packaging, but I do enjoy it when I receive my Boxycharm and Ipsy packages.  🙂  It’s an extra smile on my face.

• M412 – Deluxe Pointed Blender ($5.99)
• M521 – Chisel Oval Shadow ($5.99)
• M401 – Large Pointed Powder ($13.99)
• M436 – Mini Duo Blender ($6.99)

Total: $32.96

I’m enjoying this subscription so far.  I’m receiving a nice variety of brushes, most of which I do not already own, for $19.99/month.

I am subscribed to Liveglam’s MorpheMe, Boxycharm, Ipsy, and Beautycon, and am happy with my boxes so far!

Which beauty (or non beauty) box(es) do you receive?  Which do you want to try?

No Makeup Challenge

I have worn makeup off and on since I was about 25.  As I’ve aged, I am now 44, I only go without makeup on my days off.  I’ve never gone to work without my face done up.

Today I went to work to drop off something for a coworker, and I wasn’t wearing any makeup. Three people I see on a daily basis noticed, all men, and had nothing but positive things to say about my appearance.  I have noticed over the many years, that when I feel like I’m having a bad hair day or a bad makeup day, those are the days I get the most compliments.

I don’t have many skin imperfections, I’m just very pale, and use makeup to give me a bit of color and glow. I feel I just look better with my face done!

A challenge was proposed that I go to work tomorrow sans makeup.  I don’t know if this is something I can legit do!  I mean, I have to wear mascara or else I just look like the walking dead.  But all day at work without makeup?  Does a tinted moisturizer count as makeup?  Is the challenge busted if I wear mascara?

Ok, so maybe I can just do mascara and a lip balm.

Hmm..  stay tuned to see if I did this challenge!

Can YOU do this challenge?

Equate Beauty Cleansing Facial Wipes – A Review

I recently went on a 3 day primitive camping trip and purchased these so that I could cleanse my face.  I’d use one in the morning, sometimes one in the afternoon, and one in the evening.  I’ve used facial wipes before and they were not my favorite, but these are actually pretty good!

They were $3.48 for a package of 40 at Walmart.

While camping, I’d use a wipe to cleanse my face and then I used the Equate Beauty moisturizer (similar to the Cerave moisturizer) on my face.  The combination worked wonderfully on my sensitive skin.  At the time, I had a small eczema break out and these wipes (or the lotion) did not irritate my skin.

Since I have been home from camping, I thought I’d set the wipes aside and keep just for camping, but I have been using these wipes after work to remove my makeup and cleanse my face.  I pair the use of the wipe with the e.l.f. Revitalizing Mist, which I LOVE LOVE LOVE.

I probably go through one bottle a week!  Ok, so I just checked e.l.f.’s website and do not see the mist anymore!  OMG. This is upsetting!  I just sent them a message on Facebook. This cannot be happening!

Get a grip, Cherilyn!  Ok, let’s get back to the wipes.  They are pretty large in size, they’re nice and thick, really heavy duty which is good because the wipe won’t tear during use, and unlike most wipes, you can use the other side because your makeup hasn’t seeped through.  They work great at removing eye makeup, but be careful not to get the wipe in your eye as it will irritate. Just as you do with the micellar water, or any cleanser, hold it against your closed eye for a few seconds then wipe away your eye makeup.  The wipes are fragrance free and do not leave a residue on your skin.  The claim of for sensitive skin rings true, as I have sensitive skin and the wipes are not irritating at all.

As mentioned, I use the cleansing wipe, spray my face with the e.l.f. Revitalizing Mist, and if my skin is in need of extra hydration, once the mist has dried, I will apply the Equate Beauty moisturizer.  Before purchasing these wipes, I’d use micellar water to cleanse my face after a hard day’s work, but I actually prefer these wipes.  I’m sure I’ll rotate the use of both products.

These cleansing wipes are a definite must have in my vanity.

What product(s) or method(s) do you use to remove your makeup and cleanse your face?

Cream Cosmetics

I’ve not really delved much into cream based makeup world.  I tried application once quite a while ago, and I liked it.  My skin looked bright and dewey. And because I am 44 years old, I have “mature” skin  wrinkles.  Powder cosmetics are great, but no matter what primer I use, powder products pull up a chair and sit in my wrinkles like they’re at a Starbucks writing a crappy novel.

So, tomorrow I am going to use cream cosmetics.

I’ve not yet used the e.l.f. cream blush or the e.l.f. cream contour palettes, so I’ll be up early just in case I don’t like the way it turns out!

I always use a liquid foundation.  Unless I am trying out a new foundation, my daily is the e.l.f. Flawless Foundation in Porcelain. I LOVE this foundation.  It gives me full coverage without looking cakey or heavy, it doesn’t cling to any dry spots, and looks amazing on my skin.  Most of the cosmetics I use are e.l.f. brand.  In the past I have used Clinique, MAC, Chanel, as well as a few drugstore brands.  I find they are heavy with fragrance and harsh on my sensitive skin.  I do keep a few other brands in my makeup case that don’t irritate my skin.  I love e.l.f. because I can purchase a product and if I don’t like it, I haven’t wasted a lot of money.

Do you use cream cosmetics?  What are your thoughts?  If you have “mature” skin wrinkles, what tricks/tips do you use for flawless makeup application?

Equate Beauty Moisturizing Lotion – A Review

Just before I went on my 3 day camping/wheeling trip (I had a BLAST, by the way), I picked up this moisturizing lotion at Walmart.

My skin has been severely dry the last few weeks and nothing has really been able to combat the dryness.  I occasionally switch out my moisturizers from Aveeno to Purpose to the e.l.f. Revitalizing Mist (which really isn’t a moisturizer), and I have heard a lot of great things about the brand Cerave. I went to Walmart with the intention of buying the Cerave moisturizing lotion, but it was out of stock, so I found the Walmart brand equivalent.  I have to be honest, I didn’t have high hopes that this product would work.

I was wrong.

When camping,  I do not wear makeup.  I bought some moist facial cleansing wipes and cleansed my face in the mornings and evenings, then moisturized with the Equate Beauty Moisturizing Lotion.  IMMEDIATELY, it melted into my skin and WOW. The results blew me away! The product wasn’t greasy or heavy, and it made my dry skin look and feel 100% better instantly.  I was so completely amazed. I reapplied it about 2-3 times because I loved the way it felt on my skin.  The lotion is gentle, doesn’t have a fragrance and didn’t irritate the fine skin around my eyes.  I even applied a bit on a small dry patch I had on my eyelid without any irritation.

The next morning, I did the same.  Cleansed my face with the cleansing wipe and then applied the moisturizer. The dry skin patches on my face were gone!  The redness, gone. My skin looked amazing.  I did this same routine through to Sunday.  Still impressed, skin still looking amazing,  dry skin and redness still gone.

I do have quite a few fine lines under my eyes, and I have a pretty deep wrinkle in between my eyes from a head injury.  Tomorrow will be one week since I started using the product, so it’s a bit too soon to say if it’s helped much in the wrinkle department.  It sort of looks like it has, but I don’t want to make any promises.  😉

Overall, I am incredibly impressed with the Equate Beauty Moisturizing Lotion.  It is a bit cheaper than the Cerave brand, and I gotta say, I probably will not even bother buying the name brand because I don’t think there is a need.  The Equate Beauty brand product sinks into the skin, and moisturizes without greasiness or heaviness.  I can apply it to my skin, wait a few and then go on with makeup application.  I really dislike moisturizers that take FOREVER to melt into the skin, and just sit on top of my skin like it’s waiting for a damned invitation to do its job.

If you have dry skin, I highly recommend giving this product a try.  I have never been so impressed with a moisturizer, and as someone who has suffered from eczema all my life, I’ve tried them all, from top of the line, prescription, to generic.  This product will definitely be a go to for quite a long while.

e.l.f. Revitalizing Mist – A Review

The e.l.f. Revitalizing Mist.  This product doesn’t get the attention it deserves.

e.l.f. sent this to me about 6 months ago and I didn’t start using it until a couple months ago.  I could kick myself for that!  

It can only be purchased on their website (http://www.elfcosmetics.com/p/mist) and it’s usually $6.00 but right now is on sale for $3.00. Just before Christmas, I ordered 8 of ’em.

After I wash my face in the shower, and before I apply makeup, I spritz my face 2-3 times with this mist. Most days I don’t use moisturizer in the morning because I don’t have time to let the moisturizer set into my skin before applying my makeup. I find that when I use this mist, I don’t need to moisturize, and it dries pretty quick. I LOVE IT.  My skin feels awake and fresh.  The website claims it can be sprayed over makeup, but I haven’t tried that.  The spray is incredibly refreshing, has a nice but not overpowering scent, and feels cool when it hits your face.  It’s been on sale for quite a while, I hope they’re not discontinuing it!

From the e.l.f. website:

This unique blend of Witch Hazel, Rosemary, Chamomile, Honeysuckle, Aloe and Vitamin B work together to balance and enhance the skin, leaving you looking energized and renewed. These nourishing key ingredients keep your complexion radiant, brighter and provides instant moisture to smooth and boost skin circulation for a firmer more youthful glow. The lightweight and invigorating mist leaves skin feeling revived and restored, perfect for the gym, office or after travel to rehydrate dry skin or to refresh makeup throughout the day.

All e.l.f. mineral makeup is 100% natural mineral-based with no parabens, no preservatives and no chemical dyes.

Beauty Box Subscriptions

Beauty box subscriptions have been around for quite awhile, but I am just now getting around to subscribing to a couple.  Do you subscribe to any of the below or any not mentioned?  What are your thoughts?  Recommendations?

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

• Birchbox ($10/month)
• FabFitFun ($50- seasonal)
• Ipsy ($10/month)
• Boxycharm ($21/month)
• Play! by Sephora ($10/month)
• Glossybox ($21/month)
• Scentbird ($14.95/month)
• Liveglam (Offers Lipstick, Nail polish and Morphe brushes subscriptions at $19.99/month)
• Madame Ladybug (A PERIOD BOX! $21/$31/$34/month)

I currently subscribe to Ipsy and Boxycharm, and have just added the Liveglam MorpheMe brush subscription.  Details on the MorpheMe sub are down below.

Boxycharm offers 5-6 full sized products from drugstore to high end. I have received two Boxycharm boxes and LOVED all the products inside.  My favorite Boxycharm product so far has been the Pure Cosmetics Buff Collection eyeshadow palette.  It is a dupe of the Urban Decay Naked 3 palette.