Archives

Sinful Colors Sinful Shine with Gel Tech Nail Polish Review

Jan18

Happy Wednesday! I’m all about finding good deals.  I bought this two step polish Sinful Shine Step 1 Color with Gel Tech in Prosecco from Wal-Mart recently.  The two steps consist of a color and special top coat.  Each polish sells for $2.99. I recently put this color on on a Sunday and then touched it up slightly on the following Thursday.  I really didn’t need to touch it up, as it barely chipped,  but I was going out of town for the weekend.

Here are my nails on Sunday, day one.

sinful-shine-1-18-17-day-1

Same nails five days later-Thursday

sinful-shine-1-18-17-day-5

As you can see, there is barely any difference. There isn’t a lot of colors available, but this color is super pretty. It’s taupe with gold specks in it. I wash my hands a lot, and generally am very hard on my nails.  I used two coats of color and one of the top coat.  It dries really quick also. This polish duo held up like a champ.  The polish is toluene, formaldehyde and DPB free.  At $2.99 per bottle you can’t go wrong.

sinful-shine-1-18-17

Thanks for stopping by.

Japonesque Solid Brush Cleaner-Review

Jan7

Happy Saturday!  I admit, I hardly ever clean my make up brushes. I know it sounds gross, but I don’t have any skin issues, (other than getting old) so it’s never been an issue.  I saw a post about this brush cleaner and thought I would give it a try.  I’ve used liquid brush cleaners which worked okay, but they never seemed like they got the brushes that clean.  That of course was when I actually would clean my brushes, like I don’t know, maybe once a year. Yuck!  I don’t use my brushes for any liquid applications, so I didn’t think it was a big deal.

I bought this Japonesque Solid Brush Cleanser at where else, Ulta for $20. The package is two ounces, and I’m sure will last me for a very long time. I bought the unscented version, but it’s made with goat’s milk and smells delightful. I actually washed all 17 of my make up brushes.  This soap did a great job and I used very little. I have an IT foundation brush that I use for powder foundation that probably was the dirtiest. That took several spins through to get really clean. The rest of my brushes, just one swipe.  This really is a great product, and when I’ve used all of it in oh I don’t  know ten years or so, I’ll definitely repurchase.

Here’s the description from Ulta’s website:

Maintain the beauty of your brushes with Japonesque’s gentle goat-milk cleansing balm in this Solid Brush Cleanser. Effective emollient formula quickly dissolves make-up and impurities to deep cleanse and condition your brush bristles for effortless professional brush cleaning. Freshly scented and coconut scented solid formulas deliver instant mess-free results and is the perfect travel-friendly cleansing companion.

Thanks for stopping by.

Drybar Detox Dry Shampoo-Review

Jan6

Happy Friday! I have three beauty boxes I get every month. I recently got this Detox Dry Shampoo in one of my beauty boxes, but have idea which one. Doh! Anywho, I’ve used it a few times, and love it.  My old go to was Living Proof Perfect Hair day dry shampoo. But I’m really digging this Drybar stuff.

I got my hair cut Weds.  My hair has looked better from the salon. I was just going home, so my stylist didn’t do as much as she normally does.

detox-dry-shampoo-1-6-17-before-photo

Weds. haircut-it was a long day

My hair is naturally curly, and I get it straightened when I get a haircut. It usually looks better, but what the heck.

Here is me today, Friday, day three of blow out using the Detox Dry Shampoo. Dang, I have some mad volume.  I barely used my curling iron, just doing one curl on each side. Of course I’m in my car at lunch.

detox-dry-shampoo-1-6-17-photo

Friday lunch car photo

I love this travel size. Detox is paraben, sulfate and phthalate free. It’s also safe for color treated hair. Plus it’s cruelty free as well. It comes in two sizes starting at $13 at Sephora.  Did I mention it smells amazing?  A great product and well worth the price.

detox-dry-shampoo-1-6-17

Thanks for stopping by.

 

Hard Candy Sheer Envy Primer Lift & Firm Review

Jan4

Happy Wednesday! I came across this Hard Candy Sheer Envy Primer Lift & Firm at Wal-mart for $8. Another blogger was talking about the Hard Candy primers and this seemed interesting. It claims to brighten and tighten facial contours along with moisturizing.

I used it today for the first time.  I didn’t use a another moisturizer and this doesn’t contain an SPF.  The tube is 1.3 ounces, and you don’t need a lot.  I used a Laura Geller Baked powder foundation over it. I have to say I was very impressed. Here is the description on Hard Candy’s website:

Contains Vitamin C to help stimulate collagen and Olive Leaf Extract to help smooth skin while diffusing the appearance of lines and wrinkles.

I took this photo this afternoon, after having the primer on for four hours, I thought it looked pretty good. Car photos are my favorite, as it’s the best natural light. Don’t mind my puffer coat, it’s ungodly cold here in Wisconsin.

hard-candy-sheer-envy-primer-lift-firm-1-4-17-car

Here’s another without the drug dealer sunglasses.

hard-candy-sheer-envy-primer-lift-firm-1-4-17-car-2

My selfie skills suck, as I’m pretty sure my head isn’t that big!

hard-candy-sheer-envy-primer-lift-firm-1-4-17

I think the next time I use it, I’ll use moisturizer first.

Thanks for stopping by.

Best Beauty products of 2016-at least for me anyway! LOL!

Dec30

Happy New Year early!  I’ll be glad that 2016 is coming to an end.  It’s been a rough year here in the United States.  That being said, I did discover some great beauty products.

Here are my top ten picks for 2016.  Some products have been out for awhile, but I just discovered them. I’ve been using these products all year, and I must say I really like them all. So here goes.

Hope for Everywhere Concealer  I started using this in July. It’s a great under eye concealer by Philosophy.  It’s a bit pricey at $26 USD, but I got another tube on Ebay for $7.50.

philosophy-hope-for-everywhere-concealer-12-17-16

Caption Nail Stamping OMG!  I’ve been having so much fun nail stamping.  I bought two kits at Ulta, but I see they don’t carry them anymore. I’ve used 4 of the 24 designs and get compliments all the time.

gray-red-stamping-12-10-16-jpg-polish

Julep Maven Beauty Box Subscription Where can you get great nail polish for free??? I signed up for a three month subscription and got a box of 12 full size bottles of Julep nail polish for free. You can pick what comes in your box, and I have to say the nail polish is fabulous. You can skip months as well.

Julep Polish free gift 8-12-16

Free gift for signing up!

POREfessional Face Primer by Benefit I’m so glad I watched the how to video for this on the Ulta website. It virtually makes pores disappear.  I also use it under my eyes to help cover up wrinkles. A little goes a long way.

benefit-the-pore-professional-10-16-16

Clinique Chubby Stick Lip Balm This stuff is awesome!  I bought this before we went on a tropical vacation.  I usually have eight or so lip colors in my purse at any given time. Since we were traveling for 10 days to two different countries, I wanted to streamline my make up. This lip balm is the perfect color and stays on really well. Plus you don’t need a mirror to apply it. The color Bountiful Blush would work on any skin tone.

clinique-chubby-stick-lip-balm-bountiful-blush-10-16-16

Maybelline Super Stay Foundation This is a great powder foundation. While it doesn’t have an SPF, it covers well and smooths out your skin tone. It comes with a sponge applicator, and is great for travel.

maybelline-super-stay-classic-ivory-10-16-16

Easy to carry, includes mirror

Super Nail Swiss Silk Nail Wraps These babies are a lifesaver. If you break a nail, just glue these wraps on and you are good to go. I have used them on nails that I have broken below the skin line.  They work great while your own nails grow out.

super-nail-swiss-silk-9-11-16

No Lift Nails Cuticle Oil This is some amazing stuff.  I’ve been using this daily for the past six months. I use a drop on each nail before I go to bed. It smells amazing and makes my nails really strong. I still have half a bottle left and it only cost $7 at Sally Beauty Supply.

Cuticle Oil 7-10-16

Smells so good!

Garnier SkinActive Micellar Water This is one of my favorite products of 2016. I use to use make up removing wipes, but they never seem to be wet enough for me. This cleanser is so gentle, and it takes off eye make up as well.  It leaves your skin soft with no residue. I’ve been using this for a year , and I love it.

Garnier Micellar Cleansing Water 1-8-16

Smashbox Insta-Matte Lipstick Transformer I got a deluxe sample of this in my December Ipsy bag.  This turns any cream lipstick into a matte lip color.  I haven’t really jumped on the matte lip color bandwagon, but this product also has another great benefit.  You can use this around your lips to keep lip color from feathering. I’ve been using this daily and it works great. I have some lines around my mouth, and this makes them disappear. A super product.

smashbox-insta-matte-12-30-16

Thanks so much for visiting my blog. I hope you enjoy some of my favorites.

 

Nail Stamping-Oh how I love thee!

Dec24

Happy Saturday!  I did a post on this nail stamping kit recently, but I bought another one, and just had to share. I bought this one at Ulta for $12, (I had a coupon, it’s normally $15).  Well, it seems Ulta doesn’t carry these anymore. Caption Art Screens Nail Stamping this is the website that has kits that contain 24 designs for $30.  I’m so glad I got them when I did.

I put this design on last Saturday, and touched up the tips twice.  I used drugstore polish, and Julep Oxygen Nail treatment as a base coat.

If you want to try something fun with your nails, I highly recommend this stamping kit.  Super easy to use, and lots of fun designs.

nail-stamping-part-2-12-24-16

nail-stamping-party-squad-12-24-16

Here are the different polishes I used. The blue is Wet n Wild 1 Step Wonder Gel in Cyantific Method, two coats, and Rimmel Lasting Finish Pro in Black Satin. Also my favorite top coat by Sally Hansen Insta-Dri.

nail-stamping-part-2-12-24-16-jpg-1

I just love how this looks, and I get lots of compliments.  I can’t wait to try the other 22 designs from my kits.

Thanks for stopping by.

 

Start Your Make Up Collection with Less Than US$50! (ALL drugstore products) — Mercyish

Dec22

If your new year’s resolution for 2017 is to start putting in more effort into makeup, this post is for you. In this post, I share with you how you can start your makeup collection without breaking the bank with the best affordable options that you can ind at your favourite drugstores!

via Start Your Make Up Collection with Less Than US$50! (ALL drugstore products) — Mercyish

Mario Badescu Skin Care Seaweed Night Cream Review

Dec18

Happy Sunday! I recently purchased Mario Badescu Seaweed Night Cream at Ulta.  I had a sample that I got a year ago, but forgot about due to well being a beauty hoarder.  I’ve been using this night cream for the last 10 days, and have seen a real difference in my skin. It is considered a prestige brand at Ulta, but at $22 USD for one ounce, it’s a bargain.

A non-greasy, oil-free night cream enriched with seaweed, elastin, collagen and hyaluronic acid to soften, hydrate and nourish the skin without clogging pores. It leaves the skin feeling soft and silky.   It also contains vitamins and minerals found in Bladderwrack Extract to nourish  dehydrated skin.  The result is smooth, dewy, younger looking skin overnight. This brand is cruelty free which I like. The scent is wonderful.  A little goes a long way. I have mature skin, but wake up with a plumper, line free face.

mario-badescu-seaweed-night-cream-12-18-16

Thanks for stopping by.

Hope for Everywhere Concealer by Philosphy-Review

Dec17

Happy Saturday!  I purchased Philosophy Hope for Everywhere Concealer back in July at Ulta. I recently had a 20% off my entire purchase at Ulta, so I picked some up.  I paid $19.86.  The color I have is 4.5, which isn’t on the website, but was available in the store. I paid $26 back in July, and usually don’t spend this much on concealer.  It works well and stays on all day.  I have dark circles and this covers them well. My under eye lines do seem to be decreased with this concealer.

I looked on Ebay for giggles and found this concealer for a whopping $7.50.  Same exact concealer as I bought at Ulta for way less.  I purchase the majority of my perfume on Ebay for super cheap too. Winner winner chicken dinner!

philosophy-hope-for-everywhere-concealer-12-17-16

Thanks for stopping by.

Dec. 2016 Ipsy Glam Bag Review

Dec15

Happy Thursday!  I recently updated my Ipsy profile, and I’m so glad I did.  They have more options now than they have had in the past.  I’ve had my Ipsy subscription since they started I think about five years ago. It’s only $10 a month, and you always get at least two full size items.

This month’s bag is carpe p.m. I have to say I’m digging everything I got.

Let’s dig in. First item Marc Anthony Strictly Curls Curl Envy Perfect Curl Cream is a deluxe sample size at 1.5 ounces. I have naturally curly fine hair, so I’ll be anxious to try this out. Value $1.85 USD. Next up Hikari Iris Liquid Eyeliner full size- a pretty deep purple liquid eyeliner with a super sharp point. Value $15 USD.

NYX Prismatic eye shadow in Bedroom Eyes full size- a beautiful bronze shadow that will look great on my blue eyes. Value $6 USD. Smashbox Insta Matte Lipstick Transformer deluxe sample valued at $12 USD. Now this is one cool product as it turns any cream lipstick into a matte lipcolor.  It can also be used around the lips to decrease lines and prevent lipstick from bleeding. Being a mature gal, I will really appreciate this. Can’t wait to try it.

Last, but not least I got REN Glycol Lactic Radiance Renewal Mask deluxe sample valued at $18 USD. It’s rated well and I can’t wait to try it. The overall value was $53 USD, not bad for $10!

Here is the eyeliner and eye shadow swatched.

ipsy-dec-2016-glam-bag-swatch

The bag is super cute too, and could be used as a wristlet. It’s fuchsia with a metallic handle and pony faux fur. Sorry it’s sideways.

ipsy-dec-2016-glam-bag-wristlet

 

What did you get in your Ipsy December bag?  Thanks for stopping by.