A New Year.

That is such a cliche title. However, I thought it was appropriate with the new year finally among us.

This blog has been ignored for many reasons, the biggest being the arrival of my little girl late 2013.

2014 brought new jobs, a new apartment and the adjustment of becoming a new parent. Being a Momma is everything to me. It is the best job in the world and I have the best boss ever: little Annie Rose. Every new thing she does is ridiculously exciting, whether it be taking her first few steps or figuring out how to pull off her socks. Michael and I are her biggest fans and I gotta say, we make fantastic cheerleaders. (I'm now imagining Michael in a male cheerleading uniform and laughing to myself.)

One of my new jobs last year was freelance writing. Throughout the year, I realized just how much I enjoy doing it. It's led me to find other writing outlets. That's where this blog comes back into play.

I've decided to revamp this blog to include all my passions: Being a Mom, playing with make up and anything Disney. I may include other topics along the way, but these three will be running the show. I hope you'll join me in this new journey. I can't wait to see what it all brings!

Happy New Year!

Angela

Influenster Beauty Blogger VoxBox

Today I'm going to review a few of the products I received from Influenster. These are the three that really stood out (in a good and bad way). 

NYC New York Color IndividualEyes Custom Compact

The primer and illuminator were very nice. I expected them to be sticky, but they glided on very nicely. The primer was my skin tone, so it blended out very well. However, I don't know if that would be the case with darker skin tones. 

My favorite of the four shadows is the dark charcoal color. It has a light metallic sheen and great pigmentation. While picking color up with a blending brush, the color got a bit powdery in the pan but had I used a flat brush, that may not have occurred. 

The silver was pretty and fairly pigmented, but didn't blend out well. I also had trouble with the black. I was very disappointed with the pigmentation. The swatches above show the color OVER the primer provided...Case and point. The only positive thing about the black was the fact that there was very little fall-out. 

Overall, this palette is pretty good for the price point. It comes with everything you need to create a smokey bombshell look. Below is a look I created using this palette.

Kiss Ever Pro Lashes Starter Kit

I loved that this kit provided me with all the tools I needed to apply lashes. I also liked how full the lashes are. 

These lashes were very difficult to work with. They were hard to bend and very inflexible. I felt like the eyelash would not form to the shape of my eye which made it look even more like fake lashes. This lack of flexibility made it difficult to apply the ends of the lashes to my eye. Below, you will see just how unnatural the lashes look on my eye.

I also didn't like the glue. It was almost too sticky. Because of the stickiness, the lashes kept getting stuck to the tweezers, resulting in difficult application. If I were to have used a different glue, I believe the tweezers would have been great for application. The smell of the glue also turned me off. It smelled like a very strong school glue...not a fan. 

No good....

Bath & Body Works Mini Candles

I'm in love with this candle. The scent I was given was Pumpkin Cupcake. It combines my two favorite candle scents; pumpkin and vanilla and absolutely SCREAMS Fall. It burns true to its unlit scent and I still have plenty of candle left to burn, making it long-lasting. 

Influenster was nice enough to provide a coupon to get a three-wick size of this scent for $10. I didn't get a chance to use it, but it won't stop me from picking one of these up when they go on sale at the end of the season! 

Products were provided by Influenster for review.

Influenster Summer Beauty VoxBox Review

Here's something a little different for you! I received something called a, "VoxBox," from Influenster. For those of you who don't know, Influenster is a website that allows you to review products and from doing so, earn "badges."

By joining this website, you have a chance to be sent a VoxBox which caters to certain badges you have earned. I was one of the lucky ones to be sent this summer's beauty voxbox!

Sally Hansen Magnetic Nail Color

I tried desperately to get an up close picture of the bottle but alas, it wasn't meant to be. I was surprised by how opaque this was after just one coat. It also had a pretty quick drying time which I was a BIG fan of. There is nothing worse than spending an hour doing your nails perfectly just to have them smudge!

The directions of this product are to apply one coat to all the nails. Then, apply a second coat one nail at a time, using the magnet in between painting each nail. I've found that the longer you hold the magnet to the nail, the darker the "magnet effect" will be.

Here's a photo of my nails after applying one coat of polish (before using the magnet).

Annnnd here is a photo after the magnet was used. For the two middle nails, I held the magnet for only 1-2 seconds. For the outer nails, I held the magnet there for about 4 seconds.

 

Hawaiian Tropic Silk Hydration Sunscreen

Most sunscreens I've used leave that sticky chalky feeling after application. This one does NOT! It applies and feels just like a normal lotion. It has a coconut scent and is the perfect size for throwing in your purse. I've really enjoyed trying this product out!

Sally Hansen Hand Creme

I just really wasn't impressed with this product. The product is called a creme. However, most hand creams are thick; this one is not. I used this product for almost two weeks and I did not notice a huge difference.

I did, however, like the citrus scent. It rubs into the skin quite nicely, but does not live up to the claim of providing 24 hour moisture. It wasn't a bad product by any means; it just wasn't the best I've ever used. I'll stick with my Burt's Bees Cuticle Oil and Vanicream Hand Cream.

Quaker Soft Baked Bar

My husband, Michael, LOVED this product! We each had half....well actually I had one bite and he had the rest since he liked it so much! This tastes very similar to an oatmeal cream pie. It's soft and chewy and as they suggest, great warmed up. We have already bought two boxes of these and I can see this being a staple in his diet!

Clear Scalp and Hair Beauty Shampoo/Conditioner

The back of the bottles say stronger hair in 7 days! I tried out this product for 7 days and I did see a difference. Before this product, I would run my fingers through my hair in the shower and would inevitably pull out some hair. After the 7 days, I noticed the amount decreased. The scent is nice and Influenster gave me a very deluxe sample. I used it for 7 days on my long hair and still have plenty of product left in the bottles.

The only problem I had is that it made my hair greasy. I don't know if this was because of the product itself or user error, but that was a big reason in not sampling the product for more than 7 days. Other than that complaint, I believe it really did strengthen my hair.

Product Samples from Always

 These samples came in a cute little cosmetics bag that I will definitely be reusing!

The sample contained two tampons (regular/super) one pad, and three pantyliners. Application for the tampons was very easy and I found the super very absorbent. The pad and pantyliners were very comfortable and stayed put.

I had a lot of fun trying out these products! If you have any questions, feel free to leave a comment!

Thanks for reading!

Disclaimer: All products were provided by Influenster for reviewing purposes. Thanks Influenster!

Too Faced Glamour to-go Tutorial

 If you've ever walked into a Sephora or Ulta and succumbed to an impulse buy, raise your hand.

*Angela puts her head down and reluctantly raises her hand*

I will go months and months without buying shoes, clothes or purses, but when it comes to beauty products, I can't help myself! As a result, I've collected items that I don't typically use.

So, with todays tutorial, I decided to grab the Glamour to-go palette (something I don't reach for all that often) and create a look. Here's what I came up with!

Products Used

- Too Face Glamour to-go Palette

- Bare Minerals Tiger's Eye Urban Decay

- Naked Palette Gun Metal

- Lorac Liquid Luster

- Eyeko Skinny Lash Mascara

- Urban Decay 24/7 liner in Zero

This is a non sponsored video

Hunger Games District 2 Make Up Tutorial

With the Hunger Games coming out this Friday, I was inspired to do a look based on on one of the districts. I chose District 2 (weapons/masonry) because I wanted to do a smokey look...simple as that!

Products Used

Too Faced Shadow Insurance
Urban Decay Naked Palette
- Gunmetal
- Creep
Urban Decay Naked 2 Palette
- Tease
- Pistol
- Foxy
- Blackout
- Verve
Bare Escentuals Buxom Insider Liner - Chocolate Citrine
L'Oreal Million Voluminous Lashes Mascara

This is a non sponsored video

Neutral Make Up Tutorial using Naked 1 and 2 Palette

Greetings from Oklahoma! Michael is going to school down here for the next three months, so we said goodbye to Minnesota and traveled 12 hours to the South! I'll be leaving here Tuesday but will be returning at the end of April for about a month. I'll miss my fellow, but I will hopefully get more videos up while he's gone!

Moving on...since I've been here, I hit up the Ulta and FINALLY broke down and bought the Urban Decay Naked 2 Palette. I bought the Naked 1 when it first came out and have been loving it ever since. Having only had the Naked 2 for two days, I know I'm going to love it just as much. If you want a review of one or both of the palettes, just leave a comment!




Since obviously the Naked Palettes are only neutral colors, that's the kind of look I did. However, i'm so mad at myself! Since it was St. Patrick's day, I didn't get a chance to take pictures until after I got home from our friends house. Being several hours later and late at night, the pictures turned out terribly. Instead, here's a picture of one of my nieces.

She LOVES being in her onesie! She looks like a little old man in her undershirt and bald head...silly bebe.

List of Products

Too Faced Shadow Insurance in Candlelight
Naked Palette
- Naked
- Sin
Naked 2 Palette
- Foxy
- Snakebite
- Suspect
Clinique Cream Liner in Deep Brown
Bare Escentuals Buxom Insider Liner in Chocolate Citrine
L'oreal Voluminous Million Lashes
Urban Decay Lip Junkie Lipgloss in Naked


Have a great day everyone!


This is non sponsored video

Wearable Blue Makeup Tutorial

As I was recording this, Michael and his friend were having, "guy time," with the xbox. As you can tell from the video, things got a little exciting!

Anyway, I'm someone who only wears neutral looks. I love different shades of brown, champagne, taupes, light pinks, etc. I'll occasionally wear purple, but other than that, I'm not a 'color' kinda gal.

I had bought the Coastal Scents Color Eye Shadow Palette but since I was planning my wedding, I never had time to play with it! Now that life has settled down, I finally had some time to experiment with my new toy! Here's what I came up with!

Products Used

Too Faced Shadow Insurance
Maybelline Color Tattoo 24 Hour Eyeshadow - Too Cool
MAC - Shroom
MAC - Satin Taupe
Coastal Scents 88 Color Eye Shadow Palette
Coastal Scents 88 Warm Palette
Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-on Eye Pencil - Zero
Palladio Eye Ink - Black
L'oreal Voluminous Million Lashes Mascara




This is non sponsored video

Tarte for True Blood Look

As a Christmas gift to myself, I gave in and bought the Tarte for True Blood palette. Whether it's the colors, the show, the brand or all three, I had to get this palette. For the price, I was very impressed with all that was included. The palette includes:

- 17 eyeshadows
- A sample of Lifted natural eye primer
- A sample of Lights, camera, lashes! mascara
- Small emphasEYES aqua-gel eyeliner

Here are some shots of the palette!

Anyway, I finally had time to play with the palette. Here is the look I came up with.

Here are the steps to creating this look:

1. Prime eyes. I used the primer included in the palette

2. Swipe "Dusk" across the crease

3. Place "Moss" in the outer V and blend into the crease

4. Pack "Waitress" onto the lid

5. Use "Fairy" to highlight below the brow and to erase any mistakes

6. Mix "V" and "Nocturnal" and put on the lower lash line

7. Line upper and lower water line with the Tarte liner

8. Put "The true death" on the inner tear duct and blend up into the crease

9. Curl eyelashes and coat with Tarte mascara


So there you go! Thanks for reading and feel free to post any looks you've come up with using this palette!




This is not sponsored

Acrylic Nails: Are they for you?

I spent two years trying to grow out my nails.

I tried every strengthening polish I could get my hands on...

Ate tons of jello...

And I even took prenatal vitamins in effort to make those suckers grow. Still, they would just rip, tear and chip.

It was the month before my wedding and I had HAD IT! I wanted my nails to look long and beautiful for the most important day in my life, so I had acrylics put on.

As you can see, I was MUCH happier...

So, here I sit with my list of Pros and Cons for having acrylic nails.


Pro: The polish stays on until you take it off. No need to worry about it chipping!

Con: The upkeep. One must go in for fills every three to four weeks to keep them looking fresh.

Pro: This is the perfect solution for those with brittle nails that just WILL NOT GROW!

Con: Everyone is so busy these days. With such hectic lives, sitting in a chair for over an hour can be a pain in the bum!

Pro: It makes those with short, stubby fingers (like mine) look long and lean. Okay...now this may not seem like a big deal to some, but it is for me! When wearing my wedding ring, I looked like a little girl trying on mommy's jewelery! However, with acrylics, my hands look a little more sophisticated and the nails make it a little easier to ignore the little dimples in my knuckles.

Imagine how they would look WITHOUT the nails!

Con: Price. Spending at least $20.00 every three to four weeks may not be within the budget of some.


So that's my list. What are you pros and cons? Do you think it's worth paying the extra every month? Do nails really matter to you? Am I completely insane for wanting mature-looking hands? Leave a comment with your input!

My Face Routine

My favorite thing about beauty blogs is checking out other people's face routines. Which products work for them? Do they prefer liquid or powder foundation? Do they use a primer?

Here, I've included a list of products and the order in which I use them.

Enjoy!



Moisturizer: Philosophy Hope in a Jar. ($60.00/4 oz.)

This lotion is, by far, the BEST moisturizer I've ever used. It has completely evened out my skin tone. Oil or dry, this stuff does the trick!



Primer: MAC Prep + Prime Skin ($26.50/1 fl oz.)

This was the first face primer I ever used and I am still loving it. My make up goes on better and stays put all day. I can definitely tell a difference when I have forgotten to use it.



Concealer: TheBalm TimeBalm in Light ($18.00/0.25 oz.) or Amazing Cosmetics Amazing Concealer in Medium Beige ($42.00/0.5 oz)

This is perfect for covering minor blemishes and under eye circles. It has medium coverage and is my go-to when I don't have time to put on foundation.

This concealer has medium-full coverage and goes on smoothly. A little goes a looooong way with this product. It is perfect for covering sore blemishes and redness.



Foundation: Bare Escentuals bareMinerals in Medium Beige ($25.00)

I've been using this for over three years and it is still my go-to powder. I've tried using other brands, but always revert to this. It gives my skin a soft, natural look without looking too cakey.



Bronzer/Contouring: NARS bronzer in Laguna ($33.00) or Physicians Formula Multi-Colored Pressed Powder in Light Bronzer ($13.49)

The only complaint I have with this is the price. It's a good product, but a cheaper alternative would do the trick just fine.

Once my NARS bronzer runs out, I'll be using this full time. It more pigmented than the NARS bronzer and is cheaper!



Blush: NARS Blush in Deep Throat ($27.00)

Love Love LOVE this blush. The peachy-pink color gives me skin a beautiful glow. I 100% recommend this product!



Highlighter: Benefit Cosmetics blush in Sugarbomb ($28.00) or Physicians Formula Virtual Powder Highlighter ($10.99)

I can't get over the smell of this product. It smells sugary sweet with a hint of fruit. So yummy. It give my skin a peachy glow without making my skin look oily.

This is the perfect highlight. It's a sheer pink highlighter that gives you just the right amount of shine.



Setting Make Up: MAKE UP FOR EVER Mist & Fix Spray ($27.00)

I swear by this product. I used this on my wedding day and my make up stayed on through the tears and sweat! It sets your make up with a soft, smooth finish.


What products do you swear by? Do we use the same ones? Let me know in the comments!