A Makeup Ramble

Hello Darlings!

Today I wanted to share some pictures and just have a little "Makeup Ramble".

One of my favorite things is getting up in the morning, showering, and then applying my makeup. I have the most time to pamper, take my time, relax, and enjoy this routine on the weekends. I love taking pictures of my "makeup of the day", and here are a few fun ones. (I like to glam them up with apps, and excuse the quality, these are quick snapshots from my iPhone).

At this point I've accumulated a good amount of makeup, but I still always find room for more - and the NEED for more. It's just the most addictive, fun thing to shop for. Nothing better than restocking on some new fun, cute, pretty products! I'm sure every beauty guru has the shopping bug. 

My makeup process isn't really complete without taking a quick photo of what I'm wearing that day. It's the last thing I do before I put everything away, and it's just one of those small things that makes me happy. Does anyone else do this? 

Ulta Haul

Hi Darlings!

So I went to Ulta today with a simple mission - I needed some new shampoo. Of course, I ended up with a few more items along the way... Oops! But there were some sales, so of course I wasn't going to pass that up. And I also had enough Ulta points to reduce my purchase even more. 

The shampoo is one I've been eyeing for quite a while. Every time I go into Ulta, I slow down in the aisle and my eye is caught by the bright, bubbly packaging. So this time, I finally caved because lo and behold, it was discounted (gasp)! I picked my favorite scent, and happily was enthused to shop for a few more things because shopping was going so well. 

I believe this shampoo is by Ulta itself, and it was the name "Beauty Smoothie" that first caught my eye. This shampoo is actually also a shower gel and a bubble bath. I love that it's multi-purpose because it's something I've never experimented with before. The smell is perfectly fruity, sweet, and fresh, and I can't wait to try it out. Beauty and smoothies - sounds like a party to me. :)

I picked up two of these because they were only $6 each. Kenra is much more expensive than the average hair care brand, and I've been looking for a good texturizing product, so this seemed just right. I'll be using this tomorrow to help style my hair and I couldn't be more excited! Taffy anyone?

The last item is simple, but essential. I finally broke down and bought one of those things you always have in the back of your mind, but always forget because it seems so small. But I'm positive that this purchase will turn out to be a life-changing one... or hair-changing. You're actually supposed to brush your hair with a fine-tooth comb instead of the other types, because this one will keep away frizz, damage, and breakage. It's the healthiest way to brush your hair. I'm glad I purchased this and will definitely try to use it in the future instead of my regular brushes (time for a new hairdo!)

Those are the things I bought for this small weekend haul, I'm very excited! Have you bought anything interesting lately?

Facial Friday: Olay Fresh Effects

Hello Darlings!

It's time for another Facial Friday - and I knew just the thing to talk about! I might just add this facial kit to my tea party (a kettle is whistling!).

Here it is: the "Olay Fresh Effects Va-Va-Vivid Powered Contour Cleansing System". Quite a spoonful! But it's every bit as amazing as it's name is long, and I'm so glad I decided to purchase not just the cleanser, but the entire kit. Because the brush is incredible.

Olay's Fresh Effects line is one directed toward it's younger audience, and this colorful kit caught my eye immediately. I decided to purchase the kit during a Walgreen's trip, and the lady working the beauty section saw how excited I was, so she gave me the example kit as well! I got two for the price of one, only adding to the happiness.

This is the Cleansing Brush. It is battery-powered, and when you turn it on, it has a very good vibration technique. The spongy bristles are the perfect combo of soft but deep-cleaning, and I find it very effective. Extra tip: this is also AMAZING to use as a lip scrub! Just turn it on and massage your lips, and they'll be unbelievably smooth, soft, and moisturized. You'll have kissable lips in no time at all. 

The cleanser itself is also perfection. I hadn't tried any Olay products before, so I had nothing to compare it to from the brand, but this cleanser is just right. It's exfoliating, but very gentle. My skin gets sensitive if the exfoliation is too rough, but it has no issue with this one - and it also smells so good!

I incorporate this into my shower routine, and it leaves my face feeling fresh, clean, and smelling heavenly as a bonus. The brush is great at getting all the angles and contours of your face covered, as well as doubling as a lip scrubber. 

I definitely want to repurchase this when I run out. The brush is also definitely going to be around in my shower items for a long time - I don't know what I did without it!

Have you tried this product? What are your Facial Friday Faves?

Michael Todd Jojoba Charcoal Facial Scrub

Hi Darlings!

Today's review is about a product I was SO excited to try out - and now that I've used it, I'm even more excited, because it's amazing.

It's the Jojoba Charcoal Facial Scrub by Michael Todd. It's claims are: "exfoliates/removes impurities" and it's also suitable for all skin types. I used this in my shower, and since I've never used a charcoal scrub before, I was happily curious to see that it was a lightly grainy, black-colored consistency.

I find it perfect to apply during a shower, so that you can quickly wash it off very easily. The directions advise to apply the scrub gently to the face, to avoid over-stimulating the skin. The result is smooth, clean, soft skin that feels so marvelous afterwards! It does have beads, but very small, and more like a light grain. Since I'm a bit against exfoliators now because they're so harsh on the skin (even gentle ones, in most cases), this was perfect for me. 

The packaging of Michael Todd has always looked so cute to me. And the jojoba in this product is amazing. Love! 

Overall, I would highly reccommend this product. I've been wanting to try out Michael Todd for a few months, and this was the perfect first thing to try out. I'll definitely be using this as my go-to scrub, and I love the fact that it's a charcoal scrub as well. Definitely a new skincare love!

Have you tried any charcoal scrubs, or anything by Michael Todd?

Tea Time Tip

Hello Darlings!

I've decided to do something a little different for this post - let's talk beauty. During Tea Time Tips, rather than reviewing a product, I'll discuss beauty myths, tips, ideas, and DIYs. I think it'll be fun, so sip your tea and keep reading!

Today I'm going to talk about Lip Balms. Even if you're not as much of a beauty guru, if you're a girl, chances are you've got a tube of chapstick in your purse, or an EOS lip balm sitting on your dresser. 

The problem? Chapsticks and Lip Balms can have ingredients in them that make your lips dry - which means you'll need to apply more, but that only dries them out more, so you apply it more and more often... It's a crazy cycle! And if you pick the wrong one, you may be doing to your lips exactly what you're trying to fix. 

Here are some helpful ingredients in chapsticks to stay AWAY from:

• Menthol
• Eucalyptis
• Camphor
• Phenol

Menthol, Eucalyptis, and Camphor all give that tingly and cooling feeling, which I admit I do love because it just feels good - but it dries out your lips. Think of it like this: toothpaste has that similar tingling, minty effect, but it's extremely drying if you put it on your skin. Not a good idea! 

Phenol strips your skin, which leaves your lips exposed. You want to replenish and moisturize your lips, not strip them down. Hello lip cracks!

So what's the good stuff? Look for these ingredients in your lip balms: 

• Cocoa Butter
• Shea Butter
• Jojoba oil 
• Coconut oil

These ingredients are all very moisturizing, and that is the key. They aren't irritants like Menthol and and Phenol can be. Stick to these trustworthy ingredients, and your lips will be oh so juicy and thankful!

A cute idea? Buy a pack of cute lip balm containers and make your own DIY lip balms! I'm on the search for the perfect, easy recipe to do just that - I'll keep you posted if I find anything! 

Bath Bling: Vidal Sassoon Hair Mask

Hello Darlings!

Sunday is the last day before the weekend - why not give yourself that little extra bit of pampering?
That's what this product is perfect for - it was a random discovery of mine, and a very happy one. It's the Vidal Sassoon Hair Mask... Pampering for your hair in a little jar!

I found this cutie at Target, and figured, for the amazing $4 price, why not give it a try? I've been looking for a good hair mask for a while, and this cheaper option was a good trial run to test out the hair mask waters. 

I just LOVE the consistency of this mask - it feels like a slightly heavier whip cream. The fact that it's also in a jar is another big plus - I love scooping out the product in my hand because it's so creamy and soft. 

The theory is to leave the mask on for one minute and then rinse it out. But I always leave it on slightly longer - and the result is amazing! I brush my hair after showering, and when I used this mask, there were NO tangles in my hair whatsoever, and my hair was soft as could be! 

If you've been styling your hair - especially heat-styling - like most beauty gurus do, then apply some of this during your next shower, and your hair will be refreshed and oh so thankful. And another bonus? The smell is heavenly! 

A Nail Polish Remover Discovery

Hi Darlings!

I don't know about you, but on Friday nights, the last thing I want to worry about it cheap, chipped nails... No beauty guru wants that! Especially if you're going to that special party. 

Enter this glorious find, CVS's brand of Nail Polish Remover. I was gifted this by my boyfriend, who picked it up after hearing about my nail polish remover woes (trust me, there were plenty). I'd heard about it from a friend during one of our lovely tea parties (where we both had perfect nails, thankfully), and mentioned it a few times, but as I never go to CVS, forgot about it. So when my boyfriend surprised me with it, I was happy as could be! 

The packaging is crisp, clean, and I love that it's in a jar. I was getting tired of those Remover bottles that simply don't look as pretty. 

("I can clean your nails!")

The idea behind this product and the way to use it is amazing. Tired of using cotton balls to rub the nail polish angrily off of your nails? Tired of the remover bottles that spill everywhere too easily? This puts all those troubles to rest. Below is what the jar looks like on the inside. All you need to do? Just stick each finger into the jar, one at a time, and either move your finger up and down against the tabs, or twist it against them. The squishy tabs and the remover combined make your nail polish fade away in about 10 seconds! (Whoever thought this up, from the bottom of my beauty guru heart - THANK YOU). And voila - look at those clean nails, all ready for the next lovely nail polish. No more hiding your nails when you're holding a teacup! 

One small concern: in order for this product to be as effective and fast as it is, the remover itself is much stronger than your average bottle. So when your finger comes out, it can look strangely whitened and feel very dry. But I found the perfect solution - after all your nails are clean, just wash them with soap, and then for a good finishing touch, apply hand cream/moisturizer. The drying effect that the remover gives will be erased when you wash your hands, and also moisturize them for good measure.

So really, the only downside isn't a downside at all, because it's such an easy fix! I would 100% reccomend this amazing product - for any nail polish junkie, it's a complete godsend. I'm never going back to the awkward remover bottles again!

Happy Friday darlings! Have fun at those parties with your clean nails!

Maybelline Falsies Mascara

Hello Darlings!

Today's post is a review of my current mascara I've been using: Maybelline Falsies. 

The last mascara I had was by Covergirl - I can't remember it's name, but it was in a bright orange, round tube. I had it for a few years, and never really replaced it, using it very sparingly. Mascara was never a big thing to me in the beginning of my makeup experience. 

But after seeing some great reviews this spring and summer about Falsies, I just had to try it...

Now, mascara is my favorite last touch to my everyday look. Looking at reviews of Falsies, it looked entirely promising: Some of it's claims were, it's voluminous, lengthening, and lives up to it's name... in need of a false lashes substitute, girls? Don't worry about those false lashes falling into your tea, because this mascara can give you that look, glue-free! 

I was so excited to see if this mascara was as great as all the beauty hype. And just look at the packaging, too - what beauty guru is going to resist that enticing grape color with blue accents? (Not me, I can assure you). So into the bag it went!

THE REVIEW:

The formula is smooth and thick. I didn't purchase the waterproof version, but nonetheless, this is certainly water resistant. I've worn it to the pool and never had a problem with running or smudging. That was an unexpected plus! 

That being said, here are my two negative thoughts: First, because of the thick texture, it can sometimes clump on the lashes, so you've got to work it a little bit. Second, it's great that it's waterproof, but when it comes to removal, this stuff holds on for dear life. My poor eyelashes do suffer a bit every time I need to wash my face clean of makeup. I'd hate be scared to experience the strength of the actual waterproof version. 

Overall, I love this mascara but I dislike it as well. There are an equal amount of pros and cons, and I'm thinking that I can find a 100% mascara out there, which this one didn't quite live up to. So after this one, I'll be in the market for something new. Although I do hate despair to give up the beautiful bottle... sigh.

What are your mascara traumas/triumphs? Have you tried Falsies or anything from the Maybelline line?