Foundation Fail

Hello Darlings!

Today's post was going to a bit more fall-oriented, but I really wanted to talk about a specific product instead (the tea just brewed that way), so let's dive in. 

My favorite BB Cream is by Maybelline (see post HERE), so I had some good expectations when I picked up Maybelline's "Fit Me" Foundation. I've heard a lot of makeup lovers talk about this foundation and how great it works for them, how it's a great dupe for some high-end foundations, so the excitement and good reviews were making me think positive thoughts.  

However, I went to try out this foundation and was dismayed when I realized it doesn't work whatsoever for my skin. The color I chose was the perfect shade for my face, and the consistency of the product was good - it has great coverage. But the look of the foundation is what I can't get past. It looks extremely cakey and cheap, and the "cakey look" has got to be my biggest foundation pet peeve, and the biggest no no.

I will say that the coverage is amazing. You only need a very thin layer on your face, and your blemishes are completely gone. I really wish that the powdery, cakey problem could be fixed, because I think this would be a great foundation for me if that went away. It's affordable and I also really like the cute packaging, which reminds me a lot of the Nars Foundation packaging. 

Sadly, this was a total Foundation Fail - I won't be using this at all in the future. I don't have the heart to throw it away yet because I've only used it twice - the bottle is still full. So it's sitting with my other foundations, looking pretty. At least Maybelline got the packaging right... but I'll stick to my better foundations. 

Have you tried any of the Fit Me foundations? 

A Fall Haul

Hi Darlings!

I decided to take the week off from blogging; it's good to take a break every once in a while and let the blogger within recharge (with some tea of course!).

So now I'm back! and I have a little haul to share with you. I've been in the shopping mood lately - time to stock up on the autumn goodies! - and here are a few things I've picked up. Excuse the iphone picture quality - I was out of luck with cameras and lighting today.

I can now proudly say I've bought my first "big" candle from B&BW. The "Pumpkin Apple" is perfect for the autumn season - and it's also amazingly yummy-smelling! I can't wait to fill my room with this glorious scent. 

The mini candle is "Spiced Cider" and is also a great fall candle. I don't think it'll last very long, because I can't stop sniffing it every time I take off the lid. 

I FINALLY bought the coveted Hoola Bronzer by Benefit, and I'm so happy about it. Bronzer is a very fall/winter product to me, so I just knew I had to pick this up, as I've been eyeing it for months now. I also bought Elf's "Golden Bronzer" pallette, which I'm excited to try - I'll have to give a comparison review of the two of them, since they are on such different ends of the scale price-wise and quality-wise (supposedly). 

The Maybelline lipstick is one of their new autumn shades, and it's the perfect plum red color for some vampy dramatic lips or a lighter red, but still dramatic, pout. 

And of course, I can't resist those EOS lipbalms!! I got the green and blue ones, I'm so happy they finally were stocked at my local Ulta. (Read my EOS post HERE)

So that is my little Fall Haul - not a super long post, but I'm getting back into it, I promise! I'll be back with a post on Sunday.

Come To Bed Red

Hello Darlings!

I know I just wrote about nail polish two posts ago, but what can I say? I finally bought a color by Butter London that I have been obsessing (yes, obsessing) over, and I immediately put it on my nails to show some autumn-induced color. So I had to blog about it!

The color is called "Come To Bed Red", which is such a catchy name that it made me love the color even more. I just love the idea of a good deep, pure red for autumn - I think it's a fall staple that every girly girl needs. Especially nail polish addicts!

The perfect holiday color - it'll also be great for Christmas. If you take any pictures outside in the snow, the contrast of the white and red will make those nails pop. 

As always, LOVE Butter London's packaging

Vibrant nails... hello fall!

I'll probably end up wearing this for the next few weeks because I just love it so much... what autumn color are you obsessing over? 

Tea Time Tip

Hi Darlings!

I had a post planned for today, but it'll have to wait because I ran out of daylight - no good lighting means no good pictures, for now.

So today, I decided to do another Tea Time Tip. This one is about haircare - some tips to keep those girly strands shiny! Read on for some things that have helped me along the way to keeping my hair healthier.

The first bit of advice is, switch up your shampoo and conditioner regularly. I always have two different shampoos in my shower and alternate with them. I also like to buy smaller shampoo sizes - this means I run out faster, causing me to switch it up and try new things. This is good for your hair because if you overuse a shampoo, it'll eventually not have the same cleansing effect anymore. Rotating is key!

Second tip: stop using paddle brushes! These are actually what I call "frizz machines". They are too hard on your hair and there is too much static with the bristles, causing more broken ends and more frizz. For someone with thick, but also fine hair, that's a deadly combo. I switched to using a small-tooth comb recently (read the haul post HERE) and I'm so glad I did. It has already noticeably gotten rid of a lot of my split ends and definitely the frizz, and that's exciting news for me, girls. It's all in all just healthier for your hair and if you want to take better care of those locks and make them shine, then take this extra easy step.

Third tip: Non-foaming shampoos. If you've never tried any before, branch out and try it! After a bit of researching, I discovered the benefits of shampoos without the usual lather.
The ingredient in shampoos that creates a lather is Sulfate. Sulfate can seriously dry out any color-treated hair, and if you have a sensitive and/or dry scalp, your regular shampoos might actually be making it worse. Non-foaming shampoos solve that problem, and have a lot of substituted, varied vitamins in them that are nourishing.

Fourth tip: Apply the right way! Shampoo is supposed to be applied to the scalp only, and a little further if your hair is longer, but never to the ends. A good strategy is to apply conditioner to your ends first, and then shampoo your scalp and surrounding area of your hair. Then when you wash the shampoo out, the conditioner will have soaked into your ends and coated them nicely, and the shampoo will wash through all your hair and clean it without being too harsh.

So those are my haircare tips that I recommend - what your your haircare secrets?

Jet Set To Paris

Hello Darlings!

Let's take a trip to Paris! My nails for the week are Loreal's "Jet Set To Paris". I received this as a gift and I just love it! However, I feel that it's too intense for spring and summer - it's one of those deep statement colors that fits the colder months, so I've been saving it. And what a cute name! It makes me feel so girly when I put it on.

So now that autumn is around the tea table, I'm breaking out all my fall favorites, and this is one of them! I thought it would be a good transition nail color for approaching fall. I love how bold it is! Even with only one coat, it's very opaque. My impression of the Loreal polishes is that they're good quality and worth the money.

There's something so classy to me about a good deep blue nail color, and I love the contrast and how much it pops next to my yellow Baby Lips! It shows how striking the blue is, although I don't know if any of my pictures quite do it justice!

I'll be wearing this pretty often this fall and winter, and it'll continue to be one of my favorites for the season. Tea toast to the coming autumn (I'm so excited)!

Little Eos In A Row

Hi Darlings!

Is there really anything better than a good lip balm? And is there anything better than EOS? 

I say not! These lip balms are all-around perfect. They're moisturizing and good for those dry, needy lips - and I can't get over the cute egg-shaped packaging. Each one has a different scent that's always lush and somehow adorable. Overall, I can sincerely say I'm obsessed. I almost bought another "sweet mint" one during a Target run because it just looked so cute - even though I already own it! Buy one and you'll be addicted fast.

Fridays are always busy, girls, so keep a handy EOS by your side over the weekend - and say goodbye to any beauty malfunctions for your lippies! 

My favorite of the bunch has got to be "Summer Fruit", the dark red one in my little row. It just has the scent that suits me the most, so it's always in my purse with me. I'm almost out, so it might be time for a refill!

Second has got to be "Strawberry Sorbet", the light pink one - I always have this one on my bedtable. I apply it right before I go to sleep, and also in the morning. It's part of my nightly routine and the scent is growing on me - I kind of qualmed at it at first, but now it's very calming. 

Third would have to be "Lemon Drop", which is of course the yellow - the added SPF made this one my summer must-have! I took this trusty little one to the beach and all my pool trips, and it kept my lips hydrated. And the scent!! (Swoon) 

And lastly, there's "Sweet Mint", as cute as the pastel mint color of the packaging. The smell and taste of this one is incredible... however, I found this one to be very drying, due to the ingredient in it that gives your lips that minty buzz. While the feeling is all fuzz and fizzly, the end result isn't, which is why this one comes in last. I don't think I'll ever use it all up because the drying factor has turned me off a lot. But it's still cute - and I've become a collector of all the lip balms. Why? Just because. Does a girl need a reason when something is THIS cute? (We all know the answer to that)

I want to pick up "Bluberry Acai", "Honeysuckle Honeydew", and "Medicated Tangerine", but they are never in stores near me. But they're on the wish list!

Check out EOS's website if you want to browse some of their amazing products!

Do you own any EOS lip balms? What's your favorite?

Product Loves!

Hi Darlings!

Today is a really rainy day - but don't let that stop your tea party! Here are two products I've been totally LOVING lately - just grab these two items, and turn that dreary day into sunshine! It's amazing what a good blush and smoky eye can do for your mood.

The first product is an eyeshadow palette by Rimmel London. It's 621 in "Orion", and it's one of their Glam Eyes palettes. I've had it for quite a while but only recently started reaching for it... and now it's been a daily must-have for my eyes. Whether it's a subtle look I'm going for with just a bit of shimmer, a dramatic smoky eye, or a flattering matte color for my lids, this is the perfect little palette that can do it all for me. My favorite has been a nice smoky eye. Perfect for a casual or dolled up face of the day!

 

Next is a blush by Wet N Wild, and it's in the shade "Mellow Wine". I've been super in love with this, because it's that perfect wine-red color with hints of purple undertones, which is a lovely match for my olive-toned skin. The texture of the blush is very smooth and blends well - there are also small amounts of glitters in the blush, giving it a bit of shine but not anything crazy noticeable. This is another product I love to just brush on the apples of my cheeks to give myself a healthy glow. It's been reached for during my makeup routine and it's become a well-used favorite.

What are some of your favorite products that you can't use enough? Any staples or must-haves?

Thanks for reading!