Here's my mani from last year. I used Time Traveler, Tempest, Evil Queen, Lethal and some glitter for this mani.
Sunday, June 29, 2014
Friday, June 27, 2014
Fusion of Color Cosmetics Review
Miss me? I have been quite busy and have a lot of catching up to do. Life just seems to get in the way sometimes. About a month ago I received a package from Fusion of Color Cosmetics full of goodies to try. Normally I would do a review on all the products received right away and give my first impressions. But because so much has been going on, I have actually found that I am continuously reaching for some of the products I received every day, so I thought I would review those products since they worked their way into my every day routine.
My normal makeup routine starts with an under eye cream followed by a daily moisturizer. I use both a liquid foundation and an all over face powder, concealer, blush, mascara, brow gel and lip balm/gloss on a daily basis. I have it down to a science and typically will use the same products every day. I mix it up at night if I'm going out, but otherwise it's a fairly simple routine. I mention this so you can see how well some of these products fit into my daily life.
I am using pictures from Fusion of Color's site as I just have been slammed lately and have not had an opportunity to photograph the samples I received.
Perfect Canvas Primer
The first time I ever heard of face primer it was from a sample I received from DHC. It had a velvety texture and I didn't know what to make of it. I brushed it aside and never purchased it. One year I grabbed a sample and used it before taking Christmas photos. I had just gotten into mineral makeup, but didn't like how it looked without a primer. Enter the primer. I walked out and John commented on how I looked like a live airbrushed photo.
Since then I have tried several primers and I do have a favorite. When I received this sample, it reminded me of that first experience with primer. The Perfect Canvas Primer is super velvety. It lays on the skin giving you an airbrushed look and feels almost silky on your skin. You can wear this alone to diffuse the look of minor wrinkles, but the magic is that it allows your makeup to lay on top of the primer and not seep into your wrinkles. (I'll be 40 in August, I worry about these things.) I tested this out on the day I officiated my friends on the beach, on a 98 degree morning, along with Fusion of Color's Original Foundation. I was so hot out on the beach and sweating. (not pretty I know.) I thought for sure there would be nothing left of my makeup after the vows. I was pleasantly surprised that I just needed a minor makeup touch up that night for my daughter's HS graduation. Even better, I didn't suffer any acne side effects that can sometimes happen when wearing primers. I was quite impressed with this product. My only concern, if you want to call it that, is that it felt heavy upon application. I could definitely tell I had something on my face, which I am not a fan of. However once it set, I could no longer feel it, and that put my concerns at ease. At $15.75 it costs half of what my usual primer costs. I am definitely going to buy some of this when I am out of my regular primer. I received a sample size of this from Fusion of Color and while I don't wear a primer every day, I do use it fairly regularly and I was able to get a full 6 uses out of the sample and found myself reaching for it instead of my usual primer until it was gone.
Original Foundation - Beige 3
Let's flash back again for a moment, shall we? Back to that Christmas photo pic I just told you about. Well I had just received in the mail a very popular brand of mineral powders. Well I loved how it made my skin look, but I didn't love the horrible burning itchy feeling I got when I used it. OMG! It was something horrible! Turns out my skin has a thing against Mica. Who knew? Since then the search for a good mineral foundation that doesn't contain Mica and that isn't sparkly was on. I finally settled on one that I love, but apparently not enough to keep me from trying different options.
I use Mac Face and Body Liquid Foundation every day. Then I top it off with a powder to set it. I'm not usually a fan of loose foundation powder, but if it works, I will use it. I really love how fine the powder is in this foundation. There is ZERO sparkle and it is so soft and light. I am seriously impressed with the finish and wear of this. (See the photo above from my friends wedding.) I have been finding myself reaching for this every day over my pressed mineral foundation in the last month. It is lighter and I feel like I get a better result with this. My only wish is that this came in a pressed option, as I can't just throw this in my makeup bag without putting some tape over the sifter. (Because I hate nothing more than opening a loose powder all in the cap.) In spite of this being a loose powder, I am in love and highly recommend.
This was the surprise of the bunch. I received a sample and was like, so is this like an HD powder? Am I going to look like I'm Team Edward all the sudden? But oh I couldn't have been more wrong and well right. It definitely works like an HD powder and I definitely did not look like a wannabe Twilight vampire. I wore this on my forehead and along my cheekbones and I really like how it helps reflect the light without the white cast. This is a little piece of magic to finish off a look. I don't normally use a finishing powder like this on a daily basis, but I have taken to using a swipe of this on my forehead and cheekbones every day. So I guess maybe now I do.
Lip Sass Lip Gloss in Devotion
On it's own this is pretty sheer, not as bright and vibrant like pictured. But when I use this over a tinted balm, the two together add the perfect fuchsia look. The tint in this enhances the lip balm. In the photo from my friends wedding above, I am wearing this lip gloss alone. This was a few hours after putting it on. You can see my lips still have a very subtle glossy look. In the photo below I'm wearing it over my tinted lip balm. The Fusion of Color Lip Sass comes in a small tube with a doe foot applicator to make for an easy mess free application. They only use mineral colorants for their Lip Sass. This is great for light every day use.
Overall Impression on Fusion of Color
I received 7 or 8 samples from Fusion of Color. Of the items received, these are the ones that worked their way into my everyday routine. I will most likely buy the primer, foundation and diamond finish. I am super impressed by the quality of the products and the wear, which is super important to me. These are definitely worth having in your makeup arsenal.
Disclaimer - All Fusion of Color Cosmetics were given to me to try. Opinions are my own.
My normal makeup routine starts with an under eye cream followed by a daily moisturizer. I use both a liquid foundation and an all over face powder, concealer, blush, mascara, brow gel and lip balm/gloss on a daily basis. I have it down to a science and typically will use the same products every day. I mix it up at night if I'm going out, but otherwise it's a fairly simple routine. I mention this so you can see how well some of these products fit into my daily life.
I am using pictures from Fusion of Color's site as I just have been slammed lately and have not had an opportunity to photograph the samples I received.
Perfect Canvas Primer
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| Perfect Canvas Primer - Retail $15.75 |
Since then I have tried several primers and I do have a favorite. When I received this sample, it reminded me of that first experience with primer. The Perfect Canvas Primer is super velvety. It lays on the skin giving you an airbrushed look and feels almost silky on your skin. You can wear this alone to diffuse the look of minor wrinkles, but the magic is that it allows your makeup to lay on top of the primer and not seep into your wrinkles. (I'll be 40 in August, I worry about these things.) I tested this out on the day I officiated my friends on the beach, on a 98 degree morning, along with Fusion of Color's Original Foundation. I was so hot out on the beach and sweating. (not pretty I know.) I thought for sure there would be nothing left of my makeup after the vows. I was pleasantly surprised that I just needed a minor makeup touch up that night for my daughter's HS graduation. Even better, I didn't suffer any acne side effects that can sometimes happen when wearing primers. I was quite impressed with this product. My only concern, if you want to call it that, is that it felt heavy upon application. I could definitely tell I had something on my face, which I am not a fan of. However once it set, I could no longer feel it, and that put my concerns at ease. At $15.75 it costs half of what my usual primer costs. I am definitely going to buy some of this when I am out of my regular primer. I received a sample size of this from Fusion of Color and while I don't wear a primer every day, I do use it fairly regularly and I was able to get a full 6 uses out of the sample and found myself reaching for it instead of my usual primer until it was gone.
Here I am after sweating on the beach with the beautiful bride and my loving husband and professional photo bomber in the back. Look how silky smooth my makeup still looks! Do I not look airbrushed?! I'm wearing Fusion of Color Perfect Canvas Primer, Mac Face & Body Foundation, L'Oreal True Match Crayon Concealer, Fusion of Color Original Foundation, Josie Maran Color Stick blush in a discontinued color (I will cry when I run out!), Fusion of Color Aura-Lusion Diamond Finish, Benefit They're Real Mascara, Urban Decay 24/7 Velvet Glide-On Eye Pencil in Black Velvet, random brow gel and Fusion of Color Lip Sass Lip Gloss in Devotion.
Original Foundation - Beige 3
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| Original Foundation - Retail $15 |
I use Mac Face and Body Liquid Foundation every day. Then I top it off with a powder to set it. I'm not usually a fan of loose foundation powder, but if it works, I will use it. I really love how fine the powder is in this foundation. There is ZERO sparkle and it is so soft and light. I am seriously impressed with the finish and wear of this. (See the photo above from my friends wedding.) I have been finding myself reaching for this every day over my pressed mineral foundation in the last month. It is lighter and I feel like I get a better result with this. My only wish is that this came in a pressed option, as I can't just throw this in my makeup bag without putting some tape over the sifter. (Because I hate nothing more than opening a loose powder all in the cap.) In spite of this being a loose powder, I am in love and highly recommend.
Aura-Lusion Diamond Finish
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| Aura-Lusion Diamond Finish - Retail $9.00 |
Lip Sass Lip Gloss in Devotion
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| Lip Sass Lip Glos in Devotion - Retail $8 |
On it's own this is pretty sheer, not as bright and vibrant like pictured. But when I use this over a tinted balm, the two together add the perfect fuchsia look. The tint in this enhances the lip balm. In the photo from my friends wedding above, I am wearing this lip gloss alone. This was a few hours after putting it on. You can see my lips still have a very subtle glossy look. In the photo below I'm wearing it over my tinted lip balm. The Fusion of Color Lip Sass comes in a small tube with a doe foot applicator to make for an easy mess free application. They only use mineral colorants for their Lip Sass. This is great for light every day use.
Excuse the hair, I was having a horrible hair day thanks to my kids stealing my shampoo and conditioner and leaving me with their crappy one. (Hey I can't afford to buy 3 teenagers expensive shampoo and conditioner!) This photo was taken in natural sunlight by my front door. I'm wearing Fusion of Color Perfect Canvas Primer, Mac Face & Body Foundation, Fusion of Color Original Foundation, Josie Maran Color Stick blush in a discontinued color, L'Oreal True Match Crayon Concealer (best concealer ever by the way!), Fusion of Color Aura-Lusion Diamond Finish, Benefit They're Real Mascara, random brow gel and Fusion of Color Lip Sass Lip Gloss in Devotion over Hare Magic Moroccan Lipstick (Which is more of a balm really).
Overall Impression on Fusion of Color
I received 7 or 8 samples from Fusion of Color. Of the items received, these are the ones that worked their way into my everyday routine. I will most likely buy the primer, foundation and diamond finish. I am super impressed by the quality of the products and the wear, which is super important to me. These are definitely worth having in your makeup arsenal.
Disclaimer - All Fusion of Color Cosmetics were given to me to try. Opinions are my own.
Tuesday, June 24, 2014
Thursday, June 12, 2014
Pop Sugar Must Have June 2014
I have been a subscriber of PopSugar Must Have for at least a year now, and have never posted about one! Crazy right? But I think I will start sharing my box and thoughts. What do you think?
If you're not aware of the PopSugar Must Have box, here is what it is:
(From their website)
If you're not aware of the PopSugar Must Have box, here is what it is:
(From their website)
- Hand-selected items in beauty, fashion, home, fitness, and food
- Full-size products and premium items
- Only $39.95 a month, with free shipping
If you want to subscribe, you can do so here (Full Disclosure - if you subscribe using my referral link, I get credit towards a free box.)
It's like a mini Christmas every month!
I love the info card on the top, but I always look at this last! I want to get all the surprises before I find out about them!
June 2014 Popsugar Must Have Box
One Potato Two Potato Hawaiian BBQ Chips - Savory Hawaiian kettle chips. Cooked with all-natural ingredients and packed with flavor. My Thoughts: Coco stole them right away. She said they were spicy. The bag is gone, so they must have been good?
Emily Giffin's The One & Only - The highly anticipated novel of an unlikely romance and lifelong friends set against the backdrop of Texas football. My Thoughts: YES! I was planning on buying this on my Nook to read this Summer! Can't wait to dig in!
Lollies Hair Ties - Made from swimwear fabric, they look great on your wrist and the braided ties don't stretch over time like average hair ties. My Thoughts: Love the look of these and I'm excited to try them out! I'm going to buy some more, since my girls instantly stole these! Nakizzle said they are a cool bracelet, but too pretty for her hair, but she immediately took her hair band off her wrist and replaced it with this! My girls and their friends ALWAYS have a hair band on their wrist, it'll be nice to see them step up their game a bit. LOL
Turkish-T Beach Towel - Acts like a lightweight beach towel by day and as a glam wrap by night. Loomed from the world's finest cotton. My Thoughts: I wouldn't necessarily use this as a beach towel. I feel it is more of a wrap or scarf. I can't imagine this drying off my body when I step out of the ocean. But it is so light and airy and beautiful, I am definitely loving this and have already gone on their site to check out their items.
SACHAJUAN Shiny Citrus Body Lotion - Using Swedish oats, this lotion reduces the appearance of wrinkles and calms irritation. My Thoughts: First I smelled it. I love the light citrus scent. But in reality, I need another lotion like I need another tattoo. Wait, I love tattoos… and I love lotions… and wait did it say reduces the appearance of wrinkles? OK, this just moved to the top of my lotion rotation! I will have to follow this one up with a post once I have used it for a few weeks.
You Smell Lemon Wet Wipes - These naturally antibacterial wipes are not only durable, but also gentle. Alcohol free. My Thoughts - I mean, the name is genius, the packaging is awesome. I haven't smelled them yet, because I don't want to waste them. But these will be nice to have in purse. I love that they are alcohol free since that can be drying to your skin. Their site says gentle enough for your hands and face. Hmmm I do like that.
Native Union - $15 Gift Card Creators of unique and simple designs for everyone in the digital age. My Thoughts: PopSugar includes coupons and gift cards in a lot of their boxes. I use some of them, I don't use others. These are always a cost to me, but a discount is nice. It has to be something I would normally want or am intrigued by to get me to use the cards when they send them. I am actually more prone to support the companies that include an item. Maybe because as a business owner I know the cost, time and risk they are taking by putting their items in these boxes. So if I love an item, I like to show it by supporting the business. That being said, I am super intrigued by Native Union's Power Link Tassle Key Chain. I may have to bite the bullet and buy this, but the $50 price tag (even with a $15 "gift card") puts this more in the gift category to me.
The Power Link Tassle - This was NOT in the box, just an item from Native Union that you can use your gift card towards.
Overall this was one of my favorite PopSugar Must Have boxes. I love learning about new brands and finding new favorite brands, so I always enjoy these. And usually if it is something that I am not fond of, I know someone who would like or appreciate one of the items, so I save them for gifts. Besides the stolen hair ties and chips, I am keeping this box for myself!
Do you subscribe to this box? What did you think of this month's box?
Wednesday, June 11, 2014
How to Pack Lightly for a Summer Vacation
If you're like me, your mind is on vacation mode, now that Summer is finally here. Dreaming of a weekend in Martha's Vineyard or a week with the family at an amusement park. In reality, we won't be taking a vacation this Summer. We try to go visit our family each year for the 4th of July, but this year, a vacation just isn't going to happen. That doesn't mean, I'm not dreaming of a vacation anyway. And for those of you who are going on vacation, how about a little help on packing lightly?
Whether you are hitting up a beach town, touring the sites or riding the latest thrill rides, you want to look your best. Just think about all the pictures you take when you go on vacation? You may have them in a frame in your home for years do come and sorry but that cute shirt that claims "Are you Kitten Me Right Meow" will probably be a fashion regret one day.
Whether traveling by plane or car, I always try to wear the outfit that would otherwise take up most of the room in my bag. You want something cute, comfy and perfect to wear around town when you get to your destination. A maxi dress with sandals and either a white or chambray button down is perfect. The shirt can stave off any chills in the plain or car and you are ready to go site seeing when you arrive at your destination.
Outfits that can be easily taken from day to night are key. With each outfit, you can swap out the sandals for heels and the tote bag for the wristlet and be ready to go. If you're like me and want to go the extra mile, add some hoop earrings and bangles to your evening look.
If strappy heels aren't for you, try some cute dressy wedges. Just think of a cute pair of shoes you would normally wear with a dress and dare to wear them with your shorts. Your legs will look amazing! I promise! It is my trick since I am on the short side.
Maybe it's just me, but if I am spending the day out in the sun at an amusement park, I prefer thin straps or strapless. If you're like me, even with sunblock, you tend to get a bit of color on your shoulders if you're out in the sun. Not only that, you get so hot, you just want as little clothes on as possible, but you still want to look good. Jean shorts are a no go for amusement parks, wear something light, preferably cotton for maximum comfort. (skip the white shorts and make these tan if you plan on going on water rides.) You can throw the button down in your bag for the evening or in case it gets chilly.
Casual enough for a day in the parks, strolling through town, or enjoying some coffee and beignets.
From dinner to dancing, you are ready to conquer the evening.
Don't be afraid to mix colors. It can change the look of an outfit entirely. Pale yellows and corals are hot for Summer.
Turn your maxi dress into a skirt. Gap and Old Navy have some great convertible maxis'. Mix and match the maxi with any of your tops. It'll look great whether worn with heels or flats.
Did you think I'd create a post without talking about nails? Before your get away, paint your toes in either Feel Me Up or Be Loco. On your tips choose one color for 4 fingers and use the other on an accent nail and top with All Out, for a bright vacation look! Of course if you are a nail art dynamo, go all out with a fun mani.
Any fun vacation plans you're looking forward to this Summer? Where are you off to?
Wednesday, June 4, 2014
Monday, June 2, 2014
My Instalife - Recap
What a week and a half it's been! WOW! My kids Summer break is in full swing and my "vacation" is over and it's time to get back to work! Still tons going on, but if you missed it a lot has happened in the last week and a half! If you follow me on , then you already know just how busy it has been.
It all started with some extensions before officiating a friend's "Surprise" wedding…
We planned the tattoos for the last day of their trip on purpose, but went in with our ideas and scheduled our appts at the best shop in town in advance. But even with all the planning, there were last minute changes. I have three fairies tattooed on my back already. The tattoo takes almost 1/2 my back. It was done in a sort of comic style, very simple but exactly what I wanted. Originally I figured I would put this Tinkerbell silhouette somewhere on my back, but it just wouldn't mesh well with the existing tattoo and I didn't just want it slapped on there to look like an after thought. So I started frantically trying to figure out where the heck I was going to put a Tinkerbell on my body! My neck? LOL! Not happening! The back of my bicep? Somewhere on my legs? Meh, I already have a tattoo on one thigh, so I couldn't figure out a good placement. I don't want to look like I have a ton of small tattoo's all over my body. I like more of a flow. I have wanted a tattoo on the inside of my forearm, but I like to have them more "hidden" vs being the first thing people see when they meet me. So that spot was the spot I kept coming back to. And I for sure didn't want to make a statement of "Hey look at me! I'm super obsessed with Disney!" by having Tink so visible. But in the end, Kat wanted Tinkerbell's, so I slapped that fairy on my inner forearm. I'm glad I did, it turned out to be the perfect spot for her! I plan on adding to it in time, to make it a bit more than just a Tinkerbell tattoo. I already know exactly what I want to do and can't wait. I love the tattoo and location and I figure, you know what? I'm almost 40, so if people want to judge me because I have a tattoo, they can fuck off.
Anyway, that wraps up the eventful semi vacation. After all that, I feel like I need to just unplug for a few days, but my life doesn't offer up that luxury. Instead I took yesterday and went and got a pedi and then layed on the couch or in bed reading The Fault In Our Stars. Kat has read it about 5 or 6 times now and said it is a must read. I fell asleep before I could finish it, but I'm hoping I can finish reading it after work tonight. I also have some reviews coming up on the blog this week too! Actually, you know what? It feels nice to be back to normal. Did I give you a chance to miss me or did you follow along on IG?
It all started with some extensions before officiating a friend's "Surprise" wedding…
John captured this shot of me letting them know we were ready for the flower girl to come down. The groom instantly noticed my resemblance to Lady Liberty. Makes me giggle every time I see this pic!
My girl Tara is now married to her bestir! I can't believe I had such an awesome role in her new life!
My sweet little angel baby, is all grown up and graduated HS! And already she is forging her way and becoming her own woman! She starts college classes in just a few weeks! The girl wastes no time! So proud!
We took a moment to remember all those who sacrificed for our country.
We hit 100K likes on Facebook and celebrated with a 50% off sale and packed all those orders and got them out! You can see how tired I am in this photo! HA!
We spent as much time as possible on the beach with John's parent's before they had to head back to MA.
We did the Disney thing for a day. I captured this poor kid mid yawn. By this point half the family went back to the hotel for the night, but Nakizzle, my MIL and I stayed behind for the fireworks.
While at Disney, the proofs for some t-shirts arrived! Who's ready?
One day at Disney and I missed my Zero. He missed me too. He was all smiles the whole ride home!
Since my oldest was 10, she has been planning getting a tattoo. She roped her Nana into the deal and Nana agreed thinking Kat would forget. Every year on her Birthday, she would remind Nana that they had one less year to wait for that first tat. So before John's parents left, we had to go get the tattoos. Kat had wanted a version of Tinkerbell. This pic is before it was colored in. For her first tattoo, it's a pretty big one. It takes up about 1/4 of her back. Brave kid! Her Nana got her first tattoo ever and handled it like a champ. It was pretty fun to watch the process through her eyes. She was freaked out! Worried about placement and size. She wanted to be sure she could hide it, no problem. Sunday morning it was a total different story, because she couldn't show hers off. Ah yes, that all too familiar tattoo bug is starting to form. Haha!
Anyway, that wraps up the eventful semi vacation. After all that, I feel like I need to just unplug for a few days, but my life doesn't offer up that luxury. Instead I took yesterday and went and got a pedi and then layed on the couch or in bed reading The Fault In Our Stars. Kat has read it about 5 or 6 times now and said it is a must read. I fell asleep before I could finish it, but I'm hoping I can finish reading it after work tonight. I also have some reviews coming up on the blog this week too! Actually, you know what? It feels nice to be back to normal. Did I give you a chance to miss me or did you follow along on IG?
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