Mission: Sephora

I don't think I ever just go up to people and ask for specific gifts. In fact, doing that actually makes me uncomfortable. This year, however, I thought I'd do something a little different. It started out at Christmas when I hinted around that I wanted a Sephora gift card. Then I had a thought, since my birthday is in January, I might as well actually go ahead and ask for more gift cards so I'd be able to pick up what I want. So far I have $50 and I'm hoping to have at least $100 for my birthday. This way I can buy what's been on my wish list.

-Philosophy Amazing Grace 3in1
-Philosophy Amazing Grace lotion
-Philosophy Pure Grace lotion
-Clinique Black Honey Lipstick
-Too Faced Natural at Night
-Philosohy Inner Grace Spray

I hope this doesn't make me look like some spoiled brat because I'm really not. I work very hard for everything that I have and appreciate all of it.

Gift Spotlight: Philosophy

I was pleasantly surprised when I opened these gifts....

~Christmas Cookies Trio~

Amazingly enough, this is a set that I had never seen before, a set of three 16oz 3in1s of Christmas Cookie, Pink Frosted Cut-Out, and Goody Graham Cracker. Apparently this was exclusive to QVC and was only on the air a couple times (both in which they quickly sold out). Upon taking a further look for this post, I found that it is no longer available. I am beyond thrilled to have this because last year I missed out on the Cookies for Santa set and was really disappointed when I couldn't find it this season.

The scents are exactly like their names:

*Christmas Cookie smells exactly like a buttery sugar cookie

*Pink Frosted Cut-Out (to me)almost has a strawberry like scent to it

*Goody Graham Cracker smells just like a graham cracker

In all three you can pull out the ingredients (butter, sugar, cinnamon, etc) and smells so yummy! As with the other Philosophy food scents, these do not disappoint. For an added bonus, the recipe for Christmas Cookies and Pink Frosted Cut-out are on the labels. 

~You Are Divine~

I literally screamed when I opened this one. This perfume is exclusive to QVC until Dec. 2012. The few times I had watched it I mentioned to my MIL (another Philosophy addict) how difficult that was because I was tempted to order but at the same time wanted to be able to smell it first. 

The scent itself is amazingly beautiful. It's nothing like the Grace or Love perfumes (as wonderful as they are)  -this certainly stands apart.  It's so sophisticated and classy not to mention it lasted all day. This is one I'll probably end up using for special events as opposed to everyday. Click HERE for a more in depth product description.

Note: These products were gifted by a family member. The opinions expressed in this post are those of my own. I have never accepted any kind of compensation in exchage for a review. For mor information, please check out my Disclaimer.

Revamped Make-Up Space

A couple nights ago I knocked over a glass that held my brushes and unfortunately this resulted in a casualty (for the second time!). As much as I loved the way I had set up my little space, it's flaw was that everything kept getting knocked to the floor and was driving me crazy. After a quick trip to TJ Maxx, I picked up a couple items and went to work.

~Table Cloth~

The first thing I did was took off the black fabric and replaced it with "designer" tissue paper. It actually came out really cute and has a nice ruffled look to it. The only thing I'd still like to add is some kind of glass top as a protector. As for the fabric, I wrapped the extra table I had made from an old CD case with it to give a sleeker look.

~Brushes~

I found a great 4 compartment square container and used that to replace whatever I had in glasses. Great space saver!!!

~Make-Up~

I moved my lipstick/gloss in the extra "table" (aka old CD case), and placed my makeup tin on top.

~Skincare/Perfume~

My creams and perfume that I wear daily were all moved to the vanity. Products like perfumes I don't wear all the time and hand creams were placed in a basket underneath.

That's about it...I have to say, I really like how simplistic it looks now and (so far) nothing has fallen!!!! The only problem is that I just need to get used to where everything is but other than that it's working out quite well. Keep in mind that this is still a work in progress (I'd like to be able to add in one of those 4-drawer organizers) but for now this works.

Field Trip!!!!!!!

I've very excited!!!!! As soon as I get out of work I'm going to make a trip to my local dollar store in hopes of finding some storage relief. My goal is to fix up my table so that I have easy access to everything without them getting knocked over constantly.

Will report back with my findings...

UpDaTe: I went to four stores and ended up buying some tissue paper and a little container. See my post on my revamped make-up space to see how it ended up...

Gift Spotlight: Caboodles Storage Case

I admit, upon opening this I was undecided as to whether or not I liked it. It only took me a few minutes to realize that yes, I do! In fact, I'm already planning on purchasing a second for travel.

There's a smaller top compartment which right now is being used to hold my eyeshadow quads and trios. The bottom compartment is deeper and is where my larger shadow palettes are being held. It also comes with a removable pouch for brushes. Ironically, I was reminded just how helpful this is to have last night when I had another casualty involving one of my glasses (let's just say my vanity has changed since my original storage post).

I've been using this for a few days and am actually enjoying it a lot. I love that it's easier to see my eye shadows, not to mention there's a lot more room. I'm still ify over the brush pouch but since I got this there's been one less glass to knock over.

Pros:

*nice organization

*sturdy case

*great for travel

Cons:

*need to play around with whatever is inside to get the case to close properly

*brush pouch (not sure about it)

*not a fan of the lock

All in all I'm actually surprised at how much I like this. I never realized how helpful it can be to have a make-up case, especially since I don't have much space.

Note: These products were gidted by a family member. The opinions expressed in this post are those of my own. I have never accepted any kind of compensation in exchage for a review. For mor information, please check out my Disclaimer.

Pink Sparkly Nails!!!!

What a better way to celebrate the New Years than to rock a little sparkle!
For this look I used Sparked from Wet n Wild's Wild Shine collection. It took two coats and amazingly it dried so quick! (excellent for those who have a two year old)

Hava a happy Wednesday!!!! (The week is almost over...Yay!!!!!)

Gift Spotlight: Revlon Essential Styler

One of my favorite gifts this year was a new blow dryer. It's not much but it meant the world to me, mainly because my dad picked it out.

A couple weeks ago he and I were out shopping and I mentioned that I had to buy myself a new hair dryer. I had completely forgotten all about that until Christmas morning when I unwrapped my gift. My mom told me he picked it out himself :) To me that was so sweet that he remembered (especially since I did not...lol).

To some people it might just be a basic blow dryer but to me it means the world :)

Oh, and if you're wondering about the quality, it's pretty good. Not only did it dry my hair quickly but the attachment that hooks on made it easy to do a blow out which meant I didn't have to go crazy with my flat iron.

Thanks, Dad :)

Back to the Daily Grind

I hope everyone had a wonderful holiday...I certainly did! Christmas Eve was spent at my aunt's house with the rest of my family, unfortunately, my fiance' and son stayed home because they were both sick. As much as I missed them I was glad they weren't there because I quickly found out that almost everyone was sick as well.
What I look forward to the most about Christmas is being with my family because everyone has so much going on that we don't really get a chance to see each other often, especially my cousins. They're teenagers now and thankfully still aren't too cool for these things.

Christmas day couldn't be more perfect-everyone spent the day in their PJ's. I absolutely loved playing with my son. That was probably the best gift of all.


I hope everyone has a fabulous Tuesday!


*Future Post Ideas*
~Gift Spotlights
~Gift Reviews
~New Mission
~Lipstick Review
~Wen Overview

Stay tuned!

Happy Holidays All!!!!!

I just wanted to take this opportunity to with everyone a happy holiday!

My Winter Skin Care Routine

Between the cold weather and the dry heat, winter can be such a skin killer. The following is my daily/nightly routine:

Morning

I like to start off my day by using the Philosophy Microdelivery Wash. Basically, it's a very gentle daily exfoliating wash. It makes my skin feel so soft and really makes it glow! Following that I use Hope In A Jar (also from Philosophy). It's such a light lotion and without it I feel so naked.

Evening

My nightly routine depends on whether or not I've worn make-up that day (I try to go one day a week without anything on). If I have something on then I use Philosophy's Purity Made Simple. It's a non foaming wash that really melts away any kind of make-up. It's kind of like a 3-in-1 where it acts as a wash, lotion, and eye make-up remover. On make-up less days I use Philosophy's On A Clear Day foaming wash to clear up any breakouts I might have. It's very gentle and takes away any redness or irritation. With both I like to use a face brush that I found at Sephora.

After cleansing, I use a few drops of Philosophy's When Hope Is Not Enough 3-6-9 oil and the corresponding Replenishing Lotion. This is something I'm not sure if I'll continue once it gets warmer but for right now I'm really enjoying how smooth it makes my skin. Speaking of which, I don't just stop at my face, my last step is the When Hope Is Not Enough Neck Cream which has really tightened and toned my neck! That is a product that I will not stop using.

Extras

A couple other steps I do is a once a week mask using Queen Helene's Mint Julep which I absolutely love. It gives my skin a nice refreshing spa moment. I also use the Philosophy Micro Peel (usually on Sunday nights). It makes my face so super soft and has really helped to lighten any acne marks that I have.

I've learned that skin care is very important and I feel that if I can start now in prevention of aging than I'm going to do it! I did mention Philosophy but that's just because it's a brand I am very fond of (to put it lightly), that's not to say that's the only one to use. Every one's skin is different so I urge you to play around to find your own routine.

Body Image: The Beauty that Is The Beholder

This wasn't going to be my next planned post but I literally just had a conversation, or for me convorstion (inside joke) about this. Body image. I spent my life looking up and being incredibly jealous of my older sister. She was (and still is) beautiful and the girl that all the guys turned their heads to see. Thin, legs for days ("you big like tree!"-sorry, another inside joke)...while I was short and curvy. I suffered through a lot of issues growing up. Getting pregnant a couple years ago didn't exactly help because my worst nightmare of having people watch me gain weight was coming true. My stomach was the spotlight! I didn't gain a lot of weight (my son was about 4lbs at birth) but I was still very uncomfortable. I'm happy to say that I'm at a healthy weight, still curvy and short but I use it. I've never felt better or more confident in myself.

My point to this rambling is that you may see yourself one way while others see you in a completely different light. Okay, yes, some days I look at my old clothes with a sigh but then I have days like today when someone expresses their concern that I'm getting to thin. (I still don't see it.)
Beauty isn't about make-up or clothes, it's about self confidence...that is the key to looking good and that's something that we all need to remember (even myself).

So, as the holidays are quickly approaching, I urge all of you (whoever may be reading this blog-and I truly appreciate it) to enjoy yourselves and be happy. This is a time for good food, love, and family (as loud or obnoxious as they may be)....enjoy!

There...that's my two cents on the topic.
;)

Gift Idea: Make-Up Bag

I was inspired to do this from a video by Emily Eddington of Beauty Broadcast (I just love her!!!!)

I put together an affordable gift for someone who is just starting to wear make-up. With this set I went with all E.L.F. items that were neutral (plus I checked with about five women all with teenage daughters for their approval) and finished off with a cute Modella bag.

Here's what this consists of:

EyEs:

*E.L.F. Studio Eye Transformer

*E.L.F. Essential Brightening Eye Color in Ethereal

ChEeKs:

*E.L.F. Studio blush in Candid Coral

LiPs:

*E.L.F. Hypershine Gloss in Blossom

*E.L.F. Essential Therapeutic Conditioning lip balm in Strawberry Creme

*Modella 2 pocket makeup bag

The entire kit was not expensive at all. The bag was purchased from Walmart and the cosmetics were from Target and eyeslipsface.com. What's nice is this doesn't have to be just as a holiday present, it can be for any occasion.

Again, I want to thank Emily Eddington for this great idea and I encourage you to make your own.

Make-Up Storage for Tight Spaces

I've never had a large space for my make-up but then again I never really needed it...until now. For the past year my collection has grown considerably so the day finally came when I had to sit down and figure out how to create my own little space when there was none to be had.

~Vanity Overview~
There is a tight space between my bed and the wall so I used that to squeeze in a little snack tray.
I draped over a black curtain and now it looks like an extension of my bed...plus I don't have to get up to put on my make-up!

(sorry for the poor lighting)

~Brushes~

It's easier for me to separate my brushes (plus it's a time saver!) so I put them in various glasses/vases. My facial brushes are in a wine glass, the eyeshadow brushes are in a vase, and then I have a wine goblet that I use to store my mascara, eyebrow brush, eyebrow pencil, and tweezers. The only problem I've seen with this is they're so close to my bed that I have a habit of knocking them over. In face, I've already had one casualty with a prior vase. One of these days I will go to the store and pick up some cheaper versions....but I digress....

~Face and Lips~

I keep my blushes, highlighters, bronzers, etc in a tin that came with a Laura Geller kit. Not only does it hold a lot but it's durable. Again, for time saving reasons, I separate my lip glosses and lipsticks in little pouches that came as free gifts from prior Philosophy purchases. What I love about them is that they're clear so it's easy to see my options which also keeps me from constantly picking up the same item.

~Eye Primers/Small Shadows~

Next to my little tin, I have a long stemmed wine glass that holds my various eye primers and some Laura Geller shadows. The stem of the glass makes it easy to fit in any tight space.

~Eyeliners~

I picked up my fair share of liners this year so I now keep those in a shot glass. It works very nice and makes it easy to see the different types. The problem is I fear I may need a bigger glass soon.

~Additional Storage~

I had to add on an additional storage unit a few months ago. The extra "table" is actually an old CD holder on top of a plastic bin. It sits right next to my table and comes up about halfway. On top is all my creams, lotions, deodorant, perfumes, etc. In the CD box I keep all my shadows. This works perfectly because this can only be seen from my bed and even then you can't tell it's a couple containers put together.

~Shadows~

A couple months ago I purchased a large bag for all my smaller shadow sets like my Wet n Wild quads.

It took me a while to organize everything but I think it really paid off. I like to call this my happy place :) Make-up should be enjoyable, not a stress causer which it was for me before I did this. I really hope this helps to show that even if you don't have a big area you can still have everything organized to your liking.

Thanks for taking the time to read this :)

Holiday Nails!!!!

Kandee Johnson recently posted a tutorial for holiday-themed nails and that inspired me to create my own. It was very simple and took no time at all to do it. I call them my "Winter Wonderland/Candy Cane look".

You can use a varieties of different brands/shades for this but for me I used the following:

-Wet n Wild Fast Dry in Clear

-N.Y.C. in Broadway Burgundy Frost

-Sally Hansen XTreme Wear in White-Out

-N.Y.C  in Starry Silver Glitter
-L'oreal Paris Pro Manicure Top Coat
-toothpick

I started this look out by applying the Wet n Wild top coat and following that I painted them red or white on every other nail.

~Candy Cane~
To get the candy cane look I dipped the toothpick into my white polish and drew little lines across. They didn't come out perfect, but I think they look really cute.

~Winter Wonderland~
This is a different take on Kandy Johnson's. She used silver craft glitter and only coated the tips. With mine I just painted a very light coat of my Starry Silver Glitter polish over the White polish.

It's that easy!

I hope you try this out for yourself or even your own take on it! If I can do it so can you!

Have a Happy Tuesday! :)