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10 Elf Products Worth Trying

by | Mar 22, 2017 | Beauty

elf-products

Have you ever tried any products from the Elf brand? If you haven’t, you really should.

Elf is a great budget option for quality makeup products. The Elf products line includes tons of beauty items for a range of skin types, complexions, skin colors, and tastes and preferences. The products are really good and the prices are super cheap. Win/win, wouldn’t you say?

Here are a few Elf products that I have personally tried and highly recommend.
  1. Complexion brush
    The brushes from Elf are great quality, soft, dense and comfortable to use. The complexion brush is great for applying powder or foundation. And for $3 a piece, what’s not to love?
  2. Baked Highlighter
    These highlighters have just enough shimmer without looking glittery. They give a very pretty, glowing effect to the skin.
  3. High Definition Under Eye Setting Powder
    This finely milled powder works great for setting underage concealer. For a budget price, the quality is compatible to higher end products.
  4. Waterproof Eyeliner Pen
    This eyeliner is easy to apply and stays in place all day.
  5. Beautifully Bare Total Face Palette
    With the exception of foundation and mascara, this palette can give you a complete look. It includes a highlighter, contour shade, and two blushes. You could even use it for eyeshadow in a pinch, which makes this palette perfect for travel. The packaging is pretty as well!
  6. Mad for Matte Eyeshadow Palette
    This eyeshadow palette has a nice range of wearable shades. It’s perfect for creating a wide variety of looks. The shadows are fairly well pigmented and they apply smoothly and wear well.
  7. Matte Lip Color
    Available in a wide range of shades, these lip colors are beautiful. They go on nicely and are super long wearing. Like most matte lipsticks, they do tend to dry the lips. Still, they’re fairly comfortable to wear.
  8. Shadow Lock Eyelid Primer
    This eyeshadow primer works well at smoothing the lid and holding onto shadow. It definitely works to extend the wear time of any eyeshadow.
  9. 3-in-1 Mascara
    This stuff works great and at $3, it’s well worth every penny!
  10. Makeup Mist & Set
    This setting spray helps extend the wear of your makeup. It is light and effective and works great for a great price!

If you haven’t tried any of these, you really should! For the price, you’ll be glad you did!

Please note: This post may contain affiliate links. This means I may earn a commission (at no extra cost to you) if you purchase something using one of my links.  Note that I only recommend products I believe in. Your support is appreciated!

How to Cover Melasma and Skin Discolorations

by | Feb 20, 2017 | Beauty

how-to-cover-melasma

I’ve struggled with melanoma (an area of dark skin on the forehead or around the eyes, also known as the mask of pregnancy) for several years now. It came about as a result of hormonal changes related to pregnancy and was exacerbated by a case of adrenal fatigue. In many people, it clears up after pregnancy, but I’ve had a hard time getting rid of mine. I’ve had to become creative in how to cover it up.

If you have melasma, dark spots, discolorations, or hyper pigmentation, these tips can help cover the discoloration and even out your overall skin tone. It’s a fool proof method I’ve used with great effectiveness for quite a while.

Here I’ll share with you the products I use to cover my melasma and how I apply them.

Concealer

I’ve tried several concealers over the past couple of years to cover my melasma. Some have worked better than others. The two concealers I have found most effective concealers are Benefit Erase Paste and Maybelline Instant Rewind Concealer.

Generally, I dot the concealer over the darkest spots, then blend it lightly onto the skin with my finger. The Benefit Erase Paste is a peach-toned color correcting concealer that evens out darker skin discolorations. It’s perfect for wearing underneath foundation. It does a very effective job of covering melasma, especially on the forehead. I do find that it tends to crease a bit on the under eye area, but setting it with a translucent powder helps keep it from creasing a lot.

For the under eye area, Maybelline Instant Age Rewind is very effective. It’s a lighter formula than Erase Paste, so it doesn’t have the same tendency to crease. The applicator makes applying and blending super easy. Plus, because it’s a drugstore product, it is fairly inexpensive.

Foundation

My all time favorite foundation also happens to have the best coverage for skin discoloration issues. It Cosmetics Your Skin But Better CC+ is the foundation I wear nearly everyday. it has amazing coverage and it so easy to apply, blend, and wear. The staying power is impressive and the look it gives is flawless. Its formulation is perfectly suited to covering up skin discoloration issues. I highly recommend it.

For a drugstore foundation option, Covergirl Outlast 3-in-1 Foundation is a great choice. The coverage is excellent and it’s very build able. It’s creamy and easy to apply.

Setting Powder

It’s always a good idea to set the T-zone and under eye areas with some powder, especially when covering discolorations in those areas. I like to set my foundation with a translucent pressed powder. My favorite powder to use for this purpose is Maybelline Fit Me Matte + Poreless translucent powder. it is inexpensive and extremely effective. It’s nice and light, so it won’t settle into fine lines like a heavier powder might.

Ultimately, I realize that finding ways to deal with the root cause of my melasma will be the most effective way of dealing with it. However, until I find a way to clear it up, I know that I have found a method that works to smooth out my skin tone and make the discoloration less noticeable.

This method can work for several types of skin discoloration issues, including hyperpigmentation, age spots, and even dark circles. Hopefully, these tips and recommendations are helpful if you are dealing with the same sorts of skin discoloration issues such as I am with my melasma.

Do you struggle with skin discoloration issues? Do have any additional suggestions on how to deal with it? Please share in the comments.

 

Please note: This post may contain affiliate links. This means I may earn a commission (at no extra cost to you) if you purchase something using one of my links.  Note that I only recommend products I believe in. Your support is appreciated!

Winter Lifestyle Favorites

by | Feb 13, 2017 | Beauty, Fashion, Home & Family, Lifestyle

Winter is quickly passing by (yay!) and spring will be here before we know it. While it’s still winter, I thought I’d share some of my favorite things from over the winter months. I’ve group each of the items into categories.

Fashion

Floppy wool hats

floppy wool hat

I’ve always been a hat person. Typically, I wear hats to church each Sunday. This winter, I’ve developed a love of floppy brimmed wool hats. I just can’t help myself. They’re so stylish and fun to wear. So, I’ve been wearing them…a lot! I have a lovely blush pink one with a lace band that I especially love to wear.

Books

Whatever the Cost by David and Jason Benham

book cover

My family and I had the privilege of hearing the Benham brothers speak last summer. It was inspiring and entertaining and challenging. I immediately bought their books. In Whatever the Cost, David and Jason Benham recount the events that took place surrounding the cancellation of their HGTV show. They explain the choices they made, the reasons for the stands they took, and their response to the media firestorm that resulted. They discuss the importance of being willing to stand up for what we believe in, no matter the cost. I’m really enjoying this powerful book.

Personal Care

Spongelle Bath gel infused sponge

bath sponge

These lovely little bath gel infused sponges are perfect for anyone who loves shower gel but hates to see any get wasted. When you get these sponges wet, they suds up nicely and smell wonderful. They’re perfectly designed to only use the amount of gel you actually need, so no wasting any precious suds.

Beauty

Clinique Chubby Stick Cheek Color Balm

blush stick

Cream blush is perfect for the winter months, when skin tends to be on the dry side. Lately, I’ve been using and loving the Clinique Chubby Stick Blush in the shade Amp’d Up Apple. It has the tiniest hint of shimmer to it, giving a lovely healthy glow to the cheeks. It is a very natural and dewy look. I can’t stop using this blush.

Health & fitness

Sunny Health & Fitness stationary bike

stationary exercise bike

I’ve been riding an exercise bike at least 5 times a week consistently for the past year and a half. A month or so ago, however, my bike decided to quit (one month after the warranty ended, of course) and I’ve been without one. I find I’m much more faithful to my workouts with the bike than without, so my husband bought me a new one. I actually like this one much better. It is chain driven and has the feel of a real bike. It’s designed for spinning, which I haven’t done yet, but I’m inspired to try. I’ve found a couple of spin class videos on Youtube I’m planning to try out sometime. In the meantime, though, I’m back to riding every morning and it’s making me very happy!

Berrywell

elderberry syrup

This stuff is like liquid gold in our house during cold and flu season. It’s made of elderberry syrup, along with a bunch of other immune boosting ingredients. It’s truly amazing stuff. My husband takes it faithfully and hardly ever gets sick. (I wish I could say I’ve been as consistent in taking it—or as healthy.) Plus, it’s 20% off right now. Get some for yourself and stay healthy this winter.

Home

Canvas Factory photo print

canvas photo print

If you saw the giveaway I hosted last week, you’ll know what a lovely job Canvas Factory did on the canvas photo print I ordered from them. Our family portrait for this year looks beautiful printed on a large canvas and hanging in our living room.

Those are just a few of the things I’ve been loving and using over this winter. Do you have any favorite items you’ve been loving lately? Please leave a comment and tell me what they are. I’d love to hear from you!

Please note: This post may contain affiliate links. This means I may earn a commission (at no extra cost to you) if you purchase something using one of my links.  Note that I only recommend products I believe in. Your support is appreciated!

Braided Side Bun Hair Tutorial

by | Jan 23, 2017 | Beauty

braided-side-bun-pin

Looking for a quick hair style that’s simple to do but looks dressy and oh so chic? Look no further. I’ve got a hairstyle that’s perfect for date night, a formal event, even a not-so-dressy event like everyday life!

This style is also perfect for little girls. My daughter does this to her own hair and when she does, it always looks adorable!

This hair style works best on shoulder length or longer hair. For this style, you will need a comb (or brush), an elastic or hair tie (should be the same color as your hair so that it blends in), and a few bobby pins.

Braided Side Bun
Step 1

Comb or brush hair to one side of the head, keeping the length of the hair over the shoulder.

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Step 2

Separate 3 small sections of the hair just above the temple on the side of the head you brushed you hair toward in step 1.

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Step 3

Using the sections you just separated out, start braiding down the side of the head, adding additional sections from each side of the braid as you go. (Just do a normal french braid, only it will be positioned at the side of your head instead of the back.)

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Step 4

Once you’ve incorporated all the hair into the braid, continue to braid until you reach the ends of the hair, then fasten it with an elastic or hair tie.

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Step 5

Begin coiling the length of the braid around and the neck, just below and behind your ear, creating a bun. Be sure to tuck the end of the braid underneath the bun to hide it.

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Step 6

Secure the bun well with bobby pins. Check for any stray hairs or anything else that might need to be adjusted.

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And there you have it—a beautiful and elaborate looking hair style that only took you a few minutes to do!

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Top 10 Beauty Favorites of 2016

by | Jan 4, 2017 | Beauty

Beauty-favorites-2016
I tried several new beauty products and tools in 2016 that I really liked. I made a point this past year to try some new products and branch out a little. It was a great way to discover some new beauty favorites. Here I’d like to share a list of my top 10 beauty and skin care items of 2016 (in no particular order).

1. It Cosmetics Your Skin But Better CC+ Illumination

This is the best foundation I have ever used, hands down. The consistency is perfect—not too watery or too thick. The ingredients are safe for sensitive skin. I love how easily it blends into the skin, yet it doesn’t sink into pores. It gives a nice smooth appearance. Plus, it has an SPF of 50. How many products can you say offer sun protection, coverage, and moisturization all in one?

My only complaint (a very minor one) is the limited shade selection. I solved that by mixing the shade Fair into the shade Light and blending the two together. Works like a charm.

2. Clinique Chubby Stick Cheek Color Balm

My skin tends to be on the dry side, so powdered blushes can look cakey. I prefer cream blushes. This blush is so easy to apply, blends nicely, and has just the tiniest bit of a glow to it. So pretty.

3. Burt’s Bees lipstick

I’ve mentioned this lipstick before. It’s one of my all time favorites. So comfortable and wearable.

4. Stila Stay All Day liquid eyeliner

This is the perfect eyeliner. Stays put all day, but not hard to remove when you need to. The felt tip applicator is very easy to control, making it just right for someone like me who usually isn’t too great at applying eyeliner.

5. Real Techniques Miracle Complexion Sponge

Often considered a dupe for a much more expensive version, this makeup sponge makes applying foundation simple and quick. It’s by far one of the cheapest of this type of makeup applicators, and one of the best.

6. Beeyoutiful Lip Shimmer-Kiss of Berry

If you’re looking for an all natural makeup line that has really healthy ingredients, I recommend trying the Beeyoutiful makeup line. The Lip Shimmers are tinted lip balms that actually apply some real color to your lips.

7. Soap & Glory Hand Food

The smell of this stuff alone made me fall in love with it. But it’s super moisturizing as well. In other words, it’s amazing!

8. Pure Cosmetics Nude Collection eyeshadow palette

I received this in my fall Fab Fit Fun box and I’ve had a great time experimenting with all the different colors. It’s good quality, pigmented with very little fall out, and has a nice selection of shades.

9. Spongelle body wash infused buffer

Another product I discovered through a Fab Fit Fun box, these things smell wonderful. Mostly natural ingredients, an amazing scent, and exfoliating action—what more could you ask for in a shower product? It love how soft it makes my skin.

10. Clarisonic Mia sonic facial cleansing brush

This is one tool I wanted for a long time but put off purchasing because of the price. When I finally took the plunge and got one of my own, I was blown away. It’s definitely worth the price.

I recommend trying any of these products and tools. Maybe you’ll find some new favorites like I did!

 

Please note: This post may contain affiliate links. This means I may earn a commission (at no extra cost to you) if you purchase something using one of my links.  Note that I only recommend products I believe in. Your support is appreciated!

Winter Fab Fit Fun Unboxing

by | Dec 26, 2016 | Beauty, Lifestyle

winter-fab-fit-fun-box-open

Fab Fit Fun is a quarterly subscription box I’ve been receiving for about a year now. Each box I’ve received has had a nice variety of products included. I’ve really enjoyed learning about new brands through the boxes as well.

I received my winter Fab Fit Fun box last week and I wanted to give you a little peek into what’s inside.

D.L & Co. Candle

winter-fab-fit-fun-candle

This candle is so pretty. It’s a good size and seems really well made. And the scent is yummy! It’s listed as being Blackberry Nectar. Can’t wait to use this one!

Gorjana Necklace

winter-fab-fit-fun-jewelry

What a pretty design on this necklace! It is a lariat style in gold. Very nice. Gorjana jewelry designs are so unique. They’re also very much on trend. I have a couple of their pieces and really like them.

Marie Mae Company Thank You Card set

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You can never have too many note cards. These thank you note cards are cute and cheerful.

Moleskine 2017 Weekly Planner

I already ordered my day planner (an Erin Condren Life Planner—the best planner I’ve ever used!) for 2017, but my daughter wanted a weekly planner, so this will go to her. It’s even in her favorite color—purple!

Butter London Iconoclast Mega Volume Lacquer Mascara

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I’ve only tried a couple of items from Butter London—their products tend to be on the pricier side. What I’ve tried, though, I really liked. I’m looking forward to trying this mascara.

O.R.G Skincare Mineral Face Peel

I’m not really sure what this product is or what it’s supposed to do. It should be interesting to try. That’s one of the things I like most about getting these subscription boxes; there are plenty of opportunities to try things I might not otherwise.

Anderson Lilley Beach Butter Body Cream

This body cream smells so good! The formula seems thick and creamy and moisturizing. Can’t wait to see what kind of results I get with this cream.

The booklet that is included in each box always highlights and explains a bit about each product. This box’s booklet also includes recipes, diy wrapping paper ideas, and photography tips. In addition to all that, in the booklet, there is information on Starlight Children’s Foundation, an organization that offers entertainment programs to chronically or terminally ill children.

The total retail value of this box is $252.95. The actual price of the box is significantly less than that ($49.99). Every box always turns out to be a great value. If you’re interested in subscribing to Fab Fit Fun to receive a box of your own each season, you can follow this link.

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