NEW PRODUCT ALERT AND REVIEW!!!

MAYBELLINE BABY SKIN: INSTANT PORE ERASER

PACKAGING: Comes in a small plastic baby blue tube.

FORMULATION: This particular product came out in Asia a couple months ago. I was able to experiment with it in China before its U.S. launch just recently. This product claims to be a pore eraser. It comes in a gel/silicon formula that feels very much like the Smashbox PhotoFinish Face Primer. (IT IS NOT A PRIMER!) It is very light and non-greasy.  I apply this on only the spots where my pores are visible and larger on top of my primer. It does eliminate the appearance of pores but nothing to dramatic. This product also worked very well together with my primer and kept my makeup on longer. This isn't a permanent fix for your pores but it is definitely something to check out and play with.

You can get this at drugstores nationwide for $6.99  

Review: NYX Matte Lipsticks

I have been on a lipstick buying spree these last couple of weeks. I have never been a lipstick junkie ever in my life until now. One of my current lipstick obsessions are the NYX Matte Lipsticks. These have been out for awhile now in stores I don't know how I didn't know about them till now. 

PACKAGING: Comes in a long black sleek tube that has a clear part in the center where you can view the color. The tube is quite long compared to most lipstick tubes but doesn't add any weight. The part where the lipstick comes out is also clear.

FORMULATION: These lipsticks have a matte finish hence their name. These are some of the best matte lipsticks out there today drugstore and high-end wise. Most matte lipsticks are very drying and can make your lips look dry and cracked especially when worn for a long time. These however don't. They apply and feel so smooth on the lips and doesn't dry out throughout the day. They last for a long time too about 4-5 hours without eating and drinking. The pigmentation is very nice and potent. They come in 22 shades so there is something for everyone.

Here are some of my favorite colors and swatches of them.

Perfect Red

DESCRIPTION: Just like the name it is a perfect red color. Bright blue-toned red

Perfect Red

Alabama

DESCRIPTION: A dark brick red

Alabama

Bloody Mary

DESCRIPTION: Blue-toned cranberry red (very fuchsia like) 

Bloody Mary 

Merlot

DESCRIPTION: Plum Red

Merlot 

Sweet Pink

DESCRIPTION: Violet Fuchsia (Definitely more brighter in person) 

Sweet Pink

Audrey

DESCRIPTION: Mid-toned blue pink 

Audrey

These lipsticks are also super affordable for the quality. They retail at $6.00 each and you can purchase them at a couple different places.

NYX Cosmetics (Direct from retailer)

http://www.nyxcosmetics.com/p-14-matte-lipstick.aspx

Ulta (Both in store and online)

http://www.ulta.com/ulta/browse/productDetail.jsp?productId=xlsImpprod4141597

Target (Select stores and online)

http://www.target.com/p/nyx-matte-lipstick/-/A-14584256?ref=tgt_adv_XSG10001&AFID=Google_PLA_df&LNM=%7C14584256&CPNG=Health+Beauty&kpid=14584256&LID=PA&ci_src=17588969&ci_sku=14584256&gclid=CIzN2pz_x7sCFcFj7AodVh8A1w

Nordstorm Rack (Select Stores)

Favorite Holiday Movies

1.) Elf

2.) The Polar Express

3.) How the Grinch Stole Christmas (Not the cartoon)

4.) Last Holiday

5.) Love Actually

6.) It's a Wonderful Life (Gotta have a classic)

7.) A Very Harold & Kumar Christmas (Something for the non-traditionalists)

8.) Adam Sandler's Eight Crazy Nights

9.) Christmas Cupid (For those hopeless romantics out there)

10.) Planes, Trains, and Automobiles 

Hot Or Not: YSL Faux Cils Baby Doll Mascara

PACKAGING: Comes in the signature YSL gold mascara tube. It is fairly heavy for a mascara tube compared to most mascaras out there.  

FORMULATION: YSL claims that is mascara is suppose to give defined volume, lash by lash separation and 24hr wear. It comes with a long plastic wand that is cover with tiny bristles. The wand is also flexible giving you more control during application. 

In terms of volume, it does give very defined volume not voluminous but definitely enough to make your eyes look wide awake. This mascara also gave nice lash by lash separation however make sure to wiggle the brush as you apply or otherwise it can clump. Wear time it did hold up pretty well definitely not 24 hrs more like 6-8 but who really needs a 24 hr mascara. Compared to the YSL Shocking Mascara this one is definitely better and less clumpy.

Overall 4.8/5

HOT OR NOT?

HOT!!!

DRUGSTORE DUPE: The only drugstore dupes of this mascara I have come across are L'Oreal Telescopic (very similar wand) and Maybelline Lots of Lashes (gives very similar look).

PRICE AND WHERE TO PURCHASE:

This is a fairly expensive mascara being from YSL and all. It retails for $30 but if you are willing to invest in a high-en mascara this one is worth every penny. 

http://www.yslbeautyus.com/Mascara-Volume-Effet-Faux-Cils-Baby-Doll/1006YSL,default,pd.html?cm_mmc=Mercent-_-CSE-_-Google-_-MascaraVolumeEffetFauxCilsBabyDoll&cm_mmc=LabeliumSearch-_-GooglePE-_-any-_-any&cse=ysl_google&mr:trackingCode=8F46B626-3991-E211-9F62-001B21BCB944&mr:referralID=NA&mr:device=c&mr:adType=pla&gclid=COKE-qDnsrsCFUMV7AodTzQAtA

http://www.sephora.com/mascara-volume-effet-faux-cils-babydoll-P378656

Available in stores and online 

Also available @ Saks Fifth Avenue 

Weekly Playlist Holiday Edition 12/16-12/25

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YAyflmcaQhg&feature=share&list=PLEusLI9-6r2GpkzY4KEKvBmMqujwL9rKr

1.) All I Want For Christmas is You- Teddy Geiger 

2.) I Don't Wanna Spend One More Christmas Without You- NSYNC

3.) This Christmas- The Summer Set

4.) Snowflake- Jason Chen

5.) Christmas Lights- Yellowcard

6.) O Holy Night- Leona Lewis 

7.) Silent Night- Kelly Clarkson ft Reba McEntire and Trisha Yearwood 

8.) Santa Baby- Madonna

9.) Last Christmas- Ariana Grande

10.) Snow in California- Ariana Grande

11.) It's Beginning to Look A Lot Like Christmas- Michael Buble

12.) Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)- Michael Buble

13.) Mistletoe- Justin Bieber

14.) Drummer Boy- Justin Bieber ft. Busta Rhymes 

15.) Fa La La- Justin Bieber ft. Boyz II Men

16.) Let it Snow- Boyz II Men

17.) Christmas Without You- OneRepublic

18.) Christmas Time- Backstreet Boys

19.) Jingle Bell Rock

20.) Angels We Have Heard- Josh Groban 

JINGLE JINGLE: Mulled Hard Cranberry Cider

A little treat for the 21 and over crowd. This delectable drink will sure warm you up and bring lots of Christmas cheer :) 

What You Will Need:

Cranberry Juice (NOT CONCENTRATE) 

Apple Juice (100% no added sugar)

Dark Rum 

Orange Liquor

1 Organic Orange (The peel will be used in this recipe so organic is better, if you can't find organic you can use dried orange peels) 

1 Cinnamon Stick, Star Anise, Cloves, All Spice and Nutmeg (You can also just buy a packet of mulling spices at your local grocery store if you don't have these on hand or just don't want to purchase all these separately) You can as much or little spices as you like

How To Make:

The recipe calls for  every 2 parts cranberry add 1 part apple and 1/2 cup of rum and 2 shots of orange liquor

In a large pot pour your cranberry juice, apple juice, rum and spices

Bring to a boil

Slice your orange in half and use one half of the orange for juice and one half for just the peel

Boil for 30 mins 

After 30 mins take off the heat and add your orange liquor 

Stir and drain out the spices and orange peel

Pour in either a mug or a clear glass and top with fresh cranberries and an orange slice if desired.

ENJOY 

JINGLE JINGLE: Coke Glaze For Baked Hams

Something a little non-traditional for the most traditional holiday food.

What you will need: (You can make as much or little as you want for your ham)

2-3 Cans of Coke (NO DIET!!!!)

Dark Brown sugar (1/2 cup per 2 cans of Coke)

1 Teaspoon of Kosher Salt

2 Tablespoons of Pure Unsweetened Maple Syrup 

1 Teaspoon each of cloves, cinnamon, nutmeg 

How to Make:

In a saucepan pour out your cokes and add the dark brown sugar. Slowly simmer until tiny bubbles form (NOT BOILING). Add your maple syrup, salt and spices. Simmer on low for about 10-15 mins until glaze has thicken.

Brush this glaze on your ham before baking and keep brushing in 20 minute intervals till ham is fully cooked. 

ENJOY!!! 

JINGLE JINGLE: S'mores Hot Chocolate

A fun twist to the classic hot chocolate! 

What You Will Need:

Milk (Your choice of regular, soy, almond etc.. I prefer almond)

Unsweetened Hot Chocolate Mix

Stevia or Sugar 

Graham Crackers

Marshmallows 

White Chocolate Syrup 

Optional: Whipped Cream, Cinnamon 

How to Make:

1.)Make your hot chocolate according to the package directions (For one serving: 1 cup of milk 2-3 tablespoons of hot chocolate mix) 

2.) Taste and sweeten your hot chocolate to your desire

3.) Crush your graham crackers into little pieces and crumbs

4.) Pour your white chocolate syrup onto a plate and dip the edge of your mug then dip into the graham cracker pieces and crumbs

5.) Pour your hot chocolate mix into your mug 

6.) On the stove put your desired amount of marshmallows onto a stick and carefully roast them over your stove (works with both gas and electric stove tops)

7.) Carefully remove your marshmallows and put it into your hot chocolate

8.) Top with whipped cream and cinnamon if desired. If you have extra graham cracker pieces throw some on top  

ENJOY!!!! HAPPY HOLIDAYS :DDDD 

Review: Physician's Formula Natural Origin FakeOut Mascara

PACKAGING: Comes in the classic Physicians Formula mascara packaging except in a hot pink color. The mascara wand is also very similar to their other mascaras big, plastic and bendy bristles. On the front of the tube there is a simple yet pretty leaf design (on the cap as well). 

Overall Packaging 5/5

FORMULATION: This mascara claims to give your lashes volume and length that makes you look like you are wearing fake lashes. The formula itself is a semi-wet thick consistency that coats the lashes pretty well. It can get clumpy if you have too much product on the brush. It did give nice length and volume but nothing too out of the ordinary. It didn't exactly make my lashes go bam but it did give a natural but better appearance. It also claims 24 hour wear and this is a big no no. It wasn't designed to be a waterproof or water-resistant mascara however they claimed it is very long lasting till the end when you want to take it off. If you don't touch your lashes or get in contact with any sort of liquids you should be fine. However my eyes started tearing for a bit during the day and next thing I knew I had raccoon eyes. So do be cautious. 

Overall Formulation: 3.5/5

WHERE TO PURCHASE:

Available anywhere where Physicians Formula products are sold also

https://www.physiciansformula.com/en-us/productdetail/07884.html

Top 10 Under $10 Beauty Products

1.) CoverGirl 3 in 1 Outlast Foundation- I have talked and raved about this foundation a couple times already on this blog and now I am talking about it again cause it is just that amazing!!! This foundation has everything you would ever want in a foundation: primer, SPF, concealer and another plus you don't have to set it with a powder. Prices vary depending on where you purchase it but it is around $7-$9 range.

2.) Coty AirSpun Loose Face Powder- One of the best and affordable setting powders out there. Blends and sets foundation beautifully keeping it in place. Comes in a big tub so chances of you running out on face powder when you have this are very slim. $7.99 @ CVS

3.) Wet n Wild Color Icon Blusher- Super pigmented and affordable and comes in a nice variety of shades. $2.99 @ drugstores nationwide where Wet n Wild products are sold.

4.) Wet n Wild Comfort Zone Palette- I have talked about this palette before in a previous blog and like the CoverGirl Foundation I cannot get enough of this palette. 8 beautiful neutral shades that can be mixed and matched for dozens of looks. $4.99 @ drugstores nationwide where Wet n Wild products are sold.

5.) Maybelline Color Tattoo in Barely Branded- This is a dupe for MAC's paint pot in Bare Study. Great as a base for other eyeshadows or beautiful worn just by itself. A shimmer champagne color that is great for those of you who are too busy to put on eyeshadow in the morning. Just swipe on your lid and go. This product also doubles up as a highlight on your cheekbones. $6.99 @ drugstores nationwide

6.) Milani Brow Fix Brow Kit- This is one of the only drugstore eye brow kits on the market that actually works. The kit comes with one highlight color for under your brow bone, 2 eye brow shades, a sponge tip applicator, a small eyeliner brush for your brows and a pair of small tweezers. Comes in 3 shades Light, Medium, Dark. The rule of thumb for choosing a brow color is if you have dark hair find a color 2 shades lighter and if you have lighter hair find a color 2 shades darker. $7.99 @ drugstores nationwide where Milani products are sold.

7.) Nivea A Kiss of Olive Oil and Lemon Lip Balm- Super moisturizing and smells amazing. Comes in a variety of scents and other shades. $2.99 @ drugstores, Ulta, Target, Wal-Mart

8.)White Cloud Cotton Rounds (300)- These are very versatile and can be used either for your toner to exfoliate your skin or can be used as eye makeup remover pads. This particular brand found only at Wal-Mart sells these in 3 packs of 100 each (300 total) for $5. Other places sell them for about on average $3 for 100.

9.) Freeman Facial Masks- An affordable way to take care of your skin without having to spend $$$ at a salon for a facial. Freemans makes many different kinds of masks for all different purposes. The bottle is a great size for the price and lasts quite a long time. Found @ CVS for $3-$4 each.

10.) Equate Oil Free Eye Makeup Remover- An alternative to the Neutrogena Eye Makeup Remover except 3 dollars cheaper and works better. Found @ Wal-Mart for $2-$3.

Review: Benefit Lollitint

Benefit recently added a new addition to their tint family; the Lollitint. First a bit of information on Benefit's tints. These tints are designed for both the lips and cheeks. It is a very liquidity product. Tints last longer compared to cream or powder blushes and it is also easier to achieve a more natural look with them.

Benefit Lollitint

PACKAGING: Similar to all the other Benefit tints. Comes in a plastic cylinder bottle with a white cap. The applicator is like a nail polish brush. 

FORMULATION: Like most stains, this one is also a liquid. It is very water like and dries really fast, so you do need to work fast when applying. The best way I have found to apply this is dab three dots on your cheeks (do one side at a time) and use your fingers or a duo fiber stippling brush to blend it in. You don't need much product. 

I love this particular color. It gives a very nice flush to your cheeks waking you up and giving you life back into your face. On the cheeks it is really beautiful however for some reason this is the only Benefit tint that doesn't work on the lips. I applied it once without any lip balm and a second time with lip balm and both times the color cracked into my lips. It was very unattractive to say the least. Wear time is pretty nice with this stain. I had it on for about 5-6 hours and it still looked fresh color was a bit faded but you could tell the color was still there. I do recommend setting it with a translucent powder to extend wear time. Works fabulous on dry skin and oily skin. 

You can purchase Lollitint at these following places. It is pretty pricey but this stuff will last you a long, long time.

http://www.benefitcosmetics.com/product/view/lollitint

When you purchase from Benefit directly you will also receive two samples

http://www1.macys.com/shop/product/benefit-lollitint-lip-and-cheek-stain?ID=1214095&cm_mmc=Google_Beauty_PLA-_-Beauty+PLA+FS_Ad+Group+%232-_-21000230071_-_-_mkwid_c5L64SLV|d{device}_21000230071%7C-%7Cc5L64SLV

Free Shipping

JINGLE JINGLE: White Chocolate Salted Caramel Coconut Bark

A unique twist to the classic chocolate peppermint bark.

What You Will Need: 

1 Bar of White Chocolate

1 Bag of Soft Caramels 

Sea Salt

Sweetened Coconut Shavings (You can usually find this in the baking aisle) 

Wax Paper

Flat Baking Sheet

How to Make:

1.) Melt your white chocolate in a microwavable bowl in 20-30 second intervals until chocolate is melted completely stir in between intervals

2.) Chop your caramels into tiny bite size pieces

3.) Line your baking sheet with wax paper and pour your chocolate over it then spread out the chocolate

4.) Top with caramels, coconut and sea salt

5.) Set in fridge for 30 mins- 1 hr till harden

6.) After harden break into pieces and enjoy!!! 

Random Blog #2: Stupid Drivers... A Rant

I have no idea what has happened in the last couple of months down here in Florida. Every single the drivers down here are getting worse and worse. I been in areas like New York and Virginia where bad drivers are everywhere but down here in the sunshine state never would I though in a million years. Yes, I know there are bad drivers everywhere you go but literally everywhere I go in Florida there are bad drivers lurking about.... 

1.) THEY DON'T USE THEIR FUCKING TURN SIGNALS... LIKE HOW FUCKING HARD IS IT TO FLICK A LEVER?!? IF U GET REAR ENDED BY SOMEONE WHEN U DON'T TURN ON UR SIGNAL GUESS WHAT U FUCKING DESERVE IT.

2.) NOT STOPPING AT STOP SIGNS.... REALLY..... UNLESS UR COLOR BLIND (WHICH U SHOULDN'T BE DRIVING ANYWAYS) THERES NO EXCUSES FOR NOT STOPPING

3.) NOT STOPPING AT STOP LIGHTS.... YES THERE R ASSHOLES OUT THERE WHO DONT STOP AT THE RED LIGHT.... WHY AND HOW DO U HAVE UR LICENSE?

4.) PARKING IN TWO PARKING SPOTS... STOP BEING SELFISH AND SHARE FOR GOODNESS SAKES

5.) HONKING WHEN UR THE ONE WHO MADE THE MISTAKE.... GO EFF URSELF

So yah just had to get that out... lol HAPPY HOLIDAYS AND DONT BE A DOUCHE ON THE ROAD  

JINGLE JINGLE: Saute Green Beans and Cherry Tomatoes

Healthy and delicious side dish for your holiday dinner!

What You Will Need: (Feeds 6-8 people)

1 Pound of Haricot Verte Green Beans

1 Pint of Cherry Tomatoes

3 Cloves of garlic 

2 Medium sized shallots

1/2 Cup of low sodium chicken stock (not broth!!!) or vegetable stock

Extra Virgin Olive Oil

1 Teaspoon of Italian Seasoning

Salt and Pepper to taste

Red Pepper Flakes (optional for those of you who like a little kick)

Slithered Toasted Almonds

How to Make:

1.) Wash all your veggies, cut the ends off your green beans and half the cheery tomatoes

2.) Diced shallots and mince garlic 

3.) In a large saute pan saute your shallots and garlic (stir constantly not letting the garlic burn)

4.) Once the shallots are soft add your green beans saute for 2 mins and add your chicken or vegetable stock (this will speed up the cooking)

5.) Add your seasonings

6.) Cook till green beans are fork tender and add the tomatoes saute for 1 more min (Do not overcook the tomatoes just until they pop)

7.) Place in serving dish and top with slithered almonds

JINGLE JINGLE: Chocolate Hazelnut Puppy Chow Recipe

Great for gifts and snacks for the big holiday dinner!

What You Will Need: (MAKE AS MUCH OR LITTLE AS YOU WANT)

1 Box of Rice Chex

Powdered Sugar

Nutella or Justin's Chocolate Hazelnut Spread

Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips

1 Large Ziploc Bag

How To Make:

1.) Melt your chocolate chips along with your chocolate hazelnut spread in 30 second intervals until melted and smooth stir in between

2.) In a large bowl pour your desired amount of Chex mix and add the chocolate mixture. Make sure every cereal is coated

3.) In a large Ziploc bag pour powder sugar and add the Chex a little at a time. Make sure the chocolate covered cereal is all coated with the powder sugar.

To jazz it up you can add some M&Ms, pretzels, and peanuts into it

To make this into a gift take a large glass mason jar and layer your puppy chow with red and green M&Ms. Tie a red/green ribbon around the jar and VIOLA!!!  

JINGLE JINGLE: Chocolate Peppermint Bark

Recipe Time!!! This is a great treat for the holidays not just for yourself but these make great gifts for your family and friends and take no time to make!

What You Will Need: (Depending on how you end up breaking the bark will determine how much people it will serve so recipe varies depending on person making it)

1 Bar of Dark or Milk Chocolate (Pick one)

1 Bar of White Chocolate

2-3 Candy Canes 

Chopped Walnuts and Pecans (You can put whatever nuts you have on hand.)

Wax Paper/Parchment Paper

Flat Baking Sheet

How to Make:

1.) Using a microwavable bowl melt your chocolates separately (20-30 second intervals until your chocolate is a liquid consistency stir in between)

2.) Crush your candy canes by putting them in a plastic ziploc bag and pound

3.) Chop up your nuts

4.) Line your baking sheet with the wax paper

5.) Pour your dark or milk chocolate on the wax paper and spread out any shape you want doesn't really matter you will be breaking it into pieces later on. 

6.) Take a spoon and dip in the white chocolate and make drizzles on top of the dark or milk chocolate

7.) Add your crushed candy canes and nuts 

8.) Put in fridge for about 30 mins to 1 hr

9.) When harden break into pieces and ENJOY!!! 



  

Deals of the Week!!! 12/9-12/15

CLOTHING:

American Eagle- 40% Everything (With exceptions to certain items like denim since they are already on sale) Online and in-stores

Aeropostale- 60% off throughout the store (online and in stores) and $25 OFF + Free Shipping on online orders $100 and up

Coupon code: 25OFF

Forever 21- Holiday deals starting at $4/Sale up to 75% off on select items/Free holiday shipping over $30 Online and In-stores

Express- Best of Winter Sale 40% on select items throughout the store and online 

BEAUTY:

CVS: 50%-75% on select makeup items/ Spend $20 on cosmetics get a free tote bag in either a plain black or polka dot design

BEST CVS DEALS: 

AIR SPUN FACE POWDER RETAIL PRICE $7.99 SALE PRICE $1.89

SELECT PHYSICIANS FORMULA ITEMS RETAIL $10+ NOW SALE PRICE $3

NYC NAIL POLISH RETAIL $0.99 SALE PRICE $0.25

Sephora (BEST) Deals:

TOO FACED GLAMOUR TO GO PALETTE RETAIL $22 SALE PRICE $18

NARS NAIL POLISH RETAIL $19 SALE PRICE $5

BENEFIT COSMETICS MATTHEW WILLIAMSON- THE RICH IS BACK PALETTE RETAIL $34 SALE PRICE $19

Ulta (BEST) Deals:

SMASHBOX WONDER VISION PALETTE RETAIL $49 SALE $39 (THIS PALETTE IS DEFINITELY WORTH THE SPLURGE AND SO WORTH THE $39)

Review: ALMAY WAKE UP BLUSH + HIGHLIGHTER IN BERRY

030 Berry

PACKAGING: Comes in a clear plastic case about the size of a standard pack of gum. It is very similar in shape to the Clinique Blushers. Each Almay blush also comes with a small brush (not pictured). The brush doesn't really apply the product very well.

FORMULATION: This is a very sheer blush that you do need to apply in layers to get the color to truly come out. The blush color itself is very pretty and gives your cheeks a nice berry flush which is perfect for this time of year. The highlighter however does nothing. It doesn't even show up when you rub your fingers into it. Best way to apply is to use a brush with hair not synthetic hair because the color will not stick to the brush.  In terms of wear time it did hold up pretty well about 5 hours without any touch-ups. It did fade a bit but you could still tell the color was there. Comes in 2 other colors.

WHERE TO PURCHASE: 

Prices vary depending on the place of purchase. Available @ drugstores nationwide and Wal-Marts and Targets (Check the link below)

http://www.target.com/p/almay-wakeup-blush-highlighter/-/A-14081648?ref=tgt_adv_XSG10001&AFID=Google_PLA_df&LNM=%7C14081226&CPNG=Health+Beauty&kpid=14081226&LID=PA&ci_src=17588969&ci_sku=14081226&gclid=CPz2-IyiprsCFSRk7AodNwQA9g