Essence Products

Essence is a British brand of cosmetics that came to the U.S. a couple months ago. It is an affordable makeup line (nothing exceeds $10) that contains eyeshadows, nail polishes, lip sticks and so forth. Prices and quality compare to Wet n Wild Cosmetics. 

Essence 3D eyeshadow in Irresistible Vanilla Latte

Irresistible Vanilla Latte

Packaging: Plastic case w/a clear cover top

Formulation: These eyeshadows have a decent pigmentation and wear time with a primer however the texture is quite chunky so be aware for fallout. For the price you really can't expect too much

$2 @ Ulta Stores nationwide

Essence Silky Touch Blush in Baby Doll

Packaging: Round plastic case with a clear cover top

Formulation: Nice pigmentation and smooth texture but quite powdery so apply a light amount and layer as needed. Do not swirl your brush into this or it will GO EVERYWHERE.

Baby Doll

$3 @ Ulta Stores nationwide

NYX Butter Glosses

The NYX Butter Glosses came out awhile back but for some odd reason it has taken me this long to finally try them and no surprise I am addicted to them. These glosses are super moisturizing and aren't sticky and provide a decent amount of color not to mention they glide on like butter. They can be worn on its own or on top of other colors. Unlike other lip glosses on the market today, the gloss in this one is very settle and natural looking. They come in a variety of colors ranging from neutrals, pinks, reds and even purples! They have a decent wear time from 3-5 hours depending if you are eating or drinking throughout the day.

BONUS: They smell like cake and pastries 

Here are a few of my favorite ones :)

From left to right:

Vanilla Creme Pie: Mid-tone pink

Merengue: Milky lavender pink

Peaches and Cream: Bright coral pink

Maple Blondie: Peachy pink

Where to purchase:

NYX cosmetics

ULTA

Target

CVS

They are about $4-5 each depending on where you purchase them

BEAUTY WITH A CAUSE

Love & Toast Sugar Grapefruit Handcreme

In a lot of cultures especially today beauty is considered vain and superficial but it doesn't have to be. Love % Toast by Margot Elena is a line of beauty products made from quality ingredients free from parabens, animal ingredients and artificial colors. They also do not test on animals! And a portion of every product sold goes to Girls Inc. an organization focusing on the empowerment and self-esteem of girls everywhere.

One of my favorite products from them is the sugar grapefruit handcreme.

PACKAGING: Comes in a small pink squeeze tube much like the L'Occtaine handcremes

FORMULATION: Super light and moisturzing and best part it doesn't leave a greasy residue feeling after application. And it smells amazing. For those citrus lovers out there this one is for you, smells exactly like a grapefruit w/a hint of sweetness :)

Love & Toast products can be purchased online or at the following retailers:

UTLA

WALGEENS

TARGET

Products range from $6-$10

Physicians Formula Powder Palette Multi-Colored Custom Blush Ultra Glam Bombshell Glow

Blondes

Brunettes

PACKAGING: Comes in the classic plastic circle packaging like most of Physician Formula powders. Only difference is that it is bright pink. It also comes with a mini brush.

FORMULATION: These particular blushes are designed to match hair colors, specifically blondes and brunettes. The blondes blush comes in a pretty rosy pink color and the brunette blush comes in a pinky coral color. These blushes aren't hair color specific any hair color can use these. They just emphasize the hair colors. Pigmentation is very nice and last quite a long time. It is super easy to apply and blend and is build able from a flush of color to a pop of color.

These blushes are fairly new so finding them can be difficult. Right now I have spotted them at Walgreens and Walmart. If you live in the southern east coast they are available at some Publix grocery stores. 

You can also purchase them here

They range from $9-$12 depending on where you purchase them.

Too Faced A La Mode Eyes: Sexy St. Tropez Eyeshadow Collection

A La Mode

Summer 2014

PACKAGING: 5/5

-Hard plastic tin

-Comes w/a small mirror on the inside (one of the first Too Faced Eyeshadow Palettes w/a mirror)

-Very sturdy, great for travel

FORMULATION: 4.5/5

-Very well pigmented

-Super soft and easy to blend and minimum fall out

-Great wear time (5-7 hours) especially w/ a primer underneath  

Comes with matte, shimmer and pearl shades

Each horizontal row is its own look (there is a mini pamphlet that comes w/the palette that gives you 3 looks), however all the shadows in this palette works together 

1st Row (horizontal) from left to right:

St. Tropez- Light champagne w/a pearl finish

Cannes-Shimmery copper orange

Soleil- Coco burgundy brown w/a pearl finish

2nd Row (horizontal) from left to right:

Rivera- Matte creamy beige

Jardin- Peachy orange w/a pearl finish

Cote d'Azur- Shimmery warm brown

3rd Row (horizontal) from left to right:

La Croisette- Frosty champagne 

Monacco- Matte fuchsia hot pink

De La Mer- Matte dark navy blue

Where to purchase (Click on the store to buy)

Ulta

Too Faced

New Mascaras SHOWDOWN

MAYBELLINE PUMPED UP COLOSSAL VS. L'OREAL VOLUMINOUS MILLION LASHES EXCESS

MAYBELLINE PUMPED UP COLOSSAL

Packaging: Very similar to the Maybelline Rocket Power mascara packaging except hot pink instead of blue. The brush is a cylinder shape that is tapered at the end. The want itself is not flexible, but stays very well in place.

Formulation: I was a bit disappointed with the formulation of this one. I love the original colossal formula so I had high expectations for this one. To get decent looking lashes it requires a couple of coats. The brush is prickly feeling so be careful when applying.

Overall: 3.5/5

Also comes in a waterproof formula.

L'OREAL VOLUMINOUS MILLION LASHES EXCESS

Packaging: Comes in a red and gold tube. The brush is long and flexible and is plastic unlike the Maybelline one which is hair.

Formulation: I was very impressed with this mascara. It held the curl of my lashes while giving decent volume and is a great mascara to layer on top of others. I like the plastic wand, it gives a more flexible control when applying. Only downside is that it doesn't come in a waterproof formula and can get flaky throughout the day.

Overall: 4.8/5

PRICE BREAKDOWN (depending on where purchased)

Maybelline Pumped Up Colossal

$5-7 

L'Oreal Excess

$8-11

Both mascaras are available at drugstores nationwide as well as Targets and Wal-marts near you!

Maybelline Baby Lips Pink'ed Collection

PINK'ED Collection

From left to right:

Mad for Magenta- Bright mid-tone pink

Rose Rush- Coral rose 

Very Berry- Raspberry fuchsia 

New Maybelline Baby Lips Pink'ed collection for summer 2014. An assorted of limited edition pink based shades great for the upcoming spring and summer. I have 3 out of the 5 shades released.

PACKAGING: Same packaging as the other Baby Lips but comes with a more colorful twist

FORMULATION: No change in formulation, still applies smoothly and very moisturizing with a nice sheer color payoff. (If you swatch it on the skin the color doesn't really show up but it does show up on the lips.)

These range from $4-$6 depending on where you purchase these. So far these have been released at the following retailers

CVS

Walgreens

Target

HOW TO CURE A SUNBURN

As much as we cover up and slather ourselves with sunscreen sometimes getting a sunburn is unavoidable. Here are a few tips and products to help you guys relief those burning and itchy days and hopefully get rid of the sunburn efficiently and quickly! 

Tip #1: Sometimes you don't feel a sunburn right away after prolonged sun exposure. Symptoms usually occur 4-6 hours after sun exposure. The minute you get out of the sun or start to notice some pink areas take a cool shower or bath immediately and apply lotion!!! This is an essential preventative measure to keep your sunburn from getting too bad. 

Tip #2: MOISTURIZE!!! I cannot stress this enough. Sunburns dehydrate and will eventually peel and damage your skin. Keeping your skin moisturized not only soothes the pain and burning but will help your skin peel evenly and smoothly. Don't forget moisturizing your skin doesn't mean just slathering on lotion but also drinking plenty of fluids. Taking care of the inside will essentially take care of the outside. My favorite is the Hawaiian Tropic Silk Hydration After Sun Lotion. It is not only moisturizing but seems amazing so you can wear it during the day and not walk around smelling like suntan lotion.

Tip #3: To ease the pain apply some cooling aloe gel. My favorite is the Hawaiian Tropic Cooling Aloe Gel. It is affordable and works very well. However, it does contain lidocaine which is a common anesthetic used for pain relieving too much of it can be very damaging So use sparingly no more than 3x a day. Put it in the fridge to keep the product cool.  

Tip #4: To help with itching apply 1% hydrocortisone cream to the areas where you have the most problems. This isn't something to slather all over the body. If you don't like using medicine dip a wash cloth in cold milk. It will not only stop the itching but also help cool your skin down. 

Hope this helps! And don't forget to always wear sunscreen and reapply throughout the day! 

Weekly Playlist 4/1

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QzfuLcIRK_M&feature=share&list=PLEusLI9-6r2EDH9xxXUMObkQfnA8-7prk

1.) 19 You + Me: Dan + Shay

2.) It Goes Like This: Jake Worthington (Studio Version)

3.) What You Do To Me: Dan + Shay

4.) Only Getting Younger: Elliphant ft. Skrillex

5.) All or Nothing: Elliphant ft. Benji Garlin

6.) Honest: Future

7.) I Wanna Be With You: DJ Khaled ft. Nicki Minaj

8.) Clappers: Wale ft. Nicki Minaj & Juicy J (This song just makes me laugh for some reason lol)

9.) Today: YellowCard (Punk Goes 90s Vol 2.)

10.) I Love You (But I Hate Your Friends): Neon Trees 

Current TV Shows/ Reading

Current TV Shows: (Click on links for more info)

Crisis (Sundays 10/9c on NBC) : A group of kids of the world's most powerful parents are kidnapped on a school trip. The parents are tested and compelled to do unspeakable things that threatened the country in order to get their kids back, but how far will they go? The pilot of this show was amazing. After just a couple minutes in I was hooked. The plot is very thought out and intriguing and contains multiple story lines. You will definitely not be bored with this one! 


Drop Dead Diva Season 6 (Sundays 9/8c on Lifetime): A dead model's soul is transferred to a plus size brilliant lawyer's body, Jane and tries to move on from the life she once had and make the most out of her new life. I have been watching this show from the very beginning and have not been disappointed. It has romance, comedy, murder, and so forth. If you enjoy a good legal drama but with a bit of flair definitely check this out. Unfortunately this is the last season. 


Once Upon A Time Season 3 (Sundays 8/7c on ABC): Storybook characters in a modern world setting dealing with fairy tale and supernatural challenges. I'm pretty sure even if you don't watch this show you have heard of it somehow. I have been obsessed with this show from the very beginning and so glad that it has come back from its hiatus. This season has more characters like the wicked witch from Oz (flying monkeys!!!), Rapunzel and much more. We also see a death of a main character (SPOILER ALERT) and much more. I for one cannot wait to see what is coming up next.

Suits Season 3 (Thursdays 9/8c on USA): Mike Ross pretends to be a graduate of Harvard law school and works at one of the top tier law firms in NYC. Yayyyy Suits is FINALLY back! If you are looking for a good, funny, and badass (HARVEY SPECTER) legal drama then definitely check this one out. 



Current Reading List:(Only one book this month, way too much school reading to do and not much time to read for fun)

Growing up Duggar: It's All About Relationships
By Jill, Jinger, Jana & Jessa Duggar: I love watching the Duggar family. They are very unique in their way of life and personally it is refreshing to see how someone else lives in our world today. This book written by 4 of the oldest Duggar girls chronicles their life experiences and how they approach and perceive relationships. This of course isn't a read for anybody and personally while I don't live their lifestyle it was fun and interesting reading about them. 
  

Forever 21 Clothing Haul!

Hey y'all! Forever 21 is having a BOGO FREE sale this week and of course being obsessed with clothes I had to pick some stuff up. So here is my first ever blog clothing haul.
Please remember that these are sale items so they do have a limited supply, this is a fairly recent haul so you should be able to pick up most of these items :)Come shop along with me! Just click on the item, it will take you directly to purchase. 

1.) Tropical Harem Pants $13.99

Love, love harem pants! These are so light and comfortable and can be dressed down or up. Definitely a must have for the cool spring weather.

(These are not the ones I purchased but very similar just a different color and design)

2.) Sweet Dreams PJ Set $10.11 (No longer available but here is a similar set CLICK HERE)

Who doesn't love pajamas? These are super thin and comfortable and not to mention adorable!

3.) Boho Goddess Pants $18.99

Like the harem pants, these are just a more billowy and looser version. These pants can be paired with pretty much anything and are super trendy especially with the warmer weather coming up.

4.) Lucky Spike Bangle $4.99

I'm not a big jewelry person, but I thought this piece was pretty cute and casual and something I could work with pretty much any outfit to dress it up a bit.

SOLD OUT

5.) Classic Skinny Jeans $8.53 (These are no longer available but here is a similar pair CLICK HERE)

Every girl needs a classic pair of dark wash skinny jeans! Great for just everyday wear or a night out with the girls or that special someone. Can be paired with literally any top and looks great with heels. And $8 jeans?!? You can't really beat that.

SOLD OUT

6.) Striped Driftwood Romper w/Belt $11.99

Rompers are great for the spring time. They are an outfit all by itself so there is no fuss when it comes to what to wear, you can't go wrong with a romper EVER. They come in all sorts of colors and designs. This particular one is no longer available however Forever 21 has so many other styles and colors that are equally affordable. 

7.) Statement- Making Soup Muscle Tee $13.80

I been obsessed with muscle tees this year. They are just so effortless and easy to wear and has more coverage than a spagetti strap tank. I love this particular one not only because I love Campbell's soup but it has a Andy Warhol feel to it. 

8.) Color blocked Dolphin Shorts $11.99

These shorts just scream summer to me. Very chic and easy to pair with more colorful tops. These are a bit on the shorter side, so taller people beware it might show some butt cheeks.

9.) Athletic Pullover Sweatshirt $9.99

A very simple sweatshirt great for working out in or just lounging around. These sweaters are a staple in my closest. You can pair them with shorts, skirts, workout pants, or even over a dress. Because it is an athletic pullover it is a light weight, breathable fabric. Also great for layering. This particular one also comes in a green color.

10.) Quirky Pom Muscle Tee $13.80

Yes, another muscle tee like I mentioned before I AM OBSESSED! This one combines three of my favorite things muscle tee, dogs, and French words.