Tuesday, February 12, 2013

Beauty Buys

Have I mentioned how obnoxious my obsession with new beauty products is? Because if I haven't, it's pretty obnoxious. So obnoxious that I can't walk into Ulta without walking out at least $50 poorer -- at least! As I mentioned yesterday, an Ulta opened up right around the corner from my apartment. I kid you not, I've been waiting since September for that bad boy to open it's glorious doors for me. Of course, I had to make sure that this Ulta is up to my standards, so I went on a bit of a beauty shopping spree. I bought some prrreeettttttyyyy amazing products that I must share with you all.

Beauty Buys


//One// Maybelline Color Whisper in Cherry on Top. Yes, I know I shared this yesterday, but it deserves to be on the top of this list. I cannot say enough about this lip color line. The color is bold and vibrant while still be smooth and translucent -- no cakey lipstick here! The Color Whisper line is a mix between a gloss and a lipstick. Seriously -- go get yourself one of every color!

//Two// theBalm Mary-Lou Manizer. The picture above doesn't do a good job at showing the product. Mary-Lou Manizer, besides having a bomb.com name, is the best highlighter I've ever used. Woke up looking like you were just run over by a truck and then a train? No problem! Dab some Mary-Lou Manizer in the corner of your eyes and you look wide awake! Feeling like your nose is taking over your face? Don't worry, dab some down the center and it's like you just got a nose job! Seriously, this stuff is magical.

//Three// Redken Extreme Shampoo and Conditioner. This duo has been one of my favorite shampoo and conditioners for years now. It's perfect for distressed hair -- hello blonde highlights and constant straightening. Ulta has these bad boys on sale for $16 a liter. That's a steal ladies! Go stock up, like right this very moment.

//Four// Maybelline Dream Fresh BB Cream. I fell in love with Smashbox's BB cream when I received a sample in my Birchbox a couple months ago, but there was no way I was going to drop an arm and a leg for a full-sized tube. So then the hunt for the second best BB cream ensued. Maybelline's BB Cream is by far the closest I've found to Smashbox's. It's light and fresh and hides imperfections on those days you don't feel like painting your face.

//Five// Bare Escentuals Full-Edge Liner Brush. I've been meaning to find a good liner brush for my cream liner since I've been using the one cent brush that came with the cream liner (which happened to be the worst brush ever). I'm loving this brush! It's easy to use, collects the perfect amount of cream liner, and makes the perfect cat eye every time.

//Six// Bare Escentuals Ready Foundation. I love, love, love, Bare Escentuals Mineral Foundation. But I hated how messy the loose powder was. I felt like I got more on the counter top than on my face. Well, problem solved! This compact version of the beloved foundation is perfection. The same flawless face without the mess.

And there you have it, my latest beauty buys! Before you leave me for the day, you need to know that you're definitely going to want to come back here tomorrow. I'm teaming up with some pretty awesome ladies to giveaway something ah-maze-ing. You're not going to want to miss this!

Monday, February 11, 2013

Facing My Fears and a Little Update

If you read this post I wrote on Friday, than you know I'm terrified of wearing red lipstick. I've spent too much time looking at picture after picture of you beautiful ladies rocking a cherry pout and wishing I had the guts to rock it myself.

Well, shortly after writing that post and reading everyone encouraging comments, I decided that there's no time like the present to pick up some red lipstick! Plus, I had a snow day Friday and a brand new Ulta just opened up right around the corner from my apartment. Sign from above? I think so!


The verdict? I think I kinda love it! It's fun to be bold and confident. The color above is Maybelline's Colorsensational in Vibrant Mandarin -- a super fun, bright, red with an orange hue. I also bought Maybelline's newest Color Whisper in Cherry on Top, which is more of a fuschia-red. And just a side note, if you don't have a Color Whisper in your lipstick collection...get one. Best. Lip color. EVER!

One last update before I leave you all to enjoy your day, you may notice my sponsor side bar is pretty bare these days. For a while, my life was a lot little crazy, and I didn't have a lot of time to contribute to my sponsors, but I'm happy to announce that I finally feel like I have my life under control again and I'm ready to take on sponsorships again.

And just as a little thank you for coming back to my little ol blog even when I was in a blogging slump, I want to offer you all 50% off all sponsor spots with the code YoursTrulyLove. Head on up to my sponsor tab and get your sponsor spot for dirt cheap! I would be honored to have you all as sponsors and get to know you better!

Happy Monday, beauties!

Friday, February 8, 2013

Red Lips

Some time ago, I professed my hatred for the coveted red lip. I swore on my cat's life that I would never, ever, e.v.e.r. attempt the trend because I knew I would look like a clown, just like everyone else.

And then I realized. I don't hate red lips. Actually, I kind of like them! Like every super bold trend, I'm nervous to try it. Red lips are the perfect way to stand out in a crowd; to show everyone that you're confident -- and the introvert in me is terrified of that!

While spilling out my anxiety over the gorgeous cherry lip to a co-worker -- whom, I might add, is the queen of the bold lip -- she looked at me and simple said "Just do it." To which I replied, "Well, okay!"

And it was those three simple words -- just do it -- that inspired me to step outside of my comfort zone. I have red glosses that I pull out every now and then, and the color looks great with my blonde hair and skin tone. So why am I so afraid to try out a more solid, bold version?

Cherry Lips



So I think this weekend I should take the plunge and try out the bold lip trend. If I hate it and look like a clown, well then that's that, but at least I can say I tried! If you want to see how I look with red lips, then I suggest you follow me on Instagram!

What are you opinions on the coveted red lip?

 

Thursday, February 7, 2013

30 Bloggers, 1 Huge Giveaway

Hi friends! 

Do I ever have something special for you today!! 

To celebrate Valentine's Day, Newlywed Moments is teaming up with 30 other bloggers to give away a KitchenAid Mixer!!

Why? Because it's a newlywed must-have. 

One lucky reader will win this white-colored KitchenAid Classic Series 4.5 Quart Tilt-Head Stand Mixer, valued at $229.99! The winner will be announced on Valentine's Day.

Wednesday, February 6, 2013

It's Only Wednesday?

....but seriously??? I had to look at my calendar to make sure it was only Wednesday and not like... Sunday. I can't begin to explain to you how slowly this week is going by. I'm pretty sure I'm one psychotic parent away from my brain completely shutting down.

We had our big Perfect Attendance Award Ceremony last night for the preschoolers, and while I wanted to strangle everyone and their mom's over the planning, it turned out great. It was so adorable watching the kiddos walk across the makeshift stage --which we built out of blocks-- to get their certificates. You could see all over their faces how proud they were! I love kids!

But back to the fact that my brain is barely working, I think it's a perfect day for Oh How Pinteresting! And today's OHP is dedicated to Valentine's Day. I always enjoyed celebrating Valentine's Day -- a day dedicated to all the love in your life --but since J and I started dating, it's been even more special. Not only do we have an excuse to spend money on a date, but we also get to celebrate our anniversary. {3 years on the 13th!} Maybe some of these pins will give you ideas for Valentine's Day! Show those in your life how much you love them. Your significant other, girlfriends, family -- who says V Day is just for lovas?








Tuesday, February 5, 2013

Emerald City

Emerald City

I am absolutely in love with the color emerald, so you can imagine my excitement when it was announced as the Pantone color of the year. I think emerald looks gorgeous on all hair colors and skin tones -- you just can't go wrong!

Justin hates on my emerald love. The color green is a sin in his book -- thanks to Michigan State. But what do men know about style?

The correct answer is nothing. But I digress...

My favorite way to rock the emerald trend is through accessories. A pair of emerald druzy earrings, stackable emerald rings (one of my favorite Christmas presents), or an emerald-toned nail polish seems to bring together an outfit perfectly.

What is your favorite way to add Pantone's color of the year to your wardrobe?