Skincare

Skincare on a budget! 

All products are under $10.00

Drugstore Skincare products for combination and acne prone skin

Hey everyone! Heres a picture of the skincare products that I have been using for my combination skin.  

The face washes I use are target brand oil free acne wash and cetaphil daily cleanser. If I happen to break out, I'll use the acne wash, otherwise it's the cetaphil. Also, I use an apricot scrub about 3 times a week. This helps get rid of any black heads, blemishes, and dead flaky skin. If I am breaking out, I will use AcneFree Terminator. This product has a lotion consistency and isn't too harsh. Finally, I have been using two moisturizers. Garnier Moisture Rescue and a dual treatment moisturizer for when I am having break outs. I think these drugstore brand products are really nice and help make my skin clear and moisturized!

Have you ever tried any of these? 

Want a full review of something? Comment below! 

Blog hop!

 

 Yes I've joined another blog hop! You should too :)

Maybelline

Maybelline Mega Plush Volum' Express Mascara

This mascara is formulated with a gel-mousse to give a light-as-air texture for soft, supple lashes.  With 40% less hard waxes than traditional mascaras, this one promises huge volume with no flaking. I personally do like this mascara.

As you can see from the pictures the wand is a bit different than normal mascaras. Their is a little section of the wand that allows the brush to bend easy. It allows you to contort the brush a little. It may have a little bit of getting used to this feature.

Now for the formula, it is really thin. However, I did not experience any clumping or fallout. It has a very volumizing and lengthening effect. I like how my lashes aren't crunchy and hard after using this. Which also makes it easy to remove this.

In these pictures I have absolutely no make up on besides the mascara. I only used one coat and you can already see how long my lashes appear to be.

Just received my VoxBox today and I am so excited!

Check out influenster today! 

I received each product complimentary from influenster. 

Products received: 

Sheer Cover Duo Concealer

AVEENO Daily Moisturizing Body Wash

ChapStick Lip SHIELD

Sally  Hansen Salon Effects

Bath & Body Works Fine Fragrance Mist

SOYJOY Bar

Dr. Scholl's for her Ball of Foot Cushions

First thoughts about the box: I am really happy with everything that I received. I cannot wait to test everything out! I have never tried any of these products except the SOYJOY bar so I am very anxious. Have you tried any of these products?

Does anyone else get influenster beauty voxbox's?

Göt2b Favorites

Crazy Sleek Hot Smooth Flat Iron & Blow Dry Lotion

POWDER'ful Volumizing Styling Powder

I recently bought both of these products because at work they were BOGO so i thought what the heck ill try them out. 

First I will review Powder'ful. I absolutely love this product and I will be purchasing it again. It takes 10 seconds to realize how awesome this is and at a cheap price. The application is super easy and works on all hair types. The product is in something that resembles salt and pepper shakers so just shake a bit into your hands or roots and rub it in until it disappears. The only downfall is that it leaves a different texture on your roots at first but nothing that is stiff, annoying or unbearable. I like how this product is cheap and you can get it pretty much anywhere. I am wearing just a small amount of this as my product for volume in my swap video if you want to see the results.


I am really happy that I chose to buy the crazy sleek. This product works really well and especially at such a cheap price. First of all I love how this stuff isn't sticky or heavy because Ive had that happen to me before. However, there is a bit of a smell with this but nothing too overwhelming, or at least in my opinion. The formula for this is a little thick because it is somewhat a gel like substance so it sprays in a stream more so than a mist. This lotion also works well  for thick course hair when it comes to helping it straighten. This product is very smoothing and contains proteins and keratin which is a plus for me. I believe this product does exactly what it claims to do; smooth, protect, moisturize.


I would recommend both products!


What are your thoughts? Have any other questions?
I love reading your comments :)

Blog Hop!

Trying out my first blog hop created by Rachael at island girl insights! Make sure you click the heart below and check it out! Blogger or not, it's still a great way to find out about other blogs. Thanks!

Mini Drugstore Haul

Today's purchases at work (Walgreens)....

I have never tried any of these products except the shampoo but they were on sale so I decided to purchase them. Have you tried them?

Maybelline Baby Lips

John Frieda Full Repair Full Body shampoo

John Frieda Full Repair Perfect Ends Sheer Mist

göt2b volumizing powder

göt2b crazy sleek flat iron and blow dry lotion

*Comment below if you want a review on anything*

Beauty in Ireland

Beauty in Ireland

I enjoy learning about different cultures all over the world just as much as I love learning about makeup. Therefore, I decided to combine the two a bit. I emailed Rachel (check out her blog and follow!) from Ireland asking her some questions about cosmetics in Ireland. I think this is a neat little post, how about you? Comment your thoughts below or if you want to represent the next country! 

Where can you buy high end makeup? Sephora, Ulta, Department stores?

As you may already know Sephora and Ulta are Amercian stores so they not here in Ireland. When Irish Beauty lovers want to purchase high products we have different options. Many high end brands are available in department stores, retail stores and independent pharmacies. Dublin is the capital of Ireland, this huge city is home to some most beauty department stores such as Brown Thomas, House of Fraser and Harvey Cichols which stock some of the highest of high end brands. Many high end brands are only available in the larger towns and citys. For instance the nearest MAC counter to me is situated 2 hours away! :-(

What are the top 5 low end makeup brands?

There are many low end makeup brands available in Ireland. 

Natural collection, Catrice, MUA, Essence and NYC.

What is the top beauty magazine(s)?

There are three main Irish beauty Magazines that I know of , 'Irish Tatler' (my fav) 'Stellar' and 'Social and Personal'. All the British magazines are also available in Ireland such Cosmopolitan and Vogue.

Are there any beauty products you can't get in Ireland you wish you could?

Cover Girl but we do have there sister company Max Factor here. No Sephora. :-(

Have you noticed by looking at other blogs or what not that some cosmetic brands don't sell the same items in Ireland as they do in the US or other countries?

Yes I have noticed that American Lancome products are very different to Irish or European products.

Are the beauty trends the same as in the US?

I am pretty sure, that the current 2012 beauty trends such as bold coral colours and full browns are pretty similar in both countries.

Is tanning popular?

As you can probably image false tanning is very popular here in Ireland as we get no sunshine :-( 

Are acrylic nails popular?

In my opinion Acrylic nails are not very popular in Ireland. there maybe slight more common in the larger cities to not to a huge extent.

Thanks again to Rachel for letting me interview her! 
Don't forget to check out her blog! :)

*Please comment below if you want to be the next country!*

Ponds

Pond's Make up Remover Wipes

I thoroughly enjoy these make up remover wipes. They take off all my make up even water proof without being harsh. Not too mention, the wipes weren't harsh on my eye lashes which I've had happen to me before. I also love the texture of the wipes. The wipes are moistened and not dried out which I've had happen to me before with other brands. I like how these wipes did not leave my face looking and feeling greasy afterwards. Also, the wipes did not affect my contacts or burn my eyes whatsoever. *Safe for sensitive skin! Although, these wipes do not take the place of a cleanser (strictly for removing make up). The smell is fresh and not too heavy. 

I'd say job well done :)

The picture above also shows the texture.

LOTD #2

Look of the Day #2

what do you think? 

I love to read your comments! :)

sorry the photos are not crystal clear

I used blues and black

TAG: Get to Know Me

TAG! GET TO KNOW ME!

Kelsey from Beauty without limits tagged me! 
Check out Her lovely blog! :)

Thanks for the Tag! :)

1. What is your favorite beauty product that you have?

Make up forever HD foundation!!

2. What was the hardest product to get your hands on?

A good set of brushes

3. What are your favorite clothing brands?

Express, Buckle and forever 21!

4. What is the one product that you won't go out without?

Eye make up!

5. Are you a nail polish junkie and what is your favorite shade right now?
No I am not because I wear acrylics on my fingernails. Lately I have been loving neutrals though which is very unusual.

6. What best describes your makeup looks most?
Smokey and dark


7. What's your best beauty tip that worked for you?

 Ahh theirs too many!


8. Are you a drugstore or high-end person?
I prefer makeup from sephora but I'm always up for good drug store finds!

9. What is the one drugstore product that you think tops high end?
"Revlon lip butters-really pigmented, moisturizing, and affordable. Better than most high end lipsticks!" definitely agreeing with Kelsey!

10. What's your favorite food?

Sweet potato fries.....for now ;)

11. What's your favorite hairstyle right now?

I love big sexy loose curls but I always wear my hair straight

TAG you're it!

Drama and Makeup

Beautay

A Little Lacey

Belle De Jour

Look of the Day #1

Look of the Day

What do you think??

Dior Lip Glow

Dior Lip Glow

"A made-to-measure lip balm that beautifies and durably enhances the lips’ natural color. A customized color result : thanks to its Color Reviver technology, Dior Addict Lip Glow reacts directly with the unique chemistry of each woman’s lips before releasing its color ingredient. Lips seem revived from within, amazingly fresh, full and radiant. In addition, its formula enriched with wild mango and luffa cylindrica continuously protects and moisturizes. A universal balm for all lips." -DIor website

I absolutely love this stuff! I wear underneath practically everything. 

As you can see it has practically zero color but when its applied to the lips it enhances the color and provides shine. Its also really smooth, has great packaging and isn't sticky. Also, application is really easy and the product is long lasting. If you are looking for a lip balm I definitely recommend this one! It is a little pricey  ($30.00) but I think its worth it. 

April Favorites!

thanks for watching.

my hair is pulled up and I'm in work clothes because i just came from work!

sorry  for the lighting its because of the window 

My Tan Commandments

My Tan Commandments

• Exfoliate before getting spray tans or applying self tanners.
• Moisturize before and after no matter what form of tanning you use.
• Shave before tanning
• Dont shower immediately after using a tanning bed
• Apply self tanners at bedtime so by morning your bronzed and fabulous!
• Use a light body wash in the shower if using self tanners
• Remove all makeup before getting in a tanning bed
• Cover face in tanning beds if you get blotchy skin or hyper pigmentation 
• If you're waxing, do it the day before.
• Use latex or vinyl gloves when applying self tanners to avoid streaking
• Always make sure your tan goes to the hairline because that can be a dead giveaway 
• After applying self tanner, take gloves off and apply moisturizer to nails, knuckles and wrists. Place a small amount of tanner on the back of wrists and begin to rub in using the back of your hands. Then apply to wrists as if you were apply perfume.
• Make sure to let your self tanner dry!
• Use sunscreen outdoors

What are your tanning commandments? 

NYX Cosmetics Haul

NYX Cosmetics Haul!

First time I've ever bought from NYX!

Eye pencil in Pure White and Azure

Lipstick in Jupiter

Jumbo eye pencils in Peacock, Electric Blue and Cobalt

Yes, I know I bought a lot of blues but I've been using them a lot lately! 

Buxom Lips

Buxom Lips!

$18.00

Just a quick little post about this

This lip gloss is said to create fuller lips with shine. Its formulate with vitamins A and E to keep the lips soft and protected while creating a tingling, cooling sensation so you know its working. Also, this comes in tons of shades so its perfect for everyone. I have sugar :) Its a brownish color kind of sheer. Needless to say, I recommend this lip gloss for everyday or over a lipstick. This product really does give a great shine without being too overly sticky. The only downfall I have is that it has a horrible taste. Maybe thats just the shade I own. I would definitely recommend this lip gloss. Thoughts and/or questions? Comment below

You can see my lips look shiny and rather full. I am wearing only a small amount of this lip gloss.

ColorStay Aqua Mineral Finishing Powder

Translucent 

$13.99

"ColorStay Aqua Mineral Finishing powder is a translucent mineral finishing powder that delivers a burst of hydrating coconut water and an instant cooling sensation upon application. This revolutionary mineral finisher sets foundation and minimizes the look of pores and fine lines, leaving skin even and smooth. Specially formulated longwearing ColorStay technology provides a shine-free soft matte finish that lasts all day. Best of all, this weightless loose powder keeps skin looking healthy and flawless. Wear alone or with Color stay Aqua Mineral Makeup. Comes in 4 beautiful shades, with SPF 13 protection." 

I really like using this product! I apply it to set my makeup forever HD foundation. At one point  I used to use pressed powder by too faced to set my HD foundation but I like to use this instead. When applying this it feels cool and wet like water which made me feel skeptical at first. However, that goes away without leaving a wet, dewy or shiny look which i prefer. It says translucent but since it comes in four shades so I believe it does have a little tint to it. If your looking for light coverage for summer or everyday this is perfect. I also used to use laura mercier as my setting powder but I can honestly say I like this one as my setting powder  (as of right now). Also, the packaging for this is alright. I don't like the brush at all but I usually don't with drugstore brushes that come with products.

want a full video review?

comment below! 

I am wearing this product in this picture!

Clear Scalp and Hair Therapy

Clear Scalp & Hair Therapy Nourishing Shampoo, Moisturizing Dry Scalp

*Nourishes the scalp for strong beautiful hair*

prices vary but under $8.00

has an amazing smell that is nothing like any other clinical products

This product claims to...

• Clinically proven to help restore scalp's natural moisture balance
• Leaves hair with up to two times more moisturization
• Cleanses & nourishes dry scalp and hair
• Formulated with Nutrium 10™, an advanced moisture complex of vitamins and nutrients including vitamins B5, C & E, sunflower, almond, soybean & coconut oils & aloe vera

Discover the right foundation for strong, beautiful hair with new Clear Scalp & Hair Beauty Therapy, a range of shampoos and conditioners that feed your scalp 

and give you stronger, more beautiful hair in just 7 days*.

Ok, so, just as you moisturize your skin and body daily, you need to remember your skin extends to your scalp and you need to moisturize there as well. Clear Moisture Scalp & Hair Beauty Therapy was invented to prevent damaging scalp rigors we perform daily. This hair system is not only the answer to maintaining a healthy scalp, by maintaining its moisture balance, but also nourishes your hair in order to make it stronger and healthier looking in seven days. It also provides less breakage when combing vs. no-conditioning shampoos. This product is like a moisturizing spa treatment because of its blend of vitamins and nutrients including B5, C & E, sunflower, almond, soybean,coconut oils and aloe vera. I originally told my mother to purchase this because she has an itchy flakey scalp. She used it one time and noticed a difference. Her head was no longer itchy and she saw less flakes which is awesome. Clear has many other shampoos you should definitely check out. website

PRODUCT RAVE!

Certain Dri

Roll-on 

Clinical Strength

Anit-perspirant

*Personal Hygiene*

Doctor recommended and non-presciption 

Colorless and fragrance free!

So, summer is approaching and you know what that means... HOT, HUMID weather! Yay my favorite! However, what isn't my favorite is how I always seem to sweat a little bit no matter what. (i mean who doesn't?) :( but not anymore! This stuff is amazing! I wore it to the gym and took at spinning class and didn't even sweat under my arms! WOW is all I can say. This stuff really does stop excessive perspiration! Ive tried so many anti-perspirants and nothing seemed to be that great, not even mens! I will definitely be repurchasing this product

So, how do you wear this stuff? Well, you only apply to your underarms and apply it AT BEDTIME.  You also don't even need to apply it every night. I use it every other night.

So, whats the downside? The first couple time i used it, it seemed to have a slight burn where I applied it. I believe that this is because it was seeping into my pores for the first time.

FINALLY!!

REVLON LIP BUTTERS!

Yay, i finally got my hands on some! Most of you have probably tried these but it took me a while to. Today i purchased creme brulee and cupcake! These lip butters have a buildable, non drying color. The formula is super smooth and not cakey. I can't wait to get more; there are so many colors to choose from!

This or That

This or That!?

So I am starting this tag. It's probably already out there, but oh well! 

Subscribe to my blog and you’re tagged!

Questions:

makeup:

blush or bronzer: Bronzer

lip gloss or lipstick: Lip gloss

chapstick or lip butter: Lip butter

matte eye shadow or sparkle: Sparkle

eye liner or mascara: mascara

gel, liquid or cream eye liner: cream

foundation or concealer: foundation

liquid or powder foundation: depends on my acne!

neutral or color eye shadow: color

pressed or loose eye shadows: pressed

waterproof or non waterproof: waterproof

brushes or sponges: brushes

powder highlighter, cream or liquid: powder

nails:

OPI or Essie: Essie but I love both

Acrylic or natural: acrylic 

Brights or darks: darks

Matte or shiny: shiny

Glitter or no glitter: no glitter

body:

perfume or body splash: perfume

lotion or body butter: lotion

body wash or soap: body wash

Self tanners or no: no self tanners