Review: L'oreal Carbon Black Voluminous Mascara

I have tried this mascara before and was never impressed. I thought it was too goopy and too much product was transferred from the brush to my lashes resulting in clumpy lashes. But I decided to give it another try after hearing so much about it and I LOVE it! I was using YSL Faux Cils before and in my opinion they are pretty similar. Faux Cils has a drier formula, which I prefer, but not as plump of a brush. When you compare the prices the L'oreal one obviously wins. I paid $5 for mine on sale at Walgreens but it usually runs around $8. YSL Faux Cils is around $30 give or take a few bucks. The lasting power of the Carbon Black mascara is impressive. It hold a curl very nicely and doesn't rub off below my eyes. I recommend this product! Definitely one of the better drug store mascaras out there. 

Golden Globes

I unfortunately was unable to watch the Globes but I had catch up on all the glitz and glam! I am in love with Sandra Bullocks look. I think the blunt straight across bangs really compliment her. The hairstyle, in my opinion, is very fierce and young. 

As far as dresses go I love Carrie Underwood's. Its silhouette is so simple but so glamorous with the sparkle.

 

Haul: Birthday and Christmas

This is a such an overdue post but I figured some might be interested in what beauty products I received over the winter holidays. My birthday was a little over a week before Christmas so I combined both wish lists together. Listed in no particular order:

 Sigma Brushes

Perfumes: Coach Poppy, Ed Hardy Hearts and Daggers, and Philosophy Amazing Grace

Clinique Lip Gloss Set 

Laura Mercier Oil Free Tinted Moisturizer in Fawn 

OPI Burlesque gift set in Rising Star and Bring on the Bling 

 Coach Lipgloss in Orchid 

MAC Eyeshadow Palette in Dashing Lassies 

MAC Bare Study Paint Pot 

MAC Lipstick/Lipgloss Set in Viva V

Philosophy Snow Angel Gift Set 

(the body wash is in my shower) 

Bobbi Brown Holiday Collection Palette

I hope you enjoyed this post. Separate posts with swatches and descriptions to come :) 

Review: Philosophy's Amazing Grace Perfume

I'm sure many people have smelled this scent before but this is my new favorite perfume ever! Philosophy always has really "gentle" and light scents in my opinion. I don't know if you can refer to a scent as gentle but they are light and not too strong. Amazing Grace is just that, it doesn't smell like you're wearing perfume it just smells fresh and clean. It reminds me of a really nice smelling shampoo. Yes, I realize my description of scents aren't the most descriptive in terms of the actual notes but theses are things that come to my mind when smelling it. I recommend this scent to anyone who is looking for an everyday, light scent that isn't too strong. If you've never smelled it, it's one of those scents you must smell. Try it on too because from personal experience, it smelled different in the bottle than it did on my skin.

New Year's Resolution!

Happy New Year to you!! So I know I have been doing some major slacking on keeping new posts coming but that is part of my new years resolution. I hope to write more and update more even if it's small. I am busy with school but being a second semester senior I will hopefully have more time. Now onto some of my other resolutions....
1. Get in shape for MEXICO!!!!
2. Spend my money more wisely.
3. Buy only makeup I really need

What are your resolutions?

Review: Garnier Moisture Rescue Lightweight UV-Lotion

I LOVE this product. The product says it will lock-in moisture for 24 hours, block out dryness and protect your skin from UV rays. It does all of these things wonderfully. As far as results, it says your skin is protected from UV rays and looks and feels supple, smooth and hydrated for 24 hours. After 1 week it will maintain skin's moisture barrier. With regular use your skin is protected against external aggressors and continuously moisturized and looks healthier and stronger.

Things I love:
1. It is extremely lightweight. It is very thin but it does it's job pretty well
2. It smells fantastic, very clean and fresh. There is a little hint of apple since it has apple water extracts.
3. I love the pump, it allows for easy and equal distribution. It also twists to close so you can take it on a trip or in your purse without worrying it'll spill.
4. It has an SPF of 15 so you have some protection from the UV rays.
5. It makes my skin feel very soft and supple.
6. It makes a great under-makeup lotion.
7. It has more of a gel texture than thick lotion.

Things I don't love so much:
1. I'm used to my Arbonne FC5 day creme which is super moisturizing so this is a change

I definitely recommend this product. I found it at Target for $6.99. There is also a night creme that comes in jar for the same price. This is my favorite drugstore moisturizer I have ever used. I think you should go get it!

Cold Weather Essentials

Now that the weather is crisp and cold I have started using different products and have reoccuring loves. My skin gets especially dry in the cold weather season so I use different products for this reason. 

Body Butter

For me, body butter works best for my dry skin. I apply it right after I get out of the shower to lock in the moisture. My favorite's come from the Body Shop. I love the Mango and Strawberry scents. The formula does feel a little greasy but it goes away after a while. I apply it at night so when I wake up my skin is soft and moisturized but not greasy. 

Lip Balm

My lips get very dry and I have the bad habit of licking them when they feel dry which makes it worse. I can't get enough of Nivea's A Kiss of Moisture. The formula is very thick and soft. I have tried other Nivea lip products but my favorite is A Kiss of Moisture. The Milk and Honey one is nice but I find that I have to reapply it alot more often than A Kiss of Moisture. 

Salt/Sugar Scrub

In the winter it is essential to exfoliate your skin to remove the dead dry skin that builds up. By removing the dead skin you are allowing your skin to soak up the lotion or moisturizer, otherwise it will just sit on top of your skin. 

Face Exfoliator

The same goes for my face. I notice if I don't exfoliate at least once a week, my lotion doesn't absorb into my skin. It is important to use a gentler exfoliator in the colder months so it isn't so abrasive on your skin. 

Night Creme

Night time is the perfect time to put on a thick creme. It allows your skin to soak up the rich moisture for 8 hours, give or take depending on how much sleep you get :). I personally love the Arbonne

Candles

There is something about the soft flicker of a candle flame that makes me feel warm. I love the fall and winter scents and having that extra warm feeling makes it a must.

Fuzzy Socks

Fuzzy socks go perfectly with a nice hot cup of hot cocoa and a blanket by the fireplace. I wear fuzzy socks whenever I'm at home and even out (under boots of course) to keep my feet extra warm. There are so many fun prints and patterns. I find a lot of mine at Old Navy for around $5. I know Bath and Body Works, H+M, and other retailers sell them.