SO the most common question I get is- What colors should I wear? I think that when you jump to that, you are bypassing the bigger question which is what is my makeup personality? What I mean by that, I mean you should be asking yourself-
What style do I like?
Is the style I like suitable to my lifestyle?
How much effort do I want to put into makeup?
How much money am I willing to invest?
What style do I like? I can tell anyone that they can wear purple eye shadow but if their style is super natural and low maintenance, its a totally moot point. When starting to develop a makeup personality that suits you, use magazines and photos online to see what it is that you like. Once you have a few pictures in front of you look for what is in common with them. Is it a winged liner that grabs your attention? A barely there foundation routine? A bright lip? A full on glam face? Once you find the common denominator move on to the next question...
Is the style I like suitable to my lifestyle? Personally, I wear a full face at least 4 days out of the week. I am constantly trying new things and trying to keep up with new techniques. This is not the norm. Most women find a makeup comfort zone and day and a night look. If you like a full on super glam almost drag face, is that going to be suitable for your office 9-5 job? Whatever your style is, you have to think about your lifestyle. If you work out everyday and you are layering it up, are you willing to let it melt off when you work out? When you find something that works for the way you live....
How much effort do I want to putting on makeup? Are you one that gives your self 20 minutes in the morning as your getting up for work? Are you a mom who never sleeps and cant get out of sweats? What ever the answer is- that's great! BUT, if you want a full on glammed out flawless look and you only have 5 minutes....chances are its not gonna work out that way. On the flip side- if you are busy and never leave the house, how about a tinted moisturizer, blush and mascara? That's totally do-able in 5 minutes! Don't covet a style that is more demanding than you can give and don't feel like you should be doing more just because others are.
How much money am I willing to invest? OK, you all know I love me some mass market products (duh, that's why I'm the Beauty Budget Mama) but you still have to think about the price tag involved.
Foundation $10
Concealer $8
Powder $8
Blusher $7
Eye shadow $7
Eyeliner $7
Mascara $7
Brushes $30
Total- that's $84 for a bare bones makeup bag. That's just for one look and one of everything and a very conservative total. If you are a starving college student, I cannot advocate spending your student loans on a $50 foundation. (nor should you) If you live small, invest small. Find what is really important to you. I personally love my foundation and I will pay more for it. I know girls who cant live without eyeliner and that's where their budget goes. If you have limited funds, spend the money on the important things in your style and either minimize the others or scrap the extras all together.
Whats your makeup personality? I love it all obviously but I love when its unexpected. No makeup makeup when you are way super dressed up and a lot going on with your outfit is one of my favorites. Or red lips with jeans and a tee shirt. Mix it up! Have fun and remember there are no rules with makeup!
Monday, January 7, 2013
Thursday, August 9, 2012
Quaker Soft Baked Banana Nut Bar
So here is another review of some of the fun free stuff that I got to test for Influenster! Who doesn't love to test a free yummy treat?!
OK, Lets talk about something near and dear to my heart.....banana bread. If you follow my other blog, you may or may not have seen my perfected fat free banana bread recipe. If you missed it and are interested- here you go :) I have spent a lot of time and energy trying various recipes and finding what I like and don't like about banana bread- so I feel quite qualified as a banana bread connoisseur. So to be sent a free Quaker Soft Baked Banana Nut Bar, I was both enthused and nervous. If I can find something at the store that rivals homemade that I can pack on the go- I am ALL about it!
So, that's maybe where I went a little wrong. I was expecting homemade creamy soft banana bread. I bit it and was a little surprised by the texture. It almost had a crispy quality to it- like the innards of a Crunch bar. There were little crisp pieces in every bite! Not like my homemade recipe AT ALL. Back to the actual bread part of the banana bread- it was good! Not the same as homemade- but it was good! It also had walnut pieces on it- which is great for nut lovers like me! I prefer pecans on banana bread- but walnuts will do. So all in all- I'm not RUSHING out the door to grab them but I would pick a box up if they were on sale. Try them and tell me what you think! They are different!
OK, Lets talk about something near and dear to my heart.....banana bread. If you follow my other blog, you may or may not have seen my perfected fat free banana bread recipe. If you missed it and are interested- here you go :) I have spent a lot of time and energy trying various recipes and finding what I like and don't like about banana bread- so I feel quite qualified as a banana bread connoisseur. So to be sent a free Quaker Soft Baked Banana Nut Bar, I was both enthused and nervous. If I can find something at the store that rivals homemade that I can pack on the go- I am ALL about it!
So, that's maybe where I went a little wrong. I was expecting homemade creamy soft banana bread. I bit it and was a little surprised by the texture. It almost had a crispy quality to it- like the innards of a Crunch bar. There were little crisp pieces in every bite! Not like my homemade recipe AT ALL. Back to the actual bread part of the banana bread- it was good! Not the same as homemade- but it was good! It also had walnut pieces on it- which is great for nut lovers like me! I prefer pecans on banana bread- but walnuts will do. So all in all- I'm not RUSHING out the door to grab them but I would pick a box up if they were on sale. Try them and tell me what you think! They are different!
Sally Hansen Magnetic Nail Color!
OK guys and dolls- its been a while admittedly- I don't have to tell you how insane the summers can be, especially with three kids and a Katy leaving for Romania! WELL- I got ANOTHER Vox Box compliments of Influenster and I got some fun goodies to share with you!!
FIRST UP! Sally Hansen Magnetic Nail Color! I had heard about these magnetic nail polishes and the theory intrigued me. I have to admit, I'm a bit lazy and typically wont travel to many stores to hunt down nail polish. When I saw that Sally Hansen was making one, I thought- GREAT! If I love this, I can get it at Walmart! They sent me a really pretty metallic silver and black color which as you know is RIGHT up my ally. I loves me dark, sometimes vampy nail colors. I was a little worried though because since getting my own gel nail system, I seldom use traditional nail polish. This effect was so unique I couldnt pass it up for a try though!
So as you can see- the effect is super cool! You put on a base coat followed by a thin coat and let dry completely. You then put a thicker second coat on and IMMEDIATELY hold the cap (which is where the tricky little magnet is hidden) over your nail for 10ish seconds. When you remove the magnet- voila! Rippled, waves of color!
FIRST UP! Sally Hansen Magnetic Nail Color! I had heard about these magnetic nail polishes and the theory intrigued me. I have to admit, I'm a bit lazy and typically wont travel to many stores to hunt down nail polish. When I saw that Sally Hansen was making one, I thought- GREAT! If I love this, I can get it at Walmart! They sent me a really pretty metallic silver and black color which as you know is RIGHT up my ally. I loves me dark, sometimes vampy nail colors. I was a little worried though because since getting my own gel nail system, I seldom use traditional nail polish. This effect was so unique I couldnt pass it up for a try though!
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| Isnt it cool looking! |
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| Can you see the waves of color? |
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| They sent me a cuticle and hand cream by Sally Hansen too!! |
So as you can see- the effect is super cool! You put on a base coat followed by a thin coat and let dry completely. You then put a thicker second coat on and IMMEDIATELY hold the cap (which is where the tricky little magnet is hidden) over your nail for 10ish seconds. When you remove the magnet- voila! Rippled, waves of color!
So what is my overall impression?? I LOVED the color, I really liked the effect and it dried somewhat quick for traditional polish. You can only do one nail at a time because you have to get the magnet on there ASAP. I actually waited just like 10 seconds to see what would happen. It still waved but not nearly as crisply or as pronounced. I would still recommend a base and top coat. I am TOUGH on my nails so it only lasted about 3 days which is to be expected with traditional polish on me. I really like it! Its a really fun thing to spice up boring old manicures!
OH!! And I got a sample of the Nails and Cuticles Hand Creme too. I have the most deathly dry hands and cuticles and so I am ALWAYS in need of a good moisturizer. I really like this as a hand cream. Its not as thick as I need a cuticle cream to be- but it worked great as a lotion. It also absorbed pretty well and didn't leave me all greasy!
Whats your new favorite mani for summer?
Saturday, July 7, 2012
Nail polish obsessions....
SO... summer is upon us and I have had a change blow through me lately. I am usually all about BOLD BRIGHT or DARK color. Jewel tones are typically my go to pallet of choice. All of a sudden, I find myself interested in pastel, nude and sheer tones. Weird- huh?! I am LOVING a sheer white/nude on my fingers and a pastel on my toes. Right now- I am wearing Essie Limo-scene on my fingers alone. I imagine that this shade was meant to be worn with a french manicure. It is a SHEER white nude BARELY pink color. Online its shown as pink- it is not AT ALL. Its a sheer white nude. 
This is my first time using Essie brand polish. I am usually not a huge fan of traditional polish. I have been converted to the UV polish world. I tend not to have the patience for dry time, streaks, smearing. I decided to try these polishes since I have heard such raving about Essie. I have heard that they wear AMAZING and never chip and are really true to color. I must admit to you that I purchased both bottles on discount- so I didn't pay the full $7 that they retail for. I got two for $7 at Ross. I figured if I would try them out, I would pay less for them.
The PROs to Essie polish is that it is really true to color and it dries hard and with a great shine- even without a top coat. I put it on without base and top coat to see how it would wear. Don't do it. It wasn't great. The CONs to Essie are mainly the brush is small and thin and I don't feel like you get optimal coverage which can result in streaky or uneven application. To get the coverage that you see above, it really does take three coats. This polish really benefits from a base and top coat. Once on with base and top coat, I didn't have any chipping. I had to pit a band aid on one of my fingers and the moisture locked onto the nail caused the whole nail to peel, which I think could happen to any traditional polish.
Personally, I don't HATE Essie polish but the OPI brush is like 1000 times better. If I could use an OPI brush with the Essie polish, it would be perfect. I give this 3 out of 5 overall. You can find Essie at Walmart now for $7 a bottle. Happy polishing!
Thursday, July 5, 2012
Must haves to prevent summer meltdown!!
OK, So summer is here and it is HOT! Whether you live in Florida or California- your weather and consequently- your skin needs will change. I have deathly dry skin 9 months out of the year and then for a freakish three months, I get an oily T zone and normal skin everywhere else (except under my eyes). Here is my list of must haves to make it through the summer!
#1- SPF! I don't care if your moisturizer, your foundation, your powder etc has SPF, you NEED to wear SPF daily!!! Even if its a cloudy day, you NEED to protect your skin. A "healthy glow" is not worth looking like a piece of tanned leather in the end.
#2- The Present by Philosophy. It is the most AMAZING primer I have ever used. BAR NONE. You have to let it set for at least 2 minutes before you put your foundation on or you will have a mess that resembles Elmer's glue. It evens out texture, it fills the lines and pores and it keeps your makeup LOCKED into place. *note* it has lavender oil infused in it- so be careful if you are sensitive to it.
#3- Foundation in the correct formula. I cant tell you how overlooked this is. If you have oily skin and you are putting a formula on your face that is made for dry skin- it will never set and you will instantly have an oily mess on your hands. My go to foundation is Revlon's ColorStay and every color comes in both a Dry and and Oily formula. Be SURE to check and don't be afraid to buy both formulas. The weather changing isn't the only thing that can change your oil production. Sometimes just the time of the month can ramp up how oily your skin is.
#4- Setting Spray. I LOVE De-Slick by Urban Decay (by Skindinavia) If you have oily skin, this stuff will keep your makeup set and prevent the meltdown effect. For added staying power, spray it on under AND over your foundation. For a cheaper version- try the ELF setting spray. Not as amazing as Urban Decay but its a fraction of the price and its great if you are just trying setting sprays for the first time.
#5- Blotting Papers. Remember those tissue paper things that came out in the 90's that you are supposed to use to remove excess oil? They are back and really quite helpful. They really do remove the oil without shifting and smearing your makeup around. They also wont cake up like adding layer after layer of powder will. Even if you just use them on your T-zone and then touch up with powder- you will see far less mess and a more natural effect.
#6- Translucent Powder. Duh- right?! This is the tried and true thing that every woman has as a touch up in her purse. Just refrain from putting too much on too often or over super oily skin or you will look like a pancake face. Oh, and use a travel Kabuki or similar brush rather than those powder puff things. They sop up the oil but then they breed bacteria.
And there you have it- your Summer Survival kit! What is your favorite Summer product?
#1- SPF! I don't care if your moisturizer, your foundation, your powder etc has SPF, you NEED to wear SPF daily!!! Even if its a cloudy day, you NEED to protect your skin. A "healthy glow" is not worth looking like a piece of tanned leather in the end. 
#2- The Present by Philosophy. It is the most AMAZING primer I have ever used. BAR NONE. You have to let it set for at least 2 minutes before you put your foundation on or you will have a mess that resembles Elmer's glue. It evens out texture, it fills the lines and pores and it keeps your makeup LOCKED into place. *note* it has lavender oil infused in it- so be careful if you are sensitive to it.
#3- Foundation in the correct formula. I cant tell you how overlooked this is. If you have oily skin and you are putting a formula on your face that is made for dry skin- it will never set and you will instantly have an oily mess on your hands. My go to foundation is Revlon's ColorStay and every color comes in both a Dry and and Oily formula. Be SURE to check and don't be afraid to buy both formulas. The weather changing isn't the only thing that can change your oil production. Sometimes just the time of the month can ramp up how oily your skin is. 
#4- Setting Spray. I LOVE De-Slick by Urban Decay (by Skindinavia) If you have oily skin, this stuff will keep your makeup set and prevent the meltdown effect. For added staying power, spray it on under AND over your foundation. For a cheaper version- try the ELF setting spray. Not as amazing as Urban Decay but its a fraction of the price and its great if you are just trying setting sprays for the first time.
#5- Blotting Papers. Remember those tissue paper things that came out in the 90's that you are supposed to use to remove excess oil? They are back and really quite helpful. They really do remove the oil without shifting and smearing your makeup around. They also wont cake up like adding layer after layer of powder will. Even if you just use them on your T-zone and then touch up with powder- you will see far less mess and a more natural effect. 
#6- Translucent Powder. Duh- right?! This is the tried and true thing that every woman has as a touch up in her purse. Just refrain from putting too much on too often or over super oily skin or you will look like a pancake face. Oh, and use a travel Kabuki or similar brush rather than those powder puff things. They sop up the oil but then they breed bacteria.
And there you have it- your Summer Survival kit! What is your favorite Summer product?
Wednesday, July 4, 2012
Happy 4th of July!!
Happy Independence Day to all of my American folks! I LOVE Independence Day. I love that it truly is a great reminder of how fortunate we all are. No gifts, no pressure- just a great day to be surrounded with family and friends in celebration. I also love that it is an amazing day to give thanks for all of the members of our military families that have fought to keep our Independence secure. We had a fun and inspirational makeup morning with my tiniest of muses- none other than my beautiful Sophia. She wanted to go all out so we did :) Tiny muses are much harder than big muses not just because the scale is smaller, but because their patience for irritation is much smaller. None the less- we persevered and had a blast!
Here is a few pictures and list of products used. Have a fun day!!
Maybelline 24 hour Color Tattoos in Tenacious Teal and Too Cool
Sugarpill Shadows in Love +, Tako, Afterparty and Bulletproof
Maybelline Master Drama liner in Midnight Master
L'Oreal Million Lash Mascara in Blackest Black
Maybelline Color Sensational Lipstick in Red Revival
Kiss Nail Stickers and Duo Clear Lash Glue
Here is a few pictures and list of products used. Have a fun day!!
Maybelline 24 hour Color Tattoos in Tenacious Teal and Too Cool
Sugarpill Shadows in Love +, Tako, Afterparty and Bulletproof
Maybelline Master Drama liner in Midnight Master
L'Oreal Million Lash Mascara in Blackest Black
Maybelline Color Sensational Lipstick in Red Revival
Kiss Nail Stickers and Duo Clear Lash Glue
Tuesday, May 15, 2012
My favorite mass market products!
OK, So first off- I HATE the term "drugstore" makeup. I feel like its really not a nice term- so I choose to call them Mass Market products. Mass market products are things that you can find in your local Target, Walmart, grocery and yes- DRUGSTORE. I use all of these products almost every day. So here we go!
#1- ELF brushes- I stumbled across ELF a few years ago when they were online only. I bought a few of their brushes and LOVED them. My favorites are the black Studio line brushes. I like the flat face brush, the C paddle eye shadow brush and the crease or pencil type brush. All $3!!!
#2- Revlon Colorstay Foundation- I have had a love hate relationship with my Colorstay until lately. They released a formula for Dry or Normal skin- which I have 9 months out of the year! This is by far and away the number one foundation that I recommend to others. Best color choices, and now it has two formulas to choose from. AND IT STAYS. I would say a solid 10-16 hours without any touching up. LOVE it.
#3- L'Oreal Voluminous Million Lash Mascara in Blackest Black- My go to, holy grail, would cry if they stopped making it Mascara. I cant say enough good stuff about it. I have a problem with the original flaking but this one stays put!
#4- Maybelline Master Drama Eye Liner PENCIL- There are two formulas- the pencil and the gel pot. I dont care for the pot for daily use. The pencil is CREAMY and it stays put. You can smoke it out pretty well too. I love this one. If you have ever use the Stila Smudgesticks in Stingray- its pretty much the same thing.
#5- Maybelline Color Tattoo Cream Eyeshadows- I HEART these so unbelievably much. I have blue, white, gold, bronze, orange and taupe. I wear these or a combination of them EVERYDAY. They are amazing. The gold and orange are my favorite for stand out color and the bronze and taupe are perfect for everyday wear.
#6- Hard Candy Glamoflauge Concealer- This stuff ROCKS for under eye discoloration. I use the tiniest bit on a fluffy concealer brush daily and I look as though I slept for 10 hours! Its WAY too creamy for concealing blemishes but IDEAL for the under eyes. This even beats out my MAC concealer for under eyes!
#7- Covergirl Classic Color Blush in Soft Mink- its the perfect neutral super natural blusher I have tried. Perfect for everyday simple sweep of color. Its not too brown, not too pink, not too shimmery, not too matte- its perfect.
#8- NYX Soft Matte Lip Glosses- I cant live without these. They are AMAZING and they come in fun colors- not just your mauves or your nudes like most boring lip glosses. They have tangerines, hot hot pinks, ruby reds, petal pinks and lavendars- you must try these. (check out Ulta if you cant find NYX or haven't heard of them- WARNING- you will become addicted)
#9- Olay 7 in 1 moisturizer- the BEST daytime moisturizer for your money. I LOVE IT. I personally wear the "mature" formula since I was not always nice to my skin and smoked and tanned...yeah....anyway- I love it.
#10- V05 conditioners- they are a $1 and they are amazing for my curly hair routine! I literally buy them 5-10 at a time! I personally LOVE the kiwi lime. Cant beat it! And there you have it my friends! What are your mass market loves? What cant you live without?
#2- Revlon Colorstay Foundation- I have had a love hate relationship with my Colorstay until lately. They released a formula for Dry or Normal skin- which I have 9 months out of the year! This is by far and away the number one foundation that I recommend to others. Best color choices, and now it has two formulas to choose from. AND IT STAYS. I would say a solid 10-16 hours without any touching up. LOVE it.
#3- L'Oreal Voluminous Million Lash Mascara in Blackest Black- My go to, holy grail, would cry if they stopped making it Mascara. I cant say enough good stuff about it. I have a problem with the original flaking but this one stays put!
#4- Maybelline Master Drama Eye Liner PENCIL- There are two formulas- the pencil and the gel pot. I dont care for the pot for daily use. The pencil is CREAMY and it stays put. You can smoke it out pretty well too. I love this one. If you have ever use the Stila Smudgesticks in Stingray- its pretty much the same thing.
#5- Maybelline Color Tattoo Cream Eyeshadows- I HEART these so unbelievably much. I have blue, white, gold, bronze, orange and taupe. I wear these or a combination of them EVERYDAY. They are amazing. The gold and orange are my favorite for stand out color and the bronze and taupe are perfect for everyday wear.
#6- Hard Candy Glamoflauge Concealer- This stuff ROCKS for under eye discoloration. I use the tiniest bit on a fluffy concealer brush daily and I look as though I slept for 10 hours! Its WAY too creamy for concealing blemishes but IDEAL for the under eyes. This even beats out my MAC concealer for under eyes!
#7- Covergirl Classic Color Blush in Soft Mink- its the perfect neutral super natural blusher I have tried. Perfect for everyday simple sweep of color. Its not too brown, not too pink, not too shimmery, not too matte- its perfect. 
#8- NYX Soft Matte Lip Glosses- I cant live without these. They are AMAZING and they come in fun colors- not just your mauves or your nudes like most boring lip glosses. They have tangerines, hot hot pinks, ruby reds, petal pinks and lavendars- you must try these. (check out Ulta if you cant find NYX or haven't heard of them- WARNING- you will become addicted)
#9- Olay 7 in 1 moisturizer- the BEST daytime moisturizer for your money. I LOVE IT. I personally wear the "mature" formula since I was not always nice to my skin and smoked and tanned...yeah....anyway- I love it.
#10- V05 conditioners- they are a $1 and they are amazing for my curly hair routine! I literally buy them 5-10 at a time! I personally LOVE the kiwi lime. Cant beat it! And there you have it my friends! What are your mass market loves? What cant you live without?
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