Bronzer for fair complexions

If you have fair skin like I do, you know that finding a good bronzer that doesn't make you look like an Oompa Loompa is like finding a needle in a haystack. A lot of bronzers tend to be a bit too orange for my taste. 

Well, fear not! E.L.F. Cool Bronzer is the perfect shade of subtle tan for fair skin. 

I use E.L.F.'s kubuki brush to apply the bronzer to cheeks, forehead and under the chin to contour a bit. 

Both are very affordable ($3 for the bronzer and around $7 for the brush). http://www.eyeslipsface.com/ 

Microdermabrasion

I tried out The Body Shop's Vitamin C Microdermabrasion & I'm extremely happy with the results. As a loyal

user of Mary Kay's microdermabrasion kit since it came out, I was pleased to discover a cheaper alternative. (Mary Kay's kit is $55 and The Body Shop's was around $10 although I did get it during a sale. Still, it's less expensive even at full price ($21) than MK's. 

http://m.thebodyshop-usa.com/mt/www.thebodyshop-usa.com/skin-care/skincare-top-rated/vitamin-c-microdermabrasion.aspx?un_jtt_v_pdp=yes&un_jtt_redirect

Shalimar

Shalimar eau de parfum. One of my favorites and a classic. (1921) The top notes of the fragrance are Bergamot. The middle notes are Iris and Opopanax. The base notes are vanilla.

The mascara I'm loving right now.....

I love this mascara! No smudges, clumps or flakes. It does have a weird brush that takes some getting used to (it's flat on two sides, bristly on two sides) but once you get used to using it, it works great. About $6 at Ulta. Maybelline Volume Express The Falsies Waterproof Mascara.

Patchouli

Now that we are approaching the end of summer, I've moved away from all things coconut and have been loving patchoui scented products. 

Two that I've been loving recently are Bourbon French Perfume's Patchouli fragrance and Spot On Soaps Spring Fling Giggle Bar. 

I'm loving this deep woodsy fragrance by Bourbon French. www.neworleansperfune.com

This soap made by Saratoga Springs based soap maker Spot On Soaps compliments the patchouli perfume perfectly. Check out the page on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/spotonsoaps

My birthday

Yesterday was my 37th birthday and guess what? I wore glitter makeup! No matter what anyone says, do what makes you happy. :-)

Coconut

I'm obsessed with all things coconut this summer. Here are some of the things I'm loving. 

This coconut fragrance by Yves Rocher is reminiscent of the old Hawaiian Tropic body oil. I only wish I'd gotten a bigger bottle. (This is the travel size. There's a full size, I think 3.4 oz., available.) 

Tree Hut coconut lime scented body wash. I got mine at Walmart. 

Coconut Oil is such a multi purpose product. Skin care, hair care, and cooking or baking needs, this oil is the bomb.

I've been enjoying these frozen fruit bars in coconut for my evening dessert. Yum! 

Drinking more water is definitely made sweeter by adding some of this coconut pineapple flavoring. 

Last but not least, I've been using this coconut water shampoo. It cleans hair thoroughly while keeping it soft and healthy. 

I got most of these items at the drugstore  or Walmart except the coconut oil which I found at Target. 

Stay cool this summer & don't forget to wear that sunscreen! Mwah! ❤️

Quite possibly the best mascara ever.

I've tried a lot of mascaras (and I mean A LOT) but the one I keep coming back to is Maybelline The Falsies mascara. 

I prefer the waterproof formula since it holds the curl. It lifts my lashes, which tend to be a little straight and point downward. It also thickens and doesn't flake or smudge. 

It gives the look of false lashes without the hassle! The price point is a bonus, too. 

Available at drugstores. 

What's in my mailbox!

Today I received my order from BH Cosmetics. A concealer palette, bronzer, eyeliner, lip liner and a summery eyeshadow & blush palette. 

Bombshell Bronze is a matte bronzer & sells for $3.95. 

Concealer & Corrector Palette in Light sells for $4.95.

The palette was a special offer for $4.50 with purchase but I believe sells for more if purchased alone. It's a summery collection called Malibu. 

Waterproof Gel Eyeliner in Dream is $5.00 and Waterproof Lip Liner in Raspberry is $ 2.95. 

The eye & lip liners claim to be waterproof and seem to live up to it based on my swatches & "smudge test". 

So far, I'm pleased with my choices and will revisit these for more detailed reviews in the future. Definitely check out BH Cosmetics @ www.bhcosmetics.com! 

*All products were purchased by me. I do not accept money in exchange for reviews. All my reviews are my honest opinions.*

Colorful Mascara Trend: Make your lashes stand out!

Tip for wearing bright mascara: Use a white lash primer or a white mascara before applying the color. The white will create a blank canvas to make the color pop! 

Sleek Magnitude dual-ended mascara includes a white lash primer.

1) Apply white primer or white mascara

2) Wait a minute for it to dry a bit before applying color

3) Apply bright mascara

Styli Style mascara in purple

I'm a bit obsessed right now with springy eye shadow looks.

Spring eyeshadow palette! Mark On the Dot Bold eyeshadow palette. 

Why do I love it? Options! You can do a very neutral one-shadow eye look or use the brighter colors for bolder eye look. 

I've been using the gold shadow in the palette all over my lids with the darker blue lining the bottom lash line. 

Eyeshadow Dupe!

Dupe alert! The Mark On the Dot shadow palette in neutral can yield similar eyeshadow looks as Urban Decay's Naked 3 palette. (Neutral shimmery pinks, purples and sandy tones)

Hair stuff

Some hair products I'm obsessed with lately. I recently got highlights in my hair again after having dark brown for a few years. With the highlights, I find I like lower maintenance styles like a simple side braid or lose waves- that's where the sea salt spray comes in handy. 

Redken's new pillow proof system I'm loving as it cuts drying time and the dry shampoo can stretch a style out an extra day or two. (I got a trial size set from my hair stylist).

To make my new highlights stay soft, I love the Sleeker Butter by Herbal Essences. 

Eucerin Redness Relief Cleanser review

I cannot say enough about Eucerin's Redness Relief cleanser and how comfortable it has made me during this skin ordeal I've had. 

I usually have combination skin, so I didn't want to use a cleanser that would make me break out even more. The cooling but soft gel cleansed and removed all my makeup without stripping my skin but leaving it feel clean and calm (well, as calm as it could get at the moment). 

It does take some getting used to as the formula doesn't really lather much so you might not think it's getting it's job done. However, it leaves skin feeling clean but soothed. 

What I'm loving now: All about eyes

Now that my skin is recovering from the allergic reaction that caused the rash from hell, I'm ready to start enjoying my products again. Spring is finally here! 

I'm loving Cover Girl's Bombshell Volume mascara. It's a 2-step process to apply, but it makes your lashes look full, holds the curl and lasts all day. I recommend using a makeup remover that removes waterproof eye makeup as this mascara takes a bit to come off. (You don't want to sacrifice your lashes just to save a couple bucks on remover.) 

Another good couple of budget friendly mascaras are Essence Extreme Crazy Volume and Jordana Best Volume.  

I've been enjoying L'Oreal's Liner Intense liquid liner for a spring eye look. 

NYX Dark Circle Concealer's peachy tone helps cover your under eye area without creasing. 

The perfect springy palette for me is Sleek's i-Divine Garden of Eden palette. I am LOVING this palette. 

A beautiful mix of greens, neutrals and purples that work with a variety of skin tones. Rich pigmentation- Seriously! You'd think you were using a high end palette. Sleek's sells for only around $12.  

Skin problems

I've been struggling with a horrible skin rash due to an allergic reaction to an antibiotic (amoxicillin) and haven't been feeling like myself. I had high hopes of posting reviews & pics of my beauty favorites but just haven't felt like doing anything beauty related. I hope to be on the mend soon (taking prednisone & benedryl).  I hope everyone has a happy Easter. :-)

Pinterest boards

At some point in the near future, I will start posting product reviews, favorites and tutorials/beauty tips. For now, here is a link to my Pinterest board with a mix of all kinds of favorites of mine from beauty to food to holidays. http://www.pinterest.com/callisto1977/
Now I am off to enjoy the spring weather that we are suddenly having in the north country after what seemed like a never-ending winter! :-)

My new blog

This whole blogging thing is a bit new to me but I shall give it a whirl. I love trying out new beauty products and sharing my findings with others. I love many different brands, some high end and some drugstore. I always give my honest opinion on products and never accept money in exchange for a review. 
Well, I supposed I should start working on setting up this blog page since it looks a bit boring as of right now..........