Favorites of 2016

 

 Greetings everyone! I wanted to showcase some of the things I loved (and some I continue to love) in 2016. As I said in my last blog, I want to spend more time in 2017 on doing the things I love and not to sweat the small stuff. 

My beauty favorites for 2016 were many but I’ve highlighted a few here for you.

First of all, Nivea’s In-Shower Body Lotion makes life so much easier! I mean, who has several minutes every day to slather themselves in lotion and spend time rubbing it in? Slather it on in the shower, rinse and you’re done! 

 

My new mascara love is It Cosmetics’ Super Hero Mascara. (I really should buy a full size of this since this is the second travel size I’ve gone through.)  My lashes tend to fall flat with many volumizing mascaras because they are naturally straight but this mascara helps to hold a curl. (I use BH Cosmetics eyelash curler, btw.)

 

Gliss Shampoos and Conditioners are a recent find from Walgreens and it has helped my damaged hair become shiny and soft once again. 

 

Sephora Cream Lip Stain is by far one of the best liquid matte colors I’ve tried. It doesn’t make your lips feel like the Sahara Desert and the color range is fantastic. The two colors I have are Bohemian Purple and Marvelous Mauve. 

(Shown in Bohemian Purple)

 My new music discoveries are Ayria. I’ve been listening to Plastic Makes Perfect and Paper Dolls albums on my play list. I’ve also rediscovered Siouxie and the Banshees (a throwback to my college days).

That's all for now. Until next time.... Xxoo 

Happy New Year

 

As I begin the new year, I stop to reflect on 2016, which was a year of big changes for me. First of all, I changed careers and adopted a precious feline baby.  My new job brought with it challenges that took me away from my blog for a bit but I’m back in full force. One of my new year’s resolutions is to take time out for the little things I enjoy doing. 

My winter product recommendations for January are 2 must haves if you are struggling with dry skin. 

Dr. Teal’s Lavender Body Oil not only smells heavenly but can soothe dry skin when added to the bath.  I also slather it on afterwards to seal in moisture. This has helped tremendously with my itchy dry skin this winter. 

The other product I’ve discovered recently is E.L.F.’s Bubble Mask. This hydrating mask bubbles up like a foam on your skin. One the product is done bubbling, it’s time to rinse. I follow up with my regular skin care which is the Neutrogena Hydrating Serum followed by my Embryolisse Lait Crème Concentrait.

Erica 

Wet n Wild Cosmetics Full Face Review

Today's full face makeup look using Wet n Wild Cosmetics. Here are my thoughts......

The Coverall Foundation is a nice medium-coverage base. It goes on easily (I applied it with a beauty-blender type sponge) and doesn't drag when blended. 

I used a bronzer (not really bronze) called Reserve Your Cabana. It's really more of a pressed luminous powder than a bronzer. I love this to set my foundation if I want a bit of a dewy finish. (As you can see, I've hit pan.)

I'm not a fan of either of the concealers. Both were a bit too yellow and creased like mad after a few hours of wear. 

For the rest of the face, I used the bronzer in Ticket to Brazil (a light colored, slightly shimmery bronzer), blush in Rose Champagne and highlighting palette in Catwalk Pink. All were very pigmented and wore well. 

For the eyes I used the Comfort Zone palette (the first 3 colors on the left hand side), Longwearing Eye Pencil in You're the Yin and Max Volume Waterproof Mascara in black. I must say, I've tried WnW mascaras in the past and was not impressed but this one was certainly a surprise. It went on smooth, didn't clump and actually thickened my lashes. It also held the curl all day. No smudges! 

Finally, the matte lippy in Pinkerbell. It's a comfortable matte lipstick and a dupe for the coveted MAC Viva Glam Nicki. 

The finished look. 

Bottom line: All of these products (save the 2 concealers) are worth trying. At $1-$5 a pop, what's the risk? Great finds for beauty on a budget at your nearest drugstore. I got most of mine at Rite Aid and www.beautyjoint.com. 💋

Summer's on the way!

Good afternoon, all! I just wanted to share a couple of the goodies I got at Sephora for summer. 

The first is the Sephora Favorites set in Bronze Bares All. I can't wait to try all the products. (I'm already familiar with the Nars bronzer & the Vita Liberata self tanner.) 

Retails for $40 at Sephora.com

The next set is the Clinique Go-Go Eyes set. I wanted to try the Pep Start eye cream and this set with the eyeliner and mascara was the same price. More bang for your buck! 

Retails for $26 at Sephora.com

I'll be checking back in with reviews of products soon! 

I'm back!

I've been away from the blog for a bit due to some changes that came into my life. First, we adopted a cat from a shelter who was so shy but sweet. We call her Pee Wee. She's still adjusting to our daily routines but she's really come out of her shell. 

I've also started a new job as a treatment program director and have focused my attention on getting that project up and running. So, now that I've taken a minute, I'm back! 

Starting with a recent purchase from an online shop called The Patchouli Garden. http://www.patchouligarden.com/

I've been looking for patchouli scents that weren't too overpowering and wearable, not smelling like a head shop. I've found some nice patchouli scents like the Patchouli Blackberry scent and original patchouli. I discovered India Temple Oil and Nag Champa as well. The Nag Champa was really powerful so a light application is key. 

Of course, the oil is much stronger than the sprays because of the concentration. It's very similar to the Nag Champa. 

I recommend trying out the scents The Patchouli Garden has to offer. I placed the order on a Tuesday and had it by Saturday regular post. 

Happy Spring, all! Until next time. Xxoo

~Erica ❤️

The lipstick obsession continues

Look what I found at Five and Below for less than $3. 

Beauty Treats Velvet Matte Lipstick in shade 103 (bright fuchsia pink). 

Another mauve lippie!

I've been on a bit of a lipstick kick lately and any neutral mauve shade is my favorite.This mauve lipstick goes on smooth and has somewhat of a gloss to it. Around $5 from Avon.