Review | Derma E's BB Creme

BB Creme, Light Tint, SPF 25

$39.50 on dermae.com ♥

I tried BB creme for the first time at the beginning of my last pregnancy. My friend Jesslyn was visiting from Texas and she was using a creme by Garnier. I ended up purchasing my own tube - only to be grossed out by the scent. (Pregnancy woes) To this day it makes me sick when I think about that particular BB creme lol.  Since last Summer I have tried many brands and none of them have worked for me. They all make these grand promises. "Renews...brightens...hydrates...protects!" Brittany just ends up looking like a shiny raccoon! (Oily and dark circles lol) BB cremes have never provided enough coverage for my face - until now. :)  I really love the guys over at Derma E, they have been so kind to me. I am absolutely infatuated with their BB Creme! Finally a real color-correcting beauty balm that actually conceals! 

Please excuse everything about this photo. It was taken at about 7 o'clock in the morning. I was sleepy and I had no eyebrows. Literally, I was only wearing the BB Creme. I think it looks pretty darn good all things considered. I have been one busy mama lately - a good bit of very little sleep is happening for me right now. 

Eyebrows y'all!

Ugh, I'm not a fan of before and after photos. I hope you guys appreciate it lol! This BB Creme makes my skin look so radiant. It's super moisturizing without being oily...or smelling nasty. (Cough Garnier cough) It only has a very very faint herbal scent - which I approve of. ;) Currently this creme only comes in two shades. (light & medium) I am unsure if Derma E has any plans on coming out with any more colors. I think these two are pretty universal though and will work for many different skin tones. I will tell you that this product is a hot item! Last time I was doing a Derma E review I was browsing through the rest of their line and the BB Cremes were actually sold out! (Crazy huh?) They are just that good. 

Unlike many other cremes on the market this one is 100% vegan, paraben-free, sulfate-free, cruelty-free, mineral oil-free, lanolin-free, gluten free, and GMO free. That is a lot of positive usage of the word "free" folks. :) It's ingredients include Active Plant Stem Cells that brighten and even your skin, how cool is that? You can apply it over primer, moisturizer, or gel, or you can use it to replace your foundation like I did! This lady right here highly recommends it. Derma E has impressed me yet again!

Check out my handsome birthday boy! We are having his 4th birthday party on this Sunday. I took this photo! I think it turned out kinda gorgeous. 

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Nails of the Day

Happy 4th of July y'all! :) It was pretty gloomy in Auburn today, we ended up carrying Miri to the pediatrician. (Only to find out nothing is wrong.) We really thought she had an ear infection. Then we ate some mexican food, so patriotic right lol? Mmmm...cheese dip.

Cute right? I really thought this polish was going to look like a hot mess, but I ended up pleasantly surprised. Plus, now my nails make me feel like Nicki Minaj! (Lets take a moment and sing along to Super Bass)

$2.99 at Target

I only $1.99...oh snap!  (Due to the coupon from my Teen Vogue magazine) I had a hard time deciding between the polka dots and the holographic. (Matt was no help) I figured that they would probably sell out of the polka dots quicker than the holographic. I plan on going back and picking up a few more at a later date. The photos above show my nails after three coats were applied. Again, I used my Seche Vite top coat. Now everybody can have a good idea of what it looks like when they spot it in stores. :) It is deceivingly unattractive in the bottle.

I hope everybody had a fun (not so rainy) holiday! 

PS - I'm doing another giveaway soon! :D

Eyebrow Products Worth Taking A Look At

I'm cursed with something my sister and I refer to as "The Powell Eyebrows." This is a very depressing condition. Symptoms include - thin and widespread brows. See old photo below, (and marvel at the cuteness that is my sister's dog Prada.)

Awww right?!

Thankfully, I've learned to fill in my brows quite successfully. (See current photo below) Please keep in mind i'm in a transitional period with my brows right now. I'm actually applying Rogaine twice a day, so i'm not getting them waxed regularly. Yes, you can use it on your brows and yes it is working. 

Bam! Suddenly I have eyebrows. ;) I thought I would share some of the products that I reach for on a daily basis. I personally feel like I cannot walk out the door till I have my brows on. Defined brows are essential! Let's talk about the products...

I'm going to go in order from top to bottom.

Maybelline New York DEFINE-A-BROW in the shade dark brown.

I actually found this roll-up pencil at the Dollar Store believe it or not. You can also find it at Target for $5.99, and honestly I would pay that price when I run out. I have been reaching for this pencil alot lately, and I used it to create my look that I am talking about today. 

Sonia Kashuk Core Tools Spoolie Brush $1.99 at Target I picked this brush up last week. I use it to comb through my brows after I apply the pencil I mentioned above. Plus - I really like the word spoolie. Spoolie spoolie spoolie spoolie. :P

Wet N Wild Mega Eyes defining marker $3.99 at Walgreens. I purchased this marker to see if it could be used as a dupe for the marker I'm going to talk about next. It's several dollars less and it kinda does the job. It's essentially the same thing - the shade just isn't quite right. It comes out a little too red/purple toned for me. I do like it though...and it looks nice used in combination with some of these other products. 

MILANI BROW TINT PEN FELT-TIP BROW COLOR $6.29 at Walgreens. This has been my favorite brow product for about a year now. I love it, I'm on my second one. The end result is a little bit more natural than the pencil. It comes in two shades, this one is 02 Dark Brown. My sister bought the lighter shade after being impressed with my pen. (She is a blonde) I highly recommend it, I do find it much better than the Wet N Wild marker...but hey...you get what you pay for in most cases. ;)

Birchbox Unboxing | May 2013

Before I get started with the unboxing business, I would like to take a moment to ask you to "Like" my Facebook page (HERE) Thanks! ;)

It's Birchbox time y'all! :) 

I really like this month's box. I was pretty intrigued by every product inside, which is a rarity. 

COOLA | Classic Face SPF 30 Cucumber Moisturizer for Face 

Full-size, $32

DevaCurl | 3-Step System

Full-size, $19 each

Sumita | Color Contrast Eyeliner

Set of 4 mini pencils, $21

Whish | Shave Crave Shaving Cream

Full-size, $20

When I opened the box yesterday the first thing I noticed was the strong blueberry scent (the shave cream.) I'm pretty excited about trying that out. Secondly, I noticed the DevaCurl 3-Step System. I used to have super curly hair. After I had both of my kids it has gone almost straight, how weird is that? So i'm interested in seeing if this can kick up some good curl-age. (If it actually works I plan on buying all three of these products) This box also came with a PureWhite hybrid ink pen (not listed on the little Birchbox card inside the box.) It's pretty nifty and the ink matches the pretty teal color on the pen. (It also included a $1 off coupon for the pen) I did get a chance to play around with the eyeliner yesterday too. It may be the best eyeliner that is currently in my makeup drawer. :)

Would you like to subscribe to Birchbox? You can do so right (HERE)

It's a thrift haul y'all | Harvest Thrift Super Center

Thrifting is one of my favorite past times. I used to go constantly but 2 babies has slowed me down just a bit. But - I'm starting to get back into the swing of things. Here is my find from Harvest Thrift Super Center in Opelika, Alabama.

Purple shoes by Kalli $0.99 - I've never heard of that brand but I really don't care. This style of shoe is my very favorite. I thought they would be a cute pop of color with jeans and a black or grey t-shirt.

Brown hippie sandals by Bamboo $1.99 - I absolutely adore these. They did have these horribly ugly tassels on them, but I snipped them off and melted the tips to prevent fraying when I got home. We have a family beach trip coming up and I thought these would be the perfect addition to my suitcase.

Naked shoulder bag $1.99 - I recently bought a whole bunch of new exercise gear and I needed a cute bag to put it in. ;) I'm about to start the "Couch to 5K" app tonight, (I'm a little scared) My husband and I are planning on entering the Color Vibe 5K that is during the month of November in Montgomery. Plus, who doesn't need a bag that says Naked on it in huge letters? Yes...I am aware they make great juice. 

What did you think about today's post? Should I do these more often? :) I hope your having a great week!

Review | Wet N Wild Megalast Liquid Lip Color

When it comes to lipstick I'm super lazy. I rarely re-apply. I just grab a napkin and wipe off the remaining product. Such is the life of a busy mama. So - I was wandering around Walgreens the other day looking at the pricey extended wear lipsticks when I spotted this beauty.

Wet N Wild Megalast Liquid Lip Color

$1.99

Let me type that out one more time for you. $1.99! This is the ultimate dupe folks. Some of the other brands I scanned over (and have begrudgingly purchased before) range from $7-11! I mean come on...you just can't beat Wet N Wild. I only picked up one in shade 921A Red My Mind. I'm definitely going to have to go back and purchase several others. I applied this bad boy early yesterday morning and wiped it off with makeup remover late last night. Color me impressed. 

I will say it is pretty drying, as are most extended wear lipsticks/stains. I'm willing to live with that, it's worth it getting to be this lazy lol. I just make sure I apply a gloss at night when I go to sleep. Gotta hydrate! I'll let you guys know which other colors I pick up on my next drugstore trip. 

Also, if you are digging my clear makeup bag featured in the first photo in this post. I purchased it at Wal-mart for around $3. I wanted a smaller clear makeup bag to travel with. I was using a giant caboodles case...it was just too big. 

Eyeshadow and Yogurt and Perfume! Oh My! | Mini Reviews

I apologize for this blog in advance, it's all over the place. Forgive me.

Maybelline Color Tattoo 24Hr Eyeshadow

#40 Tenacious Teal

I'm going to start off with the eyeshadow. I got it in the mail yesterday evening and I "think" I like it. Out of the three Color Tattoo shadows I have purchased it is definitely my least favorite. For some reason, Mimi from The Drew Carey Show appeared in my mirror after I applied it lol. (JK, it's not that bad!) I think it's just a shocking change since I've been wearing only neutrals for over a year now. I'm still really pleased with this line of products. What do you think?

Go ahead and chuckle at the eyelid photo, I am aware it looks silly. 

Yesterday we did a little grocery shopping at Wal-mart. (Not my favorite place) I'm trying to lose some baby weight since having Miri and my hubby is dieting along with me. :) So, we ended up in the yogurt section. Matt has been eating a lot of Chobani yogurt, he really loves that brand. I'm usually not a fan of greek yogurt, I find them a bit too bitter for my taste. But, I am absolutely loving these...Chobani Yogurt - Almond Coco Loco. (Have mercy)

I'm sad because I only grabbed two yesterday. I think I may have to go back later today and grab about ten more lol. They were only 99 cents a piece! Check out the link above, so many flavors! I only saw this one and the Key Lime Crumble. (That one was not as good as this one) This particular one is 230 calories, not bad if you use them to replace a meal. I'm going to have to scour the yogurt aisle to try and find these other flavors. It feels like i'm eating dessert instead of yogurt, this makes me very happy. 

The last mini review for today is going to feature my very favorite perfume, Benefit Cosmetics - so hooked on Carmella.

Why yes, that is a Flynn Rider doll in the background...no, it doesn't belong to Miri. Don't judge me. ;)

The first time I smelled this perfume, it was love at first sniff. I got a sample of it in a gift bag that I got for being in my friend Joy's wedding. That was in October, and I got a full size bottle as a Christmas present the following December. (This bottle is my second one) That was in 2011? Having a baby ruins all sense of time. (Ugh)

Benefit never disappoints, the bottle is lovely. The box it comes in is even lovelier. (Sorry, I discarded it a long time ago or I would include a photo) The price isn't too shabby either, the link I posted above takes you to the Benefit website where it is listed for $36. (You can probably get a decent deal on eBay) I have to say that this perfume has the longest wear time of any of the scents I own. I can put it on in the morning and it will still be going strong that evening. It's not overpowering either! I can't seem to get enough of it. 

Top notes: lemon, grapefruit, rhubarb

Middle notes: cyclamen, peony, tiare flower, 

Bottom notes: vanilla, sandalwood, amber

I just think it smells like a fabulous bake shop. :) Definitely go sample this perfume.

Review | Schwarzkopf got2b Oil-Licious Golden Shimmer Conditioner

I figured I would start my post with my Silas Sunday photo. :) I took this yesterday with my new Canon PowerShot A4000 camera. So far I'm pretty pleased with it. Now, on to the review!

I'm always drawn to got2b products, they always have such fun packaging. The price is never bad either. Here is my most recent purchase.

Schwarzkopf got2b Oil-Licious Golden Shimmer Conditioner

13.5 fl oz

$3.94

When I first spied these at Wal-mart, I almost bought the conditioner as well as the shampoo. I'm really glad I didn't. After years of damaging my hair...like really damaging it lol...(My friends and family could tell you some stories) I consider myself a bit of a conditioner connoisseur. (Conditioner snob maybe?) Like I said before A+ on the packaging, I also enjoy the smell. It claims to have "Triple Oils of argan, white grape seed and marula." It sounds great, because I'm a huge fan of argan oil. I gave this product several chances to impress me but it just didn't happen. I even tried varying amounts every time I would shower. :( It isn't very creamy and proved really hard to apply, even with my shower comb. It didn't make my hair softer, it just made it feel disgusting. (Sad times) It just left my hair looking dull and unclean. I didn't notice any "improved shine" that it claims to provide. I plan on giving it to my sister later today. Even thought she will probably hate it too lol. (She has really long Taylor Swift hair, I'm super jealous) Plus, let the photo below speak for itself. 

See it? When you see it you read it like Dory from Finding Nemo, even though it isn't spelled correctly lol. My husband did the exact same thing as I did when he saw it. Escape'! This spelling error just adds to my disappointment with the product. [le sigh]

Before I go I have to mention a eyeshadow that I purchased a couple of days ago. (This one is positive!) This is going to be short and sweet because I already did a full review for another shade. (Here) This one is #30 Pomegranate Punk from the Maybelline Color Tattoo line. 

See, I wasn't lying when I said I wanted to go grab all the other colors. I purchased this shade from CVS and the Emerald shade off eBay. I will post pictures when that one arrives in the mail. 

Isn't it lovely? I can't get enough of these! :) 

I hope the rest of your weekend is fabulous! We are headed to a Mad Men party tonight. Photos later!

Review | Maybelline Color Tattoo

Last year I bought two of these eyeshadows after my sister bought a grey/silver shade. I was really unimpressed with the product and gave them both to my mom. (I doubt she has even tried them) They were sticky and hard to smooth, they kinda just smudged around the container if you know what I mean. (Gross)

Okay folks, either I'm going crazy or they have changed the formula. I am absolutely lovin' this eyeshadow! (If i'm correct) Along with formula change, they have also changed the packaging a bit. I remember my other shadows being a bit more glass heavy, this one seems to have more plastic to glass ratio. It's so easy to blend and last all day, no creasing. I have tried it with and without a primer and i'm happy with it's wearability either way. 

I'm so tempted to dash to Ulta and grab all the other colors. Lately I've been only using my Urban Decay Naked palette, so this is a happy change. Every girl needs some variety in her life right? I love that this shadow is so no fuss. Being a mama of two, some days it's just nice to slap on this cream shadow and go. It looks really lovely on and I couldn't be happier with it. :)

Maybelline Color Tattoo 25 Bad to the Bronze (Around $6)

If you have any information about a possible formula change please let me know. Did this only happen in the US? Or did it happen in the UK as well?