Review | Makeup Revolution London - Vivid Baked Highlighter

I took a chance on purchasing this highlighter and I'm very glad I did. I figured I could never have too many highlighters right?! Well, it very well may be the best $6 I've ever spent. 😉 I stumbled across this brand on a recent trip to ULTA. A very large bit of the drugstore cosmetic section was devoted to this brand. Everything in their line was very affordable. I'm definitely going to have to go back to purchase some of their lovely palettes.

I picked up this vivid baked highlighter in the shade "golden lights." I only wish I discovered it before I dropped all that cash on my Hourglass highlighter. 😁 I believe I prefer this one over the pricier highlighter.

Sweet baby pigmented Jesus? The above photo was actually a very light handed swatch. I was bringing the ice princess realness when I was wearing this powder today. I set it with a finishing spray and it looked fabulous till I washed my face. 👍🏻

Sorry! I've got to get a better lighting situation. This photo just isn't doing this highlighter justice. Here it is swatched next to my Hourglass highlighter. 

Am I calling this a dupe? Not exactly. The Hourglass powder has a slightly softer  texture and less gold undertones. Will I continue to use my Hourglass powder? Hell yeah, that shit was $38 lol. 😂 I think these guys both have a place in my collection. I will definitely be re-purchasing the $6 highlighter when I hit pan on both and skipping out on that trip to Sephora.

Review | Almay intense i-color

Almay intense i-color

401 smoky-i for browns

$7.49 at CVS

I drooled over this shadow trio for about a week before I finally purchased it. I decided on a whim to go grab it after 9pm a few nights ago. (I wanted to wear it to work the following day!) This means that I had the following choices - CVS or the dreaded Opelika Walmart. I am aware that Target carries it for $4.99...but they weren't open! Moral of the story? Leave your house earlier and go to Target or Walmart instead lol. (Cheaper outcome) 

This is a pretty spiffy little line from Almay, with a comically long name. (Lot's of i's going on) There are 4 different colors available - brown, green, hazel, and blue. They are specifically designed to enhance your eye color. My eyes are dark brown - so obviously I picked up the "for browns" set. The photos above were swatched/applied with no primer. (I plan on picking some up this weekend.) With that said - I still feel like the color payoff is loverly even without it. :) The "crease" shade is probably my favorite in the set. It's such a gorgeous shimmery lilac with a hint of gold. It was really the selling point for me lol. This set is great if you are looking to achieve that perfect smokey eye with ease. (& remember - it's cheaper at Target lol) 

Coconut oil (of all things) finally cleared up my face. (I will chat more about that small miracle later) So here is the photo I promised. What's on my face?

Eyes: Almay intense i-color 401 smoky-i for browns

Lips: Revlon Colorburst Matte Balm in the shade #225 Sultry

Cheeks: AddictiveCosmetics' "Orgasmic" Mineral Blush (available here)

How was your Thursday? I am looking forward to this weekend! I'm ready to spend some quality time with my hubby. :)

Review | PureLip's Lip Buff

PureLip's Lip Buff

Pocket size .5 oz

$3.50

Photo credit: PureLips

Guys - I'm so in love with the intensive lip repair product that I'm going to feature today. It's made by Pond Parker (cutest name ever btw) over at PureLips. You may remember me briefly mentioning this lip cream in my monthly favorites post. I'm doing it again...because I can...it's just good stuff y'all! 

This weather has been miserable lately. It really can't decide if it wants to be warm or cold here in Alabama. (Go home weather - you're drunk) Because of said weather - my lips have been a hot mess (much like my acne) BUT that is for a another day lol. Pond Parker's Lip Buff is all natural/handmade and available in a whopping 17 flavors and two different sizes! I currently own 2 - lemon butter cake (my favorite) and soy chai latte. It literally melts into your lips! I have seen 100%  improvement in the condition of my lips since I began using this product. (No more peeling!) I really think it is because it's formulated without wax. Prior to this I had never used anything on my lips that wasn't wax based. Obviously, products with wax in them just sit on your lips - nothing gets absorbed...even $6+ chapstick from Target was drying my lips out. Riddikulus! What a waste of money! I've traded my peeling lips for a lip butter addiction lol - whatever...I will take it. 

Photo credit: PureLips

I'm going to keep this review short and sweet. For a list of the ingredients you can click the link above. I purchased one of these for my makeup box, and one for my handbag, and I plan on purchasing a additional Lip Buff to put on my bedside table. That's how great I think this stuff is. MUST HAVE ONE EVERYWHERE I GO. ;)

I have a coupon for you if you would like to try some Lip Buff. Enter MARCHMADNESS20 at checkout and you will receive 20% off on your order. Be sure to leave PureLips some amazing feedback!

 

Review | Revlon ColorBurst Matte Balm

Before I start this review - I want to chat about the obvious. I am sorry. I have been on hiatus for a while now. So many things have been going on lately between work and day to day life. In less than a year and a half my husband has lost all 4 grandparents. Needless to say, it has been an incredibly difficult time for our family. This is why I disappeared for a while. Recently - the blog has been calling my name. I think it would be a healthy choice for me to come back...and do something that I am passionate about. :) So there.
I purchased a new lip product today! It's the little things guys.  It's from a relatively new line by Revlon - called ColorBurst Matte Balm. I picked up one of these bad boys in the shade "#225 Sultry." It's $6.49 at Target and is currently available in 10 shades. 

Let me start out by saying that I am in love with this color. (#225 Sultry) I have been wearing it all day - and I must say that it is a refreshing break from my normal classic red lip. (I said break...not replacement) It is super creamy and did not exacerbate my chapped lip problem at all. (Thank God) My poor lips have been in a horrible state lately...this Alabama weather has been the culprit. FYI - I have been treating my dry lips with this lip butter by PureLips on Etsy. ------>Lemon Butter Cake flavor. ;)

This "balm" has great staying power and is very pigmented. The color is just the bees knees. I would call it a vintage-rose-mauve? I intended on posting a photo of it actually on my lips - but my face is...just unfortunate right now. The stress finally got to me and my face decided it was going to literally break out all over. :( The following swatch will have to do for the moment. 

Don't worry - a photo of my lips sporting "Sultry" will pop up on here soon. I have a feeling that I'm going to be enjoying this product for quite some time. It's a great transitional shade for any time of the year. I hope everybody has a painless Monday hahaha. I hate having a case of the Mondays. 

Review | Liz Earle Cleanse & Polish Hot Cloth Cleanser

Now - I know what you are thinking! The one thing that the web doesn't need is another "Liz Earle" review lol. I just cannot contain myself...this review is going down anyways folks. (Sorry) When I first started getting into the whole blogging/vlogging jazz - I became very aware of this skincare set. Beauty gurus everywhere (especially in Europe) were singing it's praises. Many people believe it to be the holy grail of all cleansers. I...I just have to agree lol.
Liz Earle Cleanse & Polish Hot Cloth Cleanser $24.50 on Birchbox.com I received this set in my October Birchbox. I literally freaked when I opened the box and saw it. Liz Earle?! What? Seriously?! Matt and I both noticed a lovely radiating glow after the first time I used it. I have started doing something that I never do since using this cleanser - I wash my face...and I leave the house (drumroll please) with no makeup! Gasp you should my friends! This stuff gently removes all dirt and grime and leaves my face looking...flawless. My skin has cleared right up! I plan on purchasing the set from Birchbox.com on Monday. It comes with a 3.3 fl oz cleanser and two muslin cloths. It doesn't foam up like most cleansers...it rubs on more like a lotion? I don't feel the need to moisturize when I'm done...and it leaves my face feeling so soft and awesome. Not like normal cleansers...dry and tight. It's just amazing. Period.
Matt and I went to a lovely wedding tonight. :) Here are some photos.

How is your weekend going?

Feature | Eynack Glasses

I'm really excited to spread the news about my super cute new glasses. :) These are a fashion pair - but I'm very much considering having prescription lenses put in them. Aren't they adorable?

Bomer frames

$85 on Eynack.com ♥

They are designer acetate/organic sustainable bamboo glasses made by Eynack. (Handmade, actually!) I wore them to work the day after they arrived in the mail and I received many compliments throughout my day. They look simply lovely on - very unique. The "Bomer" frames put a new spin on the classic nerd glasses. My only complaint is that I got a slight headache towards the end of the day. I'm going to blame that on my sensitive noggin. I can't even wear headbands...it's ridiculous. They are affordable and there are many styles to choose from. What is one of my favorite things about Eynack? For every pair of glasses purchased on their site they donate TWO pairs to children in need. How awesome is that?

----------> View their entire collection here <----------

I may need to add the "Expert Shades" to my Christmas list. ;)

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How has your week been so far? I'm not going to lie - it has been quite a long week for this mama. Nothing that a Starbuck's coffee won't fix! ;) Interested in seeing October's Birchbox tomorrow?

Review | Balm Chicky Balm Balm's Huge Cucumber

See what I did there? lol

Balm Chicky Balm Balm

In the flavor "Huge Cucumber"

$12 at balmchicky.com ♥

Guys - this lip balm company is pure genius. Everything about it impresses/makes me giggle...right down to the very box it was packaged in. All of their balms are 100% natural and they feature a unique patented "friend end." How many times have you been minding your own business while applying your lip balm - when your girlfriend comes out of nowhere like Batman and is all like "oooh - can I borrow your lip balm?" -_- Too many times right? The "friend end" is a separate chamber of product for your friends to enjoy that is located on the opposite end of the tube. (So they can share their crusty lip germs amongst themselves and not with you) Yum. The flavor that I chose is "Huge Cucumber." It seemed to be the most scandalously named out of the bunch, so naturally I went with it. I might have also picked it because the man on the tube reminds me of Paul Rudd (in Anchorman)...he's so fine. Here is a list of the flavors that they currently have for sale in their shop.

Juicy Melons

Sweet Baby Ginger

Huge Cucumber

Wild Mountain Honey

and Hot Chocolate Love

Huge Cucumber (how many times can I say it in one post?) smells pretty fantastic. It seems heavier on the hemp seed than cucumber scent. That doesn't bother me one bit though - I love all things hemp. It reminds me of a balm that I used to buy at the Whole Foods Market in Winter Park, FL. It has a slight shimmer to it which I was a little disappointed about. Maybe it's because I'm becoming an old lady and I can't handle glittery things? (Ahh, my eyes) Maybe I should embrace more glitter in my life? Anyways - it's not really that noticeable...but it's there. Simply put, it doesn't look like a disco on your lips. I usually apply it every night before I hit the sack. I always wake up the next morning with baby soft lips. Here is a list of the ingredients!

Organic: extra virgin olive oil, palm oil, hemp seed oil, beeswax, rosemary, vitamin E, fresh mint, and cucumber. 

I plan on picking up the "Hot Chocolate Love" next. Do yourself a favor and check out their stuff. I really admire a company with this sense of humor, and I'm sure you will too. ;)

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AND...Silas says the letter of the day is A! (He did it all by himself)

Difficult Decisions / Biscotti & Kate Mack Dress Feature :)

Ok folks - I'm going to break it down for you. Firstly, I'm going to apologize for my lack of posts. (Sorry y'all!) There...that's over and done with. Secondly, I'm going to get really serious for a minute. And...go... I've been thinking a lot lately about my portraits. I think it is high time for me to make a very difficult decision in regards to my business. Now that I have an (awesome) full-time job...I no longer feel the need to bust my tail drawing all of the time. (16+ hours for $25-35 free shipping) I've reached the point that drawing has become more of a chore than a time that I enjoy. When I get home at 5 o'clock I shouldn't have to worry about getting a drawing finished within a time frame that I promised. (etc) I should be able to throw some pajamas on and play with my children. Then I can leisurely write my blog after I get them tucked in bed at night. I should "want" to paint Miri a (My Little Pony) painting for her room. I shouldn't want to purchase it off Etsy because I'm sick of painting. (Sigh) So...I have decided to stop selling my art for the time being. I am working on the last portrait right now. I want to sincerely thank everybody that has purchased my work. You helped keep this former stay at home mom (financially) going. You helped fund many family dinners and other necessities. For all of this...I am grateful. I hope everybody understands.  Thirdly - on a much lighter note...I want to talk about Miri's new dress lol! 

Urban Garden Long Sleeve Baby Dress in Pink

by Baby Biscotti & Kate Mack $72 ♥

It's simply precious right? Words cannot even describe! I wish you guys could reach through the computer screen and feel how nice this little dress really is. It does not feel like your typical poorly made infant dress from Walmart. This little beauty has some weight to it and you can really see what kind of care Biscotti & Kate Mack puts into making these outfits. This particular dress is available in 12, 18, and 24 months. Miri is modeling the 12 month size...she will be 9 months on the 18th...so I personally feel like they run a tad small.

This particular dress is perfect for Fall. When it gets a little colder I plan on pairing some plain white leggings with it. :) Maybe some little grey shoes? 

Now there's a happy face! ;)

You can rest assured that your baby is stylin' and profilin' when she is wearing clothing by Biscotti & Kate Mack. Many of their styles have been featured in The Wall Street Journal, Women's Wear Daily, Vogue Bambini, US Weekly, and Child Magazine - just to name a few. Oh - and this brand is a favorite among stars like Katie Holmes, Victoria Beckham, and Heidi Klum. Malia Obama actually wore a red Biscotti dress on her father's election night! How crazy awesome is that? I actually remember seeing it! 

(Strike a post vogue...vogue...vogue)

Do yourself a favor...

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Review | Mommy-Baby Bonding Blanket

Mommy-Baby Bonding Banket

$29.99 on mommy-babybondingblanket.com  ♥

I was so excited to show Miri her new blanket that arrived in the mail on 9/20. It was waiting for me in the mailbox on my birthday when I got home from work. :) How stinkin' awesome is that? Miri loves all things soft and fluffy - so I knew it would be a big hit. I was right!

We had pizza with my parents that night - so I took the blanket with me over to their apartment in Auburn. Miri's initial reaction was absolutely hysterical. She seemed to think that the blanket was some sort of snuggly dessert? LOL She tried to eat it and was immediately disgusted by the minky texture against her tongue. This "taste testing" went on several minutes (much to our delight) before she decided that is was indeed a blanket haha. 

...And what an adorable blanket it is! (Let the snuggling commence!) It was handmade by the talented folks over at mommy-babybondingblanket.com - and I would not have been able to find something of equal quality unless my grandmother made it. (She is hardcore about sewing nice stuff) I especially like the size of this bonding blanket - (16x16) it's perfect for the wee baby on the go! (Miri doesn't like to stay in one place long!) We enjoy tossing it on my shoulder during our mama/baby snuggle times. She likes to rub her face back and forth on it. I would highly recommend it for newborn baby/mama bonding sessions. They come in several different prints for baby girls or boys. Definitely go check out their selection of high quality products. I plan on snatching one up for the next baby shower I get invited to! ;)

Would you like to sponsor a blanket for a baby in need? You can do so here!

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Review | Butter than Love Hair Whipped by Wonder Curl

Butter than Love Hair Whipped by Wonder Curl

$12.00 ♥

When I was a teenager I had beautiful spiral curls. I did not appreciate them at all. In fact, I did everything in my power to get rid of them lol. I wanted straight hair so badly...

Well, I finally got my wish. After I had Silas - my hair slowly began to lose it's curl. Since Miri arrived...it only has a slight bit of wave to it. :/ I like this and all...it's just that I don't exactly know what to do with such straight hair. I'm finding it very challenging to style it. Ponytails are nice...but I can't wait for it to get a little longer so it doesn't look so darn stupid. I think braids will eventually be my friend too. ;)

With all of this said...I still hold out hope that some miracle product will come along and raise my curls from the dead. (Zombie curls) Unfortunately, today's product worked no miracles for me. :( It did curl my sisters hair quite nicely though! So there lol! The model in the photo (above) is my little sister India. India seemed to really enjoy using the Butter than Love Hair Whipped. It's very nourishing. Her only complaint is that she found the smell a bit unpleasant. This only means that the formula doesn't include harsh perfumes though. After further research - unless I am misunderstanding something...this hair line is more geared towards African American ladies. Maybe that's why it didn't do anything particularly special for my sister's locks? ;) The "Hair Whipped" has a nice thick consistency that I'm sure would tame coarser hair beautifully. I really believe that it just depends on the person's hair type. In our case...it's not the best product for curl enhancement. But hey...it may be great for your hair? Wonder Curl makes quality products that I definitely want people to check out. 

----> See their entire product line here <----

Photo credit: wondercurl.com

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Update 9/23/13 Response from Wonder Curl

Wonder Curl Thanks for your review. I think you probably would have loved the Get Set Hair Jelly and/or the Butter than Love Pudding. These products are my best sellers and work great together or on their own for any hair texture. You are correct, the Whipped is thicker for coarse, dry hair.

Review | Flower Color Play Creme Eyeshadow

$7.98 at select Walmart's

Available in 12 fabulous shades!

Oh my lanta. I have been dying to get my hands on one of the products from Drew Barrymore's (I LOVE HER) new cosmetic line for about a year now. When I first heard about it - I was under the impression that it would be available at every Walmart. My assumptions were incorrect my friends! The closest Walmart that carries Flower Beauty is in Montgomery. (The Chantilly location to be exact) I've been in the store several times this year. I'm still not sure why it didn't occur to me sooner to look for it. Whatever, darn Mama-brain. 

All of the products were arranged very strangely on an end cap and the display was half covered by this wire rack? It was ridiculous. Matt basically picked up the entire display and moved it so I could have a good look at everything. There were several other ones that were set up the same way. (Shame on you Wally World) I ended up picking up this "Flower Color Play Creme Eyeshadow." Initially - I thought it was going to be too similar to the Maybelline Color Tattoo shadows. Thankfully - I was wrong again! :) Not that I don't love my "bad to the bronze" shadow...I have been wearing it pretty much everyday. 

This creme is incredibly smooth, and yet totally build-able. I have worn it to work 3 days in a row this week. It gets crazy hot at the printshop, and this stuff stays right where I put it. The only tiny bit of creasing that I have noticed shows up towards the very end of the night. It is convenient that I can apply it with a fluffy shadow brush. You have to use your finger with the Maybelline shadow. (Ugh, messy hand towels) In my opinion, "Flirty Floret" is much more pigmented than "bad to the bronze." This shade is very versatile and reminds me of hot cocoa. It creates a loverly smokey look.  The packaging is gorgeous too. My only complaint is that the sticker left gross residue on the cap...and kinda spoiled it for me. (Sigh) I would have provided some example shots of me sporting the product...but I am terribly terribly sick right now. I caught Silas and Miri's cold. -_- (Boo hiss boo) I do believe after I get this post up and running I am going to head towards the bed. I need some good sleep desperately! 

Happy almost Friday to you!

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Holiday Feature | Circle of Friends - Rosa's Raspberry Shampoo & Conditioner

Rosa's Raspberry Shampoo $11.40 for 10oz ♥

Rosa's Raspberry Conditioner  $11.40 for 10oz ♥

Both are available at cofbath.com and at these retail locations

(Silas's foot not included)

Comes in several different scents: Pineapple, Banana, and Boy-mix Fragrances! 

The set (above) is a limited-time only holiday gift set that comes with a free pairs of antlers for your child! :)

(The set has a $24.20 SRP)

As crazy as it sounds - Christmas is right around the corner. Seriously, where did 2013 go y'all? It has been kinda a crappy year (w/ the exception of baby Miri being born) for my family...so I say good riddance. 0_0 November is quickly approaching, and this means...(dun-dun-dun) holiday shopping. (Don't most people start Christmas shopping in November?) Any-who...if you have lots of friends with kiddos. (Like we do) I have a pretty stinkin' cute holiday feature to share with you tonight. It's made by people over at "Circle of Friends." 

Circle of Friends was founded by Moms! How awesome is that? :) They have made it their personal mission to create a professional hair-care, bath, and body line for children. All while introducing them to different styles and cultures. (Ooo educational!) Each product in the hair line is represented by a cute character from a different part of the world. (This set introduced us to Rosa! She lives in Spain) So your child can shampoo and learn something new at the same time! (Huzzahh!) 

Silas and I absolutely love this stuff. I was a bit worried when I read that the formula is "low sudsing." I didn't find that to be to case at all. It actually foamed up quite nicely! Silas really likes that the shampoo and conditioner are both "tearless." No kid likes soap that stings the eyes - these details are important! Personally - my favorite thing about this line is the raspberry scent, it's simply amazing. (The whole bathroom smells nice after we use it)  The raspberry reminds me of a shampoo that I used to use when I was little. (Oh-so-fond memories) I can't remember what is was called though? Hmmm.

I'm sure many of you are aware that Silas has flaming red hair lol. It's really gorgeous...but it's also very dry. This shampoo/conditioner set makes it much more manageable to deal with! It seems to be significantly improving the amount of frizz that I have to deal with each morning. (Johnson & Johnson products tend to be very drying) We have to try and tame his wild hair or Ya-Ya get's very fussy with me when I drop him off. (Haha) Both of these products are safe and gentle, packed full of vitamins and proteins, and they are never tested on animals. A detangler is also available in this scent! :)

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A cute photo from Silas' birthday party on this past Sunday. :)

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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