Tuesday, July 31, 2012

Maybelline Dream Fresh BB Cream

You might've heard of BB creams and wondered what the heck they are. While I was at Sephora I noticed that Smash Box has a BB cream but I wasn't willing to try it for $32 without knowing anything about it first. I found out later that BB creams are also known as Blemish Balm which are highly popular in East and Southeast Asia. They were originally formulated to protect the skin after laser procedures and surgery, while also providing light coverage.

In 2011 the Western market began to formulate their BB creams excluding whitening properties, which is a main selling point in Asia.

Now that you have a little history on BB creams lets get down to the nitty gritty of the product.

I purchased the Maybelline BB cream at Walmart for $8.99

It claims to......

·         Create a natural glow
·         SPF 30 UV Protection
·         Compliments skin tone
·         Hydrates all day
·         Blurs imperfections
·         Oil free, non greasy
·         Looks visibly smooth
·         Feels fresh

To sum it up it’s a moisturizer, primer, foundation, and sunblock all wrapped in one.

There are only 5 shades available which makes matching your complexion pretty difficult especially for darker complexions. However I purchased the darkest shade of the line in Deep and it was a perfect match for me.

I wore this product for 5 days straight and in my personal opinion it was just alright. I do like the formula as it’s very lightweight and blends into the skin very smoothly.

The coverage is very sheer, reminds me of a water downed tinted moisturizer. It won’t conceal any major problems such as acne, dark spots, etc. But it does leave your face looking even and fresh.

When I applied the BB cream in the morning, I absolutely loved the way it looked on me but I knew that the determining factor in whether I liked this product would come down to oil control..and I have to say it failed big time!! The product left me more oily than I normally am throughout the day.
Since I don't like being a grease ball I have to give this product a thumbs down!!

Saturday, July 28, 2012

How To Make Your Own Tinted Moisturizer

During the summer months I don’t wear as much foundation as I usually would during the fall/ winter months. Primarily it’s just too darn hot to have all that makeup on my face as I don’t want my makeup melting off (and I mean that literally). I like a fresh, light look for the summer, that’s why I love tinted moisturizers!!

You can actually make your own tinted moisturizer at home, all you need is a liquid foundation and facial moisturizer.



I usually use 2 pumps of moisturizer and 1 pump of foundation. However you can mix your concoction to your liking. If you want more coverage, you will use more foundation than moisturizer and vice versa.


Simply mix the two together and apply on your face.

Camera flash on

Camera flash off

Couldn’t be any easier than that!!!

Thursday, July 26, 2012

Style Inspiration: Funky Wedding Look

Depending on the atmosphere and location of the wedding, will determine if you can go for a funkier look. This beautiful coral  crop top is perfect with this skirt as it will accentuate the hips. I absolutely love denim vests!! They can be worn down or up but nonetheless they always tie an outfit together.

Which would you wear the Classic Wedding or the Funky Wedding look?

Funky Wedding



Style Inspiration: Classic Wedding Look

I was asked to create a look for a wedding surrounding the Bebe stripe skirt below. Because the skirt is form fitting I chose a shirt that was more relaxed fitting but still not losing the shape of the torso.

So a black and white skirt and a black top...so predictable right? Well since its a wedding I was going for a more simplistic look but decided to add the pop of color to the shoes and clutch.

Stay tuned for the funkier look for a wedding....

Classic Wedding


Wednesday, July 25, 2012

What's In My Waterpark Bag?


The summer is filled with exciting trips to the beaches and water parks!! This past weekend my family and I had a great time as we went to Hurricane Harbor in St. Louis.

When going to the water park you have to be always be prepared so this is what I packed in my water park bag....
Sunscreen lotion 
Beach towel
Sunglasses
Baby wipes
Makeup wipes
Camera
Hair moose
Hair brush
Hair scrunchies
Hair gel
Bobbie pens
Travel size first aid kit
Ibuprofen
Makeup bag (I didn't carry much)
  • Lip stain
  • Waterproof mascara
  • Waterproof eyeliner pen
  • Lip balm
  • Blotting sheets
What's in your water park/beach bag?

Thursday, July 19, 2012

Mac Up the Amp Lipstick Review

Mac Up The Amp retails for $14.50

I have to do a quick review on this lipstick as this has to be one of my faves!!! Up the Amp is absolutely gorgeous and the name speaks for itself. If you’re looking for a vibrant pop of color, then this lipstick is a must have. Even though it’s a bold color, its very wearable and it will look good on any skin tone. The lavenderish/pinkish color looks stunning on. The consistency is very creamy and not drying to the lips at all. It’s also an amplified finish. This is my first amplified finish lipstick and I have to say its hands down my favorite finish now. If you really want to knock em dead, pair the lipstick with a purple/magenta lip liner. To pretty sum it all up, this lip color is all that and a bag of chips!!

Wednesday, July 18, 2012

DIY Beaded Stretch Bracelet

Stretch bracelets have become very popular amongst jewelery designers as they are sold practically at all retail stores. The tutorial below will show you how to make your own bracelets....it's super simple and fun!


Materials Needed:

Stretch Cord ( I used Stretch Magic in .5mm thickness, 1mm. is ok as well)
Beads ( I used plastic craft beads)
Charms (Optional)
Binder Clip ( Not shown in picture)
Scissors ( Not shown in picture)

Let's Get Started....
1. Cut the stretch cord at your desirable length.
2. Place your binder clip on one end of the cord securely.


3. Thread the other end of the cord through your beads. Leave at least 2 inches at the end of the string so you will have enough cord to tie your knot.
4. Tie the ends of the cord together in a secure knot. Below is a picture of how to tie a surgeons knot. You can reinforce the knot by applying glue if you wish.

5. Trim the excess cord and place the knot in the closet bead hole
6. Optional: To jazz the bracelet up some more you can add some dainty charms.





Viola!! How simple was that? The hardest part of the project is trying to decide which beads you're going to use!!

Monday, July 16, 2012

Kinky Curly Leave In/ Detangle Conditioner Review

Kinky Curly Knot Today Leave In/Detangle Conditioner

Sometimes I don't know how my hair gets so tangled but I have nothing to worry about because this product detangles my hair effortlessly. All hair types are different and they respond to products differently but I've found that this product works wonders on my hair.

 I use this when I'm washing my hair and trust me a little goes along way as I use about 2 quarter size squirts. I finger comb through my hair and magically the tangles disappear.

It is also a leave in conditioner however I haven't used it for that purpose as I'm prefer rinse out conditioners but I love the product because when I rinse my hair out it's sooo soft and light and did I mention detangled!! 

I absolutely love this product and would recommend to anyone. Some people might think that $12 is too expensive but the way it detangles my hair I think it's worth every penny.

Friday, July 13, 2012

Inglot and Mac Haul




While in Vegas I was very excited to go to Inglot and the Mac Pro store...both in which are not here in Memphis. There was nothing in particular I needed, so I just bought what caught my eye.

First up...Inglot


Eyeshadow 477- Lime Green w/ silver sparkle



Eyeshadow 491- Deep lavender w/ silver sparkle



Eyeshadow 481- Lilac w/ silver sparkle



Lip Paint 51- Richly pigmented nude lip color



Gel Eyeliner- Heard many great things about this eyeliner, such as its very long lasting and it applies very smoothly.

Next up....Mac Pro Store


Mac Pro long wear eyeshadow in Tease with Ease (frost) PRO STORE ONLY- It's a bright shimmery fuchsia color. It will also make a great blush.



Mac Chromaline Gel Eyeliner in Marine Ultra PRO STORE ONLY-  A vibrant waterproof gel eyeliner in a bright naval blue.



Mac Rebel lipstick- Deep, fuchsia berry color. It's a bold color without being too dark or too bright.


Mac Glitter Brillants in Red PRO STORE ONLY- I don't really don't know what I will use this for but I think it will be cute on top of the Rebel lipstick.



Mac Chromagraphic Pencil in NW25/MC30 PRO STORE ONLY- Apply pencil on your waterline and your eyes will instantly look brighter, bigger, and more awake.

Even though what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas....here's a peak

Arriving in style

Good times

Headed to our pole dance lesson

Relaxing at the pool

Lez beautiful under water shot

My under water shot :)

All the ladies and the bride to be

Always ready for the camera

Last day of partying and we all wore flats...whew it felt so good

Wednesday, July 11, 2012

Trendy IPhone Cases

I have finally joined the Apple family as my husband just bought me an IPhone. Now I know that there is a lot of talk about Android being better than Apple and this that and the other but frankly I don't care. As long as my phone allows me to watch YouTube, text, and call... I'm good. The main reason I wanted an IPhone was because cell phone cases have become the perfect accessory and there are sooo many out there for the IPhone. There are so many cute cases that I don't know which one to choose!!

Here are some of my favs...