Lush Love... Body addition

Hi Everyone... Today's post is all about one of my most favorite brands! LUSH!  I've already talked a little about Lush in the past, but today I want to show you two items I seriously can't live without: Sympathy for the Skin and Flying Fox shower gel!

Sympathy For The Skin:

I've tried probably a million body lotions in my life, and I honestly have a ton of favorites.  This one is on the top of my list.  I tend to like fresh, clean scents most of the time, and this one hits the nail on the head!  It's made from bananas and cocoa butter... and makes my skin feel incredibly smooth, fresh, and clean.  This lotion is perfect for the work week or the weekend!  The scent is very mild, and will match just about any perfume or other scent based product your using.  The best part is... I've noticed a huge difference in the dryness of my skin.  My skin was pretty dry after this horrible winter we had in New England, and this lotion has come to my rescue!!!

Flying Fox Shower Gel:
Again, I have a ton of shower gels, but this one may be my favorite.  And that says A LOT!  I've been using the Philosophy shower gels for years, and always gravitate back to them... but this one, may actually take the cake!  It does what it's supposed to do... leaves my skin feeling soft, clean, and refreshed.  I also think it helps moisturize my skin.  But my favorite part is definitely the smell.  It smells like honey and Jasmine- a combination I can't even describe.  It's super invigorating, but not over powering.

So those are a couple of my favorite lush body products!  I hope every one's week is going well!!!

Happy Fabulous Five Friday

Happy Friday the 13th!  I've never really understood what the fuss is about this day,  just seems like any other day to me... but what do I know? Haha!  Time for my Top 5 of the week...

1. Twins Born 24 Days Apart- If you haven't already read about these beautiful baby boys... you should! Mom had a tough pregnancy and they had to deliver one baby 24 days ago.  They were able to leave the other twin in the womb and give him almost a month longer to grow.  Both babies and mom are doing just fine.  I never knew you could be a twin with such different birthdays.  The medical field truly amazes me sometimes.

2. ESSIE "Good to Go" Top Coat-

(photo courtesy of Essie.com)

Can I just say this stuff is AMAZING?  I have no patience when it comes to sitting still while my nails dry.  Inevitably, every time I do my nails, I always mess at least one up by not waiting long enough for them to dry.  It is so frustrating!  I was fresh out of top coats a couple of weeks ago, so I decided to give this a try.  My fear was I would be giving up shine and chip protection, but I figured I'd give it a go.  Boy am I glad I did.  This stuff makes your nails dry almost instantly!  And the shine is perfect.  I haven't noticed any difference with chips either.  The time I spend on my nails has been cut in half.  It's perfect for someone on the go... or someone like me, with Nail Dry ADD hahahaha.

3. St. Tropez Tanning Mouse-

This tanning mouse has been life changing.  I know I sound crazy saying that... but I only speak the truth!  I am super fair- skinned, and for years and years I used to tan in tanning beds.  BIG MISTAKE.  Now that I'm older, WISER, I realize what a huge mistake that was. There were times I was addicted to tanning and couldn't get enough.  Because I am so fair-skinned I had to tan several times a week to keep up my color. There are so many products on the market that help create a natural looking tan, there is no need to risk skin cancer in a tanning bed.  I've tried a few of them over the past couple years, but this one is by far my favorite.  I read so many amazing things about it from other Beauty Bloggers, and decided to give it a whirl.  First, this stuff doesn't stink like most self tanners.  You smell a little beachy at first, but the smell is very mild and goes away within a few minutes.  Second, it's super easy to use.  All you do is take a mit, spray two pumps of mouse, and apply to your skin in a circular fashion.  When I failed to use the circular motion, I ended up with streaks, so applying it correctly is key.  The lasting power of this stuff is great.  When I first started using it, I applied for a few days, had my desired color and stopped.  Within a few days it was gone.  So it didn't stain my skin for a long period of time.  Right now I have the color I want so I simply apply it a couple times a week to keep it up.  I no longer feel like "Casper the Friendly Ghost" when I'm wearing skirts or short sleeves! 

4. World Cup-

(Totally stole this from her Instagram account- Sorry Gisele)

So I may have a huge girl crush on Gisele, and I swear, it's not just because she's Tom Brady's wife.  I am by no means a World Cup Expert, but I do enjoy watching.  It at least gives me a sport to watch because, lets face it, the Red Sox are pretty depressing these days.  There's something about most everyone in the world watching this series that makes me smile.  I have a lot of dear friends, who have pretty much become a second family to me, who are from Brazil, and nothing would make me happier than to see their team win!! 

5. My Kitties, Again-

So it seems as if these guys make my top 5 more than anything else.  But I just couldn't resist this week!  My kitties Darwin and Simba got shaved this week and I think they look adorable!  My mom says they look scary and I shouldn't do that to them, but I disagree.  This time they even had little scarves on them.  I couldn't believe they left them on all day without a care.  Yes, I am a crazy cat lady, and I don't care.  Hahaha!

Hope everyone had a great week!!  Go Brazil!

Linking up with Carolina Charm


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Review- Stila Convertible Color

So I may have gone on a mini (and I STRESS, MINI) Sephora haul the other night.  I was in desperate need of bronzer (more on that in another post), and wanted a cream blush to withstand the humidity of the summer.  I planned to finally try the Makeup Forever HD Cream blush or, if I was unsure about that, pick up a new Tarte cream blush.  After I spotted the Stila Convertible Color line, I decided to go in a different direction.

Stila Convertible Color is a blush and lip color in one.  It comes in seven different colors.  I picked "Fuchsia"- a bright pink.

It comes in an adorable little compact, which is perfect for touchups on the go.  

The first thing I noticed when I opened the compact was how creamy and shinny the color was.  I was initially worried it would be too bright, but once I tried it on, the color blended into my skin flawlessly.  I was surprised the color was so sheer on my fair skin. It was just the right amount of summer flush I was looking for. 

I wore this blush out on Saturday night.  It was a little humid and there was some dancing and cocktails involved, and the blush lasted all night.  I didn't need to re-apply, and the color stayed pigmented the entire time.  As a bonus... it doubles a lipstick.  I've only used it once as a lipstick.  I liked how it perfectly matched my cheeks.  

This cream blush has won a number of awards.  It was voted "Best Cream Blush" by InStyle magazine for the past 10 years!  I don't know how I failed to try this product sooner.  If you're looking for a cream blush for the summer, I'd definitely recommend it.  It retails at $25, which is cheaper than most high-end cream blushes on the market.  Add in the compact and the fact you can use it as a lipstick, I think you get a lot of bang for your buck!  

Now the only problem I am going to have is refraining from ending up with all 7 colors haha!

Beach Bag Beauty Essentials

I got my first sunburn the other day, and while it hurt like hell, it was a pleasant reminder... summer is upon us!  I spend a lot of time at the beach and I have a few items I never leave home without.  I don't usually wear make up when I go to the beach, but there are few things I use to help me from getting burned.  I have super fair skin so SPF items are a must!  Here are a few of my beach bag essentials:

(From Left to Right- Bath & Body works hand sanitizer; Fresh Sugar lip Balm; Origins Perfect World Moisturizer; Dr. Jart+ BB Cream; Benefit Big Easy Better than BB; Supergoop sun-defying sunscreen  oil.)


1. Hand Sanitizer-  I hate germs!  And they are everywhere at the beach.  From the bathrooms to the sand (lets not even talk about what goes on in that sand), there are germs lingering everywhere.  Hand sanitizer is a great way to neutralize germs and still smell good.  The Sanitizer pictured is by Bath & Body Works.  It is from their Island Collection and is called "mango hibiscus".  I love the smell of this!  It is a fresh fruity scent and you don't get that chemical scent hand sanitizers usually carry.

2. Fresh Sugar Lip Balm- Can I just say I LOVE Fresh products! And this is no exception.  I have incredibly sensitive lips and with the slightest exposure to the sun they can burn.  I've had a lot of trouble finding SPF lip treatments over the years.  There are your typical drug store brands I've always been using, but they aren't exactly fun.  These Fresh lip balms come in a variety of tinted colors.  I have "Berry" pictured above.  It's a purply color that gives my lips a tinted color while providing be with the protection I need. A MUST HAVE!

3. Origins Perfect World Moisturizer- This one is the age defense with white tea.  SPF 25.  I always carry a moisturizer.  I'll usually put this on before I leave my house or use it to touch up every couple hours on the beach.  The sun really dries skin out, so I find putting this on as I'm leaving the beach helps alleviate dryness.

4. Dr. Jart+ BB Cream- This cream is SPF 45- which I LOVE!  It only comes in one shade, so it is very light.  I like the fact I don't have to try and figure out what color I am.  I can never ever put sun screen on my face because I'll instantly break out.  I used to use Clinique City Block, until I discovered this gem last summer.  This balm did a great job at protecting my skin, even in the harshest of sun light.

5. Benefit Bigger than BB- This is a new product.  I'm a HUGE fan of Benefit products, and when this was launched earlier this year, I had to try it.  It has more of a powder finish to it, which is nice.  I haven't had the chance to try this in the sun yet.  The SPF is only 35, so I may stick with my Dr. Jart+ BB Cream for the beach.  I'll keep you posted!

6. Supergoop Sun-Defying Sunscreen Oil (SPF 50)- Can I say I LOVE this stuff!  It goes on like an oil so it is super moisturizing.  It acts as a sunscreen and an all-over moisturizer at the same time.  The SPF is about as high as you can get, so it offers optimal protection.  I can't wait to use this stuff all summer!

7. Make Up Remover Wipes-  (not pictured).  I use the CVS brand gentile wipes.  They easily cleanse your face and are very gentile.  I use them all over my body though.  They are perfect way to cool down, or keep your body from overheating.  Also, after you leave the beach they are a great substitute for a shower if you are going somewhere before having the opportunity to get cleaned up. Let's face it- you can get just as sweaty sitting on the beach doing nothing as you can working out!  I hear the Aveno wipes are great too, so I will probably try those this summer as well!

What are some of your favorite beauty essentials at the beach?!?!

Friday's Fabulous Five

This week went by at light speed.  I don't even know what happened.  It was a 4-day week for me, but still, I feel like I blinked and it was Friday again.  What a wonderful thing to have happen!  Here are 5 things I'm loving this week!

1. This View....

I am a huge fan of summer, and this weekend made me so incredibly excited it's finally here!  I'm really lucky to be able to spend as much time as I want on Cape Cod, and I take full advantage of it every chance I get.  This is the beach by our house, and everything about this view makes me smile :)

2. OPI "Don't Bossa Nova Me Around"

This shade is from OPI's Brazil line.  Pretty much all of the colors in this line are very bright, except this one.  I picked this color up because I wanted a nude color that reminded me of sand.  I hit the jackpot!  Once I put it on, I instantly loved it.  It reminds me of sand on the beach, and it is the perfect color for work!  The color lasted several days, and I only needed two coats.


3. "81 Whacks" Red Indiana Pale Ale-

Ever heard the nursery rhyme... "Lizzie Borden took an axe, gave her mother 40 whacks. When she saw what she had done, she gave her father 41"?  Completely appropriate nursery rhyme for children to learn, I'm sure you'd agree.  Anyways... in case you don't know... Lizzie Borden was famous for being acquitted of the murder of her parents in Fall River, MA in 1892.  Basically, she was the OJ Simpson of the 1800's.  I live just a couple miles from where the murders allegedly took place.  Lizzie is a bit of a legend in New England, and someone finally created a fabulous IPA in her honor.  A local sports bar nearby used to carry it on tap, but has stopped.  Luckily my friend Jessica (Hi Jess!) found this gem when she was in a craft beer store and picked it up for me.  Absolutely love this IPA...  Oh, and if you're a true crime junkie, like me, google Lizzie- you won't be disappointed ;)


4. Tarte Amazonian Clay 12 Hour Blush in Captivating-

This is part of Tarte's limited edition summer collection, but I have a feeling this is here to stay.  It is a beautiful coral shade, perfect for summer.  I tend to like cream blushes more than powder blushes.  I think they look more natural, where the powder ones can give you that caked-on look.  If you read beauty blogs, I'm sure you've seen tons of bloggers rave about the lasting power of the Amazonian Clay 12-hour blushes.  This shade is meets every expectation I had.  It lasts the entire day, and it looks very natural.  Two of the most important factors I think about when choosing a blush.  I'm obsessed with this color! 

5. Lastly, this week was a fabulous week at work for me.  I don't know if it was going back after a long weekend, and feeling completely rejuvenated, or if it was the short work week, but this week really flew by.  I worked an insane amount of hours, but loved every second of it.   I had a lot of amazing victories and am really thankful I get to wake up every day and do something I love, and work in a field I am passionate about.  

 Hoping you all had a wonderful week too!!! Cheers! It's FRIDAY!

Buxom Nudes & Brights: Review

Lip glosses are one of my most cherished beauty products.  I am especially fond of Buxom glosses.  I think they are hands down the best.  They last a long time, the colors are amazing, the shine is perfect, and I love the way they feel.  For those of you who don't know, many buxom glosses have a tingle to them.  They claim to plump lips, which, I'm not sure is entirely true.  I notice my lips are fuller, but I attribute it more to the color and fullness of the gloss.

I'm also especially fond of kits.  When there is a kit, I'll probably buy it.  I think it's a great way to try new products without much of a commitment.  Needless to say I was psyched when I saw this kit at Sephora:

Buxom Nudes & Brights! This kit is perfect.  3 nude colors, and 3 vibrant colors- perfect for summer! The thing I loved about this kit was getting 6 different colors for only $32.00.  Full-size Buxom glosses run around $19.00.  These sizes were about half the size of a regular gloss, but you're still getting much more.  Plus, I have a little issue, where I tend to lose glosses.  They end up in my purses, work bag, desk, bathroom, jacket pocket, you name it!  So I figure with six, if I lose a couple, I'm still good hahahaha!

First the Nudes:

From left to right... "Yes You", "Mwah", and "Dolly" (Swatches below)

"Yes You"- is a very, very nude color.  It's almost a plain gloss.  It looks great on it's own or over another color to add some extra shine, or tone down a loud color.

"Mwah"- has a more pink tone to it, but still is pretty nude.  It's perfect for work, or to wear with dark eye makeup, if your looking to tone down your lips.

"Dolly"- I've been a fan of this color for ages.  It's my go-to color.  I usually wear it to work or when I'm at home lounging around.  It's more pink than nude, but it's very pretty on.

Now the Brights...

From left to right... "Strut It", "Pucker Up", "Cha Cha Cha" (swatches below)

"Strut It"- Bright pink, almost like a watermelon hot pink.  It's perfect for summer.  I wore this with a black dress, pink flip flops, and a pink necklace.  It was prefect.

"Pucker Up"- Same idea, but purple.  It's a great summer color for day or evening out.

"Cha Cha Cha"- This is by far my favorite.  It's a neon red/orange color and it really makes my lips stand out and pop.  This color is perfect for those hot summer nights!

Here are the swatches:

As you can tell from the swatch, I am super fair-skinned. (Also, don't mind the scratches... I wasn't kidding when I said I was a crazy cat lady lol).  I really thought all of these colors looked great on me.  I rarely find a kit where such a wide range of colors look good on.  I think these colors would look great on any skin tone.  I was really surprised I liked the brights as much as a I did.  And... all of these colors had the lasting power of Buxom.  They felt great on my lips, were full-bodied, and had ample shine.

This kit is still available at Sephora, both online and in stores.  Price, quality, and the wonderful colors in this kit make it a must have!

Review: Ocean Sea Salt Scrub by Lush

I am the first to admit have a lot of vices.  You already know I am currently a crazed beauty addict, and a recovering beauty box addict.  What you haven't learned yet is I have a crazy obsession with salt.

Yes. You read that right. I LOVE salt.

And by love, I'm not talking anything normal.  I'll put salt on just about anything.  In fact, my friends reading this right now are shaking their heads thinking, "those readers have NO CLUE". (You know you are!)  You'd think I'd have high blood pressure, but I don't.  My body simply craves salt!

Anyways... in honor of my love of salt... I have for you one of my most favorite salt-based beauty products: Ocean Sea Salt Scrub by Lush.  For those of you who don't know, Lush is a company that prides itself on making products with all natural, fresh ingredients.  To learn more about Lush, click here:  LUSH

Back in the fall, a dear friend of mine, Jessica (Hi Cookie!), introduced me to this product.  My life has never been the same.  You may think I am exaggerating, but I'm not.  See, in the fall I was feeling super blue because I spend pretty much every chance I get by the ocean in the summer. And, as much as I love the fall, I really miss the smell of the salt water and taking swims in the ocean.  This scrub literally makes me feel like I am dipping my face into the ocean!  Problem Solved.

When you first open it, all of the salt is resting on the top and you need to mix the scrub really well.  After mixing, it is a smoother mint green color.

Apply about a teaspoon of the scrub on your face and rub in a circular motion.  After using this scrub, my face feels unbelievably soft and smooth.  I use it about 3-4 times a week, and haven't noticed any stripping or rough patches salt can create.  The best part?  It's not just made for your face! It can be used as a full body scrub too.

I absolutely LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this scrub.  It is one of those products I run out and buy as soon as I run out.  If you're interested in this scrub, you can get it here: Sea Salt Scrub

One more thing... seeing I am still new at this... and seeing most of you are still getting to know me- I think it is important to mention I am not paid for any of these reviews.  All of the opinions in this blog are my own :)

Cheers to loving Salt!

Crazy for Coral

Happy Monday!  I hope everyone had a good weekend.  My weekend was full of fun!  Had some cocktails, shopped, ate some delicious food, and listened to some live music.  The weather was perfect this weekend and I actually got a little sun.  And, lets be serious, my pale body is certainly in need of that Vitamin D!  Another thing I am loving lately?  CORAL!   It's such a perfect color for spring and summer.  Here are a few of my current coral favorites!

We all know I'm an Essie Addict.  Even though I don't love their brushes, I love their colors, and can't get enough.  Plus I am able to get some good deals on these at CVS or Target.  And who doesn't love a bargain?  The polish on the left is "tart deco".  I've had this color for a couple years now, and it is my perfect go-to coral color when it's warm out.  It is a bright coral color with peach undertones.  Perfect for work or play.  The color on the right is "serial shopper".  I just bought this one last week and have only worn it once.  It is more of an orange-neon color.  It's pretty bright.  I didn't love it when I first tried it, but after having it on my nails for a couple days it grew on me.  My skin is still really pale, and that didn't help.  I think I will like this one much better in the summer when my skin is a little darker.

The blush in the middle is "Awaken", by TIGI.  I got this blush in a beauty box a while back.  I am a recovering beauty box addict. There. I said it. And now you know. HA!  I was so obsessed with beauty boxes, and getting an undisclosed number in the mail each month, I decided to cancel them.  I miss them like crazy!  But because I was subscribing to so many, I was having trouble keeping up with them.  This is one find I missed, and have since discovered.  This blush looks perfect on me!  It is a light coral color and is perfect for spring.  The lasting power of it wasn't that great, but I tend to carry it with me and apply it mid-afternoon for a touch up.

The lip gloss you see is Revlon Colorburst in "bellini".  This gloss is very moisturizing.  The color is a peachy coral.  It is a perfect shade for spring.

Lastly, the necklace.  I just bought this necklace recently at Forever 21.  I had no idea Forever 21 had such great statement necklaces!  My dear friend Debbie (HI DEB!)  convinced me to check them out.  They are very reasonably priced.  I don't like to spend much on statement necklaces.  This floral one was the perfect shade of coral for me.  I've already worn it twice.  Once with a navy blue dress, and once with a white t-shirt.  This necklace is the perfect way to dress up a simple outfit.  And it was only $16.98! Can't go wrong at that price!

What is your favorite color to warm up your look this spring?

Friday's Fabulous Five

It's Friday!  And here are my top 5 favs from this week!

1. USE YAH BLINKHA!
Pahk the cah in havhad yahd???  Try Using yah blinkah!  If you are from Massachusetts you probably know what I'm talking about.  I was on my way to work last Friday and electronic highway signs looked like this:

Only in MA would this happen.  And, it's AWESOME.

2. Lemon Infused Water:
I have been having such a hard time drinking water lately.  I've started putting fresh lemons in my water and letting it sit over-night.  It tastes amazing!  I know this is a no-brainer... but it has made a huge difference!  I can't get enough!

3. My Kate Spade Polka Dot Wristlet:

I'm already a little obsessed with polka dots... and this wristlet solidifies that love. I got it over the winter and only used it a couple of times.  Now that it's spring, and I don't always like to lug a purse around- this wristlet is perfect.  It looks great for a day look, running out for coffee, or an after-work function.

4. Buxom Lip Gloss- in Katie:
I got this lip gloss a while ago on a 100pt. Sephora perk.  I recently re-discovered it, and forgot how much I love it.  It is the perfect shade to wear to work.  This gloss is a pale pink gloss (Buxom describes it as pink lemonade).  It is a sheer, light color, and isn't very overwhelming.  I have a serious obsession with Buxom glosses, and this one is no different. Besides, the name is pretty cool too ;)

You can get this gloss here: Buxom Gloss Katie
(photo via Sephora)

5. iMap My Run:
If you aren't already using this app... you are missing out.  I have been using it for years.  I haven't used it this winter (mostly because I was on my couch more than I was working out- ha!).  I started using it again this week and am reminded how amazing it is.  I don't know how I lived without it.  This app is free, and it acts as a GPS on your phone when you walk/run.  It maps your route, gives you stats, and tells you how many calories you've burned. It's a great way to keep track of your workouts! The program sends you an email at the end of the week with all of your stats combined- talk about motivating!

Hope everyone had a fabulous week!

Essie Review! Enuf is Enuf!

Can I just say I am obsessed with this nail polish!??!  Essie "enuf is enuf" is the perfect bright pink spring color.  It's bright, playful, and fun.

I tend to love Essie colors, but am not a fan of their brushes.  I think brushes in other polishes do a much better job.  Most of the time I need to apply a third coat because the brush doesn't seem to apply enough polish.  That isn't the case with this color.  I only needed two coats to get the bright pink color to fully shine through.

I have very fair skin, and sometimes bright polish is too much for my hands.  This polish had just the right amount of pop!  If you are looking for a fun, playful spring color... you won't be disappointed!

Chubby Stick- Shadow Tint for Eyes Review

Are you looking for a quick, easy way to apply eye shadow?  Maybe for those days when your short on time or running late?  How about something you can carry with you on a long day for an easy touch up without the hassle of carrying a makeup brush?  Look no further than Clinique's Chubby Stick Shadow Tint for Eyes!

I've tried Clinique's Chubby Sticks for lips many times and really like them.  I hadn't tried the eye tint yet because, well, lets face it, I have more than enough shadows.  I have played with them in Sephora forever, and finally, when I had a 20% off VIB Coupon I decided it was time to try it.

I went with the color "lavish lilac".  What I really love about this color is you can glide it on once for a very light tone that is is great for work.  But you can put multiple coats on to get a deeper violet color- great for drinks after work or a night out.

Chubby Stick looks like a crayon when you take the cap off.  You apply it by gliding it across your eyelid.  My favorite part- it is super moisturizing, and very light weight.  Best of all- the color lasted me a good 16+ hours!

Chubby Stick Shadow tint retails at $17.00, and I think it is well worth it. It is a quick, easy way to add some color to your lids in the morning or on the go!  You can find it at the Clinique counter, Clinique online, or Sephora.  I am not sure if Ulta sells it or not.   I'm looking forward to trying some of the other shades!

Pretty in Pink!

Hi Everyone! Today I am writing to you from beautiful North Carolina.  I am so excited to be here, and really need this opportunity to get away for a few days!

When I am on vacation I like to relax a lot and today, my makeup look contained all things pink!  Pink is such an easy fun look. I feel fresh, fun, and relaxed. 

Lip Gloss:
Buxom Gloss in "Dolly".  I love this color! You can probably tell from the picture I use it quite a bit.  It is a very light pink when applied, and looks natural.  I love Buxom Glosses!  They are usually my favorite and the shine and color do not disappoint.

Check Stain:
Josie Maran Argan Color Stick in "Rosey".  This product is described as "Ultra Hydrating, Multi-Tasking Balm for lips, cheeks... anywhere".  I love Josie Maran products.  I love the way the argan oil base feels on my skin.  This still is super hydrating, and long lasting.  I only used one swipe, but if you want a darker pink look, you can swipe it across your cheeks several times for more pigment. 

Eyes:
Naked 3 by Urban Decay.  I won't go into this in much detail because I know it's been blogged about millions of times.  But can I just say... I LOVE this palette!  I mix the colors together a lot, and today used "mugshot", "buzz", and "dust".  I was able to create a deep purply/pink pigment that made my eyes pop just slightly. 

Benefit Cosmetics Eye Bright.  After flying most of the day yesterday, and enjoying a couple cocktails, I woke up a little sleepy this morning.  A little touch of  this in the corners of your eyes, and any sign of darkness instantly goes away!

Highlighter:
Revlon Highlighting Palette in"Rose Glow".  I use this as a all-over highlighter and use it in place of a bronzer.  It gives me a shimmery pink glow.  Can I say I LOVE LOVE this stuff!  Recently, I had to put myself on a Sephora diet because my beauty addiction was getting a little out of control (thank you Debbie and Alex for your intervention... ha!).  While refraining from stepping into a Sephora, I found some products I hadn't tried at CVS.  This was one of them.  With a 20% off coupon, CVS Extra Bucks, and a BOGO offer, this shimmer ended up costing me under $7!!! How can you possibly go wrong?!?! I've been using this daily and I highly recommend it.  It goes a long way at such a discount price!

Dress: Old Navy; Cardigan: Ann Taylor Loft; Necklace: Francesca's; Headband: Ann Taylor Loft; Polish: "Lots o Lux" ESSIE.


What are your easy, breezy, vacation go-to colors!?!?!? 

Urban Decay Finishing Spray Review

One of the most frustrating things is spending time putting makeup on, only to have it disappear in a few hours!  I've heard a lot about setting sprays but haven't tried one until now.  Enter... Urban Decay All Nighter Makeup Setting Spray.  I have been dying to try this spray, but I was reluctant to invest in something I didn't know much about.  (This product retails at $30 for 4oz.)  I was super excited when I was at Sephora the other day and noticed a travel size for $10.  I figured this would be the perfect opportunity to give this product a try without much commitment!

The bottle is a typical spray bottle.  It mists like a hair spray, or leave in conditioner.  The directions say to hold 8-10 inches away from face, and mist spray 2-4 times in an "X" and "T" formation.  I was worried it would make my face appear wet, and even change the tone of my makeup.  Surprisingly, it didn't.  You couldn't even tell anything had been applied.  It seemed to almost evaporate into the skin on contact.  The spray is a bit cool as it goes on, but refreshing.

But the real question is... did it keep my makeup in place for 16 hours as the product claims!?  After several days of using this product I noticed a big difference in the lasting power of my makeup.  I usually put makeup on around 8am on work days, and by 3pm, most has faded.  I noticed when using the spray, my makeup lasted throughout the entire work day.  I wouldn't go so far as to say it lasts the full 16 hours claimed.  10 hours is probably a little more accurate.

Overall, I really like this product.  I am eager to see how it holds up in the summer with heat and humidity.  Stay tuned....