Mary-Lou Manizer Review

Hello world!

Hope everyone is having a marvelous Wednesday and enjoying the hot weather (at least, the hot weather in the Northeast)! I have heard a so many great reviews on The Balm Cosmetics's Mary-Lou Manizer aka The Luminizer, so I knew I had to try it out for myself. Lucky for me, Hautelook was having a sale on some of the Balm's great products, so I knew I had to snatch one up for myself! Here she is:

Summary (Mary-Lou Manizer aka The Luminizer):

- Highly pigmented, so a little goes a long way.
- Can be used as a highlighter/shimmer/eyeshadow
- Price: $24.00 on The Balm Cosmetics's website. Get it here!

My experience:

So at a first glance, the compact looks slightly dark, maybe darker than a highlighter. Take a look:

Seeing this, I was a little nervous, thinking how can I use this as a highlighter? That's when I decided to test it our on my hand, just to see how much of a shimmer I would get. Amazingly, this is what I got, and you will notice how fair-skinned I am, so take that into consideration, too! Looky:

So, forgive how scaly my hand is, but look at that! Isn't it beautiful?? I used a highlighting brush to apply it on the tops of my cheekbones and down the center of my nose (to make my big shnoz look smaller) and found that this highlighter was so pigmented that I had to use a clean makeup brush to swipe a bit of it off my cheekbones. I've never had to do that with any other powdered highlighter. It did apply really smoothly though, and I didn't notice any scent, which I also enjoyed. I haven't tried this out on my eyelids yet as a shadow, but I do think that this would also be great in the corners of the eyes.

At this price, I don't know why you aren't rushing to get your hands on one! Not only is it affordable, but will look beautiful on all skin tones. Let me know what you think if you get one! Until next time!

Peace and Love,

Farrah <3

Julep Nailpolish/ Apologies

Hello world!

Ok, I really have to apologize for my lack of posts. My fiance and I have been trying to plan our wedding and let me tell you- it SUCKS. The amount of money, coupled with the many details that go with finding a venue, really almost drove us to eloping. We finally found our venue and the only date they had available for us is Friday, June 13th! That's right, pals. Friday, the thirteenth. Now, comes the task of getting evvvverything else ready for the big day. Any tips/suggestions/advice would gladly be heard!

Ok, so, enough of that, here's the scoop on one of my new favorite brands- Julep. Julep is a company on the rise for their superior nail polish and beauty products. The fact that they are "4 free", which means they do not contain formaldehyde, formaldehyde resin, toluene, or DBP, is not only amazing for your nails, but better for our environment! Tell me that doesn't make you automatically a little happier? So, I had heard a lot about them through my monthly beauty box subscription, Birchbox, so when they offered a specialty box in affiliation with CEW and there was a Julep nailpolish in there, I knew I had to try it! Here is the color I received in my box, named "Liz."

Summary:

- Fast-drying, chip-resistant, highly pigmented color
- Prices discounted further through Maven beauty program (month to month subscription that can be skipped when desired)
- Prices: range depending on styles, but generally nail polish starts at $14. You can buy "Liz" and others here!


When I used this nail color, I didn't use a primer or a top coat. I used two coats and literally, my nails were dry in about 5 minutes. I'm the type of gal that always needs to use the loo as soon as I'm finished painting my nails, which is why I almost never have a perfect manicure unless I've gone to a nail salon. On my life, no smudge, no chipping, no nothin'! The color stayed on my nails perfectly for about 5 days until I started to see some wear. Julep suggests painting the edges of the nails and under the nail a bit first to extend the time before wear starts showing. I think if I try that next time, I will be even happier. Even so, about a day after trying "Liz" on, I signed up to be a Maven, took the style quiz, and ordered my first monthly box! I'll do a review as soon as it comes in! Until next time...

Peace and Love,

Farrah <3

Mini Ulta Haul

Anyone who is obsessed with makeup knows the dangers of walking into an Ulta, Sephora, or any other makeup retailer. Well, I fell victim again (although I secretly love it)! I wanted to share my mini Ulta haul from a few weeks back now that I have had the chance to try most of the items! Take a look!

 

Sorry the image is dark- it's on my instagram! Anyways, so here's a brief review of the items! 

1.) Urban Decay's Naked Flushed Palette- O.M.G. (not in a valley girl voice). EVERYONE needs this palette. I cannot say enough amazing things about this product. It comes with a bronzer, highlighter, and blush in the set. All three are seriously pigmented, so you don't need a lot of any of them. The bronzer is matte and is fantastic for either bronzing the face or contouring. I'm a lightish-medium shade, and I use it for contouring my cheekbones, nose, and forehead and it works great for me, but I don't foresee this being an issue for any other skin tone. The highlighter is in the middle and is my favorite. It is a very light and shimmery champagne with a hint of pink, which is flattering for all skin tones. I love this right on my cheekbones and down the middle of my nose to elongate it. Next is the blush. Ugh, blush-lovers, get ready to fall in love all over again! It is a really pretty dusty, almost perfect, pink. Great for all skin tones, honestly! The only complaint that I have is the packaging. While I do love that it closes magnetically, I'm terrified of dropping the palette and having the plastic smash. Otherwise, you NEED this palette!!!! 

Price: $30.00 at Ulta. Get it here!

2.) Urban Decay's De-Slick Mattifying Powder- All my oily mavens, I know we are always on the hunt for a great blotting powder. Although I do like this powder, I will admit that it isn't my favorite. The purple compact is so lovely that I had to try it out for myself. I have a slightly oily face so even after makeup and powder, a few hours later I will be shiny! I like to keep this powder in my purse for touch-ups, and although it is a translucent powder and does remove the oil from my face, sometimes I feel a bit chalky with it on. Also, the puff they give you to use with the powder isn't of the best quality, so it absorbs the oil and ruins it for future uses. Definitely effective for on the go touch-ups, but I'm still looking for that perfect blotting powder! Ideas? I've heard good things about MAC's Blotting Powder... This would still get 4/5 stars, though!

Price: $32.00 at Ulta. Get it here !

3.) NYX Cosmetics Butter Glosses- (Merengue, Eclair, and Creme Brulee)- These lip glosses just melt on your lips! They really are butter on your lips, but the colors really come out, too! They are super creamy and have medium coverage, so you can apply them liberally! I like to mix them with each other or on top of other base colors. 

Price: $4.99 at Ulta. Get 'em here!

4.) Benefit's Sexy Six Starter Kit (exclusive to Ulta)- If you are new to Benefit, this is a great kit to start with. It comes with Posie Tint- which is a poppy pink/red lip tint, which is really subtle on the lips, but super flattering; High Beam- a wonderfully champagne shimmer, liquid highlighter which looks great on the cheekbones or under the brow; BadGal Lash- a buildable mascara that really makes your lashes look full, but it's not my favorite one (opt for They're Real- also from Benefit, for seriously large lashes); That Gal brightening face primer (have to admit I haven't tried this one yet!); Stay Don't Stray Concealer- I love this for my dark bags under my eyes and sometimes even on top of my lids! (It doesn't act as a great primer for my eye products like my MAC Paint Pots do though, FYI); and finally Hoola- their super famous, matte, almost universal bronzer ( I use this everyday for contouring my cheekbones, nose, and forehead). It looks a lot lighter than it will apply so don't over-apply! Warning- you will fall in love with it then! LOVE love this set! 

Price: $24.00 at Ulta. Grab it here while you can (not sure how long they plan on having it)!

Let me know if you guys share any of these opinions or disagree! I always love to hear about your experiences with these products! Also, I hope this helped with your decision for or against purchasing these products! Until next time! 

Peace and Love, 

Farrah <3

Finished with Graduate School!/ Bobbi Brown "Nectar" Shimmer Brick

Hello everyone! I really am a terrible blogger, but in my defense, I just finished graduate school!! I will be getting my Master's in General and Special Education (Elementary) and I am absolutely thrilled! I can't wait to get back into a classroom! Although I love, love, love makeup, my other real passion in life is education for our youngsters. I could go on and on about the education in the United States, but I'll save that for another day. Anyways, let's get to the makeup!

For this post, I wanted to tell you all about one of my new favorite products- Bobbi Brown's Shimmer Brick in "Nectar." This is what this beauty looks like:

Summary (Bobbi Brown "Nectar" Shimmer Brick)

- Can be used as a blush, a shimmer on top of blush, a highlighter, or eyeshadow
- Applies a warm, peachy, coral-y, shimmer smoothly
- Price:  $42.00 on Bobbi Brown's website. Get it here

Ugh, did you just swoon? Anyways, this product is super versatile. It boasts a warm, peach variety of shades and one distinct lighter shade. Blended together, they can be used as a shimmery blush or it can add a light shimmer on top of blush. I should add here that this palette has shimmer, not sparkle, which I tend to despise, so it is really quite nice on all skin tones. Some other uses can include be to use the lightest shade as a highlighter on the cheekbones or under the brow. Depending on my mood, I also like to blend some of the individual strips of color together to add some depth to my eyelids. I blend them into my outer top lid and blend softly inward. It looks really fabulous! The lady at Bobbi Brown suggested adding shimmer from the brick on lipstick, which I have yet to try, but it sounds exciting! Anything you can think of- try it with this brick! It was a splurge, but you won't be disappointed!

If you decide on purchasing this product and agree or disagree, let me know! I always love to hear about other opinions!

Peace and Love,

Farrah <3

Mini Makeup Haul 1

I get so excited when I have a little extra cash and can splurge on a few items I have been eying. I was able to do a smaller haul over this past month and I can't wait to show you guys! It's a bit smaller, but still a lot of gems!

 For this haul, I bought:

1.) MAC Cosmetics Lipglass in "Nymphette- this lip glass is a nice pink with gold shimmer. I think this would be flattering on anyone's lips!
                                 Price: $15.00 on MAC's website.

2.) MAC Cosmetics Paintpot in "Painterly"- this eye color is a nude beige and I like to use it as an
eyelid primer for eyeshadows and eyeliner. It starts out creamy, but finishes with a semi-powder finish. I LOVE this color! Really nice for a minimal eye look if that's what you are going for.
                                 Price: $18.50 on MAC's website

3.) SUGAR Kisses Mini Lip Trio- The three shades that come in this mini kit are Berry, Coral, and
Rose. This is a Sephora exclusive, and I already own the Honey shade and I loved that one, so I thought I would give these a try. The Rose is a subtle red, but it does give enough color. The Berry is a darker purple, but still comes out semi-sheen. The Coral is my favorite. It's not too coral, and it's not too red. It's perfect. If you have never owned one of the lip products from SUGAR, you are sincerely missing out. Although they do seem pricey, they are really worth it. They apply smoothly, but the color comes out nicely.
                               Price: $28.00 at Sephora

4.) Maybelline Whispers- I have so many of these amazing lipsticks, I won't even bother naming
them all. These glide on the lips so smoothly, just like chapstick. The color is more sheen than regular lipstick, but you can build the color with layers.
                               Price: $5.94 at Target

5.) Stila One Step Correct Primer- Because I have more red pigmentation in my face, I was drawn to
this primer. The three-stranded helix comes in like a peach, lavender, green which helps out even out skin tone and reduces fine lines and wrinkles. This applies really smoothly, and really does brighten the face up. I like to use it under my liquid foundation. Definitely worth the splurge if you have redness in your face, like me!
                             Price: $36.00 at Sephora

6.) Escada "Cherry in the Air"- After getting a sample of this in the mail, I fell in love with it. It has a really nice, summery, youthful smell to it, but not in a childish way. Sephora describes the scent as having the following notes: Black Cherry, Raspberry, Mandarin, Marshmallow, Gardenia, Coconut, Sandalwood, Oakwood. If you are looking for a summer scent, this is the one for you! (Ps- you have to like cherry!)
                             Price: $20.00 for the rollerball at Sephora

7.) Glam Glow Tingling and Exfoliating Mud Mask- Now, I haven't had a chance to try this out yet, but I wanted to see what the hype was all about. It is said to really leave your face feeling fresh, smooth, brighter, and softer. I will write a review as soon as I try it!
                            Price: $19.00 for the 0.5 oz at Sephora

8.) TokyoMilk Dark's Tempted Trio- Tainted Love No. 62- Oh man, if you want your scent to say "sexy," this is the trio for you! The notes in this trio are: Dark Vanilla Bean, Sparkling Citrus, Orchid, White Tea, Sandalwood, Tonka Bean (according to Sephora.com). The lotion and rollerball are really sensual and should be used for date nights and seduction. The lip elixir smells just like salted caramel and really feels wonderful on the lips. Definitely a nice buy!
                            Price: $16.00 at Sephora (and it's limited edition so get on this!)

Well, that's my smaller mini haul of this month and I hope these reviews helped you guys with deciding about purchases! What do you guys think about these products? Let me know! Until next time!

Peace and Love,

Farrah <3

Sigma Beauty Premium Brush Set + Flat Kabuki Brush- F80 Review

Hello world!

So, recently, I have been rekindling my love for all things beauty and I stumbled upon Jaclyn Hill's YouTube page. If you haven't heard about her, you need to check her out. Anyways, I was looking for a good brush set to really jumpstart my potential makeup freelance kit and she recommended the Sigma Beauty Premium Brush set, saying it had all the basics. She hasn't steered me wrong with most of her other suggestions, so I thought I would splurge and buy a set.

Summary:

- Great starter brush kit for beginner makeup artists
- 15 high quality brushes for eyes, lips, face
- Price: $164.00 here on Sigma Beauty website (A splurge, but I promise it's worth it!)
**** EDIT- at the time I bought this set, that was the price, but the set now sells for $217.00! Steep, but still worth it! 

 

(The packaging for the brush set, and my puppy, Oliver) 

(The brush case- very good material)

 

The set comes with 15 high quality brushes that are for the face, lips, and eyes. The description from www.sigmabeauty.com is the following for the brushes: 

The Sigma Beauty Premium Kit contains fifteen signature quality brushes for the face, eyes and lips. These brushes are unique, versatile and the perfect addition to complete your brush collection. Brushes Included: E10 - Small Eye Liner: Precise application of liner. Use with gel or liquid liners. E15 - Flat Definer: Sharp and precise application. Press product along upper and lower lash lines to create an easy, thin liner. Works with gel, liquid or powder products. E20 - Short Shader: Concentrated color application. Apply color onto small areas of the eye such as the outer eyelid. Also use to smudge the lower lash line. E25 - Blending: Controlled blending. Blend colors together onto the lid with added control. Buff out harsh lines for a well blended effect. E35 - Tapered Blending: Controlled application of crease color. Using just the tip of the brush to pick up color, apply directly onto the crease and sweep through. Effect is blended, but defined. E45 - Small Tapered Blending: Precise color application onto the crease. Picking up color with just the tip of the brush, apply intense colors to the crease to add depth and dimension to the eye. E50 - Large Fluff: Controlled highlighting. Apply highlighting shades onto the brow bone or upper cheekbone. Gives a soft and blended finish. F10 - Powder/Blush: Precise placement of blush. Use for powder application. F15 - Duo Fibre Powder/Blush: Soft blush application. Generates a diffused blush application. Works especially well with mineral product for a natural and delicate effect. F20 - Large Powder: Controlled bronzer application. Bronzing of the cheekbones and temple area. Using the flat side gives definition and control. F25 - Tapered Face: Exact product placement onto cheeks. Apply powder, blush or contour shades onto the cheeks and temples. Tapered shape gives exact placement of product. F35 - Tapered Highlighter: Subtle highlighting. Apply highlighting shades onto the upper contours of the face. Diffused finish gives skin a natural glow. F65 - Large Concealer: Conceal larger areas of the face or body. Works well with liquid or cream products. F75 - Concealer: Precise product placement. Use around the lip area to conceal when wearing bold lip colors. L05 - Lip: Precise application of color onto the lips. Use the firm edge to define and contour the lips.

Here are the pictures from the kit:

They come with these fantastic plastic coverings for each brush, which I love, because it helps reshape the brush and keep it's integrity. I wish I could say that I had one favorite, but I'm finding that I love them all! Each of the brushes says what it could be used for on the handle, so that's also a great "cheat sheet," in ways, for beginners. I believe the brushes are synthetic, because they do not shed, and are great for application of makeup since they won't soak up your product, like natural brushes will. The case is super durable and sturdy, so it will hold your brushes in place and keep them safe from dust and other...yucky things. If I had to pick one favorite brush, I would pick the F20- Large Powder. This brush helps put on bronzer so you look naturally bronze, not just in one place.

The only brush that I wish was part of this set is the Flat Kabuki Brush, which I use to apply liquid foundation:

Summary: (Flat Kabuki Brush- F80) 

- Flawless blending for liquid foundation

- Synthetic brush, won't absorb your product

- Price: $18 on Sigma Beauty website (this is a steal!)

This brush is unbelievable! Another suggestion by Jaclyn Hill that I am obsessed with. I use this brush to apply my MAC Face and Body Liquid Foundation and it's just amazing. There are no lines when I use this brush- it is absolutely seamless with foundation application. The bristles are nice and dense, so it will hold your product and apply it directly to your face, without sucking in your foundation. If you use liquid foundation often, you NEED this brush! I would bet my bottom dollar you'd love it! If you end up getting this brush, let me know what you think in the comments!

Until next time!

Peace and Love,

Farrah <3

Excuse my absence! / Some Body Shop favorites

Hello all,

So, after the Marathon bombings, it didn't seem right to start my blog off that way, so I waited, but now I, as Boston gets stronger, I feel like I can really begin! So, for this post, I wanted to review some products that I absolutely love from The Body Shop.

1.) The first one is the Tea Tree Cleansing Wipes (as pictured below):

Summary:
- Great for all skin types, but particularly oily skin
- You can use it as makeup remover or just to wipe away the grime of the day
- Price: $12.50 at The Body Shop (10% off with Love Your Body member card--so worth it!)


I have been using these wipes for the last 4 or 5 years and I am soooo enamored with them! I use them to remove my makeup and to just refresh my face after a long day. Because my face tends to be a bit more oily, I specifically wanted to try the Tea Tree wipes to counteract the oil. I have never been more happy! The wipes have just the right amount of moisture and the tea tree is a little bit tingly on the skin, but it really leaves you feeling refreshed. It also does a great job of taking all my makeup layers off. I tried using almond face wipes from I believe... Weleda? but they made my face break out like crazy. I vowed never to try another face wipe again! Also, I have noticed that my face has become less oily and I break out less! Two thumbs way up!

2.) Following that note is: The Body Shop Tea Tree Skin Clearing Lotion

Summary:

- Great for all skin types, but mostly those who have blemishes
- Refreshing lotion to wake up your face
- Price: $13.50

Being that I have a slightly oily face, I tend to stay far, far away from anything that even looks like it would be too greasy, so when I saw this lotion, I thought I would give it a try. I already was in love with the wipes, so this was the next step. The consistency is sort of like a combination between a gel and lotion. It applies really lightly and dries quickly. It also doesn't leave any greasy residue or film, just kind of a smooth, matte finish to your face because it has shine control. I don't use this everyday because lately I have been in love with Philosophy's Hope in a Jar, but we will review that one later. When I do use this lotion, it is mostly in the mornings, and it helps to give my face that extra jolt. I also like to use this on days when I don't want to wear makeup and I want to let my face breathe. I wouldn't suggest using this for long-time moisture, but its great for a few hours.

3.) Finally, there is The Body Shop Vitamin C Daily Moisturizer SPF 30

 Summary:
- Great SPF protection, but a bit greasy
- Fantastic for moisture all day
- Price: $20.00

When I was first considering this lotion, the girl working at this particular Body Shop warned me that it would kind of "burn" my face a little bit because of the high level of vitamin C. I think that was a bit of an exaggeration. While your face will feel a bit tingly, it certainly does not burn. In fact, it does quite the opposite. I also wear this lotion on days when I don't want to wear any makeup but I want to keep my face safe. I will say that this lotion is definitely more greasy than the Tea Tree Lotion and does not have the anti-shine formula. Your face will be a bit dewy, so if that doesn't bother you so much, this will be great for you. It has a great orange-citrusy smell, too, which I really love! Don't be afraid to share this with your male friends, either! My fiance has pretty dry skin, so this really works out for him, too. The scent isn't a really feminine citrus, so it's safe on that end, too.

Ok, well that's enough for tonight! I have to get ready for another long, but exciting day with my elementary kids tomorrow! Happy Cinco de Mayo and have a great Monday tomorrow!

Peace and Love,

Farrah <3

Hello friends,

I couldn't bear to start my blog with any reviews with all the events unfolding in our city of Boston. On Monday, we were devastated by the horrors of the bombing at the marathon and the losses of life and injuries received. Words cannot express the waves of sadness, shock, and terror that came over me and my fiance. Now, this morning, we woke to find out about the attack at MIT, as well as the suspects running to Watertown. One immediately starts thinking about the safety of loved ones and hoping that there will be no casualties. I sincerely hope that this ends when the police and FBI arrest the last suspect remaining, and does now mean that Boston should fear further attacks.

For anyone looking to donate to the cause, these are two sites where a ton of sources can be found to donate to One Fund.

This first link is from Thrillist with a number of sources:

 ( http://www.thrillist.com/drink/boston/back-bay/the-boston-marathon-tragedy-how-you-can-help?utm_content=feature&utm_source=Sailthru&utm_medium=email&utm_term=Boston&utm_campaign=4.17.13+BOS%3A+The+Weekend+Playbook )

This second link is from the 47 brand hat company. These hats cost $20, but all the funds go straight to the One Fund.

            (http://www.47brand.com/shop/mlb/boston-red-sox/hats/boston-red-sox-b-strong-47-brand-cap/product/5546.aspx)

Keep Boston in your hearts and prayers and donate someway to the One Fund, please!!

Peace and Love,

Farrah

Hellllllo world!

Hello all!

    After much deliberation, I've decided to rejoin the blog world and provide useful reviews, as well as a few rants here and there. So first off, here's me:

                                                   (khello everyone!)

Currently, I am a student completing my Master's of Arts in Teaching, my licensure in Special Education, and I am also taking TESOL classes, which is my main goal in my career. I am a career changer- from interior architect to educator, and so far, its been a rewarding struggle. Recently, I have been rediscovering my love of makeup and quality products and I want to share that love with you with honest reviews! I hope this helps and I look forward to connecting with all of you!

Peace and love,

Farrah