Hi everyone! Another month has come and gone. Even though this year has just begun, I feel like time is flying by quickly. Monthly favorites have always been one of my favorites to watch from other beauty bloggers/gurus so I decided that this year I will share my monthly favorites with you guys.
Some of these products are new products that I tried out this past month and others are staples in my everyday that I have always enjoyed using. I hope you guys enjoy this video!
Products mentioned:
Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation Primer
Nars Radient Creamy Concealer in Ginger
Loreal Infallible Pro Matte Foundation in 107/Fresh Beige
NYX Matte Liquid Liner
Ecotools Custom Buffing Brush
Shadow Shields
Clarisonic Mia 2 w/ sensitive head disc
Oversized Olive Scarf - Forever 21
Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert
Disclaimer: This is not a sponsored video/blog. All opinions are honest and all products were purchased with my own money.
02 February 2016
31 December 2015
Influenster Unilever Dry Spray VoxBox Review
About two weeks ago I received the Influenster Unilever Dry Spray Voxbox containing the new Dove dry spray antiperspirant for review purposes. Some of my favorite deodorants have been from Dove so I was very excited to try this product out. Basically it's an antiperspirant spray that once you spray on, it instantly dries and lasts up to 48 hours. There are six different scents/fragrances and I was sent my favorite, Cool Essentials. I initially planned on doing an unboxing video, but I figured it wouldn't be as helpful as a review. If you'd like to sign up to receive voxboxes as well then click here: Link.
Before I start, I have to say that I don't have any severe sweating issues so I can't really vouch for those who do. I'd like to say my sweating is about average, but I can't say for sure as well since I haven't actually compared my sweating to anyone else's. I do sweat depending on the weather, activities and sometimes when I'm dealing with anxiety/nervousness.
When it comes to antiperspirant/deodorant, I am not that picky at all as long as it keeps me dry. Although I am not picky, I'd have to say there are a few factors that contribute to me liking a specific product more than others such as the scent and the consistency/texture.
The number one thing about all antiperspirant is that it must keep the underarms dry and the Dove dry spray antiperspirant does a very good job of doing that. I have applied it on in the early mornings and even after a long day and working out, my underarms remain dry. I haven't tested it for 48 hours, because I cannot go 48 hours without showering, but I think it could possibly last 48 hours for me. Unlike traditional bar deodorants that take a while to dry or never fully dry, the dry spray does dry up instantly as it claims so thats a big plus. There is no worry about it transferring onto clothing or having visible residue. It goes on and feels like you have absolutely nothing on. When I shower at night, my underarms feel as if they are water resistant and it remains dry even after water has touched my skin. I have to go in there and scrum the product off, so I know it's working like it's suppose to.
The spray bottle is definitely a pro and a con. It is a pro because it is very easy to apply and a little goes a very long way, but because it is a spray, you have to be extra careful. Just like any type of aerosol product, you have to point it in the right direction and control the spray, otherwise it could get onto other parts of the body or clothing. If you happen to over spray, the scent is very strong and mine almost made me smell like I had a lot of perfume or cologne on. I find that very light pressure on the spray was more than enough to cover my underarms and keep me dry.
As I mentioned above, the cool essential scent is one of my favorite scent that Dove carries in their products. The cool essential scent is a very fresh scent with a tiny hint of a fruity scent so it doesn't smell like perfume or cologne. It just smells very fresh which I like a lot because I have a very sensitive sense of smell and strong smells leave me with a headache or nausea. Because this product comes in an aerosol bottle, the scent is very, very strong. I only apply minimal pressure when using this product and I still find that the scent is too strong even when my arms are down. The scent doesn't go away throughout the day, but I guess to some people it could be a good thing. I also found that too much of this scent could come off smelling like air freshener or a men's cologne and that is not exactly what I want to smell like.
Overall, I think this antiperspirant is a good one, but not my favorite. I like the potential it has, but the scent is really what makes me unable to use this everyday. I think I still like the other Dove deodorants more such as the Advanced Care and Go Fresh. I hope you guys found this review helpful. Let me know if you have a favorite antiperspirant/deodorant you think I should try. Until next time, take care!
Before I start, I have to say that I don't have any severe sweating issues so I can't really vouch for those who do. I'd like to say my sweating is about average, but I can't say for sure as well since I haven't actually compared my sweating to anyone else's. I do sweat depending on the weather, activities and sometimes when I'm dealing with anxiety/nervousness.
When it comes to antiperspirant/deodorant, I am not that picky at all as long as it keeps me dry. Although I am not picky, I'd have to say there are a few factors that contribute to me liking a specific product more than others such as the scent and the consistency/texture.
The number one thing about all antiperspirant is that it must keep the underarms dry and the Dove dry spray antiperspirant does a very good job of doing that. I have applied it on in the early mornings and even after a long day and working out, my underarms remain dry. I haven't tested it for 48 hours, because I cannot go 48 hours without showering, but I think it could possibly last 48 hours for me. Unlike traditional bar deodorants that take a while to dry or never fully dry, the dry spray does dry up instantly as it claims so thats a big plus. There is no worry about it transferring onto clothing or having visible residue. It goes on and feels like you have absolutely nothing on. When I shower at night, my underarms feel as if they are water resistant and it remains dry even after water has touched my skin. I have to go in there and scrum the product off, so I know it's working like it's suppose to.
The spray bottle is definitely a pro and a con. It is a pro because it is very easy to apply and a little goes a very long way, but because it is a spray, you have to be extra careful. Just like any type of aerosol product, you have to point it in the right direction and control the spray, otherwise it could get onto other parts of the body or clothing. If you happen to over spray, the scent is very strong and mine almost made me smell like I had a lot of perfume or cologne on. I find that very light pressure on the spray was more than enough to cover my underarms and keep me dry.
As I mentioned above, the cool essential scent is one of my favorite scent that Dove carries in their products. The cool essential scent is a very fresh scent with a tiny hint of a fruity scent so it doesn't smell like perfume or cologne. It just smells very fresh which I like a lot because I have a very sensitive sense of smell and strong smells leave me with a headache or nausea. Because this product comes in an aerosol bottle, the scent is very, very strong. I only apply minimal pressure when using this product and I still find that the scent is too strong even when my arms are down. The scent doesn't go away throughout the day, but I guess to some people it could be a good thing. I also found that too much of this scent could come off smelling like air freshener or a men's cologne and that is not exactly what I want to smell like.
Overall, I think this antiperspirant is a good one, but not my favorite. I like the potential it has, but the scent is really what makes me unable to use this everyday. I think I still like the other Dove deodorants more such as the Advanced Care and Go Fresh. I hope you guys found this review helpful. Let me know if you have a favorite antiperspirant/deodorant you think I should try. Until next time, take care!
18 December 2015
Revlon Ultra HD Matte Lipcolors Review and Swatches
Hi everyone!!! I am happy to be back blogging. It's been such a long time and I sure do miss it.
A week or two before Thanksgiving, I was at CVS and came across the Revlon Ultra HD Matte Lipcolors and I picked up two to try out. I was very impressed with the two that I got so while I was at Target, I saw a few more shades and decided to get four more. After some time to test them out, I have a full review to share with you guys.
In the ultra hd matte lip color line, they have 8 shades ranging from pink to plum and red. They are matte lipcolors that are moisturizing and have a velvety feel in a wax-free gel formula. I decided to get 6 out of the 8 shades available.
From left to right, they are Addiction, Love, Obsession, Temptation, Devotion, Seduction.
Pros:
Very opaque, a little bit of product goes a long way
Velvety texture, glides on very nicely
Packaging, sleek and different from traditional rounded tube lip glosses
Applicator, flat on both sides so you can use either side to apply
Lightweight
Moisturizing
Cons:
Not matte as described, has a gloss to it but once dried it becomes a little matte
Transfer very easily, therefore not long lasting
Price $7-11 depending on where you purchase
The verdict:
The Revlon ultra hd matte lipcolors are a good product. The texture is very nice and it is very opaque, but it is not a "must have" product. The formula is moisturizing so you won't have to worry about having dried cracked lips. If there is one or two shades that really catches your eyes, then get those specific shades only. I wouldn't recommend to purchase the whole line. The price is comparable to other drugstore lip glosses and lipsticks, but I wished they didn't label it "matte" since the formula is slightly glossy. It's kind of misleading in that aspect. There are other products in the market that really matte and you can get them for a few bucks cheaper.
A week or two before Thanksgiving, I was at CVS and came across the Revlon Ultra HD Matte Lipcolors and I picked up two to try out. I was very impressed with the two that I got so while I was at Target, I saw a few more shades and decided to get four more. After some time to test them out, I have a full review to share with you guys.
In the ultra hd matte lip color line, they have 8 shades ranging from pink to plum and red. They are matte lipcolors that are moisturizing and have a velvety feel in a wax-free gel formula. I decided to get 6 out of the 8 shades available.
From left to right, they are Addiction, Love, Obsession, Temptation, Devotion, Seduction.
Pros:
Very opaque, a little bit of product goes a long way
Velvety texture, glides on very nicely
Packaging, sleek and different from traditional rounded tube lip glosses
Applicator, flat on both sides so you can use either side to apply
Lightweight
Moisturizing
Cons:
Not matte as described, has a gloss to it but once dried it becomes a little matte
Transfer very easily, therefore not long lasting
Price $7-11 depending on where you purchase
The verdict:
The Revlon ultra hd matte lipcolors are a good product. The texture is very nice and it is very opaque, but it is not a "must have" product. The formula is moisturizing so you won't have to worry about having dried cracked lips. If there is one or two shades that really catches your eyes, then get those specific shades only. I wouldn't recommend to purchase the whole line. The price is comparable to other drugstore lip glosses and lipsticks, but I wished they didn't label it "matte" since the formula is slightly glossy. It's kind of misleading in that aspect. There are other products in the market that really matte and you can get them for a few bucks cheaper.
10 December 2015
Getting Rid of Acne: Skin Update & Skincare Routine
As some have requested, here is my skin update. I still have some good days and some bad days when my skin feels like breaking out, but since using tretinoin, it has cleared up my acne a lot. One thing I have noticed being back on tretinoin is that I saw progress immediately, but after a few months on it, the results started to slow down a little bit. I'm guessing it is probably because my skin has cleared up a lot already so there isn't much acne to fight as compared to when I first started.
I can honestly say that I am very satisfied with the way my skin is now. Although, it's not 100% clear and I'm not 100% acne-free (that is probably impossible), I am happy that I'm no longer breaking out like when I first started.
Due to the harsh winter weather, I have switched over to the cream formula. The gel formula dries up very quickly, but during the fall/winter weather and my skin being super dry, I didn't want to dry out my skin too much. The cream formula helps a little with moisturizing too which is what I like. I was hesitant at the beginning since it is a thicker formula and I was afraid it was going to clog my pores and make me break out some more, but thankfully I haven't experienced any breakouts from the cream formula. I plan on continuing this formula until spring time and switching over to the gel formula once the warmer seasons roll back around.
If there is anyone who has questions relating to acne or tretinoin or just need someone to talk to, feel free to leave me a comment down below and I'd be able to reply back. Acne is not an easy thing to deal with physically and mentally, but we'll surely get through it. Have a great day. Take care. <3
I can honestly say that I am very satisfied with the way my skin is now. Although, it's not 100% clear and I'm not 100% acne-free (that is probably impossible), I am happy that I'm no longer breaking out like when I first started.
Due to the harsh winter weather, I have switched over to the cream formula. The gel formula dries up very quickly, but during the fall/winter weather and my skin being super dry, I didn't want to dry out my skin too much. The cream formula helps a little with moisturizing too which is what I like. I was hesitant at the beginning since it is a thicker formula and I was afraid it was going to clog my pores and make me break out some more, but thankfully I haven't experienced any breakouts from the cream formula. I plan on continuing this formula until spring time and switching over to the gel formula once the warmer seasons roll back around.
If there is anyone who has questions relating to acne or tretinoin or just need someone to talk to, feel free to leave me a comment down below and I'd be able to reply back. Acne is not an easy thing to deal with physically and mentally, but we'll surely get through it. Have a great day. Take care. <3
Getting rid of Acne
About a month ago, I started back on my prescription medication to treat my acne. I started using tretinoin (retin-a) in around 2010 - 2011. It has done wonders to my skin, but after moving to Massachusetts, I stopped using it because my skin was doing pretty good and I wanted to try to get off the medication.
Unfortunately, after a year and a half off of tretinoin, my skin started to flare up again so I decided to get back on it. During the first three weeks back on, my skin was extremely dry. It was the driest it has ever been. A lot of it was due to the medication and also the harsh New England winter. I did have a few new break outs in the first few weeks as well, but I also noticed it rapidly clearly up.
It wasn't until my late high school years that my skin started breaking out. It was the occasional hormonal acne, but once I got into my freshman year of college was when it really took its toll. I started having terrible cystic acne all over my face and at the time, I thought I was the ugliest human alive. I hated myself because of something I had no control over. It was an emotional battle having to listen to numerous people about not cleaning my face the right way or needing to put this and that on, along with questions asking what is wrong with me and if I had some sort of disease. Those words came from both people I knew and those I have never spoken a word to or seen in my life. Those were the days I hated being out in public or around people.
Flash forward to present day and I now see my acne as a blessing. Had I not had any acne, I wouldn't have the ability to sympathize with others and understand the struggles along with the emotional damage it could cause a person. I have learned so much from skincare to makeup to just loving myself for exactly how I am and because of that, I am very thankful. Like the saying goes, "beauty is more than skin deep." I want to encourage and remind everyone that as we learn new tips and tricks to improve our makeup skills or anything else in general, let's not forget to improve on ourselves whether it be self love, bad habits, personality or lifestyle. Let's remember to work on being the most beautiful versions of ourselves.
It has been about a month since I started back on tretinoin and I just wanted to share my results with you guys. I have seen very good results with it and I plan on continuing. I hope you guys will find my video helpful and I will update again in a month. If you have questions or just need someone to talk to, comment down below or you can always email me at Maibeautyx@gmail.com. Before I go, I just want to say that if you are also suffering from acne like myself, don't lose hope and please remember that it will surely get better. Good luck, take care and God bless.
Unfortunately, after a year and a half off of tretinoin, my skin started to flare up again so I decided to get back on it. During the first three weeks back on, my skin was extremely dry. It was the driest it has ever been. A lot of it was due to the medication and also the harsh New England winter. I did have a few new break outs in the first few weeks as well, but I also noticed it rapidly clearly up.
It wasn't until my late high school years that my skin started breaking out. It was the occasional hormonal acne, but once I got into my freshman year of college was when it really took its toll. I started having terrible cystic acne all over my face and at the time, I thought I was the ugliest human alive. I hated myself because of something I had no control over. It was an emotional battle having to listen to numerous people about not cleaning my face the right way or needing to put this and that on, along with questions asking what is wrong with me and if I had some sort of disease. Those words came from both people I knew and those I have never spoken a word to or seen in my life. Those were the days I hated being out in public or around people.
Flash forward to present day and I now see my acne as a blessing. Had I not had any acne, I wouldn't have the ability to sympathize with others and understand the struggles along with the emotional damage it could cause a person. I have learned so much from skincare to makeup to just loving myself for exactly how I am and because of that, I am very thankful. Like the saying goes, "beauty is more than skin deep." I want to encourage and remind everyone that as we learn new tips and tricks to improve our makeup skills or anything else in general, let's not forget to improve on ourselves whether it be self love, bad habits, personality or lifestyle. Let's remember to work on being the most beautiful versions of ourselves.
It has been about a month since I started back on tretinoin and I just wanted to share my results with you guys. I have seen very good results with it and I plan on continuing. I hope you guys will find my video helpful and I will update again in a month. If you have questions or just need someone to talk to, comment down below or you can always email me at Maibeautyx@gmail.com. Before I go, I just want to say that if you are also suffering from acne like myself, don't lose hope and please remember that it will surely get better. Good luck, take care and God bless.
14 April 2015
Easy Prom/Formal Makeup Tutorial
Oh my goodness.. It's been so so so long since I have last posted anything up! I think my last entry was in 2014 or probably 2013. Is anyone still reading my stuff on here? Lol. Anyways, just in case there might be a few of you wandering around and stumbled upon my blog, here is my latest tutorial. I know that prom season is here and that's about all I've been hearing about. From dresses to makeup to jewelry and shoes. It's one of the most exciting dances in high school.
I was only able to attend prom during my junior year and ditched out on senior year. Well, it wasn't really that I was only able to during my junior year, but more like I didn't want to go to my senior prom. Why? Because my parents made a crazy move down south during that time and I was the new kid at a brand new school. I had no friends or memories to celebrate, therefore I had no reason to attend. By the way, it like a John Deere theme or something. Lol.
Here is my latest tutorial. An easy prom makeup tutorial that is also very wearable for many events other than prom. All the products used will be listed below. I hope you guys enjoy it! If you did, please make sure to go on over to my Youtube channel and subscribe --> Here
Products:
Products: Mac Studio Fix Foundation in NC 37
Maybelline Master Concealer in light/medium
Anastasia Dip Brow Pomade in Ebony
Lorac Pro 2 palette shades Charcoal, Black, Silver and Beige
Maybelline Big Eyes mascara
Koko Lashes in Goddess
Cargo Swimmables Pencil in Black Sea
Smashbox Full Exposure mascara (bottom lashes)
it Cosmetics Celebration Foundation in Tan
Coastal Scent Contour Blush palette
Mac blush in Peachy Keen
Napoleon Perdis lipstick in Olympia
Earrings: Jewelmint (a long time ago)
Necklace: Gift
Dress: purchased from Deb during their closeout sale for $5!! Best deal ever! Lol.
Disclaimer: All products were purchased by me. I am not affiliated with any companies.
I was only able to attend prom during my junior year and ditched out on senior year. Well, it wasn't really that I was only able to during my junior year, but more like I didn't want to go to my senior prom. Why? Because my parents made a crazy move down south during that time and I was the new kid at a brand new school. I had no friends or memories to celebrate, therefore I had no reason to attend. By the way, it like a John Deere theme or something. Lol.
Here is my latest tutorial. An easy prom makeup tutorial that is also very wearable for many events other than prom. All the products used will be listed below. I hope you guys enjoy it! If you did, please make sure to go on over to my Youtube channel and subscribe --> Here
Products:
Products: Mac Studio Fix Foundation in NC 37
Maybelline Master Concealer in light/medium
Anastasia Dip Brow Pomade in Ebony
Lorac Pro 2 palette shades Charcoal, Black, Silver and Beige
Maybelline Big Eyes mascara
Koko Lashes in Goddess
Cargo Swimmables Pencil in Black Sea
Smashbox Full Exposure mascara (bottom lashes)
it Cosmetics Celebration Foundation in Tan
Coastal Scent Contour Blush palette
Mac blush in Peachy Keen
Napoleon Perdis lipstick in Olympia
Earrings: Jewelmint (a long time ago)
Necklace: Gift
Dress: purchased from Deb during their closeout sale for $5!! Best deal ever! Lol.
Disclaimer: All products were purchased by me. I am not affiliated with any companies.
25 June 2013
Shades of Beige
I thought I had left the heat in Georgia by moving up North, but the weather has been scorching hot here as well. It makes me sad because I cannot spend my days outdoor without feeling sick by the heat, but I still enjoy staring at the beauty of nature from my window.
Top: PacSun
Bottom: Aeropostale
Shoes: Target - Mossimo
Hat: Wetseal
Wrislet: Michael Kors
Sunglass: Charolette Russe
Top: PacSun
Bottom: Aeropostale
Shoes: Target - Mossimo
Hat: Wetseal
Wrislet: Michael Kors
Sunglass: Charolette Russe
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