Cailyn Cosmetics: Diamond Glitter and Art Touch Lip Gloss

When I have a fun party to attend, a trendy nightclub or great concert I like to wear bold makeup and have fun playing with glitter. Today I have a review on two wonderful products from Cailyn Cosmetics that can help create bold, flashy makeup looks and get you glamorized in no time!

The Diamond Glitter is gorgeously vibrant and the name is fitting because it does sparkle like diamonds by attracting and reflecting light. The glitter is available in 19 mesmerizing shades including: pink, gold, silver, green and blue. I chose my favorite color called Magic Purple!

The great thing about the glitter is that it is multi-purpose. It can be used as eye shadow, eyeliner, mixed into nail lacquer, used with mascara and even applied on top of your favorite lipstick or gloss.

The glitter is also very lightweight and although gorgeous it can be difficult to work with especially if you are unfamiliar with glitter formulas. With a little practice however you can get the hang of it and create some wonderful looks. When using this glitter apply it prior face makeup such as foundation, concealer, creams and blush to prevent fall-out from getting stuck to the face and messing up makeup application. An adhesive is required for the glitter to stick to the skin and Cailyn sells a Stick-It glue for this purpose.

Application

Below are looks I created using the diamond glitter on my eyes and lips. To get the glitter to adhere to my eyelids I first used a primer, applied a purple eye shadow and covered it with a thin layer of Vaseline before adding the glitter. The Vaseline helps glitter products adhere to skin and makes it is quite easy to wipe off but keep in mind that this method is not for long-wear. Using a flat shadow brush I patted the glitter onto my lids building it up to the effect I wanted; do not use swiping motions as this will cause untidy application and fall-out.

In these photos I am wearing a purple lip gloss with the glitter on top, Cailyn's tinted gloss in Virgin Vampire (reviewed below) and the Diamond Glitter as eye shadow. 

I also used the Cailyn gel liner to line my lids (Review HERE)

The diamond glitters retail for $12 each and you can find them HERE 

Art Touch Tinted Lip Gloss:

I have become a huge fan of the tinted lip glosses by Cailyn Cosmetics because they are stunning! The formula is velvety and feels more like a smooth lip cream than a sticky gloss.The pigmentation is also highly saturated for color pay-off similar to a stain with a lacquer finish.

Swatch

The shade I have is 06 Virgin Vampire which is a bright orange/red that looks great for summer! It has a high shine finish and feels buttery soft on the lips. The glosses come in a variety of pretty shades and retail for $19 each. You can find them HERE.

To see more fabulous products from Cailyn Cosmetics check out the website HERE

**Disclaimer: These products were provided for review courtesy of Cailyn Cosmetics. All opinions stated in this review are my own and based on my experience with the products. Results may vary based on individual use.**

Honeybee Gardens Cosmetics Review

When I find cosmetics that are great quality, environmentally friendly and cruelty free it keeps me going back for more. Back in January I did a review on Honeybee Gardens Cosmetics; a company that uses natural and recycled materials in the packaging of their bath, body and makeup products. I enjoyed the Party Girl Palette so much that I just had to review the Cosmopolitan Palette too! 

I know Honeybee Gardens has amazingly bold, bright eye shadows so I decided to try some of their softer, neutral shades for spring. The Cosmopolitan Palette is perfect for soft day looks or sultry evening looks and the shades are versatile enough to be mixed and matched with many other shadows and palettes in my collection. 

Just like the Party Girl Palette this one has great pigmentation. The four shades are beautifully matched to be worn together but they also look lovely when applied individually. I also found that mixing the shades can create custom colors that effortlessly blend into each other to create a pretty color gradient.

Because the packaging is small and compact this is a great palette to take on weekend getaways, vacations or to slip into a purse for touch-ups on the go. I also like the cute feminine packaging and fun designs. 

The palette contains two shimmery shades: one pink and one champagne color and two matte shades: brown and pale pink. The formula is suited for long-wear and does not crease.

Below is a look I created using this palette; on my lips I am wearing the Honeybee Garden's signature red lipstick called Queen Bee (reviewed below).

The formula of the eye shadows are great, although the shimmer shadows feel slightly more textured than the smooth, solid matte colors. “The four shades come in a recyclable, magnetic palette that includes a dual ended sponge/brush applicator which is eco friendly and cruelty free.” For more information on this palette click HERE

If you prefer to make your own custom palette Honeybee Gardens also offers a variety of single eye shadows to choose from.

The shadows contain natural ingredients such as: Aloe leaf extract, cucumber and chamomile and the Cosmopolitan palette retails for $29.99.

If you would like to see my review on the Party Girl Palette (above left) click HERE 

Truly Natural Lipsticks

Honeybee Gardens also sells a beautiful range of lipsticks that retail for $12.99 each. The color I have is the vibrant signature red called Queen Bee which has a matte finish but is not-drying on the lips. The lipsticks are paraben free and contain botanicals and natural pigments for smooth, long lasting, opaque color. Coconut oil, shea butter, sesame seed oil, vitamin E and antioxidants help nourish and heal lips and they come in a variety of finishes such as: slight frost, slight shimmer and matte. 

This red is gorgeous for summer, especially when paired with the soft colors in the Cosmopolitan palette.

For more information on these lipsticks click HERE

Honeybee Gardens sells a variety of  great makeup, if you would like to stop by and check out the website you can find it HERE 

**Disclaimer: These products were provided for review courtesy of Honeybee Gardens Cosmetics. All opinions stated in this review are my own and based on my experience with the products. Results may vary based on individual use.**

Maybelline Baby Lips Dr Rescue Medicated Balm Review

The Maybelline Baby Lips balms have been staples in my purse for years and a popular SPF lip treatment among many. I use the clear balm when I need moisture without color settling into the texture of dry lips and I prefer Pink Punch when I need hydration and protection with a pretty wash of color. With the amount of product per tube and the moisturizing formulas these balms are a great value!

Maybelline has recently launched a new addition to the Baby Lips family for those who need extra relief from dryness. The Dr Rescue balm is medicated to temporarily relieve discomfort associated with cracked lips and provide 12 hours of hydration. I think many of us have had those days when we decided against the bright, heavy lipstick due to noticeably chapped lips; so before bed I treat mine with gentle exfoliation and a generous slathering of Dr Rescue balm. 

I have the shade Berry Soft which is very subtle despite its bright hue. The balms also come in six other neutral shades that help even lip tone, including: Too Cool (clear), Pink Me Up, Just Peachy, Soothing Sorbet and Coral Crave. The website claims that “in one minute lips will feel soothed, in one day lips look less dry and in one week lips are reborn.” They also contain eucalyptus to help heal and have a slight menthol scent which is a tad medicinal.

When I use the balm there is a refreshing, cool sensation that is quite alleviating. I am a bit picky when it comes to lip balms but I like this product and will continue using it for smooth, supple lips all year round.

You can get the Dr Rescue lip balms at most drug stores and at Walmart for about $3.48. 

**Disclaimer: The Dr Rescue Medicated lip balm was provided for review courtesy of Maybelline. The other two lip balms seen in the photos were purchased by me. All opinions stated in this review are my own and based on my experience with the products. Results may vary based on individual use.**

Essence Cosmetics: Metal Glam Eye Shadow Review

This spring essence launched some interesting new eye shadows to create edgy, glamorous looks. The Metal Glam collection includes 6 eye-catching shimmery shades that are made to be “high coverage,bold, soft and long lasting.” 

The colors I have are: 02-Coffee to Glow which is a bronze with silver shimmer, 01-Jewel up the Ocean which is a stunningly bright blue and 03- Frosted Apple.

The first layer of shadow has a lot of mesmerizing glitter but keep in mind that this layer is an over-spray and will wear away as you use it. Although the top layer of glitter is enticing, to get to the solid metallic pigment underneath you have to dig a bit deeper but once you do the texture is silky smooth and the colors are shimmery. 

Each eye shadows retails for just $2.99 and they are rather large. I did find that some of the colors have more pigmentation than others. The shade coffee has subtle color pay-off whereas the blue and red appear richer. Frosted Apple also shows up as more of a metallic pink.

Swatches (with primer)

To get the most out of these shadows I recommend using a good primer and layering them on with a sponge applicator for a bold look. I have purchased a few great shadows from essence in the past including the 3D shadows and the single eye shadows which are some of my favorites. The Metal Glam line is great for such affordability and I had no trouble working with them. The shadow also lasted all day without creasing.

Below is a makeup look I created using the Metal Glam shadow in the shade Jewel Up The Ocean. I love how pigmented it is! 

Other essence products used in photos include:

*essence Get Big Lashes Triple Black Mascara (reviewed below)

*essence Lash Mania Reloaded False Lase Mascara (reviewed below)

*essence Sun Club bronzing highlighter (review coming up!)

*essence Long-Lasting lipstick in the shade Wear Berries (Stay tuned for review!)

When applying mascara I usually apply it in a few layers. The Get Big Lashes mascara has an ultra black formula and a mega fiber brush "for maximum volume." Although I did not get ultra thick, voluminous lashes it did separate well without clumping and retails for just $4.99.

The Lash Mania Reloaded false lash mascara has an "innovative star shaped brush" that is meant to create a "dramatic push up effect" while "separating, defining and adding volume and length." The brush did a great job gripping my lashes and combing them upwards to create decent length although using both mascaras together was most effective. It retails for $3.99.

To check out these shadows and more great products from essence click HERE

Currently essence is running a contest; you can enter for a chance to win a $500 gift card! Details can be found by clicking HERE. Contest ends June 5th 2014.

Authority Cosmetics Giveaway Winner Announcement!!

Before I announce the winner I want to give a special thanks to everyone who supports my blog, and entered my giveaway. This giveaway had 13,075 entries which is great! If you did not win I will be hosting more giveaways in the future so stay tuned for another chance.

Without further delay the winner is....Amie Wisz from Illinois! Congratulations Amie I hope you enjoy the polish as much as I do.

Nutella, Peanut Butter and Banana Smoothie

It is no secret that peanut butter and chocolate is a delicious combination. Peanut butter and banana also compliments each other well but my favorite dynamic duo is definitely chocolate and strawberry! I decided to combine all of these flavors to create my Nutella, peanut butter and banana smoothie. This recipe is a great dessert smoothie, perfect for satisfying that sweet tooth craving while still providing a few servings of fruit, calcium, potassium and protein.

 Ingredients

-1/2 Frozen banana

-Frozen strawberries

-Creamy peanut butter (add to taste)

-Nutella (add to taste depending on how sweet you prefer the smoothie)

-Skim milk (or unsweetened almond milk)

-Plain Greek yogurt

-Almonds

I also topped my smoothie off with slivers of dark chocolate and almonds.

~Bon appétit

Parian Spirit Professional Makeup Brush Cleaner Review

Cleaning makeup brushes often is important because brushes that are not cleaned frequently can harbor bacteria and cause skin irritation and breakouts. Every so often I use a shampoo and clean my brushes thoroughly but to reduce the amount of deep cleaning I have to do I use a cleaner and disinfectant after each use.

Recently I have been using the Parian Spirit Professional Brush Cleaner. The cleaner comes in a spray bottle and is designed for quick cleaning when you don’t have time to wait around for your brushes to dry. The formula uses citrus oil to condition and the scent is fresh and makes brushes smell amazing!

Parian Spirit is environmentally friendly and cleans and disinfects brushes and makeup tools of all types and sizes. To use all you do is spray your brush while rotating and wipe dry on a terrycloth or paper towel. For deeper cleansing you can soak the bristles in the cleaner, swirl the brush around and wipe dry.

This product is great at removing residual liquid products, powders, shadows and even glitter. You can also use it to remove eye lash glue and to clean your false lashes before reuse. Removing buildup and reshaping your brushes will keep them working efficiently and help them last longer. 

The cleaner comes in a few sizes, I have the 2oz travel size but a little goes a long way. For a list of U.S retailers click HERE and for a list of international suppliers click HERE. The size I have is sold for about $6.50 but prices may vary by retailer and location. If you are ever at a makeup show and you see Parian I would definitely recommend picking up some of this cleaner.

*Disclaimer: I received this product from The Makeup Show L.A in the Press kit. I was not obligated to provide a review. All opinions are my own and based on my experience with the product. Results may vary based on individual use.*

Garnier Nourishing Cleansing Oil and Dark-Spot treatment Mask Review

Every Friday night I deep condition my hair, do my nails, cleanse my face and treat my skin to a refreshing face mask. I call it my spa time; a few hours out of the week when I focus on rejuvenating my mind and body with luxuriously relaxing treatments.

Today I have a review on two products that I have been testing. The first is Garnier’s Nourishing Cleansing Oil for dry skin. I have sensitive, combination skin so I opt for cleansers that are non-drying. At the end of a busy day I am usually too fatigued to spend a lot of time removing makeup but it is essential for clean, healthy skin so any product that makes the task easier is a great idea.

How it works
The Nourishing oil works by dissolving impurities and makeup while replenishing and balancing skin with jojoba and macadamia oils.

How to use
This is not a traditional cleanser that works up into foamy lather, instead you apply the oil to dry skin and massage in. After it has been worked in, wet skin to emulsify and rinse clean. The oil is meant to remove long-wear makeup and leave skin velvety smooth with no greasy residue.

My results

I tested the oil on a full face of makeup and it did help loosen my foundation, eye shadow, eyeliner and mascara making them easier to remove. I rubbed the oil into my lashes and it gently softened my dried, hardened mascara reducing the amount of lashes lost without burning my eyes. The oil smeared around and emulsified my foundation, concealer and eye shadow but since water and oil don’t mix, rinsing did not remove the oil or makeup. I still had to follow up with a makeup wipe and cleanser and if not washed off thoroughly it does leave behind a residue. Overall I like this product for removing eye makeup and waterproof products and the scent is pleasant. It retails for $5.97 at Walmart.

Dark Spot Treatment Mask
After cleansing my face and lifting the debris from my pores I grab a good book, relax and move on to a pampering face mask. Garnier recently launched a dark-spot treatment mask that helps even skin tone. I have a few faint blemishes from past bouts of hormonal acne that I would like to fade and it is also meant to treat dullness. The natural ingredients include: vitamin C, floral extract, castor oil, and fruit extract.

The 10-minute tissue mask is also supposed to:

*Deeply hydrate

*Boost radiance

*Smooth and revitalize skin

*Brighten

To use:

1. Cleanse and dry face

2. Place mask on face and adjust

3. After 10 minutes remove mask and massage remaining product into skin

*The mask is dermatologist tested, gentle on skin, allergy tested and non-comedogenic.

Dark spots and blemishes don't fade overnight but this mask is hydrating, smells good and makes skin feel smooth and supple. I left the mask on for longer than the recommended ten minutes and it was very cool and refreshing. It made my skin look and feel renewed without causing irritating or dryness so I will pick up a few more and add them to my rotation of weekly facials. 

For optimal results Garnier also suggests you use the mask in conjunction with the Skin Renewal Clinical Dark Spots and Dark Spots Overnight Peel. I will continue to use this treatment whenever my skin needs a little boost. You can pick up a 6 pack at Walmart for $14.95.

**Disclaimer: These products were provided for review courtesy of Garnier. All opinions stated in this review are my own and based on my experience with the products. Results may vary based on individual use.**

Make Up For Ever HD Crème Blush Review

I prefer blush that blends easy, has great texture and looks smooth and seamless. Blush should compliment the skin to create an alluring effect and give a beautiful flush of color to the face.

Makeup Up For Ever has recently launched a line of wonderful HD crème blushes. These velvety smooth crèmes are designed to “be blendable and melt into the skin for long lasting results.” They also provide a “soft focus effect that diffuses light for a radiant finish.”

I love the texture of this blush because it is easy to work with, the pigmentation is good and it blends effortlessly. I also like that it is lightweight and once set it sculpts the cheeks for a soft,  flawless finish. This blush is great for dry skin types because it is somewhat hydrating and does not cake into the texture of skin. The formula contains no glitter or sparkle so there is no highlight effect or underlying color which is preferable in a crème.

I apply the blush using my fingers and gently blend it where I want it to sit. I recommend cleaning hands prior to touching the crème to prevent makeup, germs and other particles from embedding. For a natural flush try applying the blush prior to setting makeup. You may also use a stipple brush or sponge applicator, however I find that some sponges may absorb too much product. 

The HD blushes comes in a beautiful array of 16 shades. I have the blush in 210 Cool Pink which is a light, bubble gum pink. I would also like to try 410, 510 and 515 (seen below).

The Blush is 0.09oz and currently retails for $31 at Sephora you can check them out HERE

*Disclaimer: I received this product from The Makeup Show L.A in the Press kit. I was not obligated to provide a review. All opinions are my own and based on my experience with the product. Results may vary based on individual use.*

NutriBullet Yogurt and Berries Smoothie Recipe

We all know that eating healthy and incorporating fruits and veggies into our diet is important but it may not always be easy. If you have a hectic lifestyle then eating right can seem like a chore. I do the best I can by reading labels, making all my dishes with low-fat ingredients and using extra lean meats. I also consume a lot of leafy greens like bok choy, spinach, rapini, kale, salads and I whip up healthy desserts and snacks.

Recently I purchased a NutriBullet machine which makes creating healthy meals, drinks and snacks faster and more convenient. I like this machine because it is small and less bulky than a large juicer or blender. It is also powerful and easy to use.

photo from Walmart.com

One of the main reasons we got this machine was to make hearty, delicious smoothies. Today I am going to share one of my quick, sweet and very satisfying yogurt and berries smoothie recipes. This smoothie is quite filling, which makes it a great breakfast or lunch on the go. Sometimes I also add a leaf of kale to this recipe.

Ingredients:

-Frozen strawberries

- ½ Frozen banana (ripe)

-Skim milk (or unsweetened almond milk)

-1 peach yogurt cup (I used the Activia yogurt with added fiber)

-Frozen mango pieces

-Blueberries

-Almonds
- 1 kale leaf (optional)

This recipe is simple but delicious! I prefer smoothies that are creamy and don't have many seeds. Sometimes I also add some spinach to make it even more healthy. If you are interested in this machine I purchased mine at Walmart for $98.

 ~Bon appétit