What I Have Been Listening To: September 2018

Hello Everyone!

Can you believe that it's already the end of September?! Where is this year going?! I have a feeling I will say this every month but seriously this year is flying by!

September has been a month of finding a few new favorite songs, while still listening to some classics. I have also been listening to a lot of remix's which you will see..

What Have I Been Listening To: August 2018

Oh hello again! It's been almost a YEAR since I came and posted something. Sorry for the lack of posts! I never knew running a blog would be a lot of work but I miss it.

Sometimes during the crazy week of 9-5's its nice to sit down and just talk about what brings us happiness. So I thought I would share what music I have been listening to lately!

What Have I Been Listening To: August 2017

Hello Everyone! It has been too long since I have come on here and talked to you! I've missed blogging because there have been so many updates that I need to fill you in on!

Looking for a Little Caffeine Boost? Cup O' Coffee Might Be Your Answer!

Cup O' Coffee Face Mask

Calling all coffee addicts!

Although I may not be a huge fan of coffee..I do love the smell and the benefits it does for my skin! I am not sure if this is new to Lush but when I last stopped by, this jumped in my basket very quickly!

This mask comes in two sizes, 5.2oz for $10.95 and 11.4oz for $19.95.

Since I wasn't sure how this was going to work out, I went with the smaller size.

Lush Cup O' Coffee Face and Body Mask

If you have never used coffee in your beauty regimen, then let me give you some interesting facts of what coffee can do for you! 

• Reducing the appearance of cellulite: Cellulite is something we all struggle with! With this scrub, it can help produce more steady blood flow and help tighten the skin!
• Exfoliating: There's really no surprise here! Coffee grounds are the perfect natural scrub!
• Brightening Skin: Not only can a cup of coffee  perk up your energy, but also your face!   The caffeine stimulates circulation which leads to a lighter and brighter complexion! 

Lush Cup O' Coffee Face and Body Mask

This mask may not be pretty to look at, but it sure smells like your local Starbucks (which I kinda love!)

This mask performed amazing on my skin! I have used it multiple times on my skin and on my face.

The smell is amazing and consistency is nice and gritty so it really is a great exfoliater! I didn't use this mask in the morning but I think it would be a great little addition to the start of your day!

The mask itself is a little watery but it kinda feels like mud. It was easy to work into the skin as a scrub but it also spread nicely on my face for the mask.

After the ten minutes, I definitely noticed my skin looked more bright and awake. It also felt super soft and smooth!

On my body, it performed just as well! I like using this scrub before I shave to obviously remove the dead skin but to also create a smooth surface and a brighter look to my legs after I have shaved.

Lush Cup O' Coffee Face and Body Mask

Lush Cup O' Coffee Face and Body Mask

Lush Cup O' Coffee Face and Body Mask

Overall Thoughts

This mask/scrub is one of my new favorites from Lush! It gave my skin a new level of brightness and it made my skin feel so soft and smooth! Definitely check this mask out next time you swing by Lush. Although it might be a little pricey for a mask, you can use it many many times on both the body and face! If you obviously love coffee and are obsessed with face masks and scrubs, then check this out cause its awesome! 

 Grade: A

XO,

-V

The New Too Faced New Peanut Butter & Jelly Palette Is Making Me Drool!

Too Faced New Peanut Butter And Jelly Palette

It's peanut butter jelly time! But this time, we aren't eating a delicious sandwich..we're wearing it! On our eyes of course!

This adorable new palette from Too Faced has yet again captured my heart and I had to have it. I personally love Too Faced shadow collections and have created quite a collection of them. As soon as I heard about this one, I knew I had to get my hands on it! Not only is the packaging so stinkin' cute but it smells like chocolate! Which Too Faced is known for incorporating cocoa powder in many of their shadows and face powders. 

This palette contains the traditional 9 shadows. There are 3 matte shades and 6 shimmer ones. The color range in the palette isn't too extensive. Most shades ranging in the brown and nude family and there are two purple shades as well. 

How cute is this packaging?

Too Faced Peanut Butter And Jelly Palette

Shadows Swatched.

Shade Range

1. Spread the Love: Light peachy nude with very little shimmer

2. Peanut Butter: Matte brown with orange undertones

3. Peanut Butter Cup: Metallic copper brown

4. Bananas: Metallic gold

5. Peanut Brittle: Metallic copper

6. Jammin': Glittery dark plum 

7. Extra Creamy: Matte white

8. Jelly: Metallic bright purple

9. Nuts About U: Matte orange-brown

The shades 3,4,5 and 9 performed the best and were the most pigmented and creamy. I was quite disappointed in the payoff of 2 and 8. 

Another shot of the look I created on my video!

If you wanna see me talk about this palette and see it in action, then click Here

Overall Thoughts

I think that this palette is absolutely adorable and would be a great addition to add to your collection. However, if you already have shades similar to these and are content with what you got, I wouldn't say that this is a must have for everyone. But if you have a knack for cute packaging, yummy smelling shadow and a love for neutrals then grab this one!

Grade: B 

XO

-V

My Favorite Bronzing Products For The Summer!

Summer is officially here and time to break out those bronzers!

I went through my collection and picked out a few of my favorite go to products.

1. Guerlain Terra Ora Bronzer This bronzer was the Bronzer for Summer 2013. This beautiful bronzing powder has three different shades of gold to create a perfect glow. I love using this bronzer for my body. I take a big fluffy brush and focus on my declate, shoulders, legs and my neck.

2. Too Faced Milk Chocolate Matte Bronzing Powder Let's be honest, the minute I heard that this bronzer had real cocoa powder in it, I was hooked. Not only does this bronzer smell amazing but it is a great shade for pale skin tones. The matte finish is great for contouring and it gives great color without looking muddy.

3. Chanel Soleil Tan de Chanel Sheer Illuminating Fluid This is one of the first products I have bought from Chanel and I love it. This has become a classic summer staple for me since it is the perfect rose gold bronzing highlight. Just a drop will give you the most beautiful bronzed highlight.

4. Tarte Braziliance Self Tanner This is the newest addition to my bronzing products. There will be a separate review for this but I wanted to include this because I really am loving this. This includes a mitt as well to guarantee even covereage.

5. Maybelline Master Glaze Bronzer in Subtle Bronze  This limited edition highlighter from Maybelline is a great dupe for Chanel's sheer illuminating fluid. Although it is more of a gold tone, this will make your skin glow with just one swipe on the tops of the cheekbones. I have been seeing Maybelline's summer collection all over drugstores now so grab this before it's gone!

Hope you guys enjoyed my summer bronzing essentials!

What are yours?

XO

V

Look Out Urban Decay! Maybelline's New Nude Palette Has Arrived!

Although summer has just begun, fall collections have been starting to hit counters and stores (both drugstore and high end.)

Maybelline has been the first in the drugstore to start releasing some of their new goodies for the upcoming fall season. Through blog posts and videos, I have discovered that Maybelline is releasing a new foundation, new color tattoos that are of a leather finish (and are permanent!), a new kajal eyeliner, and The Nudes eye shadow palette.

I have looked and searched for the new Maybelline products at all of my drugstores and have had no luck. It wasn't until I walked into my Target and of course walking down the beauty section I spotted the nude palette and the new foundation. 

The Nudes palette ($9.99) is unlike anything Maybelline has released in the past. The palette contains 12 shades varying from a very light shimmery white to a charcoal grey. Most shades have a slight shimmer to them but there are 4 shades that swatched completely matte

Maybelline The Nudes eye shadow palette

I really like how Maybelline strategically placed each shadow together to create a duo, trio, or quad
The quality of the shadows vary from being super creamy and pigmented to somewhat dry and patchy.

I would have to say the stars of the palette are the four center shades (especially the gold.) The weakest shades were the shimmery white (top left) and the matte nude shade (top row third in from left.) Both applied uneven and were chalky.

There are definitely some dupes in this palette from Naked and Naked 2. Granted I think the Naked palettes are better overall due to the fact that each shade performs great. But if you are looking to save, The Nude palette is a great option.

Maybelline The Nude Palette for Fall 2014

Maybelline The Nude Palette for Fall 2014

Swatches of the Nude Palette. I swatched each shade in the quad form.

The Back of The Nudes Palette

Overall, I do think this is a good palette to have if you are a lover of nude shadows. But I wouldn't say to rush and get this asap.

Final Thoughts: This palette I like but don't love. There are some great shades to choose from but there are also some duds as well. If you have any of the Naked palettes or any nude eye shadow palette and are happy with them then don't bother since I am sure you already have most of these shades in your collection.

Overall Grade: B-

Urban Decay is going Naked! Naked lips that is!

I prefer to be naked...naked makeup that is. (Get your head out of the gutter!) Especially during the hot months of summer. Less is more and Urban Decay's new Naked Glosses ($20) are perfect to gain that your lips but better look!

Ever since the success of the Naked palettes, UD (Urban Decay) has given the line of Naked a whole new range of products from foundation to lip products. The new Naked glosses are available in a variety of shades suiting every natural lip shade out there.

For my pout, I decided to go with Naked: a rosy pink that I thought suited my natural lips perfectly.

Naked is perfect for those who have a dark rose tone to their lips. This gloss is super shiny(I didn't see any glitter) and wears well for six hours. It isn't sticky and feels nice.

The applicator is a nice angled wand that hugs the lips well.

The only thing I have to point out is the smell. I am not crazy about it since it reminds me of lemons and has a slight tingle on the lips.

Granted this gloss isn't a steal for $20, but I think being the fact that it is a good neutral gloss, I would say it is worth the little splurge.

Final Thoughts: I think this gloss is definitely worth checking out cause it has something for everyone! These glosses are great to throw in your purse for everyday wear and they are great if you need a nice nude lip to pair with a smokey eye.

Overall Grade: B+

Where you can get this product: I got mine at Sephora. You can find these at your local Ulta, Sephora or urbandecay.com 

Look Below For More Photos and Swatches:

Naked Gloss applicator

Naked on my lips

Naked swatched

What is your favorite neutral gloss?

XO,

V

Calling All Mermaids! MAC's Alluring Aquatics Collection Is Really Making A Splash!

Sea Me Hear Me On Cheeks, Aphrodite's Kiss on Cheeks, Pet Me Please & Clear Water On Lips.

If you say that you didn't want to be a mermaid sometime in your life then you clearly are lying! You get an awesome tail, you don't have to worry about finals and plus you get a free shell bra! What is there not to love?

Mermaid or human, MAC's new summer collection is something that should not be missed. I think MAC's summer collection is the most coveted each year and after a few days, the collection is almost impossible to get. 

I was lucky enough to grab a few things when MAC was having an event at my mall. I automatically wanted to take part in the event and everything you will see in this post, is what my artist (her name was Victoria too!) used on me. 

I was unfortunate to not get any of the eyeshadows and one blush. But I am happy with what I did purchase.

I have read a lot about this collection and fell in love with in instantly from the beautiful sea like colors. And of course who could not forget the packaging?! I would have to say this is the best packaging I have ever seen from MAC.

I first got two lip products. One lipstick and one gloss. 

The lipstick , Pet Me Please (Frost) is a shimmery nude and pairs beautifully with a smokey eye. The lipgloss, Clear Water is also a shimmery nude that pairs beautifully with Pet Me Please or it can be worn alone to create a soft shimmery lip. 

Pet Me Please Lipstick on Left & Clear Water Gloss on Right

Isn't this packaging stunning?

Clear Water

Clear Water

Lip Products swatched: Pet Me Please on Left, Clear Water Gloss on Right

Both of the lip products wore well on me for about six hours with minimal transfer. The gloss was not sticky and felt comfortable on my lips. The lipstick also performed well and didn't dry out my lips. I would say though to go easy on the lipstick because it can be a little much.

I really only plan on wearing this lipstick if I am wearing a smokey eye or a dramatic eye look. 

Pet Me Please on my lips

Pet Me Please with Clear Water gloss on top

Final Thoughts: I thought these lipsticks were unique and unlike anything I have in my collection. I feel like I will be using more of the gloss than the lipstick but I am happy with what I got!

Pet Me Please: B+

Clear Water: A-

Sea Me Hear Me Blush on Left, Aphrodite's Shell Bronzer on Right

 The other two products I got from the collection was a blush and bronzer. Sea Me Hear Me (Extra Dimension Blush) is a warm toned reddish pink blush. Aphrodite's Shell (Extra Dimension Bronzer) is the softest bronzer in the collection.

Aphrodite's Kiss Bronzer

 Aphrodite's Kiss is a beautiful soft bronzer for those who are more fairer toned. This is in fact my first MAC bronzer and I am really pleased with how well it performs. I did notice at first that there seemed to be a layer that wouldn't let me pick up much product. But after I broke it, pigment flew off of and gave me a nice bronze glow.

This bronzer wore well on me for a full eight hours without any fading.

Sea Me Hear Me Blush

 I was so happy I was able to get my hands on at least one of the blushes. Sea Me Hear Me is a beautiful reddish rose color that I think is really pretty with a bronzer  to give you that I was just out in the sun look.

I noticed the same thing with the blush about having a layer but after I broke through the quality and pigmentation of this blush is great. It wore well on me for eight hours. It wasn't until around hour nine where I saw some subtle fading.

Sea Me Hear Me Blush on Right, Aphrodite's Kiss Bronzer on Left

Final Thoughts: If you can, get to your nearest MAC store or counter to check this collection out before it is gone! Mostly everything is sold out online but keep posted since MAC usually does restock.

Sea Me Hear Me: A

Aphrodite's Kiss: A

Sea Me Hear Me On Cheeks, Aphrodite's Kiss on Cheeks, Pet Me Please & Clear Water On Lips.

Sea Me Hear Me On Cheeks, Aphrodite's Kiss on Cheeks, Pet Me Please & Clear Water On Lips.

Hope you guys enjoyed this post!

XO

V

YSL's New BabyDoll Kiss & Blush in Rose Frivole

Wearing YSL's new Babydoll Kiss & Blush in Rose Frivole on my lips and cheeks

In our society today, everyone is seeking to look younger to the point where it is now popular to have a baby like quality of perfect skin, even complexion and fresh dewy cheeks. 

YSL hit the mark by creating a beautiful cheek and lip stain that creates a soft glow to the skin.  These babydoll stains are recently released and have a variety of shades for every skin tone. 

I got the shade Rose Frivole No. 02, a warm baby pink.

This product has a matte like finish to both cheeks and lips and is really pigmented. The great thing about this product is when it is worn on the cheeks, because even if you apply a little too much, it blends into the skin beautifully and slightly fades so it is not too extreme. 

However, this product isn't so great on the lips since it is a bit drying. It does though leave a stain and is pigmented. If you do decide to wear this on the lips, make sure to apply balm before hand! 

I love the applicator because it picks up just enough product and works well when applied to the lips.

Final Thoughts: I love the babydoll look! Worn on the cheeks, this gives such a natural flush that it's perfect for the simple makeup lovers and if you want something more dramatic, YSL has more intense shades like a deep burgundy and red if you love to play with cheek colors. Although the price tag is a little steep ($40) I love it and would love to get more shades! At least check this out at your YSL counter and swatch them!

Where you can get this product: At any department store that carries YSL cosmetics.

Overall Grade: A-

Rose Frivole

Rose Frivole Applicator

Have you tried the Babydoll look? What do you think?

XO

V

Tom Ford Blush in Love Lust

Well I finally caved....and my wallet hates me but my cheeks are happy as a clam.

I finally decided to splurge on getting my very first Tom Ford makeup item. I have done a lot of research on Tom Ford's makeup line and have read a lot of reviews on a number of his products and most of them are rated very well.

I decided to first and try one of his blushes and I went with Love Lust.

Love Lust is a warm toned soft rosy pink that is super pigmented and feels so soft and smooth on the skin.

This blush wore well on my combo skin for eight hours without it fading. I would say that if you have a fairer complexion like myself, to go very lightly since this blush can easily make you look like a clown. I just gently brushed my blush brush over the powder and tapped the access and smiled and viola! Beautiful glowing cheeks!

Although this blush was expensive, I think it was worth every penny for not only including more product and the pigmentation but the packaging was also beautiful!

Final Thoughts: This product I would recommend to those who love blush and for those who have a fairer skin tone since this might not show on some darker gals. But it applies like dream and wears well! I would love to try more of what Mr. Ford has to offer :)

Where you can get this product: You can find Tom Ford cosmetics at a participating department store or go to tomford.com
Overall Grade: A

Look below for more pictures & swatches!

Isn't she beautiful?

Love Lust swatched on my wrist

Love Lust on my cheeks 

Have a great day!

XO

V

Review! NYX Cream Blush in Magnolia & Powder Blush in Bourgeois Pig!

I would have to give NYX credit for having some of the best cheek products available in the drugstore. I own another stick cream blush peony and love it! Which is why I have been dying to get more NYX cheek products!

NYX Cream Blush in Magnolia ($6.99) is a vibrant barbie pink color. The consistency of the blush is super creamy and pigmented. Although I would say to work quickly once you apply to the cheekbones since once it sets, it sets. Also use a light hand because the pigmentation is very strong. From wearing this a whole day, this baby didn't budge. The brightness did fade over the day but nothing too complain about.

NYX Powder Blush in Bourgeois Pig ($5.99) is a soft rosy pink. (Kind of like a pig!) Although it has a strange name, the quality is great. No wonder so many love the powder blushes! I can't believe that I haven't tried one until now! This blush is super buttery soft and isn't chalky. The pigmentation isn't has strong as the cream blush but it does give a beautiful rosy glow to your cheeks. After wearing this all day, the staying power was good but I did notice it start to disappear after 6 hours. 

Overall, I would say if you haven't tried a NYX blush product yet, then you need to! I will definitely be purchasing more shades!

Final Grades:

Magnolia: A

Bourgeois Pig: A- 

Where you can get these products: At any Ulta beauty store, (I have heard NYX is starting to show up at more drugstores!) Also at NYXcosmetics.com

More photos & swatches below:

Magnolia Cream Stick Blush

Magnolia Cream Stick Blush

Bourgeois Pig Powder Blush

Bourgeois Pig Powder Blush