Another rad blush shade from theBalm

I love theBalm, in fact I can't get enough of theBalm, and that obsession continues with theBalm Cabana Boy Blush.  Like all theBalm's blushes, this does double duty as a shadow.  This gorgeous deep dusty rose blush is more luminous than shimmery and has a soft and silky texture that is totally blendable.  There's something about this shade that is just so totally unique and grown up.  Instant chic-ness!  Cabana Boy has a rich, pigmented formula with good color pay off so go easy on the application, a little bit goes a long way!  In other words... use a light hand, you can always build up color is needed.

Get the look:
*  I started with Clinique Even Better Skin Tone Corrector Moisturizer, but you can start with your fav lotion.
*  Using a sponge, I blended L'Oreal True Match Foundation and applied CoverGirl Simply Ageless Concealer to my under eyes.
*  I then dusted theBalm Bahama Mama Bronzer on my face where the sun naturally hits and brushed Cabana Boy on the apples of my cheeks with a kabuki blush. 
*  I set my makeup with L'Oreal Translucide Powder. 
*  I used Clinique Colorsurge eye shadow in Toasted Almond on my lids and lined them with CoverGirl Exact Eyelights Liner Majestic Jade.  I completed my eyes with a coat of CoverGirl Exact Eyelights Mascara Black Gold.
*  I finished my look with Clinique Almost Lipstick Flirty Honey.

Pocketbook staple has vintage feel and heavenly formula

Smith's Rosebud Salve has been a staple in my pocketbook for a long time, but was inspired by a fresh tin I just picked up to give it a long overdue review.  This product is amazing - one of my true must-haves.  It is a multi-purpose lip balm that soothes dry lips, calms and heals irritated skin, moisturizes dry skin and can even soothe minor burns.  The silky smooth formula of this salve provides great moisture without being sticky, heavy or waxy and leaves lips so super soft and supple.  It works great as a primer for lipstick, but the slight hint of color means it can be worn alone for a nice and natural flush.  I love the vintage-y feel of this product too - it comes in a great tin that is just so chic and cute and I really enjoy the subtle hint of rose scent.  If rose isn't for you, I do believe they have at least a peppermint option, although I just never stray from the rose.  True love.  <3

A "sensational" palette for a fresh, natural look

Looking for a fresh, natural look for lazy days?  The Stila Sensational in Sydney Travel Palette is a perfect all-in-one option that retails for $16.  This is a great, neutral palette that will pull your look together but still look simple, easy and fresh faced.  It opens up like a mini notebook revealing 5 eye shadows, a convertible color for cheeks and lips, a mirror, and a mini-tutorial for applying the shadows.

The eye shadows are a complimentary assortment of neutral/champagne/browns with an (obviously) Australian theme known as: Bondi Beach, Aussie, Koala, Opera House, Habour Bridge.  They have decent color payoff and a dry formula that goes on nicely and aren't too crumbly.


I'm really loving the Sugarbrush Convertible Color for cheeks and lips.  This is a well-pigmented two-fer that blends easily for a healthy pop of color on cheeks or applies smoothly too lips for a natural wash of rosey color.  The only downside is that I don't think you can pick this up in a full size!  :(

Overall, this palette is great for day-to-day use, but def not for a more adventurous look. 






For this quick and easy look (10 minutes max!), I started by applying L'Oreal Youth Code BB Cream as a base and applied L'Oreal Lumi True Match Foundation where I needed a little extra coverage.  I brushed on just a touch of theBalm Bahama Mama Bronzer to warm my complexion and applied the Sugarbrush Convertable Color to the apples of my cheeks and my lips.  Then, I followed the mini tutorial in the Sensational in Sydney palette for my eyes, lined them with Stila Smudge Stick Liner, and swiped on some Cheater Mascara from theBalm.  To finish off my look I applied Clinique Superbalm Lip Treatment over the Sugarbrush for a healthy, slightly glossy, rosey pout.


http://beautyconfessions5.blogspot.com/2012/08/loreal-lovefest.html
http://beautyconfessions5.blogspot.com/2012/09/a-loose-powder-that-exceeds-expectations.html




Paris Amour

Oh Bath & Body Works, you've got me again!  I must admit that I was totally avoidant of Bath & Body Works for many years until I was lured in by their Malibu Heat display last Spring, a collection I became absolutely enamored with.  After receiving a 20% off coupon in my email, I decided to give B&BW a gander the other day while on a shopping trip, and discovered a new scent-ual love... Paris Amour.

Paris Amour is a light, fruity/floral combination of French tulips, apple blossoms and pink sparkling champagne... heaven in a bottle!  This fairly unique fragrance is just perfect for the summer-to-fall transition; light, feminine, and fresh.  The scent itself is just strong enough that you smell positively yummy for a good portion of the day, without being super heavy and overwhelming.  This is def not one of those headache-inducing scents!

But enough about the smell...this lotion goes on like a dream!  Non-greasy and packed with nourishing ingredients like shea butter, jojoba oil and vitamin E.  This light lotion absorbs quickly and gives a good days worth of moisture.  It leaves my skin silky smooth and comfortably moisturized.

It retails for about $11, standard B&BW pricing, but it is worth every penny. I picked it up on a buy 2 get 1 free deal and grabbed 2 bottles of lotion (one for home and one for my gym bag) and grabbed the collections bubble bath.  I haven't tried it yet, but I feel like I'm in for an indulgent bath time.*

*update: After using the bubblebath I have to admit it is nothing to write home about.  I'd def save your money.  ;)

Kiss flakey, chapped lips bu-bye!

Scrubs and loofahs are common items to buff you body and face, but what about your lips?  Dry, flakey lips are not only unattractive, the can be terribly uncomfortable.  Sugar lip scrubs are a a great tool to keep your kisser smooth by exfoliating and moisturizing.

Since I was pretty unhappy with the Skinny Girl Lip Scrub (too heavy! too greasy!) I picked up a while back, I've been on the lookout for a good scrub - I know, I know, you can make your own - but who has the time?  I must say, I'm pretty pleased with Victoria's Secret Pro Smooth FX Lip Scrub & Balm.  It has kind of a high price tag (16 dolla!) but it's a sizeable about of product, has wonderful packaging, and it's a 2-fer.

To ensure a perfect pout, our pros always prep lips with this sugar scrub and moisture- rich balm before applying color. Gently massage the scrub onto lips for 30 seconds, then tissue off. Finish with a light layer of balm. Lips are left feeling soft, supple and ready for camera-worthy color.

This scrub/balm combo is all you need to maintain perfectly smooth and soft lips.  The jar itself is quite sturdy (good packaging can be hard to come by!) and has a compact design that makes it easy to travel with and totally practical.  This jar has two different products.  The top part contains a flip top with a moisturizing, lightly minty balm, just unscrew it to reveal the scrub.  The scrub texture is just perfect, not too gritty, no too soft.  It smells slightly sweet, but it is not overpowering and quite pleasant.  This combo really is an ah-mazing prep for lip color or for taking the day's lip color off.  To be quite frank, your lips will be so smooth and supple you may want to keep your kisser au naturale.

Falling for Fall Trends

Fall is here and that means it's time to update your routine!  Warm temps and sunshine usually make way for low-key beauty, but Autumn is time for a pulled together chic look.  5 Easy ways to update your look:  1) Foundation and moisturizer!  Complexion can dull in the Fall as temps drop and we make our way inside.  Find a good moisturizer that restores your skin.  Reach for a medium foundation.  If you used a foundation in the summer, get re-matched to your fall skin to avoid a masky face. 2) Trade your bronzer in for a bright blush.  3) Reach for some eyeshadow; this fall is all about smokey colors and earth tones, plums, golds, bronzes and greens... experiment with them all! 4) Define those brows!  A good defined eyebrow not only finishes a look but can also enhance your features.  5) Find a deep lippy shade you love... wines and chocolate tones are classics for Fall and can be a great starting point.  Find a shade that best compliments your skin tone.

 

Some of my picks for Fall







 

Cake Beauty Milk Made Velveteen Hand Cream: Say bu-bye to dry mitts!  *Hands down* the best hand lotion I have ever used, I always keep it in my purse.  It smells heavenly... like warm vanilla with just a hint of raspberry... but unlike most sweet-smelling products, doesn't seem to irritate sensitive skin.  The formula is moisturizing and non-sticky and absorbs in a flash.  Totally worth the price tag - you need this in your life.

 

Essie Nail Polish - This fall is all about vampy, rich colors, tough yet feminine.  Deep reds and creamy mauves dictate this season.  The Recessionista collection is perfect for Autumn, but here are a couple colors to consider: Recessionista (an earthy deep plum), Yogaga (a cool sandy beige), and my recent obsession Don't Sweater It (an inviting creamy mauve, as cozy as it's namesake).  Since October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, I threw I am Strong (an "optimistic" pink) into the mix.

Blistex Moisture Melt Lip Protectant: Pay some lip service to this amazing lip treatment!  This hydrating lip product makes your lips SO soft - like ridic - and is super long lasting.  The scent and taste is light and feels very high quality.  Blends nicely with leftover lip color that has stained your lips or as topcoat for actual lip stain for a healthy, fresh look.

 

Maybelline Color Tattoo Eye Shadow Pomegranate Punk & Gold Shimmer: These shadows by Maybelline are absolutely fab - ultra pigmented with long-wearability like woah.  Just slightly shimmery enough to brighten the eyes and it applies like a dream.

Covergirl and Olay Simply Ageless Sculpting Blush Plush Peach: This blush has been my go-to for years - it totally rocks my socks.  This cream blush is pigmented enough to give you a healthy glow but isn't too overwhelming.  Leaves your skin smooth and moisturized and lasts all day - seal it with a translucent powder for an all day glow.

 

John Frieda Frizz-Ease Smooth Start Repairing Shampoo & Conditioner: Summer can leave strands parched and dry... give them the TLC you need with this shampoo and conditioner combo that feels amazingly high end with an absolutely affordable price tag.  Hair feels softer, healthier and def less frizzy.  The formula is gentle on hair and makes it feel crazy clean, the great smell is an added bonus.

Organix Healing Cherry Blossom Rice Milk Cashmere Body Wash: I love this body wash.  The smell is amazing and totally feminine, not to mention the formula is gentle and soothing and highly moisturizing with no oily residue.

 

L'Oreal Youth Code BB Cream:  This cream is awesome.  The perfect way to add some glow into a dulled complexion.  A bit more of a tinted moisturizer than a BB but this lightweight, super hydrating moisturizer is SO creamy and goes on like a dream.  The silky texture makes it totally blendable and so easy to apply.  It offers light coverage and completely smooths out skins texture to make it a great base for a foundation (even though it could absolutely be worn alone).  The result is a natural and dewey finish.

Limited Edition Moist Hemp Berries and Cream Lotion: The moist hemp products are all a win but this limited edition lotion smells divine and makes your skin crazy smooth.  It moisturizes well, absorbs quickly, and has serious staying power for all-day moisturizing.  You can find this little gem at Sally's Beauty Supply... 5% of each sale goes to Susan G. Komen for the Cure®.

 

Crest 3D White Mouthwash & Toothpaste: Summertime cocktails can wreak havoc on your pearly whites and this combo can combat even the worst post-Sangria teeth (although it won't do much for the post-Sangria hangovers!) Mouth feels clean and fresh with the added benefit of a brightened smile.  Yellow teeth can off-put even the cutest of fall outfits!

L'Oreal Colour Riche Project Runway Queen Kiss: OBSESSED with this find!  Part of the Project Runway Collection, this semi-opaque berry shade with slight shimmer.  The formula is slightly creamy and glides right on - the shade is very on trend this season's wine/plum colors.  Can be worn for an chic day look or layered for a bolder nighttime look.

 

Revlon Lip Butter Sugar Plum: I love this for day - all the trend with none of the "vamp" just enough color to look finished.  The formula is moisturizing enough to comfortably wear alone, or layered on top of your favorite lip balm.  What I like about this is it can really be touched up on the go without a mirror.

 

Covergirl Exact Eyelights Eye Brightening Eyeliner Majestic Jade: This is *supposed* to be for hazel eyes, but I love it for my brown eyes.  I'm not too sure how this "brightens eyes" but it is a great a liner that is a nice departure from the usual black or brown.  This liner glides on smooth and lasts all day.

Stila Eyeliner Purple Tang: I love this liner - The deep plum is seriously on trend and this liner defines eyes without being as "severe" as black.  Plus, this high quality liner stays put and lasts all day.



A Loose Powder that Exceeds Expectations

L'Oreal Paris Translucide Naturally Luminous Loose Powder

"Achieve a healthy glow and set your makeup for the day.  Translucide Naturally Luminous Loose Powder is never dull, flat, or cakey.  Powder formula is enriched with the antioxidant power of Vitamin C for extra benefits to your skin."



This product is a total win.  This is a perfect setting powder that doesn't dull your foundation one bit.  This powder is finely milled and applies smoothly and evenly.  As promised, it does not cake and leaves your skin positively glowy and perfect.   I have very sensitive skin, and this does not irritate my skin at all, no itchiness and has yet to cause any blocked pores.  The powder feels so high end and you really feel as though you are using a quality product.  The price point is a bit high - about $13- but there's a TON of product and a little bit really goes a long way.  I love how it feels so light and lasts all day.  I was excited to give this a try, and I must say this absolutely exceeded my expectations.  Best ever.

Conclusion: If you are looking for a product to enhance your look, brighten your complexion, and leave you with an airbrushed-but-not-overly-done product, this one is for you!