It seems that Essie is back for more astrology polishes and I couldn't be more excited about it! I did a review on their first Mercury in Retrograde collection last year and the polishes were good, but had to be built up to full intensity.

When I saw them post about the second edition, I was skeptical but the moment I saw this hot pink, glittery number I knew that I didn't care about if I had to apply 100 coats, I needed it.

This "Universe in Reverse" collection is available at Ulta and has two shades: Happy Medium which is the hot pink shade and Get a Psy-Kick Out of It which is a bright, vivid magenta but to me looks more purple. I felt that it looked too close to the first collection so I opted out of getting that one.

From the first moment I opened the bottle I knew that this formula was vastly different from the first. The brush was big and flat, just like all the other new Essie polishes but also the formula was a little thicker and I could tell it was going to be more opaque which is 100% is.



This polish acts like a normal polish, just with a lot more glitter which is really beautiful. It's not sheer, goopy, or weird, it's the ideal polish formula; I was good with two coats.

Happy Medium is a true hot pink with silver, blue, and lavendar flecks of glitter within it. It reflects really beautifully in the sun and is such a fabulous summer color. Even though there is glitter within the polish, I don't think it's going to be difficult to get off like other glitter polishes. I think it just has that look because it doesn't feel gritty to the touch.

It isn't a messy formula, didn't smear easily or chip within 24 hours... and it's just so pretty to look at!

I know I say it a lot but I think this is going to be worn heavily throughout the rest of the summer and honestly probably all year round; to me, the glitter makes it more wearable than just a regular hot pink polish.

If this collection has you intrigued, I highly recommend picking it up before it sells out. I'm very tempted to order the other shade to complete the foursome!

Will you be picking up this polish?
xoxo
B

My skin has not been in the best shape the past few weeks. I've been super dry and had some weird allergic reactions to a few things (I think a Charlotte Tilbury eye cream was to blame) so I've been really trying to get everything back to normal.

About a month ago I noticed that I felt super dry, everywhere. My mouth, nose, hands, cuticles, face, and body were just completely parched. I drink my weight in water each other (it's the only thing I drink) so something had to be done.

I've been in a huge beauty funk; I wasn't really taking care of my skin and I wasn't feeling any of my makeup and I was just over it. Within the past 2-3 weeks, I've hit a reset button and makeup/beauty is all I want to do.



It worked out well because I've kind of amped up my skincare routine, or at least started using some products a little more strategically.



1. Neutrogena Skincare: About a month ago I did a sponsored post on Instagram with Neutrogena. They sent me their Hydroboost line and holy hell, I've been obsessed. I've been out of the drugstore game for a while but this pulled me in. My three favorite products have been the Cleansing Lotion, Exfoliating Cleanser, and Multi-Vitamin Booster.

I love a good cleansing oil but this cleansing lotion is not as emollient as a cleansing oil and has a much better consistency in my opinion. It's gentle but removes all my makeup like a dream.

The Exfoliating Cleanser is also super gentle but it doesn't dry out my skin like some exfoliators can; it has tiny beads that aren't too rough and also has a great gel-like consistency. It deep cleans my skin and leaves it feeling fresh and hydrated.

Finally, the multi-vitamin booster serum has been great to lather on at night when my skin needs an extra boost. I haven't noticed a huge difference when I use it but I like to incorporate some kind of serum into the routine and this has been a great addition.

2. Tatcha Violet C Radiance Mask: I don't think this can really count since I used it once, and it was a foil packet sample but holy crap, I'm buying the full size. My skin was feeling very discolored, uneven, and blotchy last weekend and I was fed up with it. I knew this mask had amazing reviews and I knew I had a sample of it. I slathered the violet mask on, left it on for 15 minutes and was stunned at the results. My skin looked totally different; a lot of the spots were gone and my skin looked brighter. The results have lasted almost a week later. I am stunned at the magic that is in this mask and I need more of it. I have never seen a skincare item act so fast and so well.



3. Summer Fridays Jet Lag Mask: If you have seen my Instagram post, you know I've fallen in love with the latest social media beauty craze. Star influencer Mariann Hewitt launched her brand Summer Fridays a few weeks ago and the first product is this Jet Lag Mask. It's very aesthetically pleasing in terms of packaging and is perfect in the formula. It's made to be a mask that will hydrate your parched and ragged skin, two things that happen to your skin when you're constantly flying and feeling jet lagged (get the name?). A special thing about this mask is that it is a white cream but doesn't look like a regular face mask when applied on your skin. It's basically clear or looks like a regular moisturizer. Since receiving it a few weeks ago from Sephora, I haven't used it as a mask. I use this nightly as a night cream, after my Sunday Riley Luna Sleeping Night Oil or the Neutrogena Serum. I wake up and my skin looks healthier, plumper, and just better all around. I never, ever want to be without this mask.

4. Drunk Elephant Baby Facial: I might've mentioned this once before, either in a video or in an old blog post but I've been thoroughly enjoying this mask lately. It's like a reset button for my face and I put it on whenever I feel like I need to even my face out, or when I just need to get rid of dead skin cells. There is a reason it's so popular and it's because it really works. Similar to the Tatcha mask, I see immediate results, like I actually went and got a facial, after I use it. It's expensive AF but if you could get the mini size like I did, I recommend it!


What are your current favorite skincare products?
xoxo
B

I've spoken time and time again about how my makeup purchasing has decreased, but I've been more obsessed with trying skincare.

Skincare is having a major moment and it's not going away in 2018; one of the biggest trends you're going to see is skincare as makeup. That means more natural finishes, more radiance, more hydration, and just more natural beauty. I for one am excited about this because I love a good trend and I'm ready for some new stuff!

Now, this post isn't necessarily about skincare but it is about masks. I'm not talking about face masks or sheet masks, I'm talking about nonface masks.

There are masks for everything now, for every part of your body and for every concern. I love a good nonface mask and I've tried my fair share. I think I love the 'gimmick' but just as you take extra care of your face, you need to take extra care of other parts of your skin/body as well.

I've tried my fair share of all different types and I've come up with these as my current favorites.



1. Skyn Iceland Eye Masks: I've tried so many eye masks but I always go back to these. They're soft, smooth, and very cooling. They don't tug on the skin and don't slip or slide all over the place. They are the perfect undereye mask and I don't know if I'll ever be able to try anything else.

2. Sephora Lip Masks: Sephora Collection is sneakily becoming one of my favorite brands and I love their lip masks. They're inexpensive, easy to use, and makes your lips super soft. I always make sure I have at least one on hand.

3. Patchology Lip Masks: In the same breath, I love the Patchology lip masks too. They're gel masks that fit on your lips perfectly and feel really nice on your lips. My lips feel very soft and smooth after using these! I don't think these are better or worse than the Sephora ones but just different in texture.

4. Sephora Collection Hair Masks: I bought one of these masks on a whim and used it one random night when I knew I had to wash my hair in the morning. OMG I was stunned. I've never used a hair product that made such a quick and noticeable difference. After using the rose mask, my hair was softer, shinier and easier to style. I need everyone to try one of these, ASAP.

5. Nails Inc Overnight Detox Mask: I wouldn't forget your nails, would I? I love a good at home manicure and probably get a salon manicure 1-2 times a year. This overnight detox mask has really helped my nail growth and strength. Every so often I'll take my nail polish off, let this sink in overnight and then repaint in the morning. It's nice to give my nails a breather

6. Sephora Collection Foot Mask: TMI but I have really terrible feet. They're always dry, cracked, and just gross. I do my best to take care of them with the Emjoi Micro Pedi but sometimes I need extra help and these Sephora foot masks are the ticket. They leave my feet so soft it's actually insane. After using one of these, my feet feel like a baby's butt.

What are your favorite non face masks?
xoxo
B

When thinking about what categories I wanted to include for Best of 2017, beauty was a no-brainer... I mean, I do classify myself as a beauty blogger most of the time.

This was the year that I back peddled on a lot of beauty purchases and really didn't spend as much as I usually do. I was grateful for that because I was spending way too much on makeup... when I work for a makeup company.

My collection is starting to overwhelm me and I need to declutter some of my items but that I'll save for 2018. For now, I'm ready to talk about my favorite beauty items of 2017. I say beauty and not makeup because some of them are skincare and tools.

Some of these items I've mentioned this year and some I have not so let's get into it.



1. Tarte Shape Tape Concealer: I think this was my favorite item of the year... I think it was everyone's favorite item of the year. It's such a creamy, full coverage concealer that just looks so good. I've gone through three tubes of this concealer and it is truly a miracle worker. If you haven't tried it, I highly recommend it.

2. Kylie Cosmetics Twenty Lip Kit: I don't know if I've ever loved a lipstick more than I love the Kylie Twenty Lip Kit (I know it's sold out but it's still my favorite and who knows if she'll restock!) . I already loved Kylie lipsticks and my love took a backseat this year but this lipstick saved the day. I have barely worn another liquid lipstick for months. It's the perfect mauve/plum shade without being overpowering. The formula is the same as other Kylie's but it's the color that really is queen.

3. Urban Decay Naked Heat Palette: When I saw this palette on Instagram, I knew that it was going to be a major hit. I knew I needed it and I immediately bought it the moment it was available. I've only ever had the Naked3 palette and I loved it to death so I knew I'd love this one too. It was probably my favorite palette of the year with all the warm and toasty colors. It is stunning and the formula is bomb dot com!

4. Laura Geller Quench-n-Tint: This was released in April of this year and it kind of took Laura Geller by storm. I mean, I know a lot of our customers like it because I run the social accounts and hear it constantly. It is such an amazing hydrating, tinted moisturizer that has the highest concentration of water of any foundation on the market. It blends out beautifully and is perfect for no makeup days. I wore this a lot over the summer and it layers with other foundations perfectly, if you want to use it as a primer or layer a powder foundation on top. Please try it, you won't regret it!

5. Laura Geller LashBOSS Mascara: Another Laura Geller product that was a favorite and one that I've gone through many tubes of (probably 4-5 to be exact). LashBOSS mascara is a triple benefit mascara that has a dual-sided wand and really makes your lashes pop. I don't think I'll ever buy or use another mascara-- I've tried to go back to other favorites or even try new ones and nothing compares.

6. Emjoi Pedi: I didn't know how much I needed this product until it arrived on my doorstep. It's a little gross but it has changed my feet and has really made all the difference. I used it a lot in the summer and need to get back on it to get rid of the dead, dry skin in the wintertime. If you're in the market for a callus/dry skin remover for feet, buy this one.

7. Caudalie Gentle Cleansing Milk: I just finished this after having it for months on end and I miss it dearly. It's already in my Sephora cart and I'm ready to order another. It's the perfect everyday cleanser while also acts as a great makeup remover. It's gentle enough to use on sensitive skin but also works really well at cleaning and removing everything on your face. It's not as pricey as you'd think, just under $30 and it lasts for a while. I haven't loved a face wash like this in a very long time.

8. PUR Skin Perfecting Foundation Brush: I don't apply my foundation with a brush but when/if I do, it's this brush. It's similar to the Artis brushes without that ridiculous price tag and works just as beautifully. I use this mostly with stick foundations and I've never loved a brush the way I love this one. Try it, you won't regret it.


What did you love this year? Give me suggestions in the comments for some new favorites in 2018!
xoxo
B

Whenever the cold weather hits, I immediately reach for all my dark lipsticks. There is just something about the cold weather, the holiday season, and the chill in the air that makes me want to wear a vampy lip -- even more so than the fall.

Just give me all the plums, purples, reds, berries!

I think I speak for most people when I say that the holiday season especially brings out these feelings and when you're out and about at holiday parties and gatherings, you want to have your best lip on.

I know this kind of goes against a lot of beliefs but I love matte liquid lipsticks more in the winter than any other season. I say it goes against a lot because your lips are usually very dry and chapped in the winter so the last thing you want to do is put a drying, matte formula on your lips.

However, I think matte lips are so chic, sophisticated and classic winter. I definitely get the most use out of my liquid lipsticks in this chilly season.

I won't ramble too much longer but I wanted to break down my favorite vampy lip colors and formulas that will work for just about anyone this holiday season.


I've included (in this widget) a lot of Laura Geller lipsticks; from our Love Me Mattes which has a great shade called Coffee Craving to the Fifty Kisses Liquid Lipsticks in Makeout Merlot and our Iconic Baked in Broadway Plum (one of my oldest favorites).

I also have been really enjoying the Urban Decay Vice Lipstick in Rock Steady; it's a gorgeous red/berry shade that really screams holiday to me.

Below, you'll find a few other lipsticks that may not be available right now so I've included some dupes.

Kylie Cosmetics Twenty Bite Beauty High Pigment Pencil in Pomegranate (similar) Marc Jacobs Le Marc in Bad Behavior (similar)

I also LOVE the Winky Lux x Betches 'Crazy Pill' lipstick -- it's a very dark plum, that almost looks black and it's stunning.

I have to say one thing: the Kylie Cosmetics 'Twenty' lip kit is probably my favorite lip color of all time. It's deep enough that it feels 'fancy' but light enough that it's casual for every day. The formula is one of the best Kylie's I've had in a while and it's just perfection. I have to stop myself from wearing it every single day.

What are your favorite vampy lip colors for the holiday season?
xoxo
B

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It's been a while since I've done a Manicure Monday but I got a few new polishes over the past few weeks and I wanted to share one of them.

You'd think that the week before Christmas I'd be rocking red nails and I may change it up this week, but last week it was all about OPI's Iceland Collection. I love how trendy Iceland has become over the past year... it's somewhere I really, really want to go and I never thought that I would.

The shade I've been obsessed with is Less is Norse, which is a dark icy blue. It's not navy but somewhere in that family. It screams winter to me and it has made me feel super cozy and chic, which is how I like my nail polishes.





The formula is really good and I always forget that OPI has some great formulas; I'm just overwhelmed by all the colors so I always opt for the limited edition polishes.

This formula was smooth, and not messy; it lasted a while too. I'd still have it on if I didn't pick at some of the little chips.

The entire Iceland Collection is really gorgeous and it was a tough decision to only buy Less is Norse but the taupe colors are also really pretty-- I may have to go back to Ulta and get them!

What's on your nails this Monday?
xoxo
B

Becca is a newer brand on the beauty scene.. if 2001 is newer to you, but it really flourished back in 2014/2015 if I do say so myself.

It was a brand that was known for their highlighters, most noteworthy Opal. They've since branched out with other products but in their heart of hearts, I think they always stay true to their heritage as a highlight brand. They are always releasing new highlighters in limited edition colors and designs, and combining different highlighter colors to make a new one.

What I'm saying is that Becca Cosmetics has a lot of highlighters and pretty much have something for everyone, but they do have other great non highlighter products too.

I've been using Becca since 2015 and have used a lot of their products so I figured it was time for a Brand Buzz and time to give you my favorite products.



1. Shimmering Skin Perfector Pressed in Champagne Pop: Opal is no longer the most famous highlighter in the universe; it was overtaken when Jaclyn Hill teamed up with Becca and released this gorgeous golden Champagne highlighter. It is by far my favorite highlighter and I have it in 4 separate forms (the original compact, the Jaclyn Hill Face Palette, the poured version, and the Slimlight. It is a gorgeous champagne gold that looks good on everyone. The formula is creamy and smooth but applies really nicely. It's just a great shade and I recommend everyone buying it.

2. Shimmering Skin Perfector Poured in Champagne Pop: I love cream products so when my favorite Becca shade was released in their cream formula, I jumped on it. It's the best cream highlighter formula I've ever tried because it's not too powerful in pigment but still packs a punch. It's also very easy to apply whether with a duo-fiber brush or your fingers. I love, love, LOVE this shade in the cream highlighter version.

3. Mineral Blush in Wild Honey: I love nothing more than a warm, neutral blush and Wild Honey is THAT perfect color. The formula is super soft, pigmented but not too pigmented so it doesn't get messy. It applies perfectly and smoothly on the skin and blends out really well too. This is a blush that I go with whenever I don't know which blush to wear and it always comes through.

4. Aqua Luminous Foundation: This is the only foundation I've ever really finished and I was just reminded at how much I loved it when I sat down to write this post. It's a very watery, liquid based foundation so it feels so good and light on the skin. From what I remember it's a medium coverage and blended out really well with a beautyblender. I also liked that it was a luminous foundation because my dry skin responded very well to it.

5. First Light Priming Filter: I don't know if I've ever loved a primer this much. I used it a lot when I first got it but then like most of us, I got bored but rediscovered it recently. I've been religiously using it for the past month and my goodness, I forgot why I loved it so much. It is one of the few primers that makes my makeup look really good all day long. Everything blends out really smoothly and evenly over it and I just LOVE IT. I highly recommend getting this over the original primer and Sephora has it in a mini size.




Honorable Mention: I LOVE my Jaclyn Hill face palette & eyeshadow palette (I was one of the few that had a good batch of shadow palettes and opted to keep it) but you can't get either of them anymore but I wanted to mention!




Also, I've been loving the Apres Ski Glow palette they just released for the holidays! I highly recommend getting this palette this season.

Below are the items on my Becca wishlist!






What do you love from Becca Cosmetics? 
xoxo
B

I didn't realize it until I started working in the beauty industry but in retail, the holiday season starts at the end of September and that is usually when you start seeing all the beauty companies putting out their holiday sets.

It can be very overwhelming to log onto the New Arrivals section of Sephora and Ulta during the holidays because there are so many sets and limited edition product to choose from. Most companies don't release permanent items during this time but may introduce something that is limited edition to get an idea of how customers react to it.

While the end of September/early October is a little early to really consider holiday shopping (in most cases), I like to scoop up some of the sets I know I definitely want and might sell out. Usually, once holiday sets are sold out, they won't come back in stock. Sometimes though, you get lucky and the retailer does restock. I like to shop early just in case.

I can do this because well, I'm not shopping these sets for other people, I'm shopping for myself LOL.

When I was presented with all my options this year, I knew there wasn't going to be much I wanted. None of the Too Faced or Benefit stuff intrigued me, I don't need or necessarily want a limited edition eyeshadow palette and to put it simply, I don't need a lot of other stuff that's available.

I only picked up two items so far and I'm contemplating a few other ones.

When I saw the eyeshadow palette that Becca was releasing, I wanted that so badly but then after much consideration and a few reviews, I opted against it. I was glad when I did because then I saw the face palette Becca released and fell in love.






First, the packaging is incredible. I'm obsessed with icy blue this season and I think I blame this packaging. I feel like Queen Elsa when I use this palette and I love it! I don't have any of the colors in the palette so it's well worth it for me. The formulas great and the colors are perfect for winter -- I highly recommend picking this palette up if you love Becca, loved limited edition items, and love face palettes!

The other item I purchased was one from Bite Beauty. I got the Champagne Discovery Lip Set because I've been dying to try the lip gloss and Multi Stick lipstick. Also, my love of Champagne things has not faltered this year. It's also three full-size items for $35 so you cannot go wrong with this one.





The outer box is so adorable because it has 'I WISH' embedded in it so it has the touch of holiday cheer without being cheesy. The products inside aren't limited edition and are great quality -- I've been wearing all of them nonstop.

Like I said, I only bought these two holiday items so far but below are some others I have my eye on and some that I think would make great gifts for the beauty lover in your life:

When it comes to makeup, I've never been a full coverage kind of gal. My skin is not that bad and it's pretty dry so I lean toward more medium coverage, radiant foundations. However, during the summer, I usually don't wear any foundation at all.

It melts off my face as soon as I step outside and continues to annoy me as I sit on the hot subway. During the hot months (or even when I'm running super late) I tend to stick to light coverage 'foundations' and tinted moisturizers.

The thing I love about tinted moisturizers is that they can be applied quickly and easily. There is no need for a brush or sponge, using your hands is just fine.

They also provide just the right amount of coverage without feeling heavy or tacky on the skin. I also think there is enough of a range amongst the beauty community that you can find a tinted moisturizer that fits your skin tone and type.

This summer tinted moisturizer was the only thing I wore with the exception of a few days where I went full foundation (or sans foundation completely)

These were my must-have tinted moisturizers of the summer *and pretty much of all time up until this point*




1. Laura Geller Quench-n-Tint: If you haven't figured out by now, I work for Laura Geller (I don't know if I've ever posted that on here but it's public knowledge). When I found out that we were releasing this product, I could hardly contain my excitement. This is for sure one of my favorite products we've ever released. It's a very, very light weight, almost sheer, but really evens out and hydrates the skin. You have to feel this to believe it (go to Ulta now and try it) but when applied, there is a release of hydration and it feels like you're splashing water on your face, and it's amazing. It was my most worn product of the summer for sure.

2. NARS Tinted Moisturzer: I don't know if I would classify this as a tinted moisturizer but I figured I'd mention it anyway.  I have talked about this before in my May favorites and it's stood the test of time. It's a fuller coverage tinted moisturizer but doesn't feel like an actual foundation. It's the only complexion product I've tried from NARS and it's definitely a favorite and must try!

3. Bare Minerals Complexion Rescue: This was a purchase from last summer and it's still a favorite right now. It has SPF in it which is ideal for summer (and all year round really) and is a cross between the NARS and Laura Geller. It has good coverage but feels incredibly light weight on the skin. This can 100% be applied with your hands but if you want a little more coverage, you can build it up with a sponge or brush. This was one of the first tinted moisturizers I really took a liking too and it remains one of my favorites.

What is your favorite tinted moisturizer? 
xoxo
B

Hi everyone! Just a small little introduction for my latest unboxing v-log. I opened a FabFitFun box, and lots of goodies from Ulta & Sephora.

Come back tomorrow for another book review... and probably one of the most effed up books I've ever read in my entire life.

In replacement on the weekly wrap up post, I'll be *trying* to add a regular post weekly. This was originally on my calendar for yesterday but Wednesday kicked my butt so no post Thursday... and here we are! I think a little behind the scenes is always good; blogging is not glamorous, ladies and gentlemen!

*PS: I talked last week about how I wanted to move weekly wrap up to email only content so sign up for my email newsletter here.

Just as I talked this week about fragrances, something I never talked about in 5 years, I rarely have talked about makeup brushes.

They say if you don't have good skin even the most expensive makeup won't look good on your face; the same goes with brushes. You could be using all Charlotte Tilbury & Tom Ford makeup but if you're using the wrong or really crappy brushes, it won't apply as well. You can do magic with makeup brushes, I've seen it happen.

Over the years I've accumulated a nice amount of brushes, two candle holders filled, to be exact, and I love most of them. I do have my favorites, as I'm sure we all do; I have my go-to brushes that I simply cannot live without.



1. PUR Cosmetics Skin Perfecting Foundation Brush: Ever since I've seen the Artis brushes come to play I wanted one. I bought a cheapy knock off from Amazon and it was garbage. I almost pulled the trigger on an Artis brush more than once but then I saw one of my favorite brands, PUR, release a similar looking foundation brush. It has the same shape and even feels the same (I've touched Artis). This brush is super densely packed and really smooths out your foundation. My foundation glides on my skin when I use this and it gets the job down fast. I HIGHLY recommend this, especially if you don't like foundation brushes. I religiously use a beautyblender but this changes the game.

2.  Morphe E8: I love this brush so much I bought two! Jaclyn Hill said this is one of her favorite brushes so when I heard that, I ran to the Morphe website to purchase one. I use it solely for concealer and it's basically replaced my beautyblender in that retrospect. It's soft, blends perfectly, and is the best concealer brush out there.

3. ELF Small Stipple Brush: ELF has some of the best brushes on the market and I have a few of them in my collection. This is by far my favorite for blending out cream products. I've gone through two of them and another one just appeared in my collection -- it's very nice to have it back. It's small enough to not blend the cream product all over your face, and is really soft on the skin. Go get it, it's only $6!

4. Too Faced Mr Right: This brush was released last year and I knew I needed it because it was so cute and I've never had a Too Faced brush. This has become my go-to for powdering my face whether it's with a loose or pressed powder. It's big enough to add a fluffy, airbrushed look to the skin but not so big that you feel like you aren't adding any product to your face. It's a little pricey but it's SO GOOD.

5. Anastasia #23 Brush: This was originally released when Anastiasa Beverly Hills released her glow kits and I was really drawn to it. I felt like this brush was a unique shape and size; the slim dome shape and soft bristles make it ideal for applying highlight. It's basically the only brush I use to apply my highlight and I love it! *This does have some shedding but it doesn't bother me that much.

Below are some of my other favorite brushes but the ones above are my top 5!




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I am a sucker for new eyeshadow palettes. I love new makeup in general but my weakness is eyeshadow. They're so pretty and the colors are unique, and the layout & packaging draws you in. UGH I love new eyeshadow palettes!

I especially love limited edition, fun eyeshadow palettes from Too Faced, which is what this post is all about. Last year, Too Faced released their Peanut Butter & Jelly palette. I am a huge peanut butter fan so I jumped at this palette; it's quickly become one of my favorites in my collection.

When I heard that Too Faced was going to release a Peanut Butter & Honey palette, I was even more excited. More peanut butter, more neutral shades! When I saw a photo of this palette, I was less than impressed. The yellow shade Honey Buns made me question if I wanted this palette because I didn't think I'd use it. I didn't even pay mind to the other shades and didn't really pay attention to when this was going to be released.




However, I woke up one morning a few weeks ago and trendmood1 posted on Instagram that the palette was available for Platinum members only on Ulta's website. I made my decision and bought the palette, because I just couldn't miss out on something limited edition.

When I received it, I was super impressed with how much better it looked in person than online. That's why I recommend going in store to see it because it's so beautiful and photos/videos don't do it justice.




Honestly, people have been saying the pigmentation on these shadows are bad but I don't see it. The one shade I had an issue with 'Going Nuts' -- it doesn't swatch that great but it's perfect on the eyes. Honey Buns also isn't fabulous but I wasn't expecting much from the bright yellow. Everything else I think is up to Too Faced standards!

I've been testing it out and using it since I got it and I really love it. It's probably my top 5 favorite palettes because the colors are super warm, neutral, and perfect for everyday.

*Below is my FIRST VIDEO EVER. I recorded it at DubDub Studios in Manhattan *if you're an influencer, look em up! It's free to go to their studios and record with them!

I talked a bit about the palette, to accompany this review & I hope you like it!


The palette repeats the shade Peanut Butter from the Semi Sweet Chocolate Bar palette & the original Peanut Butter and Jelly palette. The other shades are inspired by peanut butter and honey, so they range from pink to brown to yellow -- it's a palette that could be used to create multiple different looks. Whether it's day or night there are shades for everyone.

I think the most unique shades are Queen Bee which is a grey, taupe shade; Honey Brittle which is a brownie peach shade; and Going Nuts which is a plum, deep brown shade.




As I said in the video, the review for this palette are less than wonderful and some don't swatch that well, but once you apply the shades on the eyes they work like a dream! You can't always trust swatches, you really have to work with shadows on the eyelid.

If you're interested in this palette and the reviews have been putting you off, I recommend going in store to Ulta when it's available (call your local Ulta for a date -- they may even have it already) and seeing for yourself. If you want too, I recommend even purchasing it from the TooFaced website or Ulta.com and trying it out. Both websites have return policies up to 60 days so you can always return it if it doesn't work!

Have you tried this palette yet? Did you want to pick it up?

xoxo
B

The love affair with Drybar is still going as strong as ever but it came to an all time high in mid November when I purchased the Drybar Tress Press Digital Styling Iron & the 3-Day Bender Curling Iron.

I have very thick, unruly, frizzy and coarse hair. My mom & sister have the same exact hair, so when you have three women with horrific hair, you go through hot tools like hot cakes.

The curling iron we had broke, and the straightener we had was on it's way out so I decided to splurge and buy both items.

I got the Tress Press iron at Ulta when I had a coupon and I purchased the 3-Day Bender Curling Iron from QVC and it was a little cheaper than it is usually, and it came with some mini Drybar products.

Both products are incredible, and definitely some of the best I've ever used. I really don't know how to use a curling iron so I was skeptical about buying this, but it's very, very easy to use. I don't know if I just learned how to use the iron or if this is super easy, but it's great! My hair always holds a curl so I don't know if this item is a testament to that, but it does get very hot & creates a great curl.



The Tress Press is one of the best irons I've ever used, right behind a classic Chi iron. It does leave my hair slightly static but it heats up to 450 degrees, which I think a lot of irons only go to 400. I use the Drybar Prep Rally heat protectant so I'm not that worried about putting the heat on my hair.

The degrees makes all the difference because my hair has never been so quick to straighten.

Both of these items get an A+ from me so if you're in the market for a new iron or curling iron, definitely check these out! I do recommend buying from Nordstrom or Sephora because they have the most lenient return policies if the tools aren't to your liking!

xoxo
B

It's the most wonderful time of the year!!

Well, one of the most wonderful times of the year.

Ulta Beauty has its 21 Days of Beauty, starting yesterday, which is 21 days of beauty steals and deals. They have your favorite high end items for 50% off, a bunch of free gifts with purchase, and other great deals.

They do this huge sale twice a year, and the beauty of it is, is that they aren't putting clearance items on sale: they're the best of the best of some of our favorite brands, and it just gives Ulta customers the chance to buy them at a lower price.

Sephora is my favorite and go-to retailer for beauty because I am VIB Rogue and have free shipping; also, they have some brands that Ulta doesn't, and this may be the e-commerce nerd in me, but I much prefer Sephora's website.

This was all true, and still is, but Ulta is pulling me closer to their side because they just released the Ultimate Rewards credit card. That's right, a credit card FOR MAKE-UP PURCHASES. It's the best and most dangerous thing to ever happen to me.

Ulta also has more coupon codes and sales on their high end products, and you can redeem the points you earn for actual dollars off. By far, their points system is more efficient... I just wish they would clean up their website.

All the products I'm looking to pick up during the sale Uh, Clarisonic heads are BOGO!

All this said, I'm really excited to shop 21 Days of Beauty. You can find the entire calendar of deals here, but they do have 'hot buys' that are included every single day. I already bought this Tarte Under Eye Concealer that's half off. Another recommendation I have is to scoop up the Laura Geller Iconic Baked Sculpting Lipsticks for only $15; they are incredibly pigmented, smooth, and comfortable. They're baked and have great skin loving ingredients.

Doesn't this all sound incredible... almost too good to be true? Well, it kind of is because each beauty steal *expect for the hot buys* only lasts 24 hours, so get the deal on it's given day or it's gone.

Happy shopping everyone!

I did this post last year but it seems like I have some more to discuss! I never want to straight up bash a brand, because I do really like most beauty brands products. It's not often that I find something that totally didn't work for me, so when I do, I feel like I need to tell someone.



These have been tested over the past few months and they were not my favorite... at all!

1. Too Faced Born This Way Foundation: I really wanted to like this foundation, because I love Too Faced and everyone in the world seems to love this foundation, but after applying it and wearing it for one day, I was appalled by how it made my face look. Even my coworkers were shocked at how bad it made my skin look. It caked up onto my face, enhanced my pores, and was separating on my skin after a few hours. I didn't even try it a second time, I immediately returned it because I never wanted to try it again.

2. Too Faced Born This Way Concealer: I guess I really just don't like the Born This Way line...or better yet, it doesn't like me. I was excited about this concealer because they are my favorite beauty product, but no go here! It was very sheer coverage, and would probably work for someone who doesn't have intense dark under-eye circles. I tried to make it work, but it just wasn't doing anything for me. The formula and application was nice, it just wasn't enough coverage for me.

3. Skyn Iceland Icelandic Relief Eye Cream: Skyn Iceland has quickly become one of my favorite skincare brands. The idea of having products for stressed skin is really intriguing and I've loved everything from them, minus this product. My under eyes dried up and became irritated after using this and it was just not good! I have very sensitive eyes so that is definitely a factor, because my mom used it and it seems to be fine. Just beware if you have sensititve skin, this may not do well.

4. Verb Leave In Mist: I love the Verb Hydrating Mask; it works wonders on my dry hair and has a great price tag. I wanted to try out more Verb products and always love anything advertised as a leave in conditioner/mist. I picked this up, used it a few times, and it went straight back to Sephora. It made my hair oily, sticky, and more unruly than it was to begin with! My hair is naturally curly/wavy and this just made it unbearable to work with; my hair felt disgusting after it dried.

5. DryBar Mai Tai Spritzer Sea Salt Spray: Another hair product from another amazing brand that I love. I was in a spray, beach wave mood a few months ago and wanted to try a Sea Salt Spray. I figured I liked other DryBar products so I mind as well try this one out. UGH, no! It made my hair feel just like the Verb Leave In Mist, crunchy, oily, unruly, and sticky. It was a disaster and I couldn't wait to rinse it out of my hair. After a handful of uses and hoping it would get better, I returned it to Sephora.

6. Eye Doctor by Origins: This was purchased around the same time as the Skyn Iceland cream, and it gave me the same effect. It was a little heavy, and irritated my eyes. It just didn't work out for me as I would hope.

Have you ever tried a product out that just didn't work well for you? What were they??

Another wishlist Wednesday is here...and its the beauty edition! I love putting these together because I am constantly looking at what new beauty products are out on the market... it's my job as a social media coordinator & blogger to know what the trends are and what is being released.

Credit

I never want to keep these things to myself because what's the fun in that? I'm in the market for a good beauty buy; ever since moving, I haven't spent any money on makeup because I've been buying decor items (and some fall clothes!)

That's why this may seem like a long list... because Sephora is calling my name!





Has anyone ever tried any of these beauty products? What are your thoughts? Give me some reviews before I waste my money ;)

xoxo
B

Once you've tried some beauty products, you've pretty much tried them all. GASP! How, as a beauty blogger, could I possibly say that?

Well, if you really think about it, it's kind of true. At some point, all blushes, bronzers, mascaras, eyeliners, etcs start to look and feel the same. Of course there are some that will never work, or some that causes your skin to react badly, but all in all, a lot of beauty products are similar.

I continue to buy them because I'm constantly trying new things, and if something is new or a cult classic that I've never tried, I need to try it.

That's why, when there is a beauty product that is unlike anything I've seen or tried before, I need it.

Over the past few months, I've been extremely drawn to unusual & unique beauty products. I love seeing what brands will come up with next and it's interesting to try something that you aren't used to.

From masks to primers to removers, there's tons of weird products out there!

• Lip Masks: This might not be so unusual but when I saw it on Sephora's website a few months ago, I was intrigued. It's so smart to make a sheet lip mask and I don't know why I've never seen them. Thanks to the Sephora Brand Collection, I've been introduced to a new item. I purchased one and fell in love. It just so happens everyone else was too because they've been sold out forever. (Back in stock right now!) Thankfully, Patchology sent me some of theirs recently and I've been loving them! My lips are moisturized and smooth afterwards, perfect to do right before applying a liquid lipstick.

• Origins Maskimizer Mask Primer: This was a product, when I saw it, said "Now they've thought of everything!". It seems a little gimmicky to apply a primer before applying a face mask, but if you think of it, why wouldn't it work? We apply primers before makeup to keep makeup on longer, smooth our skin, and other reasons, why shouldn't we apply it before a mask? This primer allows for your skin to absorb the mask more quickly, and loads better. A few sprays before your favorite face mask and your skin will feel better. I haven't noticed a physical difference but I do think my face feels better using it than without using.

• Too Faced Mascara Melt Off: A mascara remover, that comes in a mascara tube? GENIUS! Once again, gimmicky but GENIUS. I don't wear a lot of waterproof mascara but like every other woman in the world, have a difficult time removing it. Apply one coat of this remover to each lash, let sit for 60 seconds, and wipe away. I've never tried anything like it and I don't think I ever will again -- it's SO good, I never want to run out. 

• St Tropez In Shower Gradual Tanner: Self tanning is such a trend, and such a pain in the butt. Your hands turn orange, if you're not careful your sheets will too. Why has no one ever thought of making a tanner that you apply IN THE SHOWER? Well, St. Tropez gave us what we didn't even know we needed. I bought this in a pinch because I was white as ghost and had misplaced my self tanner amongst the many boxes when I was packing to move. I ran to Sephora and purchased this; within 3-4 showers, I had semi golden skin. It seemed like the most natural tan ever and it was completely fake. If you're nervous about self tanning, I highly recommend starting out with this. It's great for beginners.

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I've been really into beauty trends lately: liquid lipsticks, matte lips, cream products, super highlighted skin, and the list goes on.

A huge trend that is just making it's way into the United States and mainstream makeup/skincare is cushion products.

Cushion products originally come from Korean skincare and have slowly made their way into the makeup world. If you've never heard or seen a cushion beauty product, it basically is a compact that has a cushion sponge inside, soaked with product. Whether it's foundation, primer, bronzer, or blush, the sponge is soaked with the product, and you press your sponge (it usually comes with a sponge) or a brush into the compact and apply to your face.

The thing about cushion product is that you are supposed to press the product into your skin, not swirl or buff like regular product. Also, the consistency is very different than what I've experienced in the past... and all the cushion products I've tried are similar in consistency. It's definitely a liquid but doesn't run... it's almost a little stiff but blends beautifully.

Cushion products are starting to pop up everywhere, even the drugstore and I couldn't be happier. I think these products are very versatile, easy to use and apply, and look gorgeous on the skin. They all give a dewy finish without going overboard.

As you can tell, I love all the cushion products I've tried and below are the ones I have tried.




Loreal Lumi Cushion Foundation: I've talked about this foundation before and I'm obsessed. It's so easy to apply, gives the skin a hydrated, dewy finish, and is the perfect foundation to apply fast when you're running out the door. The shade selection is great, and you can find it in any local drugstore, or Ulta. It's not full coverage by any means but who wants a full, goopy face in the summer heat? This is my love. PS: I use the sponge that comes with it to apply to my face.

Sephora Collection Cushion Bronzer: When I saw a cushion bronzer, my heart dropped. I had been hoping to expand my cushion collection and I couldn't believe Sephora was the first to release a bronzer. I immediately put it in my cart, and purchased it. (The price is RIGHT as well). The cushion is a little stiffer than most but I think that's to control the amount of product that is coming out. I used a stipple brush to apply it as I would any other bronzer and it was a very subtle bronzed look, which I love. It gave the right amount of warmth without being too much.

Pur Eye Polish: I have wanted this FOREVER but never bit the bullet. When I went down to Florida for work, I actually got this at the conference I was at. I got the shade Satin and it's gorgeous. It's a cushion eyeshadow that you can apply with your finger or the applicator it comes with. It's not too much and perfect for everyday wear. I love wearing this shadow alone because it's an easy one in done look.

Foundation, blush, eye polish, bronzer

Stila Aqua Glow Watercolor Blush: This is a product I've really only used once or twice but it was love at first sight. It blends out very sheer which is great because in the cushion, it's a little scary. I have Water Lily which is a rose/coral color that is so perfect for summer. This doesn't come with an applicator but using it with a stipple brush will work perfectly. I'm really excited to use this all summer for a sheer wash of color.

Below are some more cushion products that are on my wishlist, including cushion lip & eyeliner products!