Holiday Sparkly Eyes

I picked up a few new shadows to try for the upcoming holiday parties.

I'm feeling sparkly! :)

Hard Candy Kal-eye-descope Baked Shadow Duo

This is my second Hard Candy Baked Duo Shadow purchase.

I LOVE Peace, which has a golden highlight shade and a bronzy brown crease shade.

So I decided to pick up another in High Maintenance.

The lightest shade is a shimmery silver color. It works great as a highlight and inner corner color. I've been wearing it all over the lid. Then I place the darker color, a taupe-ish, purplely grey (how's that for a description) in the outer corner and crease. It makes a very pretty eye look that can be worn with pretty much anything!

These shadows are great quality, while cheap and easily accessible. They are quite shimmery, but i don't mind. I would definitely recommend them!

(In the second picture, Peace is on the left & High Maintenance is on the right.)

Review: Maybelline Fit Me Foundation

I apologize for the lack of posts. It's been a crazy and stressful few weeks. Also, I'm posting on my phone for the first time ever. Hopefully, the format won't turn out to crazy! We shall see.

I've been trying out this foundation for a few weeks. I've heard mixed reviews about it, but most were positive. So I decided to try it out.

I am pleasantly surprised.

This foundation is targeted to match any skin tone, with a wide range of shades and tones available. As the picture below shows, it's supposed to match natural tone and blend seamlessly. I feel that it does a good job at both tasks. Colors come in 3 categories: light, medium and dark (that might not be exactly how they're labeled, but you get the idea). I purchased shade 120 (classic ivory) in the light category. It matches very well and gives me a little color, as to not look drab.

Thirdly, it allows skin to breathe. I agree. It has a very natural finish. You can tell by my pictures that it is a fairly thin liquid. When blended out, it has a dewy finish. With that being said, someone with extremely oily skin might not care for this foundation. But I have combo/oily skin and it works fine for me. By setting it with a powder, I think it provides light to medium build-able coverage and lasts for several hours without needing a touch up.

If you are looking for a long-wearing foundation, this might not be your first pick. But for a foundation with a wide range of colors, natural finish, and decent coverage, it's a great option. And it's one of the cheaper drugstore foundations I've found.

My high end comparison to this foundation would be Merle Norman's AquaBalance Foundation. It's one of my favorites! But Maybelline's Fit Me wears just as well on my skin. And it's a fraction of the price!

Let me know if you have tried it or plan to in the future!

~ Carolyn

Review - Maybelline DREAM LUMI Touch Highlighting Concealor

I have so many concealors.  But this one looked promising.

 Maybelline DREAM LUMI Touch 

Highlighting Concealor

is a pen-type concealor with a brush applicator.

You simply twist the end cap, hear the click, and the product is dispensed through the brush.

Application is nice and easy.  

I haven't had any trouble with the technical side of the concealor

(as I did with the Instant Age Rewind Eraser - which broke after a few uses).

This product comes in several shades, 

but I chose Radiant.

Radiant is a light salmon color.

The reason I purchased this color was for a brightening effect, as well as concealing dark circles.

Salmon colored concealors are great to cancel out the bluish undertones in under eye circles.

Therefore, I can't speak on how well this concealor works for hiding blemishes, since I'm not using it for that purpose.

But I have used it under the eyes, as well as on the bridge of my nose and tops of cheek bones for a highlighted effect.

It has a creamy consistency but is not too heavy.

It also blends nicely.

After blending, it doesn't dramatically reduce the appearance of my dark circles, 

but it does a pretty good job at lightening and brightening that area.

It does stay on the creamy side, so I usually set it with a lightweight powder.

Otherwise, it tends to crease in the little fine lines.

But as a whole, I'm satisfied with this purchase.

Another plus: there aren't too many salmon-toned concealors available in drugstores.

So I'm happy Maybelline decided to make one!

Maybe some other brands with jump on the bandwagon soon.

~ Carolyn

Review - L'Oreal Infallible shadows

I purchased these L'Oreal Infallible eyeshadows several months ago after hearing good things about their pigment and staying power.

I picked up the colors Iced Latte and Continuous Cocoa

These shadows come with a "stopper" on top.  It is crucial that you do NOT throw this part away!

And in the picture below, you can see why.

These shadows are almost the consistency of a loose pigment... but creamier.

As I was photographing the Iced Latte, I dropped it.

You can see where it broke in half.  Luckily, the part that fell out stayed "together" for me to place it back in the pot.  But I then had to use the "stopper" to press it back in.

They are so unique.  They wear for an extremely long time.  

And they are highly pigmented.

Iced Latte is extremely shimmery... on the verge of metallic.

Similar to Urban Decay's Sin, which is one of my favorite colors EVER.

And Continuous Cocoa is a deep, dark brown.

A little goes a long way.

I would love to pick up some new colors in the future.

If you've tried any of the L'Oreal Infallible eyeshadows, let me know what you think.
And if you haven't, I suggest that you pick one up and try it out.
The texture is divine and I'm pretty sure you'll love it!

~ Carolyn

e.l.f. sighting

LOOK what I found at our local Wal-Mart.

 (Sumiton, to be exact)

(don't mind the baby trying to pull everything off the display)

It's a small display in the center aisle... can't miss it!

And actually, they have a good variety of products... more than our local Target store carries.

If you don't know much about e.l.f. products, it stands for eyes lips face.

They carry all types of makeup related products: blush, bronzer, eyeshadow, eyelash curlers, makeup remover wipes, concealor, brushes, etc.  And everything is between $1 and $5.

I'm not absolutely positive, but I'm pretty sure that everything in this display is from the Studio line, meaning they are $3.

Most everything that I've tried has been great quality.

A few of my favorite products are the eyeshadow primer and blush/bronzer duo, as well as several brushes.

I'm super excited about this brand being more accessible!!! 

And since "blush" was on my grocery list, I picked up 2.

Candid Coral and Tickled Pink.

Check it out if you're in my area!

~ Carolyn

Olive Martini - a Fall look and review

This post includes a pretty eye look for Fall, as well as the review of a shadow palette by

Maybelline.

This quad was released recently as part of the Maybelline Eye Studio Limited Edition Fall line.

There was so much buzz on YouTube about this particular palette, Olive Martini. 

I could not wait to get my hands on it!  

But it took me FOREVER.

Here in my little town in Alabama, we are usually the last to get the new goodies.

But I waited patiently and eventually was able to grab it a month ago!

The colors are stunning and great for Fall time.

It comes with a shimmery, creamy white highlight color,

a shimmery light blue,

a very unique, sort of duo-chrome, bluish/brown,

and a deep burgundy.

The shadows are great quality and are very pigmented.

The only color that I'm most disappointed in is the white highlight shade.

It just doesn't have the color payoff that the others have.  

There are several ways you can wear this palette, using just a few colors or ALL of them.

In the photos below, I used them all.

I took inspiration from MakeupbyTiffanyD's tutorial.

I placed the light blue on the inner half of the lid.

I placed the duo-chrome color on the outer half of the lid.

I placed the burgundy shade on the outer corner and slightly through the crease - this color is DARK.  So a little goes a long way.

I then used the white shade as a brow highlight and on the tear duct area and slightly below.

 With this palette, you can create a soft and shimmery look,

or a look that's much deeper and more dramatic for the holiday season!

Let me know if you've tried it out.... or are still trying to get your hands on it!

~ Carolyn

Latest Pick-Ups

I did a little shopping recently and picked up some items I'm loving so far!

I thought I'd share them with you.... 

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from Bath & Body Works

I stocked up on Dreamy Vanilla Woods shower gel.

I think I have 3 in the cabinet so hopefully I won't run out anytime soon.

p.s. if you go to any BBW within 30 miles of me, there probably AREN'T anymore Dreamy Vanilla Woods stuff left.  I got it all. :)

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When I went in the store, the 3-wick candles were on sale.... YES!

I picked up two.

Vanilla Bean Noel

Since I'm all about vanilla-y things right now.

Unfortunately, I'm not too crazy about this one.  I love the smell, but it's just not strong enough when lit.  I just set it beside my bed with the lid off and it I can smell it when I lay down at night.

(There is a brand new vanilla one in the Winter Collection that I WILL definitely be purchasing soon.)

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Cinnamon Frosting

OMG.  and just so you know, I don't ever use that phrase. :)

This candle is amazing.  I have had it burning nonstop since I brought it home.  And even when it's not lit, it perfumes the WHOLE upstairs!  I am in love with it.  This is another one I'll have to stock up on.

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And lastly...

Winter Spice & Vanilla 

Antibacterial Hand Soap

I usually don't buy these.  Simply b/c we go through a lot of hand soap.

But I had a coupon for a free item and decided to pick this one up.

Again, it's vanilla. :)

And it's SO YUMMY!!!  I can't put my tongue on exactly what it smells like.  But it's amazing.  Sort of like yellow cake batter.  But it's a very familiar scent.  Something right on the tip of my tongue.

Anyhow, it's fabulous.  And I can't stop smelling my hands after I use it. 

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And now, a Walgreen's purchase...

I was out of the lotion I've been using for several months.  I've mentioned it in a favorites post.  It's made by Suave and has the scent of baby powder.  

The other night I had to run in Walgreen's for just a few things, lotion being one of them.  But they didn't have the one I needed.  So I picked this one up instead.... just a small bottle, in case I didn't like it.

Suave Everlasting Sunshine

It is definitely more of a Spring/Summer scent, but I really like it!!  It's girly.  And it sticks with you!

The smell really lingers, even after hours.  And since it's a pleasant smell, I think that's a great thing!

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My last purchase was from Target (but you can find it at any drugstore).

My last post was about my current skincare routine.

If you read it, you know I have used Aveeno baby lotion as a moisturizer forever.... literally, like forever.

But I do realize that I'm aging... and I might need to add something into my routine that will counteract the inevitable... wouldn't that be nice?

So I chose Cerave Moisturizing Lotion.

It is on the expensive side, but I think it'll last a while.

It's a very lightweight moisturizer and I have been using it for several days, day and night.

So far, I like it!

(They do make a cream for those who need extra moisturization, but since I'm on the oily side, I think this one will work best for me.)

I'll do a full review after I've had more time to try it out.

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That's my latest "haul."

Have you purchased something recently that you're super excited about?

Please share it with me!

~ Carolyn

my SKINCARE routine

I recently had a request to share my current skincare routine.

I can honestly say that my skincare routine is something that never changes.  ever.

I cannot remember how long I've been using these products.  it seems like forever.

First, let me begin by telling you a little about my skin.

I have combo/oily skin.  It seems to be getting a tad better as I age.  But still, oily in the t-zone.

My skin was more prone to breakouts as a teenager.  AND during pregnancy.  I had TERRIBLE acne while I was pregnant with BOTH of my children.  And my skin is still trying to recover from Jett.  It's been 8 months.  And it's getting there.

It went completely back to normal after Jase, so I am confident in a few more months the scarring will be much less visible.

My skin is BY NO MEANS flawless.  It's not terribly discolored, but I do suffer from extremely dark circles.  Haven't found anything to make those disappear... yet.

Also, as I mentioned, I have some scarring and discoloration on one cheek from baby Jett. :(

Other than those issues, I'm pretty happy with my skin.

For the most part, it's smooth and pretty clear.

So here's how I take care of it.....

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here's my disclaimer: I completely understand that some of these products will not work for everyone.  Heck, you might think I'm crazy for using them.  But they work for ME.  They've worked for years and, frankly, I'm afraid to change.  If it ain't broke, don't fix it. :)

I do realize, though, that I will eventually need to start using more "age-defying" products.

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First up....

The MOST IMPORTANT THING about skincare is:  cleansing.

I cannot stress enough how crucial it is to wash your face morning & night.  NO going to bed with your makeup on.  If you are one of those people, and you feel your skin is dull and prone to breakouts, just try it.  Wash your makeup off EVERY NIGHT before you climb into bed.  You'll be pleasantly surprised.  I can promise you that.

For this, I use:

Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Wash

Cream Cleanser

This is the original version.  Now, they have several different ones - pink grapefruit, redness reducing, etc.  But I prefer this one.

It works well to remove makeup, oil and dirt from your face and pores.  It rinses easily and leaves your face feeling exceptionally clean.  It also has salicylic acid to help treat and prevent acne.

Next, you MUST moisturize.

One mistake people make is this:  they assume that since their skin is oily, they don't need to moisturize.  Negative.  Completely false.

The more you deprive your skin of moisture, the more oil it will produce to compensate.

Makes sense, huh?

I have used this moisturizer for years.  It's crazy, I know.  But it works for me.

Aveeno Baby Daily Moisture Lotion

I use this lotion under my makeup, as well as at night before bed.

It packs in the moisture without making my skin extra oily.

It contains oatmeal to soothe skin and lock in moisture.

It's hypoallergenic, fragrance-free and won't clog pores.

It's formulated for sensitive and delicate skin.... my face in a nutshell.

That is the extent of my skin care.  For real.

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Now, there are a few products that coincide with my routine.

I've been using makeup remover wipes since the summertime.  They are so easy and work great.  I've been using them as part of my nighttime routine.  I've tried several, but my favorite so far are these from Target:

They are cheap and very saturated.  I've also tried the Clean & Clear ones.  I liked them a lot.  But I think I like these best! 

(They also come in other versions.)

I use 2 different masks on occasion... when my skin is in need of extra care.

These are the 2 I LOVE and swear by:

 Apricot Scrub

Walgreen's brand

I love this scrub.  It is a dupe of the St. Ives Apricot Scrub.

It works great at exfoliating (which should be a regular part of your skincare routine).

I also use this if I'm having trouble with little whiteheads.  

Queen Helene Mint Julep Masque

This mask goes on creamy and dries.  Leave it on for about 10 minutes and your face will feel nice and refreshed.  It works great for blackheads, pimples and removing excess oil.

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So there you go..... my skincare routine.  Nothing hard to find or expensive.

And again, I can't promise this will work for you, but it works for me.

I just wanted to share it with you.  And you might try some of these products and find they work for you, too!

October Favorites

I don't have too many exciting things to tell you about this month.... 

but the ones I'm mentioning are at the top of my list!

My family and I just got back from a weekend trip with his family to Gatlinburg, Tennessee.  It was so much fun!  The weather was PERFECT.  Long sleeves during the day and jackets at night.

I have been wanting a pair of riding boots for a REALLY LONG time.  And I finally found a pair.  I wore them a LOT during our trip.  They are so comfy!

They are made by Arizona and I purchased them at JCPenney for around $50.00.

I only have a few makeup items this month that I've been using religiously.

None of them will come as a surprise to you.

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Merle Norman Soft Touch Eye Pencil

Blackout

I have been doing softer eyeshadow with bold liner.  smudging at the edges.

This liner is AWESOME.  I like it even better than the UD 24/7 liners.

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A few weeks ago, I mentioned a foundation that has changed my life.

I'm going to introduce it now.  A much more "in depth" review will be coming.

This is a brand-spanking new product from Merle Norman.

Perfecting Makeup

I received a sample of this a few weeks ago when I was in the store visiting.

The color I was given is Creamy Beige.  It's much too dark for me now.

But I will DEFINITELY be purchasing this in Ivory ASAP.

love love love this foundation.

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 For eyeshadow, I've been loving these...

L'Oreal Infallible eyeshadows

Continuous Cocoa & Iced Latte

These shadows are VERY creamy.  They are almost in a "loose" form.  Very different.  

but VERY pigmented.  Can't wait to try more.

And if you can find them in your stores, they have some new limited edition colors that look fabulous.

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And my final favorite.... my favorite of favorites.

I am OBSESSED with this scent from BBW.

I'm not sure why.  It's just another "vanilla" scent.  But it's different than all the other "vanillas" I've tried in the past from BBW.

I recently went back and used some coupons to buy 2 more body washes (don't wanna run out anytime soon), body cream, and body lotion.

Yep.  I love it.

So that's all for this month.  Hope you enjoyed. :)

current "wishes" note

The "NOTES" app on my iPhone comes in handy for so many things: groceries, monster trucks, sermon points, and WISHES!!

Here's some things on my current wishlist.  I've been adding things to it for quite a while now.

Hoping I get some of these for Christmas!

I've been good this year, so hopefully Santa will reward me!!

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There are several perfumes on my list.... and I've never smelled any of these.  So I need to try them out before I make my final decision.

Jo Malone

Nectarine Blossom and Honey

Marc Jacobs

Dot

Prada

Candy

Urban Decay

Naked 2 

 Sigma

F80 Flat Top Kabuki

 e.l.f. 

small stipple brush

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I also have a "home" version of this wishlist.... it includes things like:

a steam mop - mine bit the dust and I'll need a new one for all our hardwood floors in the new house.

a small vacuum - the boys' rooms will be carpet and that's it.  no more carpet.  so I'll need a small vacuum to run over their rooms.

standing picture collage - I've always wanted one of these.  

standing jewelry armoire - for my cute little dressing area

KitchenAide mixer - I have a mixer, but it's not a KitchenAide.  And KitchenAide mixers rock.

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Maybe I'll get to mark some of these things off my list soon!!!