Tuesday, March 27, 2012

A new lip gloss

I stopped by Ulta today to pick up my husbands hairspray he likes by Crew.  I know I can buy that stuff just about anywhere, but if it's a product that Ulta carries then I go there to pick it up so I can get my Ulta points (Got that free curling iron last time).  Well I watched a review the other day on the Lip Glosses by Butter London that go with their nail polish.   Yummy Mummy is one of  my favorites.  I love very neutral and nude like colors both on my lips and on my fingers.  I just thought I will stop and check them out.  I bet you can guess where that lead me to next :)  I swatched the Yummy Mummy on my hand first, and decided I liked the look of it and tried it on my lips.  I wore it around the store for a few minutes.  I have always noticed that lip products seem to change colors on me the longer I wear them.  I like to give them a few minutes before I make a decision.  Well after a few minutes I still really really liked it.  Did I need a new gloss??? No, but did I want it  YES:)  I am not really a gloss wearer, but this one seems to be very long lasting and has some staying power.  I put it on about 2 hours ago and it is still going strong.  I will say it is of the very sticky family of glosses, but it does not come off on everything.  I really like it and love the color.

http://www.ulta.com/ulta/browse/productDetail.jsp?skuId=2243780&productId=xlsImpprod4190165&navAction=push&navCount=1&subdoc=1butterlondonwk0712&categoryId=cat80060#sku2243784

Butter London Lippy: Yummy Mummy (17.00) medium beige color is a true nude
Lippy is a range of long-wearing, lacquer like lip glosses in shades to match Butter London's famous nail lacquers.

Saturday, March 24, 2012

Make-up Brushes by Sigma

Two years ago I invested in makeup brushes.  I used my Christmas money to purchase them.  They have good coupons around Christmas and seems I am always getting free shipping ones in my email.   I am very glad that I did.  It makes my makeup application so much better.  Who knew :)  I have the original Sigma Professional Kit (90.00).  They have since changed the numbers and what goes in the kit.  I am going to recommend my favorite ones that I use daily.

The Eyes Kit (52.00)

I use these brushes each day.  I have really small eye lids and don't feel like they are overwhelmed with these.  Sometimes makeup brushes just don't work for me.


The synthetic brushes below are on my next purchase list.  I purchased the synthetic for the face and have really liked how they put on my makeup. 

Synthetic Precision Kit (49.00)




Synthetic Kabuki Kit (56.00)
If I had known these were coming out I would have waited on my professional kit purchase and just bought these.  I don't use any of the other face brushes that much but two which I will list below as well.  My kit only came with the flat top and the angled brush when I purchased mine, but I bet these other 2 are just as good. 



Small Contour: 14.00
Love this brush for using to apply my bronzer.  It works so well with making it look very flawless.



Angled Blush Brush: 14.00
Love this brush for applying just the right amount of blush to my cheeks.  It does great with powder and with cream blushes.



I have had my brushes for about 2 and 1/2 years and can say they have held up really well.  They haven't lost many bristles.  I do wash them with baby shampoo and use the brush holder thing they came in so they can retain their shape.  I try to wash them every couple of weeks.  I keep on old washcloth in my make up drawer so I can wipe them off as I use them in between washes.  What kind of brushes do you love???

Wednesday, March 21, 2012

Guest Post

I have a guest post at The New Modern Momma this week :)  She chose me to post I am so pleased.  Head over to check it out and add her to your reading list.  She has some good posts.

Sunday, March 18, 2012

Target Purchases

I have some gift money from Valentines day so I cruised over to Target the other day.  I purchased 2 Target cardigans this week.  Not on the same day.  I purchased the gray one and loved it so much went back for the blue.  I go the blue for March Madness so I can root on my Kentucky Wildcats with some style LOL.  These run about 23.00.  A good trick is to check Target’s coupons before you go to see if they have any for fashion.  I just learned Target has a coupon section the other day and have started checking that before I go and have found that I can use a coupon just about every time I go.  
Mossimo Women Ultrasoft Cocoon Sweater: Gray and Blue (23.00)
I purchased these in medium.  I wear them over tanks.  They are very soft and light weight so perfect for spring.  I have washed them both and they appear to hold up well and maintain shape and look.
 
http://www.target.com/p/Mossimo-Womens-Ultrasoft-Cocoon-Sweater-Assorted-Colors/-/A-13797938
 
Description: Mossimo® Womens Ultrasoft Cocoon Sweater - Assorted ColorsDescription: Mossimo® Womens Ultrasoft Cocoon Sweater - Assorted Colors
Nude Lipsticks:
As you can tell from my previous post on nail polish that nude colors are big for me.  I really like the classic and simple look.
I am going to share a few of my favorite nude shades.
Number 1:
Description:  Viva Glam Gaga
Lady Gaga Viva Glam II: 14.50: Light neutral Beige with an amplified finish
http://www.maccosmetics.com/product/shaded/168/7220/Viva-Glam-Gaga/index.tmpl
My all-time number one shade if from MAC and it’s the Viva Glam Lady Gaga II.  I am not a Lady Gaga fan but she made a great nude lipstick.  I even like the lip-gloss that goes with it.  The kicker that I just found out last week was that this is not part of the permanent line and is only limited edition.   That means that if you think you might want it call around to your MAC counters and see if it’s available.  I actually purchased 3 tubes of it online from MAC.  I like MAC lipsticks a lot.  I also like they have the back 2 MAC products that when you turn in 6 empty containers you can pick a free lipstick.
Number 2:
Description:  Lipstick
Crème D’nude: Pale muted peach beige Cremesheen: 14.50
http://www.maccosmetics.com/products/spp/shaded.tmplCATEGORY_ID=CAT168&PRODUCT_ID=PROD310&SKU_ID=SKU9524
This is another great one.  It is part of the permanent collection so should be available at any MAC counter.  This color looks really great in spring and summer but I wear it all year round.  The sheen finish can be worn with and without lip-gloss.  I am not a big fan of gloss as my hair ALWAYS sticks in it the second I step foot out the door. 
Drugstore Option: Revlon Super Lustrous Matte Lipstick: Nude Attitude (7.00)
http://www.ulta.com/ulta/browse/productDetail.jspskuId=2167477&productId=xlsImpprod1020032&navAction=push&navCount=1&subdoc=17holiday09under10&categoryId=cat80058
Description: image
Creamy formula glides onto lips for kissably soft, matte-finish lips. Matte Lipstick by Revlon features conditioners that protect your lips from over-drying.
I have purchased this lipstick and did use the whole tube.  I like the finish and feel of the MAC lipsticks, but do think this is a great nude option.   This did dry a little on my lips but if I applied with chapstick it was fine.  I also needed a gloss to wear with this one if I reapplied throughout the day.
Option 2:
Description: Revlonpd-detailMain-2238966
Revlon Color Burst Lip Butter: Crème Brulee (7.50)
Color Burst Lip Butter by Revlon is a buttery balm with beautiful shiny color to give you baby soft, healthy glowing lips 94% of women felt lips were softer, smoother, and instantly hydrated.  This was a new purchase for myself.  I have put it in my purse for heavy rotation throughout the day.  I have been reaching for it over my MAC lipsticks lately.  I love how it makes my lips feel.  I have been kinda dry as of late and this seems to help.  It’s one of those lipstick/balms that really makes your lips soft.  It has just a slight hint of color. 
I love my MAC lipsticks and have repurchased these multiple times.  I will continue to use my back to MAC to replenish my stash.  Ulta has a special of buy 1 get one 50% off right now for Revlon products.   What are some of your favorite shades?

Friday, March 16, 2012

2 for 20 at Bath and Body

I told you in a previous post I would share when I got the 2 for 20 on the large Bath and Body.  That is really like buy one get one free for their candles. This promotion is good until March 19th.  So stock up if you like them. As I said before I like to use these in rooms that I don't burn candles often in.  I think because they have 3 wicks they burn faster.  That is why I use the Yankee one's in places I burn a lot.  Here are my favorite scents for this time of the year:
http://www.bathandbodyworks.com/family/index.jsp?categoryId=12689385&cm_sp=LN-_-14.5+oz+Three+Wick+Candles+-_-2+for+%2420+14.5+oz.+3-Wick+Candles&cp=4090259.4090324.4090329.4305666

Island Margarita: An exotic blend of mandarin, blue iris and plum highlighted with sweet tangelo and sandalwood.  I like the color of this one and the smell.  I have this one in my upstairs office and bedroom.

Island Margarita 14.5 oz. 3-Wick Candle - Slatkin & Co. - Bath & Body Works

Green Grass:Refreshing as shaded grass on a warm, sunny day, dewy greens and Meyer lemon, infused with Lily-of-the-Valley and a touch of jasmine.  I have this one in the master bathroom. 

Green Grass 14.5 oz. 3-Wick Candle - Slatkin & Co. - Bath & Body Works

Peach Bellini: A sweet twist on a classic blend of white peach, yellow mandarin and blackcurrant, with jasmine and a splash of juicy orange.  This one I put in my sons bedrooms and the guest bathroom upstairs

Peach Bellini 14.5 oz. 3-Wick Candle - Slatkin & Co. - Bath & Body Works
Island Margarita 14.5 oz. 3-Wick Candle - Slatkin & Co. - Bath & Body Works


Hope you can use this to stock up for the season :)  I might even stock up on handsoaps while I am there too.  Looks like they are 5 for 15 right now too.

Thursday, March 15, 2012

Calorie Counting

I have been using My Fitness Pal for helping me keep track of all of my calories and exercising.   I like this counter because you can download it as an App and you can also keep it one your computer as well.  This has helped to keep me accountable with what I eat and how much.  When you start you fill in your information about your body (height, age, goal weight) and it will tell you how many calories you can eat each day to get there.  I also really like you can break down what you monitor.  If you need to keep track of sugar or sodium you can pick which ones you want to focus on. You can find anything in their food database.  I have found all the foods that are packaged so far.  I also like that I can input a recipe and it will tell me how many calories that is.   I also like that I can log in my exercise and it will tell me how many calories that I have burned.  Check out this handy site and let me know what you think :) Happy counting.

http://www.myfitnesspal.com/

Tuesday, March 13, 2012

Extending my hair color

I try to get my hair done about every 8 - 10 weeks and sometimes I even go up to 12 weeks.  I have the great pleasure of being very gray headed.  If I were to completely let it go I would be about 80% gray.  PS I am not even 35 yet!!  This means I have to stay on top of my hair color and also be budget friendly.  I start to need a touch up at about 4 weeks.  If I am going really long between I will use the root touch up and if it's going to be more towards the 10 -12 weeks than I use the root touch up at 4 weeks  followed by the whole head kit at around 8-9 weeks.

Root Touch Up: L'Oreal Root Rescue:  Dark Brown (7.00)

http://www.ulta.com/ulta/browse/productDetail.jsp?skuId=2219022&productId=xlsImpprod2360101&navAction=push&navCount=1&categoryId=cat120040

Root Rescue

Whole Head: L'Oreal Healthy Look Creme Gloss (9.00): Medium Brown Truffle
I like this one because it only takes 10 minutes.

http://www.ulta.com/ulta/browse/productDetail.jsp?skuId=2215731&productId=xlsImpprod2300077&navAction=push&navCount=1&categoryId=cat120040

Healthy Look Creme Gloss Hair Color

Good Housekeeping gave this hair color great reviews for brunettes.  I am going to give it a try next time and see how it does.  Here is the link to this article.  It breaks it down by best color for hair shades.  Just in case your not a brunette.
http://www.goodhousekeeping.com/product-reviews/beauty-products/hair-dye-reviews/best-home-hair-color#slide-1

Revlon Colorsilk (4.00): Dark Brown

Revlon Colorsilk Beautiful Color, Light Ash Blonde 80

Do you dye your hair at home to extend your time between appointments? What do you use?

Friday, March 9, 2012

Yankee Candle

My house is a house of many many candles.  We are always burning a candle in my home.  I change my candles with the seasons and love it that way.   I am a big fan of Yankee Candle and I also love the scents at Bath and Body works as well.  I only stock up on candles when I have a coupon.  As you know I love a coupon to encourage my shopping :)  I had an email coupon for Buy One Get One Free at Yankee.  That is a great coupon and  you save 28.00  with each pair.  These should last me through till summer when i will change it up again.  I will share my scent recommendations as I update them. They will let you use this coupon multiple times.  Love it.  Since Spring time is coming here are my favorite scents :)

Kitchen:
Meyer Lemon:  it smells so clean and refreshing.  I love to light it after I have been cooking because it will take care of any remaining smells.


Rooms Downstairs
Vanilla Lime:  great combination of lime with a sweet vanilla smell.  I like this one for a clean spring smell. 



Mango Peach Salsa: Sweet and zesty . . . juicy mangoes and peaches livened with citrus, ginger flowers and pink pepper.  This is one of those candles that works well as a layering combo.  These two combined together give such a great smell that is very refreshing and clean.

Guest Bathrooms
Early Sunrise: A new day dawns crisp and fresh in this clean lemony citrus scent with hints of ginger and tea.   This one is not overpowering in small spaces and gives a nice fresh smell in the bathroom.

    


As you can tell I love those clean scents.    I use Bath and Body works candles in my bedroom.  I use those in those rooms because I don't burn them as much and these seem to burn really fast.  I will tell you those when I get my next stock up from there.  I just missed the 2 for 20, which is also buy one get one free at their store.  I have included a copy of the coupon and hope you can print if off to use it.  I do recommend signing up for the email coupons from Yankee so you can keep up with their coupons.  They send really good coupons every few months.

Coupon good till March 11th :)  Happy shopping

http://www.yankeecandle.com/assets/email/mar10/coupon_FJ52.html
Print Coupon

Wednesday, March 7, 2012

Neutral nail polish

I really like the look of neutral nail polish colors on my nails.  In the summer I do like color, and I may not be correct but I don't match whats on my nails with my toes.  Below are my favorite neutral nail colors.  If you know any other good ones please share :)

Here is how I do my nails.  I actually paint them every Monday, and usually touch up for the weekends as needed.  When I get out of the shower I remove my old nail polish. I do not dry my hair first, I put my make up on.  Before I start my makeup I paint my nails.  I usually only use one heavy coat and that is it.  About half way through my makeup I put on the top coat.  By the time I am done with my makeup my nails are dry.  I very rarely have any smudges while I do this. 

Essie (Target, Ulta, Walgreens) 8.00
1. Sand Tropez: soft sandy beige
I think this one will look great in the summer with a tan


2. Au Natural: a sheer neutral sandy beige
I love this one all by itself.  It has a nice finish instead of just clear top coat by itself.




3. Ballet Slippers: classic pale pink with a sheer finish.



I have recently started purchasing some of the Butter nail polishes.  I have liked them, but they are kinda pricey for nail polish

1. All Hail the Queen (14.00).  I get mine from Ulta:  It's a holographic beige.  Which means it has some shimmer with it. I have loved this one for fall, and can't wait to see what it looks like for spring and summer.



2.Yummy Mummy:  a medium beige color.  This one doesn't have shimmer in it



Favorite Top Coat:
Sally Hansen: 30 Second Top Coat (4.50): Target, Walmart, Ulta, Walgreens, Etc
This truly dries in 30 seconds.

30 Second Top Coat

Let me know your loves.  There are some really pretty colors coming out this spring I can't wait to try on my toes.  Love the corals.

Monday, March 5, 2012

My bucket list for fashion ........

This would be my fashion bucket list :)  My resolution this year was to not spend any money on clothing.  I can only use gift cards or cash that has been given to me.  I am focusing myself on fitness.  I wasn't feeling so cute in my clothes if you know what I mean.  I have had 2 wonderful little boys, but they have taken their toll on my body especially in the tummy area.   I do look forward to holidays so I can get a little money to buy something nice for myself.  I am also thinking next year to save up my money all year long to get some items on my wish list, but I will continue to focus on my gym membership first.

I have been an avid Coach purse purchaser (say that 3 times fast) for about 5 years.  I feel like now I have all that I could want and really want the next step in a purse.  Something I feel like is long lasting and can be carried year round.  I have always thought that the shape of the Louis Vuitton is very classic.  When I see women carrying them I have purse envy.  The  first item on my list is this:

Speedy 35 (800.00) in the Damier pattern




Items number 2 comes from Tiffanys.  I have always wanted a little blue box :)  I have a beautiful solitaire diamond my husband picked for me as my engagement ring.  I treasure that and to this day still sit and look at it.  My mother gave me fake diamond solitaire that I wear every day in my ears.  They pass for the real thing, and only I know they are not, but I really do want a real pair :)    I love the look of just a diamond.  

Tiffany solitaire diamond earrings (1125.00)


Item number 3 is another jewlery item :)  I like tennis bracelets as well.  I need to google why they are called this.  I also love the look of the simple design. 

Tennis Bracelet (900.00)



Item 4 is the Pandora Charm Bracelet.  I like the memory making of this bracelet.  I like the thought of my husband and boys picking out charms just for me.

Pandora Bracelet: 65.00  Charms range in price
Bracelet, Sterling Silver, Pandora Clasp

Item 5 is the other side of my wedding band.  I have a band below my engagment ring with diamonds about 3/4 of the way around.  I want a matching band on the other side. As you can tell the saying Diamonds are girl's bestfriend is true with me.  That is the kind of jewlery that I like the very best.

1/4 CT. T.W. Diamond Band in 10K White Gold - Zales

Item 6: A new watch.  I like many but this is an example of what I am looking for

Citizen Watch, Women's Eco Drive Stainless Steel Bracelet 19mm EW0890-58X

These are a few of my bucket list items.  I also want a pair of mankind jeans but won't look at those until my fitness stuff is where I am satisfied.  I don't want to spend that kind of money until I have gotten to where I want to be and can maintain it!! 

What is on your bucket list???

Saturday, March 3, 2012

Spray Tanning

It's that time of year for me to start my sunless tanning :)  I was excited because Sun Tan City is running a special this weekend.  Sunless tanning is 9.99.  I went this am to get mine done and may even try to go back tommorrow.  I like to go use the spray booths to get a good even base and then use bottle tanners to keep it up.  Once I get my base down I go every 2 - 3 weeks to the spray booths.  Sun Tan City uses the Versa Spray and I have liked it much better than mystic.

For the bottle tanning I use:
Banana Boat: Summer Color Self Tanning Lotion in Deep Dark Tan (not the one pictured below) 7.50
http://www.ulta.com/ulta/browse/productDetail.jsp?skuId=2110469&productId=xlsImpprod2330037&navAction=push&navCount=1&subdoc=89wk711bogosuncare&categoryId=cat90022#sku2110621

Summer Color Sunless Tinted Lotion

I really like this formula a lot and I like how it applies.  You can see where it goes and it absorbs really quickly.  I haven't noticed that it comes off on my clothes.  It does have the sunless smell but not as strong as other kinds I have used.   Once I get my spray booth base I use this about 2 -3 times per week in between sessions to keep my color looking good.  I like the deep dark because you can keep it light or use it more often to get much darker.  With some lotions I have used I never get very dark.  

The one I really want to try is teh Xen Tan.  I wished I had used my ulta point rewards for this one instead of the curling iron :(  Any thoughts on it as a sunless tanning product?  The reviews on Ulta were pretty good.

Deep Bronze Luxe Premium Sunless Tan