Three Ways to Save Money While Building your Make Up Collection

I'd consider make up to be one of my many, many hobbies.  For me personally it's the thrill of the hunt (finding limited edition products or being the first to find something new on the shelves), the thrill of saving at the check out counter, and the thrill of the comparison.  Make up is really something I collect - of course I use it too - but it's fun to have a lot of things at your disposal when you want to play around.  It's also great to be able to find some amazing things for a great price, here are my 3 tips for saving money while building a collection:

this post contains affiliate links, please read my full disclosure here.

Clip your coupons and hunt for deals

The place I like to shop for drugstore make up is CVS mainly because of their coupon program.  I've written a post on it here but mainly you can join their beauty club and for every $50 spent you get $5 Extra Bucks to spend in the store.  Additionally, they have in store coupons that print when you scan your rewards card.  And you can stack a CVS coupon with a Manufacturer's Coupon with your Extra Bucks to get the most bang for your buck.  I shop at CVS for everyday things - cereal, tooth paste, anything really - to build up my extra bucks to buy beauty products.  This is a great way to try things you're interested in but don't really want to shell out cash for.  They also have really great sales every week.  The only thing I can complain about is the selection of some brands is very poor.  For example my CVS doesn't have a great selection of Wet n Wild.

Follow your favorite brands on social media & keep an eye out on places like HauteLook.  You can find amazing (& sometimes secret) sales but keeping up with the brands you love.  HauteLook also runs sales on some of my favorite brands - like the Balm - quite often.

Know the Best Drugstore Brands

When it comes to affordability there are a few brands that are on the top.  Wet n Wild & Eyes Lips Face (ELF) are the tops for me.  They are easily accessible, start off at a really low price point, and the quality pretty much rocks.  CVS often has buy one get one free on Wet n Wild and even if it's just BOGO 50% off, you're still getting a steal.  The Eyes Lips Face website is constantly running sales (really get on their 50% off everything sales) but they are also available at local retailers.  Here's the breakdown:  If you want an affordable foundation that lasts all day the Wet n Wild Photo Focus foundation rocks.  Wet n Wild has the best eyeshadows & lipsticks.  Plus, they are constantly releasing amazing limited edition items which can fulfill you're need to hunt.  Eyes Lips Face is probably found in your local Target or Walmart and sometimes at Walgreens.  In recent years the brand has expanded to be more readily available and their product lines have only increased in quality.  In this line the blushes are a good range for what is available in store.  There are also a few blush & highlighting palettes that really impress me.  You don't have to place an order online to get a good grasp of the brand, however there are far more things online than in stores.  Their brushes are amazing and if you're just starting out your brush collection picking a few of their Studio Line Brushes will really build your collection fast.  (Here is a video on the essential Elf brushes that you have to have!)

Shop the Holiday Sets

If you want to get the most bang for your buck when it comes to high end, or prestige brand, make up be sure to shop the limited edition holiday sets.  You may be spending $45 but you might be getting a $100+ value.  First, save you're money...then weight the odds.  Whenever I want to try a brand or try something new from a brand, I look at these sets.  You'll often be getting a steal and getting a good sampling of that brand.  Additionally you're often getting smaller sizes of products in these sets so you're not tied to something you might not like.  You'll either work through it quickly or not feel as bad passing it to a friend because you didn't pay full price for a certain item.

If you're worried about bulky packaging you can also depot the things you like into Z Palettes to maximize you're storage space.  Brands like Elf and Physicians Formula also do holiday sets at the Drug Store and often you'll get more bang for your buck that way.  My personal philosophy when it comes to holiday sets is to shop for what you want.  Because these things are so, so popular I like to snatch up the things that I would be really sad if I couldn't find after the holidays.  Then, after the holidays, I'll go shopping to find any leftover sets that might be on discount.

You can really save a ton of money building your collection if you're patient and you build your collection one or two pieces at a time.  It's easy to do this if you coupon, coupon, coupon.  I stop into CVS quite often to see what deals I can get with my Extra Bucks and MFG coupons and that way I'm only spending a few bucks at a time but building a collection of things to try!

What are some of your money saving tips when it comes to make up?

xoxo, Moe

Beauty Review // The Balm Brand Overview

Since resolving to go Cruelty Free this year with my make up (and eventually my household products), I've had the chance to really examine what I love about the make up I buy.  There are a few obvious things - great shade collection, ease of application, long wear, pigmentation, etc.  But there are a few other things like packaging and affordability that impress me.  The best quality for the price is what really motivates me when it comes to cosmetics - I am known to purchase holiday kits from brands because they give you the most bang!

The Balm Cosmetics sort of got pushed to the back of my makeup collection but now, because I'm evaluating what is cruelty free, I discovered this brand doesn't test on animals!  I have a few products I love from this brand but now I'm open to trying more and keeping my eye out for new products.  Here is a quick brand overview if you're interested in trying their products!

Products Offered

The Balm offers a ton of different products.  They are, I guess you'd say, a full service cosmetic brand since the carry makeup, hair care, skin care, & nail polish.  Started in 2004, the brand boasts multipurpose products for a 'beauty in 5 minutes' mind set. Their signature, retro inspired packaging makes for a fun & funky make up collection.  You may be most familiar with these products by one of two things - the pinup girl illustrations or the tongue in cheek product names.  In recent years, The Balm has moved away from it's strictly 50's retro aesthetic to include more products that use a play on words as the product name.  There are now some packages that boast a comic book style and even something I relate to the 80's.

One of the best parts of the brand is there selection of palettes.  This is my favorite part of a brand because I like to get more bang for my buck!  Currently I am eyeing the Highlite 'N Con Tour palette as well as the In the Balm of Your Hand greatest hits palette.  These both offer a variety of product for a good price.

Their products are aren't tested on animals & are paraben free.  Their eye shadows & blushes are also talc free.  As far as I know they still use beeswax in some of their products, so they aren't a vegan brand.

Availability

This brand has become more widely available in recent years.  Of course you can purchase from their website but I often shop for the brand locally at my Khols.  It seems that the may either create exclusive palettes/products for retail shops other than their online storefront because some of the palettes I have aren't found on their website.  I haven't seen The Balm in stores like Ulta & Sephora but the makeup selection in Khols makes a trip to their beauty department worth it.

I was first introduced to The Balm on HauteLook ages ago and I still have some of those products!  This is another reason why I like palettes - less product for me to hoard!  Honestly, I completely forgot about HauteLook until writing this post so I can't tell you if they've been on there recently!  HauteLook is a great place to save on high end makeup.  I've also shopped for The Balm products on Amazon.  A quick search reveals a huge selection on Overstock.com (plus you can use Ebates for cash back from Overstock!).  Both Amazon and Overstock seem to be the best place to purchase this brand.

My Favorites

I typically purchase cheek products & palettes from this brand as I feel those are the most unique.  I have tried a sample size of their matte liquid lipstick, and while it's great I don't think it is too unique from collections I already have.  The palettes and cheek products also offer the biggest space for their fun illustrations, so they are functional and nice to look at!

My two all time favorite palettes from this brand are the Manizer Sisters Lumnizing Collection & the Girls' Getaway Trio of long-wearing bronzer & blush.  These two palettes appealed to me because of their slim & compact size and because of how travel friendly they are.  I don't travel often but multipurpose products/palettes make my morning routines faster.  Pulling out one palette is easier than deciding what bronzer, blush, & highlight to use each morning!  I like variety but I also like ease.  And when I do travel, I'm more likely to reach for something like this because it has all I need.  These two palettes go great together!

I don't have an extensive collection of their bronzers or blushes, more like a mix of the different lines they offer.  I am eyeing their new line of bronzers - Take Home the Bronze - in three shades.  Currently I have the Bahama Mama bronzer and I used to use it all the time!  But I've moved to more subtle bronzers now.  I would say that the Instain Blushes are the blushes I'd reach the most for & I really love the Cabana Boy blush for the fall/winter time.  I'd like to get their greatest hits palettes to have a more compact way of taking some of these colors with me.

Eye shadow is not my favorite from this brand.  The colors are OK and the formula is alright, but I much prefer the formula of something like Wet n Wild or Lorac.  I have the Nude'tude palette and two of the Smoke Balm trios but I don't reach for those at all.  It just seems that while this brand has amazing color choices...there's not a good mix of matte & shimmer for me.  There's not enough in each palette to make me feel like I can get a couple of looks.  I'd only use a few colors.  They do offer completely matte palettes and even an option to build your own palette.  I'm just not as impressed with their eye shadows as I am with other products in their brand.

I've seen a grouping of their Meet Matt(e) Hughes matte liquid lipsticks on Amazon so that would entice me to try more of those colors if it was for the right price!  Like I mentioned above, I am all about the groups of products for a good price!

I hope this gave you a little bit of information on the brand if you're interested in trying it.  I'm sure you've heard of it before but you might have been a little curious as to the value of the brand.  Their cheek products are my favorite!

Have you tried The Balm?  What brands are your favorite?
xoxo, Moe

ps. read how I plan to transition to cruelty free this year here.

Beauty Review // 15 Minute Everyday Make Up Routine

I've been really, really, really trying to stream line my morning routine.  Since incorporating being more mindful in my everyday life, my morning routine has become super important to me.  It is a time for me, myself, & I to connect.  I've totally fallen out of the routine recently though.  I keep telling myself I can do it....but then I hit snooze.  (So if you have tips to get the hell up in the AM, I need them!)

this post contains affiliate links, please read my full disclosure here.

Putting on make up in the morning used to be a 100% go to for me.  Then it fell to the way side.  I think my skin got a whole lot clearer at some point in time and therefore I started giving less of a crap about make up!  My make up collection has been severely neglected these last few years as well.  I use the same products or types of products nearly everyday now.  And while I love that, I still want to purchase more products...but I don't find I use them.

Today I want to walk you through my 15 minute morning routine to get a fresh, fun face!  This is all drugstore too, so you won't break the bank!

The Base

One of the first things I do after I wake up is wash & moisturize my face.  I've been using products from doTERRA the promote clear skin.  After I wash, dry, spot treat, and moisturize I apply a primer if needed.  I haven't been using a primer recently but my all time favorite is this one from Rimmel.  I've been using it for ages!

The Foundation

In order to save time I don't do too much spot concealing.  I like to use medium to full coverage foundations in general so spot concealing isn't necessary.  The Wet n Wild Photo Focus foundation is perfect for this (review here).  I used to do a lot of color correcting as well, but using a more full coverage foundation also makes this unnecessary.

For quick application I use a Real Techniques sponge, using the flat bit to pat the foundation onto my face.  I use a bit of the Wet n Wild Photo Focus concealer under the eyes and as a primer for the eyelids.  The rounded side opposite the flat end is perfect for under the eyes & the other contours of the face.  To set it all, I use the Coty Airspun Loose Face Powder (review here) with the round side of the sponge.  Using one tool for my whole face saves time.

Complexion 

This is where we get into the multi purpose products I love so much.  Wet n Wild had a trio of blush, bronzer, and highlight one summer that I still use (#sorrynotsorry) but today I use the matte blush & bronzer duo in Figi from Eyes Lips Face.  I use a brush from this set on amazon for some light bronzing/contouring and a Real Techniques blush brush for the blush.  This set is great because both shades in the duo are perfect for my skin tone.  The blush is great for all seasons.  It makes the whole look no fuss.

Eyes & Brows

Eyes have already been primed with concealer & set with setting powder.  I use a crease brush to add a bit of definition with the bronzer.  If you're feeling feisty, adding a bit of the blush color on the lid will tie the whole look together.  This technique gives you a fresh, natural eye look especially if you don't have time in the morning!  

Brows are super easy with the Wet n Wild brow mascara.  This puts all the hairs in place and fills them in just a tad.  Then I use what ever mascara I have - this one is from Revlon.

Lips & Final Touches

To round out the look, I keep the lips simple with my favorite shade of the Wet n Wild Liquid Cat Suit in Rebel Rose.  Here is where I'll change it up if I've already got an idea in mind.  I'm not going to sit here for another 15 minutes deciding on a lip color!!  Some of my other faves include the Maybelline Super Stay Matte Ink Lip Colors and the NYX Lip Suedes.  Simple application & long lasting.  And of course, gotta add some highlight.  This one is from Make Up Revolution.

Recently, I haven't been using setting spray as my favorite isn't sold in America!! I love the Maybelline Super Stay Setting Spray that I got when we were in Amsterdam.  Zach should be going back here shortly.....so I hope he can bring a few bottles back for me!

So that is my get ready quick routine to have a fresh, natural face for work!  I've only recently been doing this routine but it has been working!  I love that this is a no fuss way to look put together in the morning.

I think the key here, though, is to find the products that work for you.  This has taken a lot of experimentation on my part (and created an extensive make up collection!).  I know what colors look best on me and what products make my life easier.  If a product is multi use, that makes my life easier!  I love using duos, trios, and face palettes - I only have to got for one thing instead of multiple products.  Anytime there are holiday sets or collections that come out I snatch them up!

I did time this and while I was taking the pictures and all in all it did not take over 18 minutes...so cutting out all the photo taking posing, and making sure I'm actually capturing what I want its got to be under 15 minutes!  Like I mentioned above, it's all about finding the best products for you to make your routine easier!

If you'd like a few more beauty posts, check them all out here!

How do you get ready quickly?  Any go to products you recommend?

xoxo, Moe

Make it Monday // DIY Self Care Bath Soak for Forgiveness

Today marks the Full Moon in this lunar cycle which means any goals and intentions we set at the New Moon should now be realized.  We're entering the time now where we are releasing the things that haven't been working for us.  The waning moon is about releasing & reflecting.

this post contains affiliate links, please read my full disclosure here.

I'm a professional dweller.  I dwell on things for a long, long time.  Failures, negative emotions, miscommunication....I think about these things way to often, for way to long.  Around this time of the lunar cycle, where I've discovered what's working & what's not working, my emotions tend to be high.  I tend to lose my cool more often and be overwhelmed easily.  A goal of mine is to be more aware of this and when it happens, and to forgive myself more easily.

Now is a great time, if you're feeling these effects or not, to make time to forgive yourself & release negative feelings towards yourself (and others). Earlier this month on Instagram I shared the Essential Oils that were perfect to actively work with the Heart Chakra.  This is our center of love & forgiveness.  In the Five Sixteenths | Live Creatively group I talked a little bit about how the Sanskrit word for the Heart Chakra roughly translates to unstruck.  Forgiveness clears our heart center so that we are open again, fresh & new.

That is why I love the Forgiveness Blend.

Supplies // Himalayan Pink Salt, Epsom Salt, Forgiveness Blend, small glass jars, measuring cups

Shop Supplies on Amazon

To create the Forgiveness Blend, visit the Five Sixteenths Blog | Live Creatively group to find the exact recipe in the albums or find in on the Essential Oils pin board here.   This is a blend of Cypress, Balance, & Bergamot.  Cypress aids in releasing emotion, it calms & promotes emotional growth.   This has been one of the two oils I've been using this lunar cycle. Balance is a blend of woodsy oils that remind us to stay rooted in the present moment.  And Bergamot is the Oil of Self-Acceptance.  It relieves feelings of self judgment.  All of these oils can be purchased through Doterra.

Combine 1 cup of Himalayan Pink Salt with 1 cup Epsom salt.  Salt & Mineral baths have been used for ages to induce relaxation & ease aching muscles.  Adding the Himalayan salt in this recipe, for me is for color & texture.  However, Himalayan salt is thought to increase circulation & the added minerals increase relaxation.

This is the perfect bath to work with crystals, too - amethyst for relaxation, rose quartz for love & nurturing (perfect for this bath!), green aventurine is also a great heart chakra crystal.  If you don't have any specific crystals a nice chunk of clear quartz can help you out! 

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Essential oils have become a daily part of my life - both in practicality & in my spiritual journey.  I use my intuition + research to develop the best course of action for myself.  If you'd like an introduction to using essential oils both practically & spiritually, please sign up for the newsletter to get access to this FREE beginner's ebook.  You'll get access to a 10 page ebook that goes over the specific aromatic properties of 10 oils as well as their practical & spiritual uses.  Check out the image above.

To the salt mixture add 15 to 20 drops of the Nurturing Sleep blend.  Stir until the oils are well incorporated.  Transfer the salt soak into an air tight jar.  I find adding about 1/2 cup of the mixture into the bath is gives the best aroma & the most relaxation.

To create your own bath ritual, gather some fresh towels, light some candles, close the door, and play nurturing music or try a mediation on YouTube.  It is important to give yourself time away from others, personal time is essential for self care.  While in the bath consider repeating a nurturing mantra to support yourself & let the rest go.

I forgive myself. I will continue to be kind to myself. I fully support myself. I let the rest go.

I hope that you make time for yourself whenever you are able.  Working with the lunar cycles has helped me be more aware of when I need to take time for myself and has given me a reason to make the time for myself!

How do you forgive yourself?  What self care rituals do you practice?

xoxo, Moe

Ready to get started on your Essential Oil Journey?  Click here to learn more about doTERRA!

Beauty Review // Wet n Wild Photo Focus Foundation + Concealer

If you didn't know, Wet n Wild is one of my all time favorite brands from the drugstore.  Nearly every time there is a limited edition product from this brand I scoop it up.  I've curbed my makeup spending significantly over the last year or so - but honestly that is because I've found other interests!  None the less, Wet n Wild's new Photo Focus line has caught my eye.

I've had these products for quite a while and have to say I really do love this product.  You can't beat a great foundation under $10!

From the Website

Your skin, only better. Our new high-performing, skin-perfecting foundation underwent major road testing under seven different photo lighting conditions to deliver flawless camera-ready makeup every time. Specially made with a matte, light-diffusing complex to give your skin #nofilter perfection.

High-performing, breakthrough formula
Featuring light-adjusting complex to help prevent white cast in photos
Tested under 7 light conditions with and without the use of flash

taken from the Wet n Wild website here.

First Impressions & Application

When I first opened the bottle I was a little surprised by the little spatula type deal that is attached to the cap.  At first it reminded me of the way the Maybelline Dream Wonder Fluid Touch foundation bottle is made.  The product is a little thicker than the Dream Wonder foundation, from what I remember.  Using the spatula was not the first instinct I had, for sanitary reasons, so I poured the  product onto a make up palette.  The consistency of this foundation isn't too thick, though thicker than the Dream Wonder foundation and the Fit Me foundation by Maybeline.

I applied this with my Real Techniques Beauty Sponge and love this application.  The sponge does soak up quite a bit more of this foundation that I expected.  I'd say it soaks it up a little bit more than something like a Revlon Color Stay or even the Wet n Wild Coverall foundation.  The Photo Focus foundation seems to apply similarly to the Dream Wonder - it applies thinly, feels like there may be a little bit of oil (not in a bad way!) in the product.  The foundation applies easily and blends seamlessly.  I was impressed with the coverage which is medium, yet buildable.  It also doesn't apply too cakey.

The concealer is nothing to write home about, pretty average at best.  It applies evenly, has a light to medium coverage (good for brightening), and is really creamy so it blends well.  My first impression is that it is average but I prefer the Coverall Concealer from Wet n Wild.  

I also want to mention a lot of people said that the foundation smelled like paint.  It was the very first thing they noticed when working with the product.  When I first started wearing the foundation I did not notice the strong scent.  However, it did become noticeable over time!  

Wear Time

I work a typical 8 hour work day.  I would say that this foundation, with powder (my favorite powder here), lasts up to 9-10 hours.  It actually beats the heat too.  I wore this foundation for this photo shoot and it stood up to the heat and a few outfit changes!  It even looked great for dinner afterwards.

This foundation has become my go to for long wearing, easy application.  Not to mention the price is amazing!  With oily skin, it seems only the higher priced drug store products have a good chance of staying on me.  I don't notice that this breaks down or separates.

As for the concealer - again, pretty average.  Lasted a good while, even through the heat.  All concealers crease on me at some point.  This one was just as good as any other.  The thickness of the product didn't feel heavy or move around on me.

Overall Impressions and Recommendations

If you have oil skin, I 100% recommend this product.  It does have a little bit of a weird, paint like smell so if you're sensitive to smells application may be hard for you.  Since it wears pretty well and the price is super affordable, I plan to go back to the foundation in the future!

As for color range, the website says the shades go pretty deep but not too light.  There are 20 shades in all from porcelain to mahogany.   I'm actually surprised by the depth of the color range as I did not find shades too deep out in the stores.  I did check various Walgreen's - there is one by my work that carries very deep shades of all foundations - and still didn't see the darkest shades.  But if you can find these guys out in the wild, $6 for a foundation is affordable enough to grab two and mix your perfect shade.  This is exactly what I do.  It also mixes well with the Maybelline Fit Me Matte foundation.

All in all, I give this foundation a thumbs up.  Good coverage, long lasting, affordable, + a wide range of shades is all impressive.  As for the concealer - you probably have another one that is your favorite but this one is not too bad.  Nothing to get super excited about.

Have you found any drugstore favorites recently?  Anything super exciting?

xoxo, Moe

Beauty Review // Elizabeth Mott Thank Me Later Eye Primer

I'm not 100% sure how to review an eyeshadow primer - it has no color so there are no swatches of it - but I just knew I had to review this one.  First off I will spoil the review (I don't really like doing that) because I love this primer.  It seriously brings out the colors of even the cheapest shadows and makes them last super long!  I was very impressed using this primer thte other day with a drugstore Wet n Wild palette.  That palette is not the best quality that Wet n Wild can put out, but applying the shades over the primer made the colors more vibrant and increased the lasting power.

So let's just get into my thoughts on this product :

From the Website

A lightweight and waterproof formula that locks in your eye makeup and prevents shadow creasing. This silky blend dries transparent and preps your lids for a smooth and even application. Watch your favorite eye shadows intensely come to life. More importantly, it protects your eye makeup all day, so you can get back to the important things in life (cat videos, selfies, and hoarding makeup samples).

taken from the website here.

First Impression & Application

When I first applied this primer I was a little confused - it is very thick and I didn't realize that you only need a very, very tiny bit.  The first time I used this I think I used too much - it felt like a cheap cream shadow on my eyelids.  The key is to use the very least you can.

The way I apply this primer now is to take a bit about the size of the head of a pin - this is for both eyes!  I rub it between my two fore fingers to warm up the product, then gently swipe it onto my lids.  I then dab a clean finger (often my ring finger or middle finger) on my lids to pick up any excess product.  This is important because the shadows will blend easier.  This is the first primer I've used that has acted like a glue.  It doesn't really absorb into your skin but rather sits on top to create a sticky layer that holds onto the shadows.

Wear Time

This primer is great for cheapo shadows.  I used an old (yikes!) Wet n Wild eye shadow palette that didn't really have that great of a color pay off or lasting time with any other primers.  And I went into the bathroom before I left work to grab some lunch and my eye shadow was still there! It wasn't the greatest but it was still there!

In the picture above I tried to capture the color payoff of that not so great Wet n Wild palette and the lasting power of the primer.  This was a hard review to photograph!  You can see the light colors became a little more vibrant - like the pastel purple and even a little tiny bit of that pink and the cream color.  And the darker colors were the last to stick around.  That purple though is still showing up in the far right image!

I put on my make up at 6:30am and leave work around 4pm - so that is around 10 hours.  If I use a good shadow - like a Lorac palette - I find that I'm taking off my eye shadow with the rest of my make up when I get home.  That is impressive to me!

Overall Impressions & Recommendations 

I love this primer.  However, the full price is $20 for .35oz.  I got this sample in one of my last Ipsy bags and the sample size is .17oz.  I don't think I will ever go through this whole tube, honestly, so I can't tell you if I'd purchase this again or not.  I can tell you that I'm glad I tried it!  If long lasting primers are important to you I would suggest dropping the $20 on this.  The tube will last you literally forever so it is worth the money.  This is my current holy grail primer - I've had it in my last few make up baskets too!

I hope this little review was helpful - I am so very glad I have this product.  It really is a standout!

Do you have a current favorite eye shadow primer?  Any products to recommend?

xoxo, Moe

Make it Monday // DIY Glitzy Stiletto Manicure

There are few things I love more than having an awesome manicure - my #planneraddiction is probably one, and so is coffee.  If I had a million dollars my nails would be on point every day (no pun intended).  I've been drawing a lot of inspiration from Jefree Star ever since I started following him on Snapchat recently.  I've always had a thing for those stiletto nails and even started wearing my nails in a really severe almond shape.  I've been wearing some press on/glue on nails from the drug store for probably about a year now.  Last week my manicure was a set of French tip nails from Kiss and I couldn't recommend those enough!  This week I thought I'd try something new - a little bit of bling and little bit of a stiletto.

 

(this post contains affiliate links, please see my full disclosure here)

I've done this mini stiletto nail before (not sure if I'd ever showed it on any social media) but these nails make for the perfect base.  And the best part is they are super affordable from your local drug store.  I suggest checking out CVS and using your Extra Bucks for some awesome discounts.  They are called Active Oval, but they are more almond to me.  And that shape is perfect for filing into a tiny, mini stiletto point.  I could not function if I had a full stiletto nail - I would not be able to type at all - so the little mini point is cute and interesting.  This shape, I think, is great for long fingers - especially if you want to emphasize the length.  It might be weird but I love how alien they kind of look!!

So anyway, I got together some supplies and I'm going to show you how I did it

Supplies // oval or almond shaped glue on nails (I prefer these from Kiss , nail glue (if not included in your kit), base coat, top coat, coordinating colors of your choice - polish, glitter, rhinestones (I used craft glitter and craft rhinestones from the craft store), file, quick dry spray

 

Begin by picking out the nails to best suit your fingers.  There is a trick to this - you don't want them too wide and you don't want them too narrow.  Once you find a nail that fits your finger, find the size smaller and see how that looks.  If the first one looks better choose that one - but I often see others with glue on nails like these where the nail is way too wide for their finger.  The more natural the nail looks the better.  You may find you have to file down around the edges to make the nail fit your nail bed better.  Take the time to do this step!  This is especially necessary if you find you've run out of the nail size that fits a certain finger best.  This step will ensure that you have the best fitting and most natural looking nails glued one.

If you're a pro at applying glue on nails, go ahead and do your normal routine.  I use a file to scuff up my natural nail a bit so the glue will adhere better.  Lay all the nails out in the order they will be applied and begin to apply them one by one.  I start with my thumbnail on my left hand - I apply glue to the back of the nail then place the nail on to the nail bed starting at the cuticl and sort of rocking it down.  For me, this give the best adhesion.  Continue until all nails are on your little fingers.

 

Begin to shape the nail into a mini point with the file.  Follow the natural angle of each side of your finger to create a nice point.  Shape all the nails into a mini stiletto.  Do not file too much at once but alternate the filing from side to side to get an even point.

Paint your base coat.  Choose the nails that will be covered with glitter, paint every nail except for the ones covered with glitter in the polish color of your choice.  Choose the nails that will remain rhinestone free, paint the top coat on all nails that will remain rhinestone free.

Glitter Nails

Make sure you have a place to make a mess with the glitter!  Paint the top coat, one nail at a time, on the nails that will have glitter.  Pour the glitter over the nail, tap off the excess.  Use the remaining glitter to repeate the process on each glitter nail.

 

If you find you may need to add more glitter, pain the top coat again, pour the glitter again, etc.  If the glitter gets everywhere - which it probably will - use a paint brush to dust off the glitter around your cuticle.  One you are satisfied, paint the final top coat over the nails.

Rhinestone Nails

This one may be a little tricky.  Squeeze out a little bit of glue onto your plate, using the toothpick dip it into the glue then pick up a rhinestone with the glue end of the toothpick and place it on the nail.  Fill the whole nail or do a strip down the middle - it is up to you.  Repeat with however many nails and whatever design you prefer.

 

Once everything is done, if you haven't already, go a ahead a spray the quick dry spray onto your nails.

Now you have a crazy glitzy mini stiletto manicure!  It might be crazy but it's definately worth it!

What is the craziest manicure you've ever had?  Do you find it super fun to play with your nails?

xoxo, Moe

Beauty Review // Affordable Drugstore Contour & Highlight

There have been a ton of new releases at the drugstore recently and I honestly can't get enough.  I am a drugstore beauty girl at heart and love picking up brand new things.  Today I want to share with you two affordable ways to highlight and contour using Wet n Wild products!  Both, I believe, are reformulated, re-releases - the highlight and contour duo is a reformulated version of the previous highlight and contour powders they released (I believe) in 2014/2015 and the shimmery highlighting palette is a new format of the Mega Glow powders (I'm pretty sure).  Either way these products have the brand new label at the drugstore and I think they both are they bomb!

This is going to be a different type of review on these products - I usually follow a different format in my previous reviews, but this is going to be more about the process and showing how to incorporate products into a routine.  Plus I'd like to do some posts featuring brushes to use or brushes that might be helpful for different products.  Hope you enjoy!

The Products

The Wet n Wild MegaGlow Contouring Palette in Dulce De Leche features two amazingly soft, blendable powders.  The powder on the left is a lighter powders - ideal for lighter skin tones - that can be used to set the under eye area and the center of the face, or any other areas of the face that should appear brighter.  The powder on the right is a deeper brown color that lends more neutral - not too orange or too ashy.  This color is perfect for creating a sculpted look.  Each powder is very, very buildable and blendable so there isn't a risk of packing on too much color.

The bushes I use with the Contouring Palette are the Elf Complexion brush for all over bronzing & contouring and the Elf Blush Brush to set the highlighted parts of my face.  Each brush is affordable and can be found either online on the Eyes Lips Face website or in stores (Target, Walgreens, etc.)

The MegaGlow Illuminating Palette reminds me of the smaller illuminating product the brand used to have featuring a similar stripe pattern.  There used to be a few shads of this product, but this seems to be a rerelease of this product.  I can't find this newer face palette on the Wet n Wild website.  This new palette features a wider surface area for each color and it is easier to target the color you might like to use.  Again, these powders are soft, buildable, and blendable for easy application.

The brush I love to use with any highlighter is the Elf Small Tapered Brush.  This brush has a smaller egg shape and is perfect for placing & blending the powders.  I have not seen this brush other than online at the Eyes Lips Face website.

The Swatches

Wet n Wild MegaGlow Contouring Palette in Dulce De Leche

rigth - highlighting powder // left - contouring powder

Wet n Wild MegaGlow Illuminating Palette in Catwalk Pink

The Process

After applying foundation but before setting the rest of the face, I use the flat side of the Elf Blush Brush to pick up the lighter powder in the contouring duo.  I gently place the powder under my eyes and down the center of my face.  Using a transparent powder, I then set the rest of my face.

Using the tip of the Elf Complexion Brush, I pick up some of the deeper shade in the contouring palette.  I start off by working the color into the hollows of my cheeks the up around my temples and hairline.  Then I work any excess beneath my jawbone.  This brush applies just the right amount and allows precise placement but also the ability to blend with out switching tools.

The broader side of the Elf Small Taper Brush is perfect for picking up highlighter.  I usually tap the brush across all colors of the Illuminating palette and then place, in a sweeping motion, the highlighter on the tops of my cheek bones.  I work any additional product up above my browbone as well.  This brush is perfect to build up the color.  I then use the pointed tip of the brush to blend in circular motions.  This creates a better blend between all of my face products.

Overall Review & Recommendations

These products impressed the pants off me.  If you're just getting into highlighting and contouring this contouring palette is my top recommendation.  It is under $5 at the drugstore and the quality is on point!  

While I do like the illuminating palette, I do thing the Fergie Center Stage Collection Shimmer Palettes are much better highlighters.  Plus, there are an assortment of colors in the shimmer palettes.  This Illuminating Palette is not a drugstore must have for me - there is a better option with in the brand, plus Elf has great highlighter options.

Hope this little review was helpful!  I have a ton more products I want to at least mention on the blog!!

What are your drugstore must have items?  Any new releases you're in love with?

xoxo, Moe

Beauty Review // Macadamia Natural Oil Deep Repair Masque

Since I've been bleaching and dying my hair (click here for how I achieve vibrant purple hair at home!) my hair has become super, super damaged.  It wasn't until recently that I realized that my hair was feeling a bit like straw.  I think part of that was the heat I used on it while in Korea.  I curled my hair using my curling iron instead of my curlformers.  It was much easier to get up in the morning and curl my hair than stick in my curlers at night!  Anyway, as soon as I got back I used the Macadamia Natural Oil Deep Repair Masque and I thought I'd do a review for you.

this post contains affiliate links, please read my full disclosure here.

When I'd originally planned to do this review, I'd only been using the product for a week.  I was so keene on doing a review because I wasn't impressed with the product.  I wanted to do a review to hastily because of the hype this product gets and because of the claims on the back of the container.  I've since changed my drastic opinion and wanted to do a more solid review of the product.  

Anyway, let's just get into the review.

From the Website:

Macadamia Deep Repair Masque is a hair reconstructor that penetrates and rebuilds damaged hair for improved health, sine and elasticity with no weigh down.  Ideal for dry, damaged, or color treated hair of all textures.

taken from the website here.

This is from the back of the container:

Filled with Omega 3, 5, & 7, Macadamia oil mimics your scalp's natural oil production to revitalize dry, damaged, and color treated hair of all textures. Hair's natural texture is instantly renewed with healthy shine, bounce, and manageability.  

First Impression & Application

When I first used this in the shower I was impressed with the thickness of the product, which made it hard to get out of the container.  Because of the tub the product is in, it was harder to get the product dispensed and the cap back on the product so none of the shower water would get into the product.  

Scooping it out was easy enough, there was a lot of product in the container. But because of the slippery nature of the product it was hard to twist the cap back on easily.  The consistency of this product reminds me of mayonnaise - the texture was thick, yet smooth and felt very slippery.

Like I said the product was very thick but I was able to easily distribute it through my whole head. The directions say to liberally comb through clean wet hair and let sit for at least 7 minutes - so I washed my hair first in the shower then put the Deep Repair Masque and did the rest of my routine.

Wear Time
This is a weird little section since this isn't something I can really test the longevity of like a foundation but I still wanted to include this section as a what I thought through the time I was using the product:

Eventually I started by scooping out a hefty handful and putting it on top of my head in a big glob and then closing the container. I never had any difficulty distributing the product through my hair. After the first time I used it, I wasn't impressed with the results. I didn't think my hair's texture was instantly renewed. I decided to use it the next night just the same - the container does say to use it twice a week for best results - and I still felt unimpressed. For the entire time I've been using this deep repair masque I've been using it in place of my conditioner and I have to say I see average results.

As you can see in the images I've used up about all I can from the bottle.  I washed my hair about 3 or 4 times a week each time using this as my conditioner.  I do have to say I've seen improvements in my hair's textured but I do not think that the texture of my hair has been renewed.  I know I'm using this in a specific manner that maybe it wasn't intended for - dry, damaged, over processed hair - but maybe my hair is the best hair to see what the masque really can do?

Overall Impressions & Recommendations

Overall, I think this product is a decent, daily deep conditioner if you need it.  It does a decent job at conditioning and smoothing the hair, I'm not sure the damage I've done is repaired but my hair feels a bit more like hair and less like straw.  However, the price is what is crazy for an everyday conditioner - regular retail for this product is $36, I got mine for $19.99 at TJ Maxx.  

If you're looking for an affordable deep conditioner to use everyday my favorite is the Suave Morracan Oil line.  I plan on picking up more of that line once I run out of this and of every other condditioner I own (!!!).  In addition to the Deep Repair Masque, I have been using the Suave Morracan Hair OIl and that combo has really impressed me with returning my hair texture.

At the end of the day, I would say that I would buy this product again, but not at it's retail price.  I do think the results are comparable to the Suave Morrocan Oil deep conditioner but I like the thickness and the texture better.  So even though this isn't a stellar review, this product acceptable at most - in my opinion..

If we were at a store I wouldn't tell you not to get it....you know what I mean??

What do you do to keep your hair healthy?  Do you have any favorite deep conditioners?

xoxo, Moe

Trend Tuesday // Five Eye Palettes for Fall

If there is one thing I love, it's a good rosey pink eye palette.  There are quite a few of all rose gold or all mauvey pink eye palettes in my collection and I can't wait to bust them out for the fall.  Who am I kidding, I'll bust them out any time!  I have however been neglecting my eye palette collection.  For the last few makeup baskets I've posted I've only been using singles or some quads from the drugstore.  I want to break back into some of my most love palettes and bring out some that I've only tried a few times.  Each of these have rosey tones and some great complementary shades to create some great fall looks.

this post contains affiliate links, please see my full disclosure here

L'Oreal La Palette Nude 1

I've only busted this one open a few times.  I think I had it in a makeup basket once, previously, but I was impressed.  It is fairly expensive for a drugstore palette (however I would recommend this one over the 10 pan palettes from Maybelline - I've got a review here and a first impressions here).  This palette has an assortment of mattes and shimmer shades - in the perfect combo.  The three matte shades are beautiful blending shades plus a great deep brown that can create a wonderful nude smokey eye.  The lightest shade on the far left is actually a shimmery shade and not matte as the picture makes it look.  Each of the shimmery shades are more like a satin finish where as that lightest shade looks like there's some glittery bits.  Not bad - just not matte and not like the other shimmers!

These pans are huge for any palette and the color payoff is great for a drugstore palette.  The shades can go from subtle to buildable.  If you can get this on a 40% off sale at Ulta or even part of a buy one get one 50% off (make sure you pick up the other La Palette Nude 2 to get on for 50% off!) I'd suggest it.

Lorac Pro 1 Palette

This is a staple palette.  If you ever get the chance to get a Lorac palette - do it!  I have the 1 and the 2 and some other smaller palettes and love the quality of the eyeshadows.  So buttery, so pigmented.  If you're afraid of applying too much eyeshadow you'll need a light hand with this!  The top row is all matte and the bottom row is all shimmer.  These shades do kick up a lot of powder and as you can see the palette gets super messy - I can't keep it clean.

The shades in this palette are great for fall.  Not only is there a mauve matte shade - my favorite blending shade - there's a coper, an orangey color, and I love the gray.  These shades don't blend away easily and you'll get a distinct look between each shade.

Exposed 3

This is a super close dupe to the Urban Decay Naked 3 palette.  I picked this on up on Groupon in a set of all there Naked palette dupes - Exposed 1, 2, & 3.  This is made by Beaute Basics and really makes me want the Naked 3.  The palettes are actually on Groupon currently, though not in the deal I got but still for a pretty great price.  (Additionally if you sign up for Ebates there is 6% cash back at the time I'm writing this post...hot damn!)  Anyway - this is a go to palette for an all rose gold look.  This palette has 3 matte shades as well - a nice highlight shade, a nice rosey mauve, and a deeper brown-mauve.  The other shades are shimmery, not chunky glitter.

The color payoff is awesome for the price as well.  I would say it is better than the L'Oreal La Palette Nude but not as great as the Lorac Pro.  Very decent for a beginner and way more affordable (if you grab in on a deal!) than the Naked 3.  I was reaching for this palette until I got the smaller version - the Wet n Wild Smoke and Melrose palette from the drugstore (it is great for travel). If you have that in your collection you can totally get a great rosy look as well.

Too Faced Chocolate Bar Palette

This palette has a bunch of different tones for fall.  I love the shade that I believe is called Peanut Butter.  It is the burnt orange shade in the middle, on the far left.  There are deeper rosey shades in this palette as well.    There are 5 matte shades - including a large matte highlight shade - and 11 shimmer/glitter shades.  The gold in this palette is to die for and would be a great look for fall.  

If you're into neutrals with a pop of color and shadows that are very easy to work with, this is your palette.  The color payoff is also amazing on these shadows with out blending away.  These can be built upon to get a more intense look and the deeper shades can create a smokey look.

Ulta Rose Gold Palette

This is a new one to hit the drugstore and it is also a take on the Naked 3 style palette.  It is structured almost like the Lorac palette in that the top row is shimmer and the bottom row is matte. This one has a lot of shade similarities to the other palettes listed - there are a few mauve blending shades, a gold, a matte pink, and a great champagne color.  The shade Breathless is a beautiful matte brown.

These shades perform well, too.  They are easy to work with, easy to blend.  They aren't as smooth as the Lorac shadows but perform as well as the Too Faced Chocolate Bar palette, I'd say.  You won't get a multitude of looks with this palette though - the shade range is pretty one dimensional.  You have the lights and then the darks. You can get a distinct natural look and a distinct deeper, smokey look.  Not really the dynamic palette like the others listed but still pretty great for the drugstore!  If you're into being not intimidated - this is a great palette.

I've mentioned before in this post on saving money on cosmetics, but Ebates is the way  to go for saving money on cosmetics online.  Ulta is currently having 3% cash back through Ebates and then if you use the $3.50 off $10 for the drugstore products...you're on your way to saving $$$$.  I'd see if you can find like the Lorac Palette on other sites that may have more cash back through Ebates.  Sign up here.

What do you recommend for Fall?  Any go to looks you have?

xoxo, Moe

*all of these palettes were purchased by me and all opinions are my own.