June Favorites

Most of these products will come as no surprise to you, if you follow my blog or are friends with me on Facebook.  But there are a few things I haven't mentioned.  

So here goes...

#1 Revlon Colorstay Whipped Creme Foundation

in Nude

LOVE LOVE LOVE this foundation.

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#2 Revlon PhotoReady Concealer

in Light

Love.  End of story.  You can read more about it in my recent post.

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#3 L'Oreal Voluminous Mascara

Carbon Black

Even though CoverGirl Lash Blast Volume is my number one favorite, I've been wearing this mascara all month.  It's really a great volumizing mascara!  Definitely does the job.

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#4 Revlon Colorstay Pressed Powder

Light

(not the color shown)

I like the powder, but the shade I purchased is WAY TOO LIGHT.  It looked okay in the package, but not in reality.  So, instead of returning it, I've been using it with a small fluffy brush to set my under eye concealer.  I like it.  It sets well, isn't too heavy, doesn't settle in my lines, and helps to brighten up that area since it's quite a bit lighter than my skin tone.

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#5 e.l.f Blush and Bronzer Duo

The bronzer in this duo is a little too dark for me right now.  I'm not into contouring, so I'll just have to wait until the end of summer when I have more of a tan.  The blush, however, is beautiful and one of my all time favorites.  Peachy pink with some gold shimmer.  I've been wearing it almost everyday!  And for $3, you can't beat it!

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#6 Rimmel Natural Bronzer

in Sunlight

This bronzer is much better for me... at this point.  I simply dust a little under my cheek bones and around my temples.  It's a great matte bronzer that doesn't stand out on my semi-fair skin.

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#7 Revlon Lip Butter

in Creme Brulee

This lip butter and the gloss to follow have been my go to lip combo this month.  I've been doing more dramatic eye looks and keeping the lips soft and neutral.

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#8 Revlon Super Lustrous Lip Gloss

in Foiled

Love this lip gloss.  It looks great alone, or paired with, pretty much, any color.

Love the texture and staying power, also.  I'll definitely be trying more colors soon.

This one reminds me a lot of Merle Norman's Sugar-Coated.

Nude with gold shimmer.

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#9 Suave Body Lotion

in Powder Fresh

 I'm loving this lotion.  It moisturizes well, lasts all day, and smells great!  

Like baby lotion, but a little different.

And my hubby loves the way it smells!

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#10 Merle Norman Foundation Primer

SPF 15

I received this in a free gift a month or so ago, but just now got around to trying it.  I've never been one to go for foundation primers, even though I have oily skin and we have major humidity here in Bama.  I just don't like to apply a ton of products under my makeup.

But I've been using this for about 2 weeks and I LOVE IT!  It has a silicone-like texture and creates a silky smooth finish on the skin.  I love the feel of it, and the way my makeup applies on top!

I went by the store in Gardendale this past week (mainly to visit) to share how much I liked it, and I was told they can't keep it in stock.  It's a great seller!

So, I stole my mom's sample tube for a backup.  It only takes a tiny bit to cover your face, or whatever areas you need it for.  I won't need to buy any for a while. But it will DEFINITELY be an upcoming purchase when I run out.

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So that's it!  June Favorites!

One more month and then it's VACATION TIME!! 

I need to see the beach... ASAP.

First Annual "Kid's Day"

The week before Father's Day, Jase asked, "When is it gonna be kid's day?"

So we created one.

Why not?

Most people would say, "kid's day is EVERY DAY."  

But I disagree.  

How is that fair?  

I must say, Jase is a great kid (and Jett is gonna be just as cool).

So why not celebrate them?

So, one day that week, we left Jett with Grandmommy (since he wasn't quite old enough to enjoy the outting) and I spent "Kid's Day" with my big boy.  We had SO MUCH FUN.  And I can't wait until "Kid's Day" next year.  Maybe Daddy and Jett can join in the excitement.

The day's festivities included:

~ A trip to the McWane Science Center to see Dora and Diego

(Jase is at the perfect age for McWane.  We took him 2 years ago, but he just wasn't very interested.  All he wanted to do was run.  But this time, he actually played the games and stopped to look at all the exhibits.)

~ Lunch at McDonald's

~ Toys-R-Us for a slip-n-slide and a monster truck

~ and then some Father's Day gift shopping

It was an AWESOME First Annual Kid's Day.

Moving Mountains

This post is going to be honest... in every way.  It's hard, sometimes, to open up to people and share details of life.  The ups and the downs.  The good times, as well as the bad ones.  We like to share the answered prayers, but not all of the heartaches that come before.

But we, Jason and I, are ready to share ALL OF THESE.  

We've been through a lot in the past few months.  It's been tough.  Everyday.  But we've got SO MUCH to be thankful for... and we know how AWESOME the Lord is.  How He cares for us.  How He hears our prayers.  How He NEVER forsakes us.

Over the past month or so, almost every time we enter the church doors, the pastor has a message for us.  It's unbelievable.  And every time he builds us up, the Devil steps in the VERY NEXT DAY to try and throw us for a loop.  That's just how he works.  But we have stood strong, cried together, prayed together, and had faith that it would all work out.  

And it's working out.

I'll start from the beginning.

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In February, we sold our home.  After YEARS of being on the market, God sent the right people along and we are SO THANKFUL for them.

Jason's parents so graciously took us in and we've been here since right after Jett was born - Feb. 23rd. We began the search for land.  And we found some.  We made an offer just a few days after coming home from the hospital.  Hoping to hear something very soon, we waited patiently for good news.  Everyone else got their good news.  But we were still waiting.... in May.  

After SO MANY disappointments and hurdles, we finally closed on our land.

So, we began making plans for a house.  Long story short, we found one we liked (the same one Jase fell out of back in October).  Decided we might not could afford it in the end (didn't want to stress ourselves out) so we had to find a different one.  Which we did.

Then came MORE WAITING and disappointments.  One after another.  But we never stopped praying and believing that this was meant to be.  He WOULD answer our prayers and we WOULD be given a home.

Every Sunday, we would be uplifted with a message straight from Heaven sent directly to us.  Then the Devil would step in and say, "Not so fast."  Very heartbreaking.  But again, we kept the faith.

After so many months or worrying, making ourselves sick with stress and wondering if this was ever going to actually happen, the Lord showed up again.

This past Sunday, our Pastor preached an awesome mini-message.  It wasn't what he had planned, but it WAS what the Lord had planned.

Matthew 17:20 says:

"Because you're not yet taking God seriously," said Jesus.  "The simple truth is that if you had a mere kernel of faith, a poppy seed, say, you would tell this mountain, 'Move!' and it would move.  There is nothing you wouldn't be able to tackle."

There are 2 challenges we face as Christians.

1 - Believing that NO SITUATION is beyond the scope of prayer.  We have to pray about EVERYTHING.  And believe me, it works.

2 - Waiting.  It's hard.  Very hard sometimes.  But we HAVE TO BELIEVE that it will happen in HIS timing.  And it will.  I promise.

Then we have to ask ourselves - What can God really do???

Isaiah chapter 40 explains it so well.  No, I'm not gonna type the whole chapter, but you NEED TO READ IT.

Are you wondering where He is?  Why He doesn't answer your prayers?  Are you tired?  Frustrated?

"Do you not know?

Have you not heard?  

The Lord is the everlasting God,

The Creator of the ends of the earth.

He will not grow tired and weary,

and His understanding no one can fathom.

He gives strength to the weary

and increases the power of the weak.

Even youths grow tired and weary,

and the young men stumble and fall;

but those who hope in the Lord 

will renew their strength.

They will soar on wings like eagles;

they will run and not grow weary,

they will walk and not be faint."

Isaiah 40:28-31

He WILL move your mountain.  He WILL.

Saturday night, Jason worked all evening and got home about midnight.  I couldn't sleep.  So I laid in the bed and prayed.... about everything.  All of our plans, our finances, our minds, our babies... everything.  And I felt peace.

Our pastor started his sermon Sunday by saying, "whatever you're facing.... if you're trying to build a house..."

He's NEVER used that phrase in a sermon.  But he did Sunday.  And he looked right at us.  He has NO IDEA of the struggles we've had.  Most of our family members don't even know the stress we've been under.  But God knows.  And he shows up RIGHT WHEN WE NEED HIM... every time.

Yesterday, Jason and I had a meeting at the bank to turn in our paperwork for our construction loan.  We've been so worried about finances.  We have money to put down on a house, but we ALSO don't have any furniture.  I really don't want to sleep on an air mattress in our new bedroom or eat dinner off of a card table :)  So we need the numbers to work out to our advantage.  We were beginning to wonder if that was going to happen.

Our "bank guy" said EXACTLY what we wanted to hear, "It's all going to be okay." 

It's all going to be okay.

We left that meeting feeling ON TOP OF THE WORLD.  The happiest we've been in months!!!

So we went to grab some lunch.  Jason sat at the table while I ordered our food.  He says he was praying, giving Him thanks for answering our prayers.  

The Lord said, "Oh, I'm not done yet.... just watch."

A few minutes later, his boss called.

"Be at work tomorrow at 6 a.m. with clothes for 7 days.  We're heading to Tampa."

DO WHAT???  Wow.  Now THAT'S HOW MY GOD WORKS.

He never ceases to amaze me.

We've been saving money like crazy over the past few months, but "things" keep popping up.  If you've ever built a house, I'm sure you understand.  $500 here... $1000 there.  Geez.

Some overtime would definitely help.  And especially with Florida Power and Light.  

We're talking PREMIUM PAY, people.  

Nope, He wasn't finished.  He SHOWED UP AND SHOWED OUT!!!  In a big way.

I'm definitely going to miss my husband over the next week or so.  

But as I lay in bed last night praying for safety over Jason and the other men, the Lord said.... 

"This is an open door.  And it will be a blessing to your family."

I'll remember that in the hard and lonely times.

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Now, I'm sure some people stopped reading a LONG time ago.  And that's fine.

And I'm sure some of you are wondering WHY we decided to share all of this, as well as some intimate details of our struggles, with the world.

But our Pastor ended his sermon Sunday with this message.

When the Lord moves your mountains, GO TELL IT!  Don't just sit at home and thank Him.

Go share it with others.  Put it on Facebook, Twitter, or whatever else you do.

Well, this is what I do.  And I had to share it!

We made that decision on the way home from the bank yesterday.

The Devil might not like it, and he might not be finished messing with us.

But we are NOT GOING TO ALLOW HIM to turn our blessing into a disappointment.

We'll continue to give thanks.  And watch our mountains move.

Face of the Day Monday

Here's another FOTD for you....

I recreated this look after watching emilynoel83 from BeautyBroadcast on YouTube.  Except, I didn't have the exact colors she used.  So I improvised.  And this look could be done using ANY combination of colors, not just silver/purple.

Products Used:

Merle Norman Foundation Primer

Revlon Colorstay Whipped Foundation

220 Nude

Revlon PhotoReady concealer

02 Light

Rimmel Stay Matte Pressed Powder

04 Sandstorm

Rimmel Natural Bronzer

21 Sunlight

NYX Creme Blush

11 Boho Chic

Maybelline Dream Bouncy Blush

45 Orchid Hush

MAC Paint Pot

Bare Study

Merle Norman Soft Touch Eye Pencil

Blackout

L'Oreal Voluminous Carbon Black Mascara

topped with

Rimmel Scandaleyes

Shadows:

medium silver shade - on lid (Lusty Lee from Shady Lady #3)

light champagne shade - as highlight (Envious Erin from Shady Lady #3)

dark purple over liner and in crease - (from Wet-n-Wild's Petal Pusher)

light shimmery pink - inner corner (from Wet-n-Wild's Petal Pusher)

Midterm Madness

I have a midterm this week.... blah.

So I haven't had a lot of time to blog. 

But I will share some photos of our Monday fishing trip. :)

   

 

  

Foundation Review - Revlon Colorstay Whipped Creme Foundation

I've been trying out this new foundation for almost 2 weeks.

I. LOVE. IT.

Now, I must say this first:

 I own the original Revlon Colorstay for Oily/Combination skin.  I tried it.  I did not like it.  

It was too heavy for me.

This, however, is a lot different than the original!  It's medium to full coverage, but doesn't feel too heavy on the skin (heavier than normal "whipped" products, but not TOO heavy).

Even though the name says "whipped," that really isn't a proper description - in my opinion.

Amarixe on YouTube described its consistency as a melting milkshake.  That's about right.  It's thicker than a liquid, thinner than a creme.  

It blends easily and has great coverage and a satiny finish.  It claims to have 24-hour staying power.  I wouldn't go that far, but I have been wearing it everyday lately and it stays on great!  Even after a day at the pool in the Alabama heat.

My shade is Nude and it's perfect for my skin!!

Loving this foundation!

FOTD - Face of the Day

I'm going to try to start doing more of these.  I've been trying lots of new products, and pulling out some old products that I haven't used in a while.  

So here's today's "face of the day."

 Products used:

Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Eraser Treatment Makeup

130 Buff Beige

Revlon PhotoReady Concealer

02 Light

Merle Normal Ultra Powder Foundation

Ultra Cream

e.l.f. Countouring Blush and Bronzer Duo

blush side only

Maybelline Dream Bouncy Blush

50 Plum Wine - on apples of cheeks

MAC Paint Pot

Bare Study

Wet-n-Wild ColorIcon Eyeshadow Palette

736 Petal Pusher

Revlon ColorStay Liquid Eye Pen

01 Blackest Black

L'Oreal Voluminous Carbon Black Mascara

topped with

Rimmel Scandaleyes

01 Black

Covergirl NatureLuxe Gloss Balm

235 Grenache

If you've never tried Wet-n-Wild's eyeshadows, you MUST!!!

They are a great value and great quality.

To get this look, I used:

Right Column, 2nd shadow - ALL OVER LID AND UP INTO CREASE

Right Column, 1st shadow - ON INNER CORNER AND OVERLAPPING LID COLOR

Left Column, 2nd shadow - IN CREASE / AS TRANSITION COLOR

Right Column, 3rd shadow - IN OUTTER CORNER AND SLIGHTLY INTO CREASE

Left Column, 1st shadow - UNDER BROW/HIGHLIGHT

I topped my L'Oreal Voluminous mascara with Rimmel Scandaleyes and had much better luck with smudges.... YAY!

(refer to my mascara post in you're confused)

Hope you like this look... I did!

My Picks - Volumizing Mascara

Recently, I've been trying out different mascaras that all claim to do one thing: add VOLUME.

I've had some hits.... and some misses.

I thought I'd share my findings.

Let me start by saying this:  All of these mascaras are good.  But not all are great.  However, that's simply MY opinion.  I like mascaras to do a certain thing, be a certain consistency, and wear a certain way.  They may not be for you.  But I hope you find this post helpful.  Maybe you'll try some of them and let me know what YOU think about them.

Another disclaimer:  I DO NOT go to sleep with my makeup on.  I have not done that in probably over 10 years.... maybe after the prom when I spent the night with a bunch of friends and didn't want them to see my scary "no makeup" face.  Who knows.  But since then, I've washed my face EVERY SINGLE NIGHT.  I just cannot stand the thoughts of going to bed and getting all that mess on my pillow... especially mascara.  But I DO NOT use eye makeup remover.  I hate it.  I want a mascara that will wash off with my cleanser.  So that is a MUST when it comes to trying mascaras.

So, with that being said....

Here are my ratings:

#5 Wet-n-Wild MegaVolume

retails around $3.00

This was the first new mascara that I tried.  I purchased it a few weeks ago and couldn't wait to try it.  It's a rather small tube, but it's extremely affordable.  I love Wet-n-Wild eyeshadows, so I thought I'd try this product out.

In my opinion, it doesn't live up to it's name.  I DO like the brush.  I prefer mascaras with "normal" and full bristles.  Standard mascara wands.  It has that.

I also like the consistency of the formula.  It's not too wet or dry.  However, after applying several coats, it was nothing spectacular.  It does, however, wash off well with soap and water.

For a cheap, everyday mascara, it performs well.  But don't expect any major volume.

#4 Rimmel Volume Flash Scandaleyes 

retails around $6.99

I was so excited to try this one.

There are some pros and cons.  

The bristles are "normal."  The black is pretty black.  And it washes off easily.

On the down side, the formula is a tad wet, making the lashes stick together.  I can NOT stand when my lashes do that.  I actually keep a thumbtack in my makeup drawer (have done that since high school) to help separate my lashes when needed.  It drives me bananas.

Also, the wand is MASSIVE.  Like massively massive.  When I apply mascara, I start at the root and wiggle the wand to get down in there really good.  With this mascara, it's almost impossible to do that.  It's so large, you have to be very careful that you don't end up with mascara smudged all over your eyelid.  Another thing I can't stand.

I think this mascara works well when layered with something else.  I've used it with other mascaras, to top them off, and it does create some extra volume and length.  But when used alone, you'll end up with spider lashes.  If that's your thing, GO FOR IT!  You'll love it. :)

#3 Maybelline Full N' Soft

Retails around $7.99

This is a great everyday mascara.  I don't think it does anything MAJORLY spectacular.  However, I apply 2-3 coats and it does give pretty good volume.  The wand is perfect and the formula is a great consistency.  It also does what it says... keeps the lashes full and soft.  And it washes off very easily.

Even though it's not the most volumizing option out there, I will keep this in my collection as an everyday pick.

#2 L'Oreal Voluminous Carbon Black

This is one of my favorite mascaras.

It delivers!

The wand/bristles are great.  The formula is BLACK.  The blackest black I've ever found in a mascara.  And it makes your lashes THICK!

There are a few reasons it's not number one.  And they really sadden me.  It would be absolute perfection if it weren't for these 2 things - but maybe you'll be able to look past them.

When you first purchase this, the formula is a little on the "wet" side.  You know how some mascaras need a week or so to get to that perfect consistency?  This is one of those.  But once it gets there, it's perfect!

Also, this mascara can tend to smudge.  I'm sure if I used the waterproof version, I wouldn't have this problem.  But then I wouldn't be able to wash it off.  And you know how I feel about that.

I tend to get raccoon eyes and have to work a little harder to get it off at night.

But that's not my biggest issue.  During the day, I'll glance in the mirror and I'll have little black dots/smudges on my eyelids right under my brows.  My lashes are naturally on the long side, so with this mascara, they tend to touch my lids.  I just don't like that the mascara wears off on my skin.  I've tried using different primers under my shadow, as well as different shadows (matte and shimmer) and nothing seems to help.  

So, when I wear this mascara, I have to constantly check myself and wipe the smudges from my lids.  Annoying.  Maybe one day I'll suck it up and buy the waterproof - along with some eye makeup remover.  

One day I want to try the L'Oreal Voluminous Million Lashes, which is fairly new, to see how it compares.  But that's another post for another day.

#1 CoverGirl Lash Blast Volume

retails around 6.99

I have not found another mascara that I love more than this one.

It's fabulous.  In every aspect.

The brush is different.  It has plastic bristles and the wand is rather large.  I didn't think I'd like it.  But I got used to it.  It works great to separate the lashes.  

The formula is perfect.  After a few days of use, it's the perfect consistency.  It also layers great.  I usually use 3 coats.  I have even used more for special occasions and it creates a "fake lash" appearance.  

It washes off so easily with just soap and water.

It is BY FAR the best volumizing mascara I've found.

The do make other versions: Fusion, Length and Luxe.

I've tried them and I don't think they have the effect that the original Lash Blast Volume has.

It rocks!!

Paris Hilton - Can Can

I've been on a mission.... a perfume mission.

I am not a big perfume wearer.  But I WANT to be.  It has to be the perfect one, though.

I have very sensitive allergies and many scents just drive my nose crazy.

So I'm always on the lookout for things that work... and smell great!

Last weekend, my sister-in-law was wearing something that struck me.  It was one of those smells that lingers.  But it smelled wonderful on her!  I couldn't wait to try it.

On a trip to Wal-mart, I found a mini size of the perfume for $9.00.  I couldn't pass that up.  It's a great way to try something (without spending a bunch of money for a bottle of perfume that you aren't sure you'll love).  It's .25 fl. ounces.  That's enough to last me for a while.

CAN CAN by Paris Hilton

I had to look it up to get a description... I'm not good at describing scents.

This is what I found:

Can Can opens with the vibrant notes of clementine flowers, blended with cassis and nectarine. The ‘naughty but nice’ floral heart blends orchid and orange blossom. The dry down brings harmony, with soft musk, amber, and woods.

Top note: Clementine, Flowers, Cassis, Nectarine

Middle note: Orchid, Orange BlossomBase note: Soft Musk, Wood, Amber

I can see where some people would think this scent is TOO STRONG.  It is a statement perfume.  But it's nice.  Sweet smelling.  I tend to lean toward those types of scents.  

One thing I suggest, either visit a store (like Ulta or Sephora) that has a huge selection of perfumes to try.  Test them out.  Wear them all day and see how they "end up" with your body chemistry.  Body chemistry makes a HUGE impression on perfume.  Also, you can do like I did (and have done several times lately)... buy a small size for a cheaper price just see if you like it.

Review - Revlon PhotoReady Concealer

I have been using this concealer for a few weeks.  I had heard great reviews on YouTube.

This is my new favorite.

I've always used Merle Norman's Cover Up (which you've seen on my blog before) and I still will continue to use it in certain areas or as a shadow base.

But it's pretty drying.  Under the eye area, that can stand out.

This concealer is creamy and has great coverage!!

I purchased the color "Light," which is the next to lightest.  It is light enough that it acts as a brightener for my dark under-eye circles.  But it's still a great match for my skin tone so that I can apply it ON TOP of my foundation and it blends well.

It works great on redness and discoloration.  It works fairly well on blemishes, unless they are unruly (like mine over the past few days) and then I choose my Cover Up.

My Overall Opinion:

I love this!!  This will be my "go to" concealer from now on.

I would like to, one day, try MAC's Studio Finish concealer, 

but for the price, Revlon's PhotoReady Concealer can't be beat.

Review - The Balm: Shady Lady

A few weeks ago, The Balm Cosmetics was having a sale on their Shady Lady eyeshadow palettes.

3 for $39.99

Now, I'm not really familiar with this company or their products, but I have seen some YouTubers review them every now and then.  So I thought I'd give them a try.

My overall opinion:

I am very impressed with these palettes!  They are well-made, have great pigmentation and the shadows are soft and creamy.  

Each palette has a magnetized closure, mirror, and 9 shadows (some can double as liner).  There is a good mix of shimmery and matte colors in each palette.

I am excited to try some of their other palettes (particularly Nude 'Tude) and products in the future.

www.thebalm.com

Review - Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stain

I recently purchased one of the BRAND NEW Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stains.

I am very impressed with this product!

I purchased the color "Honey."  It's a soft pink, but has great color payoff.  

It's sort of like "my lip color, but better." 

These are brand new!  I was just able to find them in our local Walmart about a week ago.  However, I'm pretty sure that you can find them everywhere now.

They run about $8.99.  

I did receive a coupon from Target (at checkout) for $1.00 off and I plan to use it soon.

(I also heard a rumor that they are on sale right now at Walgreen's BOGO1/2off.  But don't hold me to it.)

These have been compared to the Clinique Chubby Sticks (in appearance) in that they are chubby and retractable.

But some claim they are pretty much exact dupes of the Tarte Lip Surgence stains, but at a fraction of the cost.  They have a slight minty smell, are soft in texture, and have great pigment and staying power!

I wore "Honey" to church this past Sunday and paid special attention to it throughout the day.

I applied it around 9:30 in the morning, went to church, sang in the choir, ate lunch afterward, and checked myself in the mirror on the drive home.  

Approximately 4 hours and I STILL had color on my lips.

Now, obviously it wasn't as pigmented as when first applied, but there WAS product on my lips after a lot of activity.  And keep in mind that I have one of the softer colors.  I'm sure some of the other colors would have even better results.

My overall opinion:

I love these!

They all appear to have a slight sheen to them when first applied, but I think the finish is more semi-matte after several hours of wear. 

They could be topped with a gloss if necessary. 

(Might not have the greatest staying power, but would still be pretty.) 

I plan to purchase 2 more - "Precious" and "Charm." 

"Precious" appears to be the softest, pinkish/nude color.

"Charm" is also very soft, but on the peachier side.

Hope you try them out!