March Favs/Hates

Hello Beauty Fanatics!
    I am here today to talk about my FAVS/HATES for the month of March!  There have been some things that I absolutely have LOVED and they now have a permanent spot in my day to day life.  There are some that weren't new to me but I had forgotten about them so I found a new appreciation for them.  Then... well... there are those others.  We will talk about those later.
    First- let's talk about the hits...

    First things first... lets start out with my FAV.  It's the Brazilian Crush.  If you haven't smelled it, well you should.  It's the best!  My number 1 this month. You can find it here Brazilian Crush

    Next, Brazilian Bum Bum Cream also by SOL de Janeiro.  If you want to try the smaller jar, it can be found here Brazilian Bum Bum Cream Small.

    This next one is something that I've heard a lot of beauty vloggers and bloggers talk about but I had never tried for myself.  I was missing out!  This is a great everyday lotion especially for those of us who are currently on Accutane or who just suffer from dry skin.  Cera Ve Moisturizing Lotion

    Speaking of dry skin... These next items have been GAME CHANGERS for me since my skin has become dry.  Klorane Dry Shampoo with Oat Milk.  This one isn't new but I am getting more use out of it now more than ever before.  I have tried the other types of dry shampoos that Klorane makes but this one is the best.  Believe the hype because this product is worth it.

    If the Brazilian Crush was number one.. this guy is number two Aquaphor Lip Repair.  I have about 5 bottles.  I use it all day every day and right before I go to bed at night.  It's not a WANT it's a NEED.

I have been using Josie Maran 100% Pure Argan Oil Light every morning after I wash my face and I use Josie Maran Pure Argan Oil at night.  These two have really helped my skin out. Before I started using oil, makeup application was becoming a nightmare on my dry skin.

    I watch Casey Holmes religiously so when she said she liked these next few items... I purchased them.  The Loreal Foundation Blender and Wet n Wild Mega Cushion Contour in Cafe Au Slay.  Both of these are amazing.  The loreal blender is better than the real techniques orange one that I have loved for years and it rivals my beauty blender.  I have already repurchased a few times.  The Wet n Wild Cushion is perfect as a bronzer for my ultra dry skin.

    I had to throw in the Bath and Body Works Marshmellow Fireside.  Yes, I know it's a fall and winter scent but I DON'T CARE!  I love it and it is a year round staple for me.  You can't currently purchase it but when it arrives in the fall, be sure to stock up.  It's one of the best they have!

    Cinema Secrets Makeup Brush Cleaner is something I always hear Tati talk about so I finally gave in and purchased it.  It's great!  I was shocked at how well it cleaned my eye shadow brushes plus it smells like vanilla which is a plus to me.

    For the eyes, I've got a few loves for the month.  First, Maybelline Master Precise Skinny Defining Black 210. I have used the black and brown in this and I love both.  The gray one was glittery and I wasn't a fan of it.  These are tiny and perfect for tight lining.

    I had 2 travel/trial size mascaras this month that I really liked.  The Lancome Hypnose Drama and Estee Lauder Sumptuous Extreme Lash Multiplying Volume Mascara.  I've kinda went back and forth with these.  They both have a huge brush so if that isn't your thing, stay away. But if it is and you want false-ish (that's not a word) lashes, these are the mascaras for you.

    The 2 concealers I have loved this month are Tarte Shape Tape and Urban Decay Naked Skin.  The shades I am liking for under my eyes are Tarte- light neutral and UD- Peach.  I love this combo.  The Tarte is about 1 shade lighter than me and that mixed with the peach just cancels out all the darkness and brightens up my under eye area.

   I am loving the Too Faced Sweet Peach Creamy Peach Oil Lip Gloss.  It has just a little bit of color and since it's oil, it doesn't dry out my lips.  When I finish this trial size,  I will purchase the large one.

    Last but certainly not least.   Lorac Unzipped Eyeshadow Palette.  This one was my first Lorac shadow purchase and I will be back for more!  I honestly like this more than my small Viseart palette I got at the beginning of this year.  These shadows are good and they blend very easily.  I really didn't know easy blending until I got this palette.

    Now for the hates...

    This is not going to be the popular opinion but here I am hating on all what the beauty vloggers claim is the next latest and greatest.  First up, Milk Makeup.  That blur stick is very drying.  It doesn't work and it didn't cover up my pores.  It just bunched up on my face and rolled up into little tiny balls.
   Next, NYX  eyeshadow base in white.  Jessica Braun | JAMbeauty89 really raved on this and I completely disagree,  it won't even stay on my eye or it blends away to nothing.  It falls very short to Mac paint pot.
    The Anastasia glow kit with Nicole Guerriero.  I just don't like it.  It's glittery and chunky.  I like a natural highlight and this is not it.  Not a fan, I am returning.
    Last, Marc Jacobs Le Marc Liquid Lip Creme.  I got this after hearing Adele's makeup artist Michael Ashton saying he used it on her.  I was thinking... if it's good enough for Adele it's gotta be good enough for me.  WRONG.  It sucks and the color Fawn Over Me (her color because who doesn't want to be Adele) looks like a NYX Liquid Suede.  Liquid Suede's are more comfortable.  Love Marc Jacobs Gloss but not these lip cremes.

Tell me what your favorites for March were!

Sol De Janeiro

Hello Beauty Fans!
    It's been a while but I am back today with a review of the Sol De Janeiro Brazilian line.  Basically, I've become an addict.  I'm addicted to bum bum cream and I don't care if the whole world knows it haha.

   So... here is how it started. One innocent sample in a Sephora box.
                     See Exhibit A

    Now granted, I did choose this sample but how was I supposed to know the addicting powers this magical lotion held! I have no idea what they put in this stuff but it's basically derived from the gods.
     Once again, Youtube made me buy it.  I blame Tati.  She showed the cream in a haul last year and I know it was her voice in my head on that cold winter night when I carefully decided which 3 samples to add to cart.
    Since then, we've been exclusive.  I'm commited, I wear it every day!
   However, when I saw Tati talking about the other products in the line a month or so ago, I knew I needed to try them out too.   The spray smells just as good as the lotion so if you're familiar with that warm intoxicating scent then you'll LOVE the spray too.  The lip balm is great at keeping my ultra dry lips at bay.  I haven't tried the body wash but I remember Tati had said that it wasn't the same smell. So for now, I haven't purchased it.  But I am curious about it.

   Please let me know if you've tried anything from Sol De Janeiro and what your thoughts were!

What's in my bag

Hello All,
   I don't know about you guys, but I absolutely love watching or reading post where people tell you what's in their bag.  It's an obsession/fascination of mine. You know it's the creme de la creme because you aren't going to waste precious purse/bag space with junk.  Oh heck no! You're gonna fill that sucker up with only the good stuff.  So I figured... Hey, I should also tell people what I carry in my bag... well uh.. backpack lately.  For anyone wondering, my bag came from TJ Maxx, Madison West is the brand and I believe I got this beaut for $29.99.  What a steal!  Any who, onto more pressing matters.  Lets check out the goods :)

a. NYX Slide On Lip Liner (Nude Suede Shoes)- This actually started out as a normal size lip liner.  I use it that much!
b. MAC Studio Finish Concealer Duo (NW20/NC25)- Probably my 3rd or 4th one of these
c. ESSENCE Lip Stick (Cool Nude)- Had this one in the bag since I bought it.  It's a great nude for me
d. VICTORIA'S SECRET EDP (Scandalous)- Just love it, had a few and I always repurchase this scent
e. ORIBE Texture Spray- if you read my dry shampoo blog you know I love this stuff
f. MAC FIX + Finishing Mist- I have this in large size too.  Works great for those of us who love our powder
g. TOO FACED Better Than Sex Mascara- Have the large and have used up 4 small travel size. I tried the waterproof last year and I didn't really care for it.  This however, is the real deal
h. VISEART Petit Pro Palette- I just got this and I love it!  Viseart is worth the hype it gets
i. MAC Singe Eyeshadow (Omega)- I love this stuff.  I read years ago that this was a dupe for the Kevin Aucoin medium sculpting contour... it's not haha.  But it's a great transition crease color for a pale redhead.
j. MAC Single Eyeshadow (Blanc Type)- Zoom in... it's hit pan, enough said
k. FRESH Sugar Tinted Lip Treatment (Nude)- probably one of the newest additions to my bag, I got it in a subscription box and I love it.  I have used Rose before but I like this one a lot more.  I am currently taking accutane and my lips have been VERY DRY and this has helped
l. MAYBELLINE Master Precise Skinny (Brown 220)- This stuff is dummy proof, I would know
m. MAC Studio Fix (NW 22)- I lost count long ago on how many of these I own but they're great on the go
n. BATH & BODY WORKS Fine Fragrance Mist Mini (Tutti Dolci- White Mocha Kiss)- This is my fav in the Tutti Dolci collection!
o. MARC JACOBS Enamored Hi-Shine Gloss Lip Lacquer Lipgloss (Sugar Sugar)- LONGEST NAME EVER AWARD but it is that good.  What can I say Jaclyn Hill made me buy it and I don't regret it
p. LORAC Highly Pigmented Creme Lipstick (Duchess).  Think I got this in an Ulta Christmas bundle with liner and a blush.  It's really good. It is my first Lorac lip product and it makes me want to try more.

For those of you still reading... all 2 of you, a final note that editing Jessica wanted to share.  Halo Top Chocolate Mocha Chip is bomb

Let me know what is in your bag.  Hope you all have a great week!

Dry Shampoo

Hello Beauty Fanatics,
    Today I want to talk to you all about the struggle to find a great dry shampoo.  As a girl who doesn't like to wash my hair every day, I am a repeat offender of dry shampoo.  I am an addict.  The first step is admitting the problem, right? I am sure many of you are like me, you want to love dry shampoo because the idea sounds AMAZING.  It is every girl's dream to be able to wake up and your hair look like you've spent 30 minutes on it when in reality you only spent 2.  THAT IS THE DREAM PEOPLE.  Sadly, that often is not the case.  Many products make great claims but often they fail to deliver on their promises.  In this article, I am going to go over some of the best and the worst that I have tried so far.

ORIBE DRY TEXTURIZING SHAMPOO- OKAY PEOPLE I KNOW IT'S NOT DRY SHAMPOO!!!  But, let's be real who doesn't love this stuff??  It is the quintessential item in every basic girl's collection and I am her!  Youtube made me buy it and I make no apologies.  Is this small travel size bottle $22.. yeap!  Is that absolutely outrageous... sure, but who can deny the sweet luxurious aroma that comes from this magic bottle.  It is a repeat buy and it will be for a while.  I use it as dry shampoo and texture spray and it does great for both!  It has a great smell, it has no white residue, and it doesn't leave my hair feeling anything but amazing after using it.  RATING 10.0

BATISTE- I am just going to say it... I DON'T GET IT.  This stuff is terriful. For those of you who've read my previous post, you'll understand.  If not, terribly awful.  Smell isn't great, it's very white on my red hair, and my hair feels awful afterward.  I just don't get the hype.  RATING 2.0

DRYBAR DETOX DRY SHAMPOO- Is it just me or does anyone else think that this product and Triple Sec are the exact same, because I do.  Anywho... I like these.  The smell is good, no major white kick back and it does have a lasting power.   No complaints.  RATING 7.5

PANTENE DRY SHAMPOO- If you all are familiar with Tati you know she loves this stuff and I couldn't agree more.  Smell is A plus, no white residue, and hair still feels great after multiple uses.  There are some that take out the oil more than this one but it is a wonderful drugstore option.  I love it.  RATING 9.0

KENRA DRY SHAMPOO- I don't get this either... this brand is BOMB but this product, not at all.  Doesn't really take any oil out, smell is bad, and it leaves my hair looking like I've had dandruff for days after using it.  It's bad guys.  It's just bad!  RATING 2.0

SUAVE REFRESH & REVIVE- Smell isn't bad, it is kinda fruity.  It works just not as good as others have.  I will use up this product but probably won't repurchase.  RATING 5.0

DRYBAR TRIPLE SEC- I am pretty sure it's Detox just in another bottle.  I guess Triple Sec has a bit more of an alcohol smell but it is very hard to tell the difference.  I'm currently dousing myself in a cloud of dry shampoo to try to tell any difference.  Nope, not one.  RATING 7.5

KLORANE DRY SHAMPOO WITH OAT MILK- MY RIDE OR DIE!!! Youtube made me buy it and I LOVE it.  It is the absolute best at being a "dry shampoo".  My hair has no oil after use.  Its lasting power is nothing short of a miracle.  This stuff is what dreams are made of.  I know they have a few different versions but the oat milk is my fav.  RATING 10.0

Please let me know your favorite dry shampoos or texture sprays.  I am always looking for new ones to try out.

Estee Lauder Double Wear Review & Swatches

Hello Again Beauty Friends,
    For those of you who have perfect skin, this probably isn't the post for you.  Actually, this isn't the blog for you so you should probably just wander away to another page.  BUT if you're like me, someone who doesn't have perfect skin and you're looking for a foundation to cover those pesky imperfections, you might've wondered about the well known Estee Lauder Double Wear.
    I have a mix in my collection of Double Wear Maximum Coverage (The blue one), Double Wear Light ( the one that looks like the blue one but is cream... yes my descriptions are impecable I know), Double Wear Stay-in-Place, and the Double Wear Stay-in-Place Flawless Wear Concealer.
    I will start by saying it's worth the hype!  They cover like a dream.  Each one has a different coverage rating that I will get into in just a sec but they're every bit as full coverage as you've read.  Now as far as coverage levels go, Maximum Coverage is just as true as the label reads.  It's MAXIMUM.  Actually, I would go as far as to say it basically gives you new skin.  So if you need a new face, that's what you need to buy haha.  I first heard about the foundation from YT'er thataylaa The cons of Maximum coverage would be the shade range.  It's terrible, it's awful, actually it's terriful.
    Next is the OG Double Wear Stay-in-Place.  I love it as well.  It is not nearly as high coverage but if you're having a day when you need a good full coverage but don't need an entirely new face, this one is for you. I actually find one of my favorite ways to wear this one and Maximum coverage is to mix it with MUFE Ultra HD foundation (shade 118 for reference)  I don't know why I like to do that but it works for me. Many YT'ers love the OG Double Wear and I see why.
   Last is the Double Wear Light.  It's exactly what it says.  I wouldn't say it's full coverage but it's no bb cream either.  It's good.  On a lighter makeup day or for someone who has dry skin, this would be the option for you.  I have normal, combo, sometimes oily skin.  I never seem to land in just one category.
   The concealer... well,  I have just used it to spot conceal.  I don't really have any great or bad vibes about this one.  It does what it is supposed to but if I had to be honest I have found myself reaching for the Double Wear Maximum to use to spot conceal more than I have this.  I know recently Jaclyn Hill tried it out and hated it in a video but I haven't ever put it under my eyes as a brightner.  Does it work? Sure.  Is it anything special? No, not really.  I will probably use it up but will not repurchase.

1. Double Wear Light- Intensity 1.0
2. Double Wear Maximum- 1N3 Creamy Vanilla
3. Double Wear Maximum- 2C5 Creamy Tan
4. Double Wear Stay-in-Place- 2N1 Desert Beige
5. Double Wear Stay-in-Place- 2W1 Dawn
6. Double Wear Stay-in-Place Concealer- 2C Light Medium (Cool)

*photo was taken in natural lighting with no editing for color reference

Let me know if you've tried any of this line and what you thought!  Cheers

Brand New 2017

Greetings Fellow Beauty Lovers,
    Jessica here and I am embarking on a new adventure, blogging.  For those of you here for your first time, do not fret because we are all new!  I have read, watched, and purchased all things beauty for a few years now so I figured why not give this a try.  I can't be that bad at it (or I will be but in that case I've taken a que from my elders and will adhere to the ole wise tale... 'don't quit your day job' so I think I'll be safe for now).
   I'm very excited to start this journey with you all and I hope to make a lot of new friends along the way.  That being said, I am very open to suggestions and requests for all things beauty in this blog.  I don't want this to be just mine but more as a group effort.  So please feel free to leave me requests and comments on things that you'd like to see.  I know there are so many blogs out there in the interwebs and obviously things are overdone sometimes when it comes to the beauty trend realm so anything that you guys would like to see, I am sure I would be open to.
   For my near future plans, I will be doing some swatches and reviews of new and popular makeup.  I have a love of department store as well as drug store so I hope to be able to find a common niche with many people.  For details about me, I am a green eyed pale freckle infested redhead who is currently dealing with acne post 30 (which I can just tell you is LOADS of fun) so what I am interested in is full coverage foundation looks.  However, I do have a normal desk day job that would shriek at the notion of 'Instagram makeup' so none of those makeup tips will be found here.  I am just an average lazy girl who wants to get up at 5:50 am and leave the house at 6:30 am for work.
   I'm very excited to start this new adventure with you all and I look forward to talking to you again, Cheers!