A HOLIDAY LOOK INSPIRED BY SAGITTARIUS

Hey guys! Here we are wrapping up 2019, and I could not be more grateful for the amazing support you show up with again and again. This month I enjoyed studying the Sagittarius gal- I learned that she excels at work by thinking ahead, loves to find adventure on her own, and cares deeply (sometimes too much so) about others. Find out more about the Sagittarius lady, and get some quick tips in the video below. I decided to make this look more dramatic and throw in a splash of Christmas red. Enjoy! [video here]

SAGITTARIUS PRODUCTS:

• Foundation It Cosmetics CC Cream

• Peach Corrector LA Girl Peach Corrector

• Concealer Shine Cosmetics Concealer - Radiant, Save 10% with code BeautySnoop10

• Contour Cream NudeStix Nudies - Deep 9

• Liquid Blush NARS Liquid Blush - Luster

• Shadow Palette BH Cosmetics Zodiac Love Signs

• Brow Gel Babe Lash Brow Volumizing Gel Save 20% with code: BEAUTYSNOOP

• Mascara L’Oréal Unlimited Mascara - Waterproof

• Liquid Lipstick Covergirl Melting Pout - All Nighters

Don’t forget there’s more fun happening over on my IG. You can enter to win your own Sagittarius necklace, or be a pal and tag a friend who’s a Sagittarius with a birthday between Nov 21-Dec 22, so they can enter. xo

BRUSH SETS WORTH SCOOPING UP ASAP!

Currently my most asked question over on IG is; ‘What brush is that?’… referring to whatever makeup brush is currently in my hand. So I thought it was time for a quick round up of my most used brush sets, and spoiler alert… they’re all budget friendly!!

• BEST ALL OVER BRUSH SET- BH Cosmetics Take me to Brazil (on sale for $16!) I love this set, especially the larger complexions brushes for bronzer, blush and powder application. And the rainbow colors are just so stinking cute!

• BEST SHADOW BRUSH SET- Wet n Wild pro Eye Perfection I have had this set for well over a year and it is still in great shape, and I reach for them almost daily. The large fluffy blending brush is AMAZE.

• BEST FACE & CHEEK BRUSH SET- Real Techniques Everyday Essentials This set has zero ‘extra’ or ‘filler’ brushes… meaning EVERYTHING is usualable and has its own purpose. I love the large Blush Brush so much, I have two! Plus the sponge is awesome too if you prefer to blend that way.

• BEST FOUNDATION & CONCEALER BRUSH SET- Morphe Fluidity Set When it comes to foundation application, Morphe has is figured out. This set is my go-to every day for my base products. The bristles are so soft and blend perfectly, plus they wash up nicely without losing bristles.

Happy brushing! xo

A PONYTAIL... BUT MAKE IT FASHION

There’s no doubt the ponytail is a staple style when it comes to hair… convenience and function after all. But when the Holidays roll around and we are even busier, sometimes we need to dress up our ponytail in a pinch. Today, I am sharing three of my go to ways to make your pony POP this season. [video here]

• ADD MORE ELASTICS- it sounds simple, and it is… but simply adding more elastics, and making them part of the design will make your ponytail look more thought-out and intentional. There are so many amazing decorative options out there, like these cube elastics shown here.

• PUMP UP THE VOLUME- adding texture and volume to your pony is a super simple way to take it from ‘every day’ to holiday ready. You can create texture with your leftover curls, or my favorite hack is using my super quick deep waver. Then use a phone cord elastic to get MAJOR lift in your pony. I love to add a scarf to finish this look! This tie-dye version can be found here.

• KEEP IT SLEEK- on the opposite side of volume, you can option for a sleek, classic low pony… just dress it up by wrapping the elastic (get help from a topsy tail here) and adding a jeweled clip like this one here. BONUS: fav hair ties of all time that hold hair so well here.

Here is to a busy and fun December! xo

TOP BEAUTY GIFTS OF 2019

We’re all officially in buying mode now that December is encroaching, and sometimes it is just nice to let someone else do the browsing for you! I scoured the interwebs looking for the best gift sets and beauty products that will delight everyone on your list. I’m sure a few of these will even be discounted come Cyber Monday, so I’ll be sure to updated these goodies if I spot any amazing deals!

GIFTS FOR THE BEAUTY JUNKIE

• MAC Lipstick Set- I love the mini size because I NEVER finish a full tube of lipstick!

• BECCA Pop goes the Glow Palette

• Dyson Supersonic Dryer with Stand- Splurge, it’s worth it! So quiet and so fast.

• Victor & Rolf BonBon Parfume- My latest obsession, literally my dream scent!

• Charlotte Tilbury Starry Eyes Palette

• BeautyBio Glow Pro Kit- Glowing skin is calling, this one is going in my cart for sure!

• BABE Lash- Buy the Indulgence kit and get a FREE Essential Serum and Perfume, plus a clutch! Starts 12/13, save 20% with code: BEAUTYSNOOP

GIFTS FOR THE IT-GIRL (TWEEN & TEEN)

• Bed Head Curly Pops Wand- Super great price, and they are so cute on a counter top.

• Ariana Grande Mini Perfume Set- The bottles are so cute, but the scents are also perfect for teens!

• Makeup Revolution Precious Stone Palette (shown in Ruby)

• Tarte Lip Gloss Set

• Barrette Duo- When in doubt, add a clip!

• ELF Nail Polish Set

• Caboodle Retro Makeup Carrier

GIFTS FOR THE DISCERNING GENTLEMAN

• The King of Jacks Set

• Panasonic Mens Razor

• Quip Black Electric Toothbrush- These are so sleek, and the work amazingly well, love the all black option.

• Harry’s Gift Set- Best razors EVER!

• Dior Cologne Set

• Lab Series Tinted Moisturizer for Men- The gift he didn’t know he needed… even out that redness with the ease of applying a moisturizer.

Happy shopping, xo

DOES IT WORK? // GEL NAIL STEAM REMOVER

If you’ve ever worn Gel Polish on your nails, you know that removing said gel can be a real nightmare! Soaking, filing and scraping are often involved- and when it’s all said and done, your nails are usually left feeling a little beat up.

I’ve heard about Gel Polish steamers before but never tested one of even seen one in stores. Luckily I happened to glance down on the very bottom of the shelf at Walmart a few weeks back, and lo and behold- there was ONE sitting on the shelf calling my name. Here’s a look at my test run over on IGTV, and if you want to try it for yourself, you can scoop it up here.

So, DOES IT WORK? yes and no… After filing the sheen off the surface of the nails, you place your fingers in the designated holes and let your nails steam above the acetone (my fav kind here) for 10 minutes. It was surprisingly HOT, so I thought there wouldn’t be any residue left on my nails after the cycle completed. Unfortunately, there was still about 60% of the polish left on each nail when I removed it, but the rest did scrape off pretty easily. I’ll definitely use this gizmo in the future, because it did about half of the work for me… but my snoop score is 6/10.

Would you try it? Let me know, xo

DOES IT WORK? // AS SEEN ON TV BEAUTY

We’ve all seen those gimmicky products on TV or popping up in our social media feeds- and we’ve all thought, ‘does that thing actually work?’ So today I decided to pick up a few intriguing ‘as seen on TV’ beauty products and put them to the test on camera!

Find out which ones are worth picking up and which ones are disappointing. [video here]

PRODUCTS MENTIONED:

• DermaRPX - Wrinkle Reducing Cream Snoop Score: 3 out 5 Stars I was pleasantly surprised with the results on this, but the claims made on the box are a little too unrealistic. Although my wrinkles were nicely ‘frozen’ temporarily with a tacky glue like feeling, there was no improvement on my dark circles, and I have doubts on what it would do for puffy eyes either. But for a smoother surface to your eyes under makeup- it does help.

• 3 Second Brow- Brow Stamp Snoop Score: 4 out of 5 Stars This one totally surprised me! I thought we would all get a good laugh when I looked like a muppet, but actually it WORKS! It was easy to use, super fast and gave me a totally symmetrical brow. My only complaint is that there is only one color choice.

• Pink Armor Nail Gel- Nail Growth Gel Coat Snoop Score: 2 out of 5 Stars Although this is a really nice product, it is not a gel in my book. It is a top coat! I loved how it applied and dried- but I have to rank it lower based on the claims that aren’t met. I will use it again, but it won’t solve all my nail problems and it doesn’t protect nails the way a real gel does.

• Simply Straight - Hair Straightening Brush Snoop Score: 3 out of 5 Stars The original heated brush, and one I’ve been curious to try- but ultimately it let me down. Tangles and curls do not glide easily through and we are simply missing the ‘compression’ needed to get super sleek hair. I would call this a hair ‘smoother’ not a hair straightener.

• DermaSuction- Pore Cleaning Device Snoop Score: 4 out of 5 Stars WOW! This one is really cool. It works to deep clean your pores and yes, you can see the gunk come out, yuck. It comes with different heads for different areas of the face, but the oval tip is my favorite. I love to use this right after a bath or shower when skin has been steamed and pores are more open. Keep those blackheads at bay easily with this.

• Flawless - Facial Hair Remover Snoop Score: 3 out of 5 Stars This is a great alternative to other hair removal options. I often hear that facial razors cause irritation, but I doubt that would be the case here. There is no tugging and the blade is completely protected by a circular guard (similar to the type seen on mens electric shavers) so it works well to remove peach fuzz on the face. I would avoid using it on dark hair however because you’ll be left with stubble. I wish it were rechargeable because a single AA battery won’t last long.

Have you seen anything out there you want me to try? Let me know

OCTOBER GOODIES I SWEAR BY

A week late to get this posted, but we were sailing the high seas on a Disney Cruise, and therefore… no internet! So just in case you are looking for something new to love or add to your Christmas list, let’s dive in!

• Urban Decay Mini Palette ‘Highway Queen’ I loved the original Born to Run palette last year, but these new mini collections are so fun too- you get to pick a theme which vibes with your personal color favs, and for me that is ORANGE, but all the other colors look amazing too!

• Madison Braids Fishtail Braid Headband (save 20% with code: beautysnoop20) This is such an easy way to make a ponytail or bun look polished! Throw the braid on in seconds and get creative with your styling using it.

• Tatcha Silk Peony Eye Cream I love this eye cream… it’s pricey but fantastic for soothing Winter skin that is dry a crepy. The texture of this cream is almost whipped, super lightweight- but super buttery too.

• Pixi Matte Lipstick ‘Coral Bang’ I found my go-to Fall time color, it’s the perfect burnt orange and one of my favorite formulas, plus the applicator works so well to line your lips and then fill in.

• Bonjour Bobby Clips You won’t catch me without some sort of accessory on at all times, and these glitter clips are my top pick as of late!

Now, on to November- can you believe it!? xo

ZODIAC BEAUTY // THE SCORPIO

Hey SCORPIO GAL, this one’s for you! And even if you’re not a Scorpio, I hope you learn a little something new or find the courage to try a new color combo this week in your routine.

The Scorpio gal is strong-willed and loves to achieve her goals. She’s fiercely loyal to the ones she loves and is also very intuitive to their needs. On the flip side she can be jealous and resentful of others- so she has to work hard to keep those emotions at bay.

Let’s take a look at the makeup combo I chose based off the Scorpio traits. [video here]

SCORPIO PRODUCTS:

• Primer NYX Shine Killer

• Foundation Stick NudeStix Blur Stick ‘Medium 5’

• Highlight Stick NudeStix Blur Stick ‘Light 2’

• Contour Stick NudeStix Blur Stick ‘Deep 9’

• Blush Stick NudeStix All Over Color ‘Sunkissed’

• Eyeshadow Palette BH Cosmetics Zodiac Love Signs

• Brow Pencil Wet n Wild Brow Pencil ‘Ash Brown’

• Brow Gel Wet n Wild Brow Mascara ‘Brunette’

• Mascara Essence Mascara ‘The False Lashes’

• Matte Lipstick ColourPop Matte Liquid Lipstick ‘Trap’

Be sure you enter this months SCORPIO NECKLACE giveaway over on my IG, or tag a Scorpio friend with a birthday between Oct. 23- Nov 22 so they can enter to win!

FAUX BANGS THAT ACTUALLY LOOK REAL!?

So, I’ve probably mentioned this a few hundred times, but this WHOLE blog was born out of the questions and concerns I would hear at the hair salon. Women often times share many of the same struggles and are looking for solutions.

One such struggle is lackluster volume or length in the hair- and always wanting MORE to create fuller styles with. And if you weren’t blessed with thick hair genetics, you may have always thought that you were just stuck with what the good Lord gave you.. and while that is true to an extent, the hair extension industry has made amazing advances creating more and more life-like enhancers to add to your locks.

Whether you are looking for more length, a fuller bun, or even to add temporary bangs, here are my favorite ways to add some pop to your hairstyle: [video here]

wearing clip in bangs by inhhair.com

• Braided Headband so easy to add to any hairstyle and works for all lengths and all ages! Get creative with this one!

• Clip in Bangs fooled you! these things are awesome- although they’ll need to be customized to match you hair color and cut to fit. Get your stylist to help!

• Bun Booster if you’re lacking in the top-knot area, these things are so amazing and easy to use!

• Pony Tail Wrap easy as pie to extend and thicken your pony. bad hair days do not lie ahead.

• Halo Extension for the ultimate in glam, add a full extension in one step. They add length and thickness and can be colored and styled just like your own hair. They’re pricey but with good care, they’ll last you a couple years.

STICK MAKEUP... WHAT'S THAT?

There's a new trend in makeup that's all about convenience, efficiency and the idea makeup should be interchangeable- meaning one product that can function in a number of ways.

The concept of 'Stick Makeup' is the idea is that you pair down your large collection of bulky makeup, and instead create a smaller 'pencil box' full for multi-tasking sticks that can be used for everything from your cheeks, to your eyes, to your lips.

One brand that is pioneering the stick makeup concept is called NudeStix, and I've got a few favorites to show you, and teach you how you can condense your collection and still get amazing results. [video here]

• Face- Tinted Blur Stick This is essentially their version of foundation, but depending on the color you choose can also be worn as concealer, highlight or contour. I’ve shown it in three tones: Base ‘Medium 5’, Highlight ‘Light 2’, Contour ‘Deep 9’

• Cheeks- Nudies Blush Stick These sticks can be used on the cheeks, lips and eyes- and the formula is beautiful on all three. You can opt for a matte version or a shimmer, and it comes with a great blending brush built in for on the go touch ups. I’m wearing ‘Bare Back’

• Eyes- Magnetic Eye Color Stick If you have a hard time with your eye shadow creasing, you’ll love these eye sticks! The shimmer tones are my favorite of course, but the mattes are beautiful as well. You have about 1 minute of play time to blend the product, then it’ll dry down to a super secure finish that doesn’t budge. Fav colors: ‘Angel’, ‘Guild’, ‘Terra’, and ‘Chocolate’.

Be sure you enter my NudeStix giveaway happening over on IG! (closes 10/13/19)

xo

ZODIAC BEAUTY // THE LIBRA

It’s time fro another ZODIAC BEAUTY tutorial in which we celebrate the LIBRA lady! I found this one interesting to study because I think the Libra is pretty much the exact OPPOSITE to me and my traits. Which is great to explore and learn more about, so I hope you enjoy this video and the look I created inspired by the Libra. [video here] Keep reading for links to products and a giveaway!

LIBRA PRODUCTS:

• Primer NYX Shine Killer

• Foundation Physicians Formula Healthy Foundation ‘MN3’

• Concealer Shine Cosmetics Concealer (Save 10% with code: BeautySnoop10) ‘Radiant’

• Brow Pencil NYX Fill & Fluff Pomade Pencil ‘Ash Brown’

• Brow Gel Babe Lash Volumizing Brow Fiber Gel (save 20% with code: BEAUTYSNOOP) ‘Dark Brown’

• Bronzer Physicians Formula Butter Bronzer ‘Light’

• Blush Lottie London Blush Crush ‘Zac’

• Eye Shadow Palette BH Cosmetics Zodiac Love Signs Palette ‘Libra Colors’

• Lower Lash Mascara Wet n Wild Skinny Waterproof Mascara

• Upper Mascara Maybelline Total Temptation Mascara

• Lipgloss Shine Cosmetics Gloss ‘Goals’ (save 20% with code: BeautySnoop10)

Don’t forget to enter my LIBRA NECKLACE giveaway this month over on IG, and if you’re not a Libra yourself, you can still tag a friend who is (birthday between Sept 23- Oct 22) so they can be sure to enter! xo

SEPTEMBER'S BIGGEST [BEAUTY] HITS!

HAPPY OCTOBER FRIENDS! Let’s all enjoy this month of pumpkins and goblins- but before we do, I’ve got a quick recap of the products I reached for most often in September- they are all so good!

• Shine Cosmetics Concealer- stole the show for me this month, it even edged out my luxury brand and I am not sad about it! So creamy, great coverage and doesn’t crease! Save 10% with code: BeautySnoop10

• Maybelline Total Temptation Mascara- loving this guy for MAJOR volume, and the formula is also great because it doesn’t migrate to my lids or below my lashes.

• Jo Malone Nectarine Blossom & Honey Perfume- if you are a citrus girl like I am, then put this on your Christmas list now! It’s so light and fresh, but also lasts beautifully throughout the day.

• Babe Lash Plumping Lip Jelly- add a little zing to your routine with this lip plumper that actually works! The Mauve color is so pretty and it makes my lips fuller without needles, win! Save 20% with code: BEAUTYSNOOP

• Ardell Magnetic Liner & Lash- I was so surprised when this worked so well! But a couple coats of magnetic liner held these lashes all day even through an hour of Cardio at 9pm, plus they come off without any tugging or glue mess. The liner is a little tough to remove, but a quick swipe of vaseline dissolved it in a snap! I can’t wait to wear them more for events etc.

Thanks for reading! xo

A NEW HOLY GRAIL CONCEALER!?

When I use the words HOLY GRAIL, you know something is good! And if you’ve been around for a while, you know that I pretty much stick to the same concealer once I’ve locked on (which for the last two years has been this one). So I am setting this up to say, that this post doesn’t come lightly- and I am super excited to share!

Enter: Shine Cosmetics Concealer. [spoiler alert: save 10% with code BeautySnoop10]

So here’s a little backstory, Shine Cosmetics is a local to Utah company, which is awesome! But it’s been hyped up a lot here in our community, which always makes me a little weary. Their most famous product is probably their BB Cream, which I tried about a year ago and didn’t love with the texture of my skin.

They just recently released these new concealers and I was able to get my hands on them at the launch. I didn’t have big hopes because I am pretty picky about concealer, but let me be the first to admit- I was so wrong!

This concealer is creamy but not oily, sets down to a natural satin finish then stays put, and doesn’t crease or make my mascara smudge under my eyes! It literally checks all the boxes! It rocks.

My ONLY critique is that there are currently only 4 shades- so I am hopeful that the color line will expand to be more inclusive soon. I wear Radiant under my eyes, and Vibrant on my spots.

It can be applied with a sponge or a brush, but either way, I like to apply it… wait 30 seconds until it warms up to my skin temp- and then blend. This technique gives stronger coverage, but the formula covers well and only a small amount is needed.

So moral of the story is that just because one product doesn’t work for you, doesn’t mean the whole line should be dismissed. If you’re in the market for a great concealer, this one is totally worth a shot! You can save 10% with code: BeautySnoop10 as well, so wahoo!

From Left: Vibrant, Radiant, Alight, and Brilliant

THE MAGIC OF VITAMIN C

Vitamin C is a word we usually associate with healthy foods, but it's also an ingredient that is found in many beauty products. Vitamin C is anti aging and extremely brightening, meaning it lightens or bleaches over time, so you'll find it in many skincare items especially. Let's take a look at a few of my favorites: [video here]

• Avon Anew Vitamin C Warming Peel (on sale!) This stuff is such a treat to use- its a THERMO mask, meaning it heats up when applied and you add a little water. It goes to work giving you major glow and the heat is great for circulation and radiance.

• Pixi Beauty Vitamin C Tonic- This is the ULTIMATE glow maker! It can be used at night after your cleanser for a pH balance, which will leave you feeling hydrated but not oily.

• Dr Teals Glow & Radiance Bath Salt- No surprises here… this stuff is my jam! I go through a bag a week, it makes my baths smell and feel amazing- and the scent fills the whole house!

• The Body Shop Vitamin C Glow Peel- This product is great to use about once a week if you’re feeling dull. It uses the acids found in fruit to quickly slough away the dead skin on the surface of your face. It doesn’t hurt or sting at all, but it quickly reveals fresh skin with reduced pore size and a tighter texture.

• Drybar Prep Rally Detangler- I love this detangler- it smells heavenly (so fresh) and gives a beautiful slip to the hair using Vitamin C and E oils so that you can comb out tangles in a snap. Plus it protects hair upto 450 degrees, so it is a flat-irons best friend!

• Physicians Formula Healthy Foundation (on sale!)- I’ve talked about this foundation many times before, but it is still a fav I go back to often. The finish is medium coverage with a nice dewy but not shiny look. It uses Vitamin C to brighten the skin over time, so that even when you aren’t wearing foundation your skins texture and color is improved.

Do you have any favorite Vitamin C products I need to try? xo

LADIES, IT'S TIME TO SHAVE YOUR FACE

Yup, you read that right… shave your face!

I’ve actually mentioned these razors many times on this blog, but I get asked often about peach fuzz, so I wanted to do a follow up. I’m of the belief that peach fuzz is cute on babies, but not so cute on grown women. But almost all of us have it- it’s totally normal of course, it just doesn’t lend itself to good makeup application so that’s why it’s gotta go! Watch my shaving in action on my IG highlight called ‘Peach Fuzz’

I reccomend these disposable razors designed to be used 2-3 times before they are tossed. They quickly remove the blonde soft hairs found on your cheeks, jawline, neck and even hairline. Just be sure you avoid trying to remove dark or coarse hair with them, they will tug and pull on those and leave you with stubble.

Steps to use a facial razor to get rid of Peach Fuzz:

1. Work with clean dry hair… right after a hot shower or bath is best because the hairs have been softened, and they will stand out from the skin most prior to moisturizing etc. so you’ll be able to see them easily.

2. Shave in natural light in front of a window using a hand mirror- better light will make the whole process easier.

3. Pull the skin taut with one hand, and shave in downward motions with the other… working WITH THE GRAIN of the hair growth. you can hear the razor cutting the hairs, once the sound stops you can move on to the next section.

4. Shave everything 3-4 weeks as needed, and use a sharp razor for best results (2-3 uses max per razor), my favorites can be found at Sally’s or Amazon

Happy Shaving! xo

TIPS FOR CUTTING YOUR KIDS HAIR AT HOME

Cutting your kids’ hair at home can be a real lifesaver when it comes to time and money… but it can also be a little tricky. If you have a child that will sit relatively still for you, it may be worth a shot!? Just give yourself permission to know that there is a learning curve, and it won’t be perfect the first couple times. It will probably also be a slower process at first- so get the bribery candy ready and maybe pull out the ipad for a little distraction.

Buy Guide for at-home haircuts:

• Shears A nice set of hair shears don’t need to cost more than $50, and they will last a long time if you avoid cutting anything other than hair with them. Be sure you are aware that shears come in Right and Left handed options, and keep them under 5.75 inches for safety.

• Clippers The Wahl brand is a staple and is really straight forward to use. A good set of clippers will last you YEARS and you can even replace the blades to keep them running smoothly after time. Look for a set with at least 8 guards to give you lots of options.

• Trimmers Trimmer work great to clean up around the hairline and ears, they also work with for small boys under 3 who just have smaller heads, so the full size clipper may be too large.

• Cutting Cape A cape works for better than a towel because you won’t have a big bulky area around the neck to combat, plus hair will easily brush off a cape making cleanup much easier.

• Parting Clips Make your life easier and work in smaller sections- it’s less overwhelming!

• Combs A good comb is easy to use and isn’t so large that you fumble it around- these combs have been my go-to at the salon for years!

• Spray Bottle Nice to have on hand, just remember clippers should always be used on dry hair

Tips for at home haircuts: [VIDEO HERE]

1- Start with clean DRY hair- this is to avoid surprises. You’ll know the exact length your cutting to, and you can see your lines more clearly.

2- Section the hair into smaller workable areas- The whole head is overwhelming. Part the hair into smaller sections working from the nape up, then move around to the sides, top, and front.

3- Always start your first cut in the center to create a guide and match both sides to the guide. This will stop you from ending up lopsided. Less is more, start conservatively, you can always make it shorter but you can’t make it longer!

4- Blend by blurring harsh lines with 'point cuts' Carefully snip across harsh lines by turning the scissors parallel to the hair and snipping into the hair about 1/2 inch creating small V cuts. This will blur harsh lines and soften the overall cut.

I encourage you all to at least give it a try. Give yourself plenty of time and low expectations! ha! Remember that even bad haircuts are only really bad for about two weeks, and by 6 weeks things are back to starting. Good luck!

THE BEST OF BEAUTY // AUGUST

The kids are back in school, and mama is feeling good! I had a great Summer and hope you did too, but I am excited to get back into the swing of a schedule and have a little more ‘me’ time. Do ya feel!?

During August I had a few new favorites creep into my life- and by creep, I mean that I BOUGHT them and brought them home, so I don’t know who I am blaming? ha!

Take a looksy at the contenders and let me know if any of these are your favs too.

• Maybelline Colossal Mascara-I love a good volume mascara but often the brush in these formulas is SO HUGE that I can’t easily apply it without getting panda-eyes. This brush is large but manageable, and the formula is awesome. Doesn’t end up on my face midday either!

• Stila Liquid Eyeshadow in the color ‘Fuchsia Fiction’- My collection of these things is literally overflowing but this new color it so amazing. It is a duo tone that reads white and pink depending on the light. I have been wearing it non stop on my inner corner and have had so many compliments.

• NARS Velvet Shadow Stick in the colors ‘Corfu’ , ‘Siros’ and Oaxaca’ (which are all places, I’ve learned ;) These are so smooth and creamy and swipe onto the lids with ease. The perfect options for days when you want to be quick. The staying power is also AMAZE and the pigment won’t budge once it’s dried down. (I scored mine at TJMaxx for a great price, so be sure to check there)

• Dr. Teal’s Epsom Salt Soak in ‘Glow & Radiance’- OMGEEEEEE!! This is my newest obsession. I have already gone through three bags in the last month. If you are not a bath person, you will become one after soaking in this stuff. The scent is unreal and will fill your entire house with such a nice citrus blast. It also makes skin soft and hydrates with essential oils. Try it!!!

Hope you all find something great to try from my recommendations! As always, thanks for reading, xo

ZODIAC BEAUTY // THE VIRGO

This month in our ZODIAC BEAUTY look, I was inspired by the Virgo. She’s feminine and ladylike, with a sassy kick too! I hope that I captured her characteristics well… watch the video here and see the steps, and then don’t forget I’ve listed all of the products down below. And keep scrolling for this months Star Sign necklace giveaway happening over on IG.

VIRGO Products:

• Foundation: Avon Magix Tint in ‘Medium Light’

• Concealer: First Aid Beauty Concealer in ‘Light 2’

• Bronzer: NARS Sun Wash Bronzer in ‘Laguna’

• Blush & Highlight: PixiGlow Cake in ‘GildedBare Glow’

• Eyeshadow Palette: BH Cosmetics Zodiac Love Signs Palette

• Eye Liner: Urban Decay 24/7 Liner in ‘Demolition’

• Eye Glitter: Stila Glitter n Glow in ‘Spiritual’

• Lower Lash Mascara: Wet n Wild Skinny Waterproof Mascara

• Upper Lash Mascara: Loreal Unlimited Waterproof Mascara

• Lipstick: ELF Matte Lipstick in ‘Tea Rose’

Head over to my IG to enter to win this months Virgo necklace GIVEAWAY, and be sure to tag your Virgo friends (with birthdays Aug 23- Sept 22) so they can enter!

BLUE RIBBON WINNERS // BEST OF MILANI COSMETICS

If you search the work Milani on my blog you’ll find about 10 posts that include their products… I’ve been a fan for years! So it was about time I rounded up my Blue Ribbon Winners for Milani so that you can scoop up a few too next time you’re at Walgreens.

Best of Milani Cosmetics:

• Make It Last Matte Charcoal Setting Spray- I actually just recently took this bad boy on a segment of Studio 5 where I shared my favorite charcoal products [watch that here] because it is truly one of the best setting sprays out there. The charcoal absorbs oil for up to 18 hours, keeping you shine free and locked in. The spray is quite ‘wet’ with a heavier mist so I like to apply it prior to eye shadow and mascara etc., so nothing budges. Give it about 60 seconds to dry fully and then keep working on your eyes. You won’t be disappointed.

• Baked Blush- These blushes are super pigmented and have a beautiful built-in glow, almost like a highlight and blush combo. I live for the coral color called ‘Corallina’, but I also love ‘Rose D’oro’ and ‘Red Vino’. They also come with a built in blush brush which is stored underneath the color, a great perk for on the go touch ups.

• Hypnotic Lights Holographic Eye Topper- Specifically the color ‘Beaming Light’ is just SO PRETTY! Every time I wear it I get compliments, and bonus it is non-irritating on the eyes- which can be hard to find when it comes to glitter products. My fav way to wear it is on the inner corner of the eye after I’ve applied a shadow to the lid. It’s like the perfect touch of glam!

• Conceal + Perfect 2-in-1 Foundation- Beauty Bloggers everywhere swear by this stuff, including me! It’s FULL coverage, and will literally cover anything because of the built in ‘concealer’ factor. It’s a thicker consistency which aids in the coverage, and its super creamy which I love. I wish the color selection was broader, but that is my only criticism. It also wears really amazing in humid conditions because its water and sweat proof, score!

Right now you can save $1 on any Milani product at Walgreens, just print out this coupon, and look for your Valpak mailer and find an additional coupon there also redeemable at Walgreens.

*This post is sponsored by Savings.com’

ARE BEAUTY SUPPLEMENTS A SCAM?!

Well no - not a scam, but there are definitely MAJOR variances out there as far as quality of ingredients and effectiveness. So it is essential that you take only the best quality beauty supplements otherwise you won’t see results and really you’re just flushing money down the toilet.

I firmly believe that supplements are a great way to fill in the gaps in our diets and promote healthy results. When it comes to beauty, so much of it comes from WITHIN right?! Healthy skin and hair are a product of healthy insides, and then we can enhance that from the outside with makeup and styling etc.

I’ve recently been impressed with two supplements out there, and I wanted to shed a spotlight on them for you all, incase you are looking for a boost in your inner wellness too!

• Halo Beauty Hair, Skin & Nails + Halo Beauty Kiwi Booster. Halo was created by one of the most amazing women in the beauty industry Tati Westbrook. Her goal was to source the HIGHEST quality ingredients from all over the world and combine them in the perfect dosages for optimal beauty results. She hired physicians and nutritionists to formulate the ingredients and well as scoured the US for the best labs to make her dream a reality. I have personally seen amazing results in the texture of my skin, and the amount of moisture it holds, as well as the strength and shine in my hair. The Hair, Skin & Nail formula contains biotin for hair and nail growth, but not everyone reacts well to Biotin (can cause breakouts in some), so she also made the Kiwi formula without Biotin that focuses solely on skin health. Check out the full list of ingredients here

• OLLY Flawless Complexion Gummies Are a little less pricey and easy to pick up at Target or CVS, but the ingredients and formula are both spot on. This supplement is designed to help clear skin from acne and inflammation, and uses plant based ingredients to do so. It is gluten free and tastes super yummy actually, but my acne has really improved since adding this to my daily nutrition.

I don’t reccomend taking more than one beauty supplement at once unless they are specifically designed to work together. Over taking your daily % needed won’t result in extra benefits- your body will simply flush out the excess and therefore it is wasted. Stick to the dosages and be consistent for best results!

Let me know if you try them and what your results are, xo