FOTD: Rediscovered Products

I was totally inspired to use some old pink finds when I saw Emily Noel's Gloss Daily post on great summer eyeshadows. None of the shadows I've used are ones she mentioned, but it was nice to shop my stack for some great spring shades. Some of the things I've used are discontinued, but hopefully this will inspire you to shop your stash and rediscover some amazing products. 

Face

Garnier Skin Renew BB Cream (in Light/Medium), Covergirl Outlast Stay Fabulous 3 in 1 Foundation (in 805 Ivory), Hard Candy Glamoflauge Heavy Duty Concealer (in Light), Wet-n-Wild Blush (in 833E Mellow Wine), and Revlon Mineral Finishing Powder (in Brighten).

L to R: Revlon Mineral Finishing Powder and Wet-n-Wild Blush in Mellow Mauve.

 
Eyes

Loreal Single Eyeshadow (in 805 Morning Light), Clinique Color Surge Eye Shadow Duo (in 104 Strawberry Fudge), Revlon Colorstay Quad (in 06 In the Buff), Wet-n-Wild Mega Liner (in 868 Dark Brown), Loreal Voluminous Carbon Black Mascara, and Maybelline Brow Pencil (in Blonde)

Lips

Loreal Color Juice Sheer Juicy Lipgloss (in 500 Watermelon Crush)

 About the Look

 Because I used pinks on the eyes, lips and as a highlight, I wanted to keep the skin flawless and natural. I typically don't use Wet-n-Wild blush in Mellow Wine in the Spring/Summer because I love my bright pinks during those months, but because this was already a pretty pink look, I decided to warm up the skin using a deeper mauve color. I know the blush color isn't showing up well in the picture, but it sure packs a punch in real life. For eyes, I used Morning Light on the inner part of my lid and then sweeped the pink shade in the Strawberry Fudge duo over the rest of my lid and blended a little of the pink into the golden champagne shade I laid down first. I used the top shade in the In the Buff quad as a highlight and then used the third shade in the quad to blend the colors and add a little contour to my crease. I didn't smudge any shade under my eye because I liked the easiness of leaving it bare. I then used a dark brown eye liner to add definition, but still keep the look soft. Lastly, I added two coats of mascara.  

NOTD: ColorMates Nail Polish in Little Blue Box

A few days ago, I hauled some nail polish and a lip gloss I picked up at Fred's Dollar Store. This is my favorite of the bunch! In my original post, I described it as a mint green, but the more I look at it, it's definitely a seafoam green!

Artificial Lighting. 

Two Coats.

Natural Lighting.

Two Coats.

Fred's Haul and Bargain Alert!

Whenever I got out of class earlier today, I decided to go to one of the three tiny strip mall type areas in Troy. As I was leaving, I decided to walk around in Fred's just to kill a bit more time. Of course, I pranced my happy self over to the beauty section and found some amazing finds! There was a nail polish rack with ColorMates nail polish for a dollar with some great shades! I also spotted a makeup brand that I didn't recognized either called Ion Cosmetics. I must admit, I know nothing about these brands, but for everything I purchased being a buck, I couldn't pass up such a sweet deal! My total (including tax) was $4.36! 

ColorMates Nail Polish

L to R: Colormates Nail polish in Butter Me Up, Bahamian Blue, and Little Blue Book.

All have three coats and no top coat. 

Butter Me Up: This was the only one that came out patchy. The color is pretty, but I think next time I'll try using white as a base coat. Oh, and it isn't a creme finish and I don't see any microglitter in the polish, but there is a nice sheen with this one. 

Bahamian Blue: What a fun color for spring! This is a creme finish and it came out a bit darker than how it looks in the bottle, but it's still very pretty! This is is opaque in two coats, but I dd three so they would all be the same.

Little Blue Box: Okay, I have no idea why ColorMates decided to name this one Little Blue Box...it's clearly a minty-green... with a creme finish! With that being said, it's still just as gorgeous! This one was opaque in two coats, but as I mentioned before, I wanted them to all be the same. 

Ion Cosmetics Lipgloss

 The shade I picked up is called Dolly.

I just got back from class and shopping and my makeup is a bit worn off...#NoJudging!

Dolly: What a great everyday pinky-neutral. This is very creamy and feels nice on the lips. I love that it isn't goopy and sticky so I don't get the god-awful mummy lips...you know the ones!

Overall Thoughts: I will be buying a back up of the Bahamian Blue and Little Blue Box nail polishes! Talk about pretty colors with great color pay off! I also will be buying a back up of the lipgloss in Dolly and I am thinking about trying more shades! 

What are some of your great bargain finds?! (:

Review: Bogue Systems Ultra Sonic Jewelry Cleaner with Blitz Jewelry and Gem Cleaner

I'm. In. Love!

Last weekend I order an ultra sonic cleaner to keep my e-ring nice and sparkly and I wanted something to really give my mom's old ring a good cleaning. I bought the UltraSonic Cleaner by Bogue Systems (with Blitz Gem and Jewelry cleaner) from Amazon for $35.97 (shipping and handling was $4.98) after reading some great reviews about it!

Back story of the ring I cleaned...
Before my parents got married, my dad gave her an emerald ring (her birthstone). After she passed away my sister said I could have the ring if she could get mom's Bible. Deal! Even though the ring is a bit old-fashioned with it's totally-80s vibe, it's hands down one of my most favorite pieces of jewelry and is so special to me! After they divorced when I was in 1st grade (I'm 24 now) she quit wearing the ring. Over the years (many, many years) it's collected dust and icky things! I never took it to get professionally cleaned before I'm a freak and am convinced that someone would pull a switch-a-roo and swap out the stone for some knock-off. I know, it's a ridiculous thought, but whatever.

About the ultra sonic cleaner...

• The instructions say it cleans in 3 minutes...it's actually 2 min. and 50 sec.!
• The machine does make a noise while it's cleaning. It isn't very loud and it wasn't annoying to me. Ross (who uses Ultra Sonic cleaners for work all the time) said that the sound is normal because it's the motor running.
•  This particular machine only has an on/off switch. You'll hit "on" to start the machine and it will automatically run for the allotted time. 

About the Blitz Gem and Jewelry Cleaner (Concentrate)

• The directions say to only use this cleaner for gold, platinum, diamond, ruby, topaz, sapphire  amethyst, aquamarine, garnet, peridot, and other non-porous gem jewelry. 
• According to the instructions, shake well. Use 1 oz. of concentrate to 5 oz. of water to dilute. Do not use unless it's diluted! 
• Note: Blitz makes a Delicate Gem and Pearl Cleaner. 

 The Cleaning Process. (Sorry for the crappy lighting)

Before. 

I had no idea that the ring is two-toned: white and yellow gold. 

I thought all that was dirt and grossness. 

1st cleaning.

The yellow gold is brighter and I could tell that the ring is two toned.

The diamonds on the sides aren't shiny, though.

2nd and Final Cleaning.

The yellow and white gold are brighter, the diamonds that are with the 

white gold are shining and I could finally tell the karat of the gold. 
I am satisfied with this cleaning, but will give it another once-over 
whenever I buy cleaner for porous stones.

♥♥♥

Extra, Extra! We did an experiment. 

Ross put his Schick razor in the ultra sonic cleaner (with just water, no solution) and the blade came out sharp again. Ross (a physicist ) was telling me that some razors have a diamond coating on the blades and that when they get dull it's because the diamond coating blades are covered in gunk...like shaving cream and stuff! He's pretty excited that he now won't have to buy new blades as often!

FOTD: Lashy and Bright, Bold Lips!

A few weeks ago I bought the Milani lipstick in Rose Hip (14). Expect a review because I have some strong opinions about the formula. Anywho, since I wasn't going anywhere today I thought I would do a little experimenting. First off, today was the first day I tried to put on false lashes. The final result is alright, but I still need a little practice. I haven’t mastered how to get them completely aligned with my eye and I’m having some trouble with the ends- no biggie, though! I love pin-up looks and although this isn't exactly a pin-up look, I was a little inspired by that era.

The products...

 Lashy eyes and bright, bold lips: Hello, glamorous!

 What I’m wearing…

Foundation: Rimmel Lasting Finish in 100 Ivory.

Concealer: Hard Candy Glamoflauge in Light 

and Maybelline The Eraser in Brightener.

Eyeshadow: Covergirl Quad in Country Woods.

Eyeliner: Revlon Colorstay in Black.

Lashes: Salon Perfect in Demi Wispies.

Mascara: Covergirl Professional in Black.

Blush: Wet-n-Wild in Pearlescent Pink.

Lips: Milani Rose Hip

I love the lipstick, but it’s definitely a “sometimes” color. The lashes are very glamorous, but I think since I’m just starting out with false lashes (and my lashes are pretty decent), I think I’ll try some that aren't so dramatic.

♥♥♥

Daily Dose of Pretty…

• I’m on my 6^th book of the semester…holy cow! Where has the time gone?! Two more books to go and thankfully the other two aren’t 700+ pages!
•  Monday was grad fest and I picked up my cap and gown for graduation commencement on May 10^th.
• Since our engagement, I’ve been looking at some amazing places to (possibly) elope. Some that I’m in love with are Santorini, Greece; Hawaii, and Ross wants to go to either Fiji or Aruba. Ah! Decisions, decisions! 

Creamy Mac and Cheese (for the Cheese Lover)

Ross and I are both cheese lovers...he more so than me. So, we stumbled across this recipe and tweaked it to what we like. This recipe is very fattening (but very delicious) so we only eat it on days when we want to indulge. 

What you'll need...

1 stick of Butter (half stick shown...we read the original recipe wrong when I took the picture)

1/2 cup All Purpose Flour

1/2 tsp. Salt

1/2 tsp. Pepper, to taste

1/2 tsp. Garlic (if you aren't a garlic fan, use a 1/4 tsp.)

2 cups (which is 1 pint) Half-and-Half

2 cups Milk

10 oz Extra Sharp Cheddar Cheese

16 oz Sharp Cheddar Cheese

8 oz Mozzarella Cheese

1 (16oz) box of Elbow Macaroni

Note: Be sure to do all the prep work first or this will be kinda stressful! (:

Prep Work...

Flour, Salt, Pepper and Garlic Mix

about 10 oz of Extra Sharp Cheddar Cheese, Chopped

2 Bowls: Mozzarella and Sharp Cheddar Cheese mixed together. 

About 4 oz Mozzarella Cheese and 8 oz Sharp Cheddar Cheese per bowl. 

My bowls are too small so 8 oz of Sharp wouldn't fit, but it will be added on top later.

♥♥♥

Let's Get Started...

1. Cook macaroni according to box instructions. Cook al dente. 

2. In a big skillet, melt the butter over medium-high heat.

3. Gradually whisk in flour mixture until smooth.

4. Cook and whisk for 2 minutes.

5. Gradually whisk in half-and-half and milk.

6. Cook and whisk continually for 8-10 minutes, or until mixture is thickened.

7. Add one bowl that has the sharp cheddar and mozzarella mix. Stir until smooth.

8. Add in all of the extra sharp cheddar cheese. Stir until smooth.

9. Take skillet off stove burner and strain macaroni.

10. Mix together the cooked macaroni with cheese mixture. Transfer to a greased 13x9 casserole dish.  

11. Sprinkle cheese (sharp and mozzarella) left in bowl.

12. Bake in 350 degrees oven for 20 (may need to bake longer to crispy top.)

♥♥♥

Pictures of the progress...

Butter, flour, half-and-half and milk mixture.

Added first bowl of cheese (mozzarella and sharp) and extra sharp cheese.

Combine drained macaroni with cheese mixture. Stir. 

Transfer to greased 13x9 casserole dish.

Sprinkle second bowl of mozzarella and sharp cheese on top.

My bowl was too small to add all of the sharp cheddar cheddar in the bowl, so I sprinkled the rest on top.

Baked at 350 for 20 minutes.

ENJOY! 

Update: Wet-n-Wild Coverall Cream Foundation broke me out!

Hello, Pretties! A few weeks ago I reviewed the Wet-n-Wild Coverall Cream Foundation and mentioned that the coverage was pretty good and for the price, it couldn't be beat! Well, sadly, I started breaking out a week ago and had a sneaky suspicion that the foundation was to blame. I was right! I quit using the products and the blemishes went away. I should also note that I was on Spring Break (reading, not partying- Lame!) so I wasn't stressed and I wasn't on my monthly!

How does this change my thoughts?
If you have acne prone skin (like I do), I'd say to pass on this foundation. Yeah, the price is great but breakouts aren't cute! If you don't have acne prone skin, you may like this foundation.

NOTD: Maybelline Color Show Chiffon Chic (160)

While I was in Wal-Mart today, I stopped by the nail polish section to pick up a fabulous new shade to go with my fabulous new accessory  my engagement ring! I love the Color Show line from Maybelline. This is my third nail polish from the line and like the others, I'm in love! This is a gorgeous cool girly pink with a touch of purple undertones. This is such a lovely color and will be amazing for Spring/Summer. I know I will be getting tons of use out of it. 

I love the Color Show line from Maybelline. This is my third nail polish from the line and like the others, I'm in love! This is a gorgeous cool pink with a touch of purple undertones. This color will be amazing for Spring/Summer and I know I will be getting tons of use out of it. 

 Please forgive the fingerprint on the top of the bottle! (:

3 coats. 

Another ring picture! I am so excited that I can't help but show it off! 

Click Here to read about the proposal! (:

FOTD: Black Radiance 8-pan palette in Downtown Browns

Happy Monday, lovelies! I don't typically wear purple-y shades, but I woke up with a little extra pep in my step this morning and decided to use the lovely Black Radiance 8-pan palette in Downtown Browns. The colors are more on the purple side than brown, but are equally as gorgeous! I also busted out some products I don't use much, like my Almay liquid liner in Brown Topaz and Loreal Colour Juice gloss in 500 Watermelon Crush.

Face: Revlon Colorstay foundation in 150 Buff, Hard Candy Glamoflauge heavy duty concealer in Light and Maybelline Age Rewind Eraser in Brightener.

Cheeks: ELF blush in Fushia Fusion and Wet-n-Wild highlight in Reserve Your Cabana.

Eyes: Black Radiance 8-pan palette in Downtown Browns (left side), Almay liquid liner in Brown Topaz, Covergirl Professional Super Thick Lash mascara in Very Black and Loreal Volumnous Carbon Black mascara over the CG one.

Lips: Loreal Colour Juice lip gloss in 500 Watermelon Crush. 

NOTD: Salon Perfect Pure Azure (113)

In natural light.

In artificial light. 

I have been on a mission the past few months to find the perfect periwinkle nail polish. I bought Essie's Lapiz of Luxury several months back and hated it! The color was so sheer that I needed two or three coats of a natural-nude color as a base and then I still needed three or four coats of the Essie polish. Needless to say, I am done with using Lapiz of Luxury! I was in Wal-Mart last night and noticed there was a new nail polish display that had Salon Perfect; the polishes are $3.98! In scoping out the the isle, I noticed a periwinkle polish and for some reason, I knew it would work for me. When I got home I painted my nails and now I am completely obsessed with the color!

Pure Azure (#113)
This is a true periwinkle (mix of blue and purple) with a creme finish. I used 3 coats, but probably could have gotten away with two.

♥♥♥

Daily Dose of Pretty...

• Exciting news: Ross and I are engaged! He asked me on Wedensday and we are so excited about this new chapter! Click Here to see ring pictures and to read about the proposal. Oh, and I am wearing this color in one of the pictures. ♥
• We are having a cook out today with some of Ross' co-workers and one of my best friends, Jessica, is coming too. She and I have been friends since elementary school and I have seen her in almost a year. Things have been crazy with both of our schedules so I am looking forward to seeing her!
• I had a dentist appointment yesterday (at a new dentist) and the gave me a free 4 day supply of the Reflection Advanced Tooth Whitening System. I love teeth whitening kits so I might review this for y'all.