Sigma and IMATS!!

If you haven't heard of Sigma Beauty...I'm about to rock your world.  Sigma is very well known for their brushes, if you are a makeup dork like me and watch all of the vloggers on YouTube, you already know this.  They are so soft and have great application!  Plus, they come in really pretty colors, so that is just an added bonus.  I have recently joined the Sigma affiliates and would really appreciate you all going to their page and checking out all of their fabulous stuff.  If you use that link and the code "AP2012" you will get 10% off of your purchase until July 31st.  So get shopping!! You can also click on the banner ads on my blog page for special discounts and gifts with purchase!!  You. Are. Welcome.

Here is the current gift with purchase:

How cool is that?  A 3-shadow palette of some of the most popular shades!  Its free when you spend $30 (before tax)!



Sigma also has a variety of palettes that are super fun also.  The Paris palette = bomb!  I recently got the amazing experience of going to IMATS in Los Angeles (International Makeup Artist Tradeshow) and it was seriously one of the best experiences of my life.  I got to see some of the Sigma makeup artist using their products on volunteers, along with all kinds of other fun products and famous artist.

While I was at IMATS I went to so many classes and seminars lead by some of the most famous and renowned makeup artist in the world.  Here are some pics!  These are just a few, add me on Facebook to see the whole album!

Until next time....

May Favorites!

I know I haven't posted in forever.  I apologize!  This is just going to be a quick post to tell y'all about some new (to me) products that I have tried and like.  So....here goes nothing....


*Disclaimer:  Please try to ignore the goofy pictures of me...there really is no un-awkward way to take a picture of yourself, so I just embrace the awkwardness and go for it.  Its embarrassing.


Number 1:
Maybelline EyeStudio Color Tattoo 24 Hour Cream Gel Shadow

I have a few of these but these are my two favorites:

Bad to the Bronze

I wear this as my daily "going to work" eyes.  It is seriously the only shadow I have on my eyes most days.  And its so easy!  Just swipe some on with your finger and your are out the door!  Which means it is also "put your make-up on in the car" friendly.  Not that I EVER do that ;)

Here is what I look like everyday.  Its really natural and simple, but I like that for work.

Edgy Emerald

And here is what it looks like on:

Number 2:

Laura Mercier Secret Camouflage Concealer (SC-3)

Number 3:

Loreal Voluminous Carbon Black Mascara

Its an oldie but goodie....I always end up going back to this mascara.  I'm really liking the "Carbon Black" version now.

Number 4: 

Baby pink lips

We all know I went on a hot pink lip kick a little while back...well now I'm loving the baby pink.  

Here are the brands/colors I'm liking...

Revlon Colorburst Lip Butter  In Strawberry Shortcake

Seen here:

Maybeline porcelain Collection in Flawless Fuschia

This was a limited edition so I can't link to it on the website, but I just saw it in Target a few days ago, so I'm pretty sure you can still get it. 

Here it is on:

Very similar to the lip butter but more pigmented.

Number 5's:

Maybelline Define-a-Brow Pencil

NYX Brow Pencil

I love both of these pencils and switch between them.  I use both of the brushes everyday though.  The Define-a-Brow for combing up and the NYX for blending the pencil marks

Thats all for now....Maybe I will actually get a June favorites posted in June.  Here's hoping!

A new favorite!

I have come across a new product that I'm pretty sure can do no wrong.  It fulfills so many of my needs.
Ladies and gentlemen let me introduce you to....

MAC Prep and Prime Transparent Finishing Powder - Pressed

Yes, you are seeing this correctly, its a transparent powder, in a compact!  The angels have sang.

I carry this in my purse for those midday touch ups to get rid of shine, and touch up my make-up and keep my foundation from melting.  (I know that sounds gross, but I couldn't come up with a better word)

I use this brush....

ECO Tools Finishing Kabuki Brush

You want to make sure its not just a standard Kabuki, because that would transfer too much of the powder and we don't want white-powder face.  I like this because it transfers a very light (perfect) amount and it is small so it fits in my purse very nicely.

Because of this powder, I no longer have to carry my Studio Fix compact, or my oil blotting papers.  It really is the best stuff ever.  I even use it over just tinted moisturizer (my work/weekday makeup look) and loved it just as much.

That's all I have for now.  I just wanted to share this amazing product with you because it is my current obsession.

Happy Monday!  Have a great week lovelies :)

Yay! for new makeup :)

Like I told y'all last week....I took a much needed trip to Sephora this weekend, for some new makeup.  So without further adieu....Here is what I got:

1.  Cover FX Total Coverage Cream Foundation in M40

As you all are well aware, I kind of think Kandee Johnson hung the moon.  If you watch her YouTube videos, you know she talks about this stuff all the time.  Yes, it is a cream foundation, but she uses it as a concealer, which is what I wanted it for.  I love it so far!  I use my concealer brush and put it in all those discolored areas us females get from hormones: around the nose, under the eyes, and around the chin.  Works like a charm!  It is really thick, and I can't imagine using it as foundation, but if you are looking for a very thick, very full coverage foundation, you would love it for that too! 

2.  Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-on eyeliner in Demolition

Again, Kandee Johnson did an eye liner test review just a few days ago, and this one tested the best as far as extended wear and smudge proof-ness.  This is a really dark matte chocolate brown.  I very rarely wear black eyeliner, unless I'm doing a really dark dramatic smokey eye.  I really don't know why.  I don't have anything against black eye liner, this is just what I do.  I like to go back over it and smudge it a little with an angled liner brush and dark brown shadow.  (I do the same thing when I do black liner, with black shadow)  This helps set the liner and it stays a lot better.

 

3.  Benefit "Tan about town" kit

I love these kits that Benefit does.  It is such a great way to try out their products and I have ended up buying the bigger versions of things I never would have even tried if it hadn't been for these kits.  The big plus to these is that they are also super affordable, and the smaller sizes usually last me for a long time.  This one was $12.  It includes "Some kind-a gorgeous Foundation Faker" in Medium, Hoola Bronzer, and Bad Gal Lash mascara.  The foundation faker is very similar to the Cover FX cream foundation.  I love it because it is the perfect tiny size to fit in my purse makeup bag.  I am that girl who carries an arsenal of anything you could ever possibly need. So,  I love it when I find tiny versions of  products I love.  The Hoola bronzer is what I use for contouring.  It is the perfect shade of brown for this, with no glitter or sparkle like a lot of bronzers have.  The Bad Gal Lash is not necessarily my favorite mascara, but again, it is tiny and a perfect fit for my purse makeup bag.

4.  Sephora shiny lip gloss in #11 Pin-up Pink

Funny story about this gloss….You all know I have been on the search for the perfect hot pink lip.   I came across this gloss on Saturday, and I liked it, but it was a little sheer for the look I was really going for, but I thought whatever, I like it, I'll get it any way.  When I got up to the counter to check out I noticed that it just happened to be one of the free 100 point gifts!  Score!  So I got it for free.  It is a great color and a really good spring/summer shade, but is pretty sheer.  Overall verdict:  Love the color, but still on the search for hot pink lip stick….with more color.

And then there is my drugstore haul:

1.   Loreal Magic Lumi Concealer/Highlighter

This is an under eye concealer/highlighter.  Actually I think you can use it anywhere, but I got it specifically for an under eye concealer/brightener.  Not a huge fan.  It is really thin, so you still need concealer also.  And it has no priming benefits, so you still need a primer too.  And it is not all that "highlighting."  I think my normal concealer (a shade lighter that your skin tone) works much better and conceals, brightens, and primes.  This just added an unnecessary step.

2. Loreal Voluminous Smoldering Eyeliner in Black

I have been tempted to buy this eyeliner for weeks now.  Kandee Johnson has used it in her YouTube videos as well as Sonia Castaneda  (YouTube Channel) and other makeup vloggers.  When I found it at Kroger for 50% off, I decided it was time to try it!

* Yes ladies, you saw that right.  50% off.  Actually the day I bought my drugstore products, Kroger had a lot of really great cosmetics sales and I got all of these products for anywhere from 20-50% off.  I think Kroger is usually more expensive when it comes to cosmetics, but when they have discounts, they have great discounts.  So I have to make a run through the cosmetics every time I'm there just to make sure I'm not missing any great deals.

But back to the eyeliner…. I have to be honest.  I haven't had a chance to try this yet.  Like I said, I rarely wear black eyeliner, but I've heard great things about it, so I'm sure I'll like it.

3. Loreal Magic Lumi Light Infusing primer

As far as "primer" goes, this isn't all that great.  Meaning it doesn't help your foundation go on any better, or stay on.  However, I do like its "light infusing" properties.  I ended up mixing it with my foundation and I really like it.  It adds a very subtle, healthy looking glow, with no glitter.  Are you seeing the trend here?   I'm not a huge fan of glitter on my face.

 

4.  Revlon PhotoReady Concealer stick.

This isn't a new product for me.  This is my usual concealer.  I was just out and needed more. I love a concealer stick.  I think they are so much easier to use and go on so much better that ones that use a wand, or come in a pot.  I like my concealer thick.  This is so easy to swipe under the eyes and down the nose and then easily buff out with a sponge.  Sonia Castaneda uses Cover Girl Smoothers, which is also a stick.  I haven't tried that one, but I love when I find out that these makeup artists that I love so much, are faithful to a drugstore brand.

*While we are on "drugstore brands" I will admit that I almost always prefer the drugstore mascaras that I like over the more expensive ones.  And I have tried a LOT of the expensive ones.  Don't get me wrong, I don't hate them, but I've never really noticed anything special about any of them that makes me feel like it's worth paying double (sometimes triple or quadruple).  For the most part, I stick to Loreal when it comes to drugstore makeup, and it’s the same with mascara.  The Double Extend is one of my favorites and I also love the new Voluminous False Fiber and the original Voluminous (both in the gold tubes). 

What are your favorite mascaras?  Any one disagree with me and have a department store brand that they think blows my drugstore brands away??  I would love to hear what you think.  You know I am always ready to try new makeup!!  J

Sephora therapy...

In need of some suggestions...

I plan on doing some retail therapy of the Sephora type this weekend and I need some product suggestions.  

Here is what I am looking for...

1.  Hot pink lip gloss/lip stick.  I know I have talked about this before, but just want to get everyone's thoughts.  I am thinking I will probably get the MAC Viva Glam one, but I am open to suggestions.  I also tried a Sephora gloss in  Pin Up Pink that I really liked, but its not a lot of color.

2.  Non-fading, smudging, bleeding, black eye-liner pencil.  I think I have weird eyes that make every eyeliner smudge, but I am in desperate need of a black one that will not make me look like I have been beaten up by lunch.  Kandee Johnson (you know, my hero) swears by Urban Decay.  Does anyone else have another favorite??

3.  Eye primer/brightener.  I have been using Stay don't Stray from Benefit.  I like it as far as staying power goes, but just don't think it is giving the coverage/concealing I am looking for.  It even says to use before concealer, so that should have been a clue. Plus, I'm really looking for one that is also a brightener.  Ideas??

Some other things I would like your thoughts on....

Brushes

Eye lash curlers

Liquid foundation

I know I am going to be buying the Cover FX cream foundation and I am so excited.  This is another product that my girl KJ swears by and I tried it at Sephora the other day and I am officially obsessed.  I (like KJ) only used it as a concealer, not total coverage foundation.  It was great for those areas that are red and blotchy (around nose, chin, under eyes...) and really evened out skin tones.  

Well, those are the main things I am looking for....but you know I am always up for suggestions.  What are some things you have tried lately, or can't live without at Sephora??

Dollar Store Treasures!!

I told you it was coming...

One of mine and my sister's favorite things to do is a Dollar Store shopping spree.  For realz.  My Mom gives us each $20 (which is like $1 million is dollar store money) and we go crazy.

Sometimes it is ridiculous stuff....like crazy colored nail polish, fake press on nails, hair accessories....cheetos (truth....I iz ashamed).  But sometimes we end up discovering (or re-discovering) some real gems.  Here is the dish on this weekend's loot!

1.  Hot pink french tip press on nails:

These are so ghetto fabulous they are almost awesome.

2.  Tourquoise nail polish, and KY blue nail polish.  Add a Hello Kitty white polish pen and you have UK nails!

(Little "Tiny One" feet.  This is the tourquoise with UK's and polka dots)

(My Momma's feet, with the UK blue color and UK's)

3. Mint Julep Mask

I didn't get a chance to try this, but my sister did and she said it was awesome.  There are a lot of old school cold creams and stuff that we were also very intrigued by, but they didn't make the cut.  Maybe next time.

4.  Buff pads

Hello exfoliation!  I'm officially obsessed with these now.  My face feels so smooth and clean after I wash it with these bad boys.

I also got some dollar store brand face wipes that I really like too.  But I don't have a picture of them.  But I like them because they don't leave my skin all filmy after I use one.  Some that I have tried make my face feel worse after I "wash" it with them.  These don't.  Probably becasue they are mostly water, I'm sure, but whatever ;)

What are your favorite (or funniest) bargain beauty finds??

Hot Pink Lips!

This is a trend I have been loving for a while. 

I have been searching for a perfect hot pink shade.  I've heard that the Nicki Minaj Viva Glam color is the best. 

Well, I have found a super cheap color that I really like.  Its the Maybeline Baby Lips in Pink Punch.

By the way, if you have not tried these, they are amazing.  Perfect amount of color but feels like a chapstick. I love them. 

Anyway, here's my version of "hot pink". Its not quite as bold as I'm going for (its a little brighter in real life)  But for $4, it does the job...for now

....But I still want to try the Viva Glam!

Have you all tried the "hot pink lip" yet??  What are your thoughts?? Favorite brands? Colors?  Let me know

Good Clean Redneck Fun :)

This weekend I took a much needed trip home.  Home being my parents house.  The definition of home becomes a little blurry after your college days are over.  I call my house in Lexington "home" too, but its a different kind of home than my parents house. 

Anyway...

My parents house is on a farm and we have a lot of land, so weekends at home, when the weather is nice consist of a lot of outdoor activities.  We spend the majority of our days outside. 

This weekend was no different.

As soon as I walked into my parents house on Friday, they told me I had a present they wanted to show me.  This was my present:

I was SO excited!!  So of course, a lot of the weekend was spent playing with my new present.  We spent a good portion of Saturday afternoon, Saturday night, and Sunday afternoon target shooting.  Everyone has their own guns in my family...

(I'm not even going to try to defend this outfit, especially the shoes)

(Me, my sister and my sister -n -law)

(Shooting my sister -n-law's gun)

(Getting some instruction from my brother)

(Abbie inside when we are shooting guns outside, she's not a fan)

Saturday afternoon we went on a Dollar Store shopping spree.  There will be another post about this, so I don't want to say much.  But, it is a glorious as it sounds...

Saturday night I cooked dinner with my mom and brother.  My mom was helping me prefect my fried chicken making skills.  We had a full on southern meal.  Fried chicken, biscuits, gravy, greens, mac n cheese, green beans, mashed potatoes....

On Sunday afternoon we went for a walk, which included playing in the creek (yes, you heard that right) with the kids and Bentley.

(He loved it, which is surprising because he absolutely hate the b-a-t-h)

This is a pretty typical weekend at home.  As much as I absolutely hate my home town, I love being home.  It is days full of messes and chaos, and guns and creeks and all other forms of redneck entertainment, but its my family, and I love it.

How was your weekend?

Act like a lady....think like a man

I am reading this book right now....

Not only is it hilarious....but it is also very enlightening.  I can't wait to see the movie!

Here are just a few quotes that I liked:

“Nothing on this planet can compare with a woman’s love—it is kind and compassionate, patient and nurturing, generous and sweet and unconditional. Pure. If you are her man, she will walk on water and through a mountain for you, too, no matter how you’ve acted out, no matter what crazy thing you’ve done, no matter the time or demand. If you are her man, she will talk to you until there just aren’t any more words left to say, encourage you when you’re at rock bottom and think there just isn’t any way out, hold you in her arms when you’re sick, and laugh with you when you’re up. And if you’re her man and that woman loves you—I mean really loves you?—she will shine you up when you’re dusty, encourage you when you’re down, defend you even when she’s not so sure you were right, and hang on your every word, even when you’re not saying anything worth listening to. And no matter what you do, no matter how many times her friends say you’re no good, no matter how many times you slam the door on the relationship, she will give you her very best and then some, and keep right on trying to win over your heart, even when you act like everything she’s done to convince you she’s The One just isn’t good enough.
That’s a woman’s love—it stands the test of time, logic, and all circumstance.
...
Well, I’m here to tell you that expecting that kind of love— that perfection—from a man is unrealistic. That’s right, I said it—it’s not gonna happen, no way, no how. Because a man’s
love isn’t like a woman’s love.” ― Steve Harvey


You're an investigator - can't nobody find stuff out like a woman. Y'all put the police to shame, make the little investigative tricks they show on CSI and Law & Order: SVU look like counting lessons on Sesame Street.”  
― Steve Harvey

 

Has anyone else read this??  What did you think??

From the mouth of babes....

Kids are so smart.  Their outlook on life is so genuine and uneffected.  You would be suprised how often my young nieces and nephews say something that really resonates with me and gives me just the motivation or direction I needed at the time. 

This weekend my niece Isabella got her ears pierced.  She is 9, this is a big deal.  I was so excited for her!  My sister sent me this picture after it was all done.

When I asked if it hurt, Isabella said "I just smiled really big, so I wouldn't cry."  Wow.  This seems so simple, but it really is such a positive outlook and great idea.  Just since hearing this on Saturday, I have already implemented this in my own life multiple times.  And it really does work.  It really is hard to cry when you are smiling too big.

And then there is this little gem of advice from my four year old niece.  It also, is very true and something we should all make sure to keep in mind...

I may be biased, but I think I have some pretty smart little girls here.  So, if you are having a rough day or think you may cry, just smile really big instead.

Oh, and don't forget to wear underwear to church.