April Favorites 2014

April has been the best month of 2014 [so far]! From my spring break vacation with my mom in Texas, both of my best friends birthday's, the snow finally disappearing, and Easter. It's just been an incredible month. Here's some of my favorite things from April.

Texas Souvenir: I bought this necklace at an adorable boutique in downtown Fort Worth. This is my kind of souvenir. Why buy a tshirt when you can buy jewelry to remember your vacation? I have been wearing it a lot. Each time I wear it all my amazing vacation memories come flooding back. 

Cover Fx Concealer: Let me first state that I would never pay $28 for a little tiny tube of concealer. I randomly stumbled upon someone selling this on ebay and I paid $2.75 [and got free shipping]. I hope I can find it again because this concealer is great! Since my skin is finally cooperating and has healed itself I have ditched the foundation and have only been using this. A little goes a long way! Terrific coverage that lasts all day and doesn't slide around.
Ulta PassionBerry Vanilla Lotion/Shower Gel: The actual Ulta brand has been a bit disappointing to me, until now. This scent is incredible. It's a mix between passion fruit, berries, and vanilla orchids. But I think what is different is the vanilla scent, it's not your typical "warm vanilla sugar" from B&BW. It has almost a masculine cologne undertone that is perfectly balanced with the girly scents. Next time you're at Ulta, give it a sniff.
So Delicious Cookie Dough Dessert: When I want a sweet treat, this is what I will gravitate towards. Not only is it gluten free but it's dairy free too. And it's delicious! 

E.L.F. Tone Correcting Powder: I have been using this to set my concealer and mattify my face [which has been super oily lately]. It does a great job at keeping everything in place and absorbing oil. And for $3... I mean, what a deal! 

Early Morning Workouts: By default I have changed my workout routine from evening to morning. Never in my life would I think that would happen but it has and I wish I would've made the change a while ago. My mornings have been so much more productive, I sleep better, and I am more conscious of what I am eating throughout the day. I have been alternating between attending Spin class, running outside [^ outdoor morning running essentials, yes I carry a knife ^], and more intense WODs at the gym. 

Rend Collective Experiment "The Art of Celebration": If you like the folk-sy Mumford & Sons sound, then this group is for you. 'More than Conquerers' is my favorite track [they all are great]. All the lyrics are uplifting and encouraging. It has been on repeat almost all of April. I love a good banjo!

Harvest Bashta "Make Us Ready" [get a free download here]: I had downloaded this a while ago but didn't get around to listening to it until I was asked to sing 'Make Us Ready' for our church Easter presentation. I love her voice and the lyrics to each of these songs. They set such an atmosphere of God's presence. 

HAPPY MAY! 

What were you loving in April? 

February Favorites 2014

I cannot believe February is over already. I am SO ready for Spring! I have a feeling that it will take the whole month of March and probably April for all the snow to melt. Out with February and onto March... here's what I loved last month!

^ Elf Nude Matte Lip Color: This is a dollar store find, although e.l.f cosmetics are everywhere. I am normally not a fan of a matte lip [more a gloss girl] but this matte color was always in my purse and almost always on my lips in February. ^

^ Water: Seems silly but I have been challenging myself to drink more water. I start my day with it and end my day with it. I fill up my 20oz blender bottle and drink it down. I average 5-6 refills a day. Stay hydrated people! ^

^ Sister Act 2 Movie & Soundtrack: One morning I just woke up rapping 'Joyful, Joyful' and since then I have had the soundtrack on repeat. I have also watched it twice. I want to be Rita, braids and all. ^

^ Nair Brazilian Spa Clay Shower Power: Ok, this may be TMI but this stuff is so great I just have to share! Since it's supposed to be Spring soon it's time to bust out the legs again. You can rub this stuff on like lotion, count to 60 and hop in the shower. It comes with a sponge that you can use to help wipe hair off but a loofa works fine too. I used this once and my legs were smooth for 5 days! [TMI: sorry.] ^

^ Non Favorite- Nutra Nail Gel Polish: The last time I was at Ulta I got suckered in by the bright orange clearance tag and bought this. This gel polish looked great for 1 day. I was really impressed for that 1 day but after that it just went downhill. One chip after another this polish came off 2 days after I applied it. I do not recommend this at all! I am glad it was on sale and I did not pay full price. ^

^ Hillsong United "Oceans [where feet may fail]: This song has been on replay ever since my cousin Ashly shared it on facebook. It is so anointed and the lyrics are powerful. Give it a play and be inspired. ^

Happy March! 

MakeUp Menu [#polarvortex edition]

The #polarvortex has been sticking around for 3 weeks and I want it gone. I am sick of being snowed in. I am sick of always being freezing cold and bundled up in layers. As much as I enjoy lounging with family and watching movies, I need to get outside and get some vitamin D. There is no need for makeup while being snowed inside your home. However when it's time to get out of the house you can't scare anyone by showing your naked, vitamin D deficient face. 

In order of use 

>>FACE<<

CoverGirl Outlast Stay Fabulous 3 in 1 Foundation [842 medium beige] applied with real techniques expert face brush

SheerCover Duo Concealer [light/medium] applied with ring finger under eyes and on redness around nose and chin

e.l.f. blush [pink passion] tap a small amount on your cheeks for some fake vitamin D. I used a tarte blush brush. 

Benefit Watts Up Highlighter I apply this with my finger. I used a small amount to highlight my cheekbones and down the center of my nose. 

Pixi Bronzer [subtly suntouched] I used my real techniques setting brush to contour this bronzer on my cheeks to give a little definition and some extra color. *when contouring your cheek bones- make a fishy face and take the bronzer down your cheeks from your ears to you mouth and BLEND it out.* 

>>EYES<<

e.l.f. Eyebrow Kit [medium] used with a Sonia Kashuk small angled brush [I am growing out my eyebrows a bit so filling them in helps to hide the ugly process of growing them out] 

Maybelline Color Tattoo [bad to the bronze] applied with ring finger. I use this as a primer sometimes when I know I am going to wear a bronze eyeshadow. The pigment sticks right to it and doesn't slide around throughout the day. 

Wet N Wild EyeShadow Trio [silent treatment] I used the 'eyelid' shade on top of my eyelids and then used the browbone shade for my browbone. I also used my index finger and tapped a little of the browbone shade onto the center of my eyelid. I applied this with two Sonia Kashuk brushes

Curl Lashes [dollar tree eyelash curler] Don't hate it until you try it. The eyelash curlers at the dollar tree are great! 

Avon Wash Off Waterproof Mascara [w01 black] Apply a couple coats of this super waterproof mascara. No amount of snow will make this mascara run off your face. 

>>Lips<<

Revlon Super Lustrous [001 Nude Attitude Matte] This is a great matte nude that doesn't dry out your lips. It's one of my favorites! 

^cheesy car selfies: so happy to be out of the house!^

Best In Beauty 2013: Makeup

Now here comes the fun post! MAKEUP!!! I have enjoyed branching out to new brands and products all year and these are my standouts and most used products for makeup during 2013. Most of these products I have purchased multiple times throughout the year as well as recommended them to friends. Remember to leave a comment telling me your favorite makeup item(s) from 2013!

1. Make Up Forever HD Foundation [N160]: This full coverage foundation is worth the price. It gives an HD flawless coverage that lasts all day. 

2. Maybelline Super Stay 24hr Foundation [pure beige]: I have bought this 3 times and love it. It has full/lightweight coverage and it's a great price! 

3. Make Up Forever Mat Velvet+ [N65]: I like to use the matte version during the summer/fall months when I can tend to get more oily. It has the same HD coverage but a flat finish.

4.  Maybelline Instant Age Rewind [medium]: My go-to under eye concealer! 

5. L'Oreal True Match Crayon Concealer [n4-5 light/medium]: This is my new favorite concealer for blemishes and spots. The coverage is thick and full and helps with under eye circles too. 

6. Rimmel Stay Matte Powder [018 creamy beige]: This is the perfect setting powder to finish off your look or to touch it up during the day. I keep it in my purse and have used it a lot and still haven't hit pan yet. 

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1. Milani Baked Blush [luminoso]: A light pink sheen that is perfect all year round.

2. Milani Baked Blush [red vino]: If I want a more dramatic look this is my go to blush. The pigment is strong and last all day. 

3. Wet n Wild [pearlescent pink]: A great everyday blush that gives a "just pinched" look. 

4. Wet n Wild [heather silk]: I think it's obvious that this blush is very well loved. The pigment is strong but is very blendable. 

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1. Elf Eyebrow Kit: I use an angled brush to just fix and fill in my eyebrows. The gel formula helps keep my brows in place too.
2. Urban Decay Primer Potion: I accidentally bought a professional size of this primer potion and I still have a lot left after using it everyday.

3. Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil [zero-black]/ Elf Waterproof Eyeliner Pen/

Elf Liquid EyeLiner: I use the urban decay liner for my lower water line. It doesn't smudge and lasts all day. Stand out product of the year are these two e.l.f liners. For $1 and $3 these are the best liquid liners out there in my opinion. They are easy to apply and have all day lasting power. 

4. Urban Decay Naked Palettes: Each of these palettes is a great investment. The packaging and the shadow colors are gorgeous. 

5. L'Oreal Infallible Lacquer Liner [171-blackest black]: If you want a good gel liner that stays put all day this is it. I use an angled brush to apply it.

6. Wet N Wild Eyeshadow Trio [walking on eggshells]/ Wet N Wild Eyeshadow Trio [silent treatment]: I think Wet N Wild has some of the greatest eyeshadow trios. You also can't beat the price. These two are great basics to have in your collection. 

7. Maybelline The Rocket Volum' Express/ Avon Wash-Off Waterproof: I use the rocket as a workday mascara, it's light on my lashes and doesn't smudge. I use the wash-off waterproof during the summer. You seriously can go in the pool or to the beach and it does not come off.
8. Maybelline Falsies Big Eyes: Overall this mascara is amazing! I have converted several friends to this one and they love it too. It keeps the curl and adds lots of volume to my lashes. 

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Checkout my skincare/hair/nails/fragrance 2013 favorites here.