These are the ones I’ve tried so far:

1. Mirabella Prime
   
   
   
   I loved this. I love how easily it glides on your skin and especially love that you can use it on your face AND eyes. 2 for 1! And a little goes a long way. I love that Ipsy included a full size tube too. It’s something I might consider re-purchasing later on. It’s $28 though. The one I do have (Hourglass) was I think $18. For eyes I currently use Urban Decay’s Eyeshadow Primer
   
   
   
   

   Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion Tube - Original
   
   
   I was weary of buying this but tons of people swear by it and it’s true. It’s one of the best. I just didn’t want to waste it since it comes in a small tube..BUT a little goes a long way.
   
   
   And for face I switch it up between
   
   
   

   

   Hourglass Mineral Primer Travel Size - $18 (The larger size is around $50!)
   
   
   or
   
   
   the cheaper alternative
   
   
   
   
   

   Revlon Photo Ready Perfecting Primer ($9-$12) - works well but not as great compared to the higher end ones…it doesn’t glide on like the others to give a smooth, silky finish.
   
   
   
2. Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil
   
   
   
   
   I love this eyeliner. I love how easily it glides on and stays on. Something I might re-purchase for $19 since liners last me a good while.
   
   
   
   
   
3. Be a Bomb Shell Lip Gloss in Hot Mess
   
   
   I thought this was going to be super red when applied on my lips…but it’s exactly how their site claims it to be: “Hot Mess - The perfect “true Red” lip gloss that goes on sheer! Layer for a more opaque look.”
   
   I love that it’s you can build up on the color. It’s a great red lip gloss. It’s not something I’d purchase though since I don’t wear red lip gloss very often.
   
   Again, I appreciate Ipsy for giving us the full size bottle!
   
   
   

For NYE we stayed in and just had dinner at my aunt’s house. I was going to pair my black cardigan with sequined pockets (sorry no pic) with some high heels. But eh..I was going to my aunt’s..no need to be wearing fancy heels. I opted for my converse instead. As did my entire family. I bought the twins new pairs over the Christmas break. I realize now why they were cheap. Sure they’re slip ons…but the knots on the ties do come off. Nonetheless they still look cute on them. I also bought them a new pair of white ones but scared for them to wear it, haha. It’s too new…too white! Maybe for their birthday in a few weeks. ;)

I can’t believe it’s been over a year now that Rachel and I started this blog!  I thought I’d start off the new year with things I did get. Nothing crazy though and nothing off my wishlist except one.

The hubby surprised me with some Ray Ban Wayfarers I had been wanting for awhile but could never take the plunge and by them. He also was sweet and picked me up a new Vera Bradley lunch bag from the twins.

My wonderful mother gifted me with: a Gucci cross-body bag, an infinity scarf, a coach wristlet which I exchanged for a bigger wrist wallet to fit my phone, a Michael Kors wristlet and randomnly she gave my brother and I SebaMed Lotion, lol (knows me too well. I have eczema.)  As for all the wristlets…I commute using Metro from time to time so I like to use a wristlet wallet to throw in my workbag.

As far as off my wishlist, my sweet mare was too kind and got me my first ever Urban Decay palette for Christmas. THANK YOU RACHEL!

1.

Clarisonic Limited-Edition Mia 2, Peony

Diorshow Mascara

Legacy Leather Penny Shoulder Purse

Legacy Leather Medium Candace Carryall

Jennifer Zeuner Three-Initial Monogram Ring

Ginette_ny Mini Lace Monogram Necklace, White Gold

Chloé Rollerball Trio

Urban Decay Cosmetics Naked 2 Palette

LORAC PRO Palette Eye Shadow & Mini Behind The Scenes Eye Shadow Primer

Maybelline The Mega Plush by Volum’ Express Mascara

I decided to give this mascara a shot since I’ve tried almost every Maybelline mascara out there!  I was worried about the gel-mousse formula…although it did claim lashes not to be brittle of flaky. I know Rachel has tried it and was pleased it so thought why not add to my collection.

The fat brush took some getting used to. I think if you have shorter lashes you might have a hard time using this brush. It worked well for me with a little practice.  I ended up liking the formula too. It wasn’t too dry nor too wet. It darkened and thickened my lashes. 

It’s a great every day mascara that I’ve been using a lot lately. My other favorite is the Falsies. I like using that for a more dramatic look.

So overall I decided I’m ditching L’oreal (my experience has been either the formula is too dry or too wet). I’m also no longer purchasing any of the Cover Girl mascaras. I found the short bristles doesn’t do anything for my lashes. I was more disappointed with their Lash Blast Volume and Lengthening mascara. It didn’t do much for my lashes.

What’s your favorite drugstore mascara?

Organix Moroccan Argan Oil penetrating oil -$6 (Walmart) | Pequi Oil Treatment by Color Couture (2 oz) $32 or $12 (.5 oz)

I received a sample size bottle of Pequi Oil treatment in my Ipsy glambag this month. I brought this with me instead of bringing a big bottle of my CHI silk infusion. I must say even though this was a little bottle I didn’t need a whole lot of product to see results. This oil definitely enhanced my color and gave it lots of shine without any feeling of buildup or added weight to my hair. This is comparing it to CHI’s silk infusion. It really left my hair nice and shiny.

It’s definitely one I might consider buying once my sample size runs out. The only thing stopping me is the steep price. The larges bottle size is 2 ounces for $32.

So this is where my instinct is to find a dupe. I read Argan oil works just as well Pequi oil. I found this Organix Moroccan Argan oil at Walmart and decided to give it a shot.

I tried it today and although it did give my hair softness and shine it didn’t measure up to the Pequi Oil. The Pequi oil really brings out the color in your hair. Sooo I think once I finish up my sample I might just go ahead and get the bigger bottle of Pequi.

Thanks to Ipsy for the service of sending good sample sizes and sometimes full sizes of products I’ve never heard of or have been wanting to try before. I wouldn’t have found out about the Pequi Oil if it wasn’t for the October Ipsy (formerly Glam bag). It’s definitely a monthly service you should try out. Only $10 a month.

Mineralize Skinfinish in Soft and Gentle - $29

I’ve been on the hunt for a good highlighter to put above my cheeks and MAC’s mineralize skinfinish in Soft and Gentle powder came up a lot in reviews. It’s a bit expensive but you do get a lot of product. Before purchasing this I had read a few reviews to try Physicians Formula. I picked up the Powder Palette Mineral Glow Pearls in Bronze Pearls. Since I got a color that was more bronze…it gave me a glow and slight tan to my face. A little goes a long way. It’s probably one that would be used better in the spring and summer time. I definitely like the MAC Mineralize Skinfinish though. It does give off a nice glow and refreshing look to your face. There’s a little bit of shimmer but not too much.

Yay! My first #ipsy glam bag came in. Loving the chevron print bag. In it are good size samples of Coastal Scents eye shadow, Mirenesse Lip Bomb Glossy Lacquer Stain, The Balm Mascara, and Bombshell eyeliner.

My first pair of Minnetonka moccasins came in. I tried on a pair at Marshall and was impressed with the comfort. I wasn’t sure how to wear these but got tons of styling ideas online. Pairing these with some skinny jeans make them even cuter. I did read various reviews (and also trying them on in store) to order a half size smaller since it’s suede and stretches out. I checked out other styles Minnetonka carriers and their boots with the fringe are really cute. Price point for the flats are about $40. Not bad!

A new addition

I received my new pair of shoes to add to my Sperry Top-spider family. I bought these from Nordstrom during their anniversary sale. They were on sale temporarily for $59.50. I’ve been wanting this same color in the Angelfish but the price hasn’t cone down. I was excited to find these since they’re an exclusive style to Nordstrom. They’re called Pearlfish.

I love taking advantage of Nordstrom’s Anniversary Sale!

Did any of you take advantage of any July 4th sales this past week/weekend? 

I avoided the crowds and chaos but did hear from my mom the outlets near us were having great sales. It was tempting but I personally don’t like shopping in the heat at the outdoor outlet.

What I did jump on was a sale from BH Cosmetics. I’ve seen them mentioned a lot on various YouTube vloggers and thought I’d check them out. I saw they were having a 4th of July Sale. I actually made some purchases but for some reason it didn’t go through. They had a 120 eyeshadow palette and a eyeliner pen for $12.99!  But unfortunately it wasn’t til 3 days later did  I realize I never got a confirmation order because it never went through! I was bummed but decided to reorder anyways.

This time though I made some different purchases. I spent a total of $50 for all this!

It’s been awhile since I’ve posted anything. Life’s been busy trying to balance time with kids and work life. But I thought I’d make a quick a post about a site I just found out from a vlogger on youtube.

It’s called Want Worthy - http://wantworthy.com. It’s very similar to pinterest but this is more like a place where you can save items from different sites that you’d like to buy but aren’t ready yet to make that purchase. Kinda like a big wish list.

So check it out and let us know what you think!

Vintage Gucci bags

My mom tried selling these beauties at the consignment store. It has some wear inside but outside it’s in great condition. Since they didn’t sell i decided to keep them and use them like a cross body bag.

Review update: Revlon PhotoReady Concealer in Medium

I mentioned in previous posts I would do a review on the Revlon PhotoReady Concealer and compare it to Smashbox Camera Ready Full Coverage Concealer.

I must say this concealer works just as good as Smashbox’s. The coverage is good and not to mention is only around $8. The Smashbox concealer does cover your pores a bit better but overall the Revlon Concealer does just as good of a job.

So if you’re looking to save a lot…try the Revlon PhotoReady Concealer.

Review: Revlon Just Bitten Kissable balm stain

Just picked up this Revlon Just Bitten Kissable balm stain at Target. I saw a few youtubers vlogging about it and thought I would pick it up. It looks like it’s becoming popular like the Revlon Lip butters. I’ve heard this was a great dupe to Tarte’s LipSurgence. The difference being Revlon’s is about $8 and Tarte’s is $24 (yikes). I can’t compare the two since I’ve never tried Tarte’s but I found a few vloggers that said they like Revlon’s better or it’s just as good.

I didn’t have a ton of colors to choose from though so just picked this up in a reddish/maroon color called Adore. Now I’m looking for a mauve color and hope to check CVS or Wal-mart.

It glides on smoothly and is really pigmented. I think I like this better than the Revlon Just Bitten Lipstain + balm.  This one glides on easy and leaves this menthol smell and feel. 

I might go pick up one more color but won’t go crazy like I did the lip butters and buy a ton of colors. I like wearing these stains for times I know I’ll be out and about drinking and eating.

Definitely one to pick up and try out!