Summer Lovin'

We have had a pretty fun summer so far and still have lots to look forward to.  I thought I'd share the things I've been loving and using most this summer.

1.Superfeet Sandals

Hawaii Packing List

We leave for Hawaii soon so I thought I'd share what's in my suitcase- I am sure I'll be updating this post when we get back...

$25 of ELF Makeup Free and Make a Buck

****Update: This has been extended one more day!!****

Who wants to get $43 of makeup for free ($25 your choice and $18 gift pictured above) and even make a couple bucks on top of that?  I already did it, and here is how you can too:

New Year, New You: My 5 Best Beauty Tips

If you read my last post on a New Year, New You, you know that I refuse to spend a ton of money on beauty products and am still totally happy with what I use.  Well, I also have to share some of my favorite tips and tricks that will help you use those products the best way I know how.

1. Mix your foundation to match your skin.  My skin is really fair, but I also get tan in the summer.  It is really constantly changing shades so foundation is really hard to match all the time.  What I love to do is use my skin-clearing neutrogena (in a light shade, which also has a lighter coverage) as my base, then add a medium shade of Maybeline's Dream Liquid Mousse (heavier coverage) to create the perfect color and coverage for my skin.

New Year, New You: Best Beauty Buys

Today I am starting on the mini series I talked about earlier this month- reinventing yourself with the new year.

I have been seeing blog post after blog post on beauty products and regimes used by so many bloggers, but I am continually shocked at how much these girls spend on their beauty products!  They are mostly from Nordstrom and Sephora and cost anywhere from $50-$80 each!  I could NEVER feel good about spending hundreds of dollars on my makeup every few months- even if it made me look like Jennifer Aniston...

So, for those of you that feel the same, here are my favorite beauty products that will give you the most bang for your buck and will still make you feel pretty :)

For my skin:

My dermatologist in high school recommended this face wash and I have used it ever since.  It is about $7 at any drugstore.

I have pretty sensitive skin and my skin likes it, so I stick with it.  I use it every morning, then I use this every night:

You will LOVE how your skin feels after you use this face scrub.  And, it is only about $5 at any drugstore.

Last year my skin decided it was 14 again and I started breaking out like crazy- for no reason at all (maybe because we moved and our water was different and maybe because I started playing on a volleyball team once a week...)  It was really weird, and I tried a few different things but nothing was helping.  I tried one last thing before I went to see the dermatologist and I am so glad I did!  This stuff is miraculous!

I started using it twice a day, but now I only use it once at night.  In just a few days my skin was clearing up and once it was completely healed in a week or two I had perfectly clear, smooth skin again!  It really was amazing!  It is only about $6 and you can get it at any drugstore.

2. For my makeup:

Ever since I started using this Neutrogena Skin-clearing foundation in college my skin has been SO much clearer.  Love it, and it is worth $12 a bottle to me (which really isn't a lot, just more than most drugstore foundations.)

I also use this foundation (Maybeline Dream Liquid Mousse) mixed with it to create more coverage and get the right shade for my skin (more on that in my next post)  This foundation is about $7 at any drugstore.

I haven't found a favorite bronzer, blush, or eyeliner yet...right now I am just using up the ones I have so I can try some others (they aren't bad at all, but I think I can do better)

For my eyeshadow, I used to not wear any, but 2 kids later I have noticed I need a little more makeup to hide the sleep-deprivation and also because I am pregnant and need a little more something to help me feel pretty :)  I would love to go spend $50 on a high-end eyeshadow palette, but I found that this Rimmel Glam Eyes really goes on like a lot of the more expensive brands:

They have other colors too, and I can't remember how much it cost because I bought it so long ago and it has lasted me years...I know it was under $5. 

I have just recently paid more attention to my eyebrows.  I have always used the blond from Mary Kay, but recently I put it on a little heavier...more on that the next post too.  I think each one is about $10-$15, but can't remember exactly how much because they last so long I haven't bought one in years.

I have talked about this mascara before on the blog, but I really can't tell you enough how much I love this stuff!  I have used a lot of different brands (even tried some of the really expensive stuff from Nordstrom and Sephora) and I ALWAYS like this kind WAY more than anything else. 

I use the waterproof because my eyes water in the cold/wind/randomly and I like both the original and the carbon black.  I use the original daily and the carbon black when I want a little bit more of a dramatic eye.  This mascara is only about $5-6 at any drugstore, and I often get coupons from Smith's and get it $2 cheaper.  $3 for mascara that wears like $50 mascara- yes please! 

I have had people ask me lots of times if I have eyelash extensions when I wear this and use Rapid Lash along with it.  Rapid Lash is basically less expensive eyelash growth serum that works amazingly!  It is only about $25 compared to $150 for the other stuff you can get.  I've talked about it before, and still love it.

The reason it is so much cheaper is partly because it is not FDA approved.  I don't use it while I am pregnant for this reason, but I have been using it a couple years and have had no negative side effects.  While I am pregnant, I use Vaseline on my lashes...

Most people have Vaseline but they don't realize how amazing it is and how much you can use it!  I use it on my eyes to remove makeup, as an eye cream, AND to help keep my eyelashes healthy, thicker and longer.  I also use it on my lips and I swear it works better than ANY chap-stick you can buy.  I also use it on dry, cracked skin (which seems to work even better than coconut oil.)  Plus, it is amazingly inexpensive.

For my hair:

I do have to say that there are a couple brands of shampoo/conditioner that are more expensive that I love.

First of all, Bath and Body Works Orange Ginger Energy Shampoo and Conditioner:

At $10 each this is more than I like to spend, but I do love the body it gives my thin, fine hair and splurge on it once in a while.

I also LOVE the Sleek by Matrix Shampoo and Conditioner, but at $20 a bottle I have only bought it a couple times.  It makes my hair incredibly silky and shiny.

For less-expensive versions of these that have similar results, I turn to my new favorite line of shampoos and conditioners:

The sleek is close to the Matrix brand, and the volumizing is close to what the Orange Ginger does to my hair.  I also really love the color protection, which smells amazing and they are all only $3 a bottle.

I also really like their dry shampoo, which I use to add extra body and on random days that I don't wash my hair.  Its only about $3 too- probably the least expensive dry shampoo out there.

Another line I have been using lately is Agadir.  I have noticed my hair seems healthier when I use their shampoo and conditioner, along with the oil.  I rub the deliciously-smelling oil on my hands then run through my hair, focusing on the ends.  I do this before I style with my flat iron and it seems to protect and give my hair a little more shine too.  If you would like to see my video on curling your hair with a straightener (I do this pretty much everyday and it only take me about 5-10 min) go here.

So that's a roundup of my favorite beauty products that mostly happen to be very inexpensive!  Beauty doesn't have to cost a fortune!

Make Some Makeup!

Lately, with my skin being so pasty white, I have felt like I needed to add a little color to my face.  I started reading Maskcara.com and I love her blog!  I have tried a ton of stuff and love everything I try.

Well, my most recent endevour came from wanting to save myself a little money.  I have been wanting to go buy both a highlighter and an eye primer (since I have been wearing more eyeshadow than usual) and lucky for me- Cara just BARELY posted how you can make your own!

So, I pulled out my shoebox full of extra and old makeup (is that weird?) And, I was so excited to find that I had everything I needed!  Here is all it takes:

First for the eye primer, here is Cara's recipe:

image from Maskcara.com

What I'm Loving

Right now I am addicted to all these amazing juices (Naked and Odwalla to name a couple)

 You can buy a pack of 2 32oz bottles at Costco for about $5.70 right now- totally worth it!

Forever 21 Girls is so fun to shop online!  I love this cardigan:

 

 And I just bought this tank for Allie:

I just started washing my hair every other day and I use this Suave dry shampoo:

 Not only does it work great, but it smells SO good and I also like how my roots are not as easy to see when I blend the white spray into them :)  For just under $3 at Target it's a steal!

My new favorite sunless tanning lotion:

You can read all about it here.

This is still my all-time favorite mascara and lately I have been loving using it with this eyelash growth serum

 The Rapid Lash serum not only makes my eyelashes longer, but since it helps them stay in longer, they also look fuller. 

Lastly, I am loving that the weather is getting warm enough for walks!!

 And Macsen is loving it too! :)

What are you loving right now?

Mineral Hygienics Startup Kit Giveaway!!

Since 2006 I have been a user of the mineral makeup in one way or another.  I have used Bare Minerals  and tried a few other brands and have mixed feelings about them.  Currently I have been using liquid face makeup then mineral makeup for my blush, bronzer, and eyeshadow. When I noticed Mineral Hygienics on some of the blogs I follow I really wanted to give it a try. 

Mineral Hygienics sent me 3 different shades of their foundation to try since I am fair skinned, but get a light tan in the summer.  I have been using the Medium shade lately with my tan (but I am sure I will be using the light shades in the winter.)  The foundation has light coverage at first, but the tone warms with your skin and the coverage is better within a few minutes.  My favorite thing about Mineral Hygienics foundation is that it keeps my face from looking oily.  I am now in my second trimester of pregnancy, and with it my body produces more oil, so I definitely need a makeup that stops the shine on my face :)

Mineral Hygienics also has many shades of bronzer.  They sent me the Warm Kiss and the Cool Kiss shades.  I used both shades and like them both.  I think with my skin tone the warm kiss looks better, but I also really like the cool kiss.  I noticed that it was easy to blend with these bronzers because their color isn't really harsh.

To top off the foundation and bronzer I also got to try the finishing powder.  It really helps set the makeup and keep even more shine off my face.  I really like how smooth it makes my skin look.

Lastly, their eyeshadows are awesome.  I have been looking for the perfect shade of pink for my eyes and they sent me the color Crush to try.  I think that the perfect color pink I am looking for would be a lighter pink with less shine like the Dusty Rose color they have, but when I blend the Crush eyeshadow with other lighter colors it looks pretty, and stays quite a while too.

I took a picture of my finished face, but what it really shows more than anything is the evenness the makeup gives my skin (excuse the blurry photo:)

Mineral Hygienics has offered a Mini Startup Kit to one lucky reader!

To enter:

Leave a comment after you visit Mineral Hygienics

Follow/Subscribe to my blog/facebook (2 entries each)

Blog/Facebook/Tweet this giveaway (5 entries each)

Good luck!!

**Winner will be responsible for shipping charges, but giveaway is open to all countries.**

Apothica Giveaway!

So, I have been seeing Apothica all over the place.  I decided to check it out.  I was blown away!  Their selection and prices are awesome,
AND they are located in Salt Lake City, which makes them even cooler :) 

When I called to place the order I was able to talk to a really helpful and friendly esthetician.

I called with an idea of what I wanted, but I also needed a little help.  She recommended an M2 product that I had heard of once before.  I was excited to try it.  It was crazy how just after one application I could already feel a difference.  My skin looked smoother and tighter and the next day it was even a little bit clearer. By the second day my skin was even clearer!  By the end of the week I couldn't believe the dramatic improvement of my skin.  This stuff is AWESOME.

I have always loved Clinique's Dramatically Different face lotion (I recieved a sample many years ago and just could never bring myself to spend a lot of money on it.)  However, Apothica's prices are quite reasonable for Clinique and other quality brands.  The gal that helped me on the phone said that I could use this after the M2 and that it would be a good combination. I love how non-greasy it is and how it just soaks right into my skin.

 Another Clinique product I got to try is the Clearing Concealer.  Of course I had to get the lightest shade they had; I am so white right now...It is the best concealer I have ever used - it really stays put but doesn't feel like it is clogging my pores.  

 Lastly, I got to review some Smashbox Eyeshadow.  I am a huge Mac eyeshadow fan, and I heard that Smashbox is pretty similar to Mac.  I chose the color Minx because I wanted something dark and I absolutely love the consistency of it!  It really is a lot like Mac.  

 Here's one of the best things about Apothica - they are located in Salt Lake City so I got my package the DAY AFTER I ordered!  Crazy!  And here's the best part of all of this:  Apothica has offered a $50 Gift Card to one of you!

To enter leave a comment for each entry:

1. Write on Apothica’s Facebook wall about what you think of Apothica
2. Opt in to Apothica’s Newsletter (2 entries)
3. Blog, tweet, or facebook about Apothica (5 entries each)

Guest Style Post

6 Style Lessons My Grandmother Taught Me

Kaley H. has written for onlineuniversities.net and is working towards becoming a sonogram tech.
Both my grandmothers were eminently stylish. One was the product of the depression, a woman where stylish and frugal went hand-in-hand, and the other somehow managed to raise four boys without ever smudging her lipstick. Here are six things that I learned from them – life lessons disguised as style lessons.

1. My maternal grandmother and I used to play a game in the mall. She’d hold a blouse, or a dress, or a pair of shoes, and say “who is this?” It was up to me to pick which mutual acquaintance this piece best embodied. The game could tend towards the mean-spirited at times, but the one thing it taught me: own it. If you have a style all your own, you’re going to become recognizable, even to that five year old tagging along with the adults. Isn’t that what style is about?
2. Accessorize. The maternal grandmother, again, lived through the depression. Once material things were affordable again (for her, the 60’s and 70’s) chunky necklaces and earrings became her signature piece. She’d let me play with her jewelry box and, heaven help me, the accessory bug hit me, too.
3. It’s all in the attitude. There’s a photo of the same grandmother driving her children around in my grandpa’s old army jeep. She’s wearing a giant bow and a polka dot dress. You can tell from the look on her face that she think the jeep is just a further accessory of this ensemble – army wife chic.
4. Lipstick is a necessity. My paternal grandmother, of the aforementioned “perfect lipstick,” bought me my first tube at age eight. It was Disney Princess themed. I was never quite the same adept as she was – that first tube, in pastel pink, was her favorite color but I’ve never been able to pull it off – but she made the point that if your lips are worth looking at, your words are worth listening to.
5. The Little Black Dress. She had tons of them. Some of them were clearly from the 70’s. Others would have been classic for years to come. She was the first person I ever thought was beautiful, and I feel like the little black dress had something to do with that.
6. Shoes are the icing on the cake. Paternal grandma wore heels every day of her life until one fateful day when a variety of foot, tendon, and heel problems made the doctor ban pumps from her life forever. Not to be daunted, she found the most stylish shoes I’d ever seen any grandmother wear. If you’re dedicated to fashion, you will be able to find something that will satisfy yourself and the health experts. 

Christmas Wish List

I probably won't end up getting any of this because I have a much bigger plan (called a Nikon D90) for Christmas, but its fun to make these wish lists so I am going to anyway :)

Some rings like these:

 Some nail polish in this color:

An Aerie Military Tee:

A leather bomber jacket in black or brown:

 Aerie Super soft sweat pants:

Some nude/tan pumps:

What's on your list this year?

Posting this on:

My New Favorite Thing : Painting my Nails

I have never been one to paint my nails.  I chew on them and the polish only looks good for the first day.  But, I have decided that I like it too much to let a little "chippage" ruin my fun.  I love all these ideas:

I think that red is my new favorite color on fingernails.  So classic and glamorous :)

I especially love red nails with blue and nautical clothing.

I also love black nails...even though that fad may be out now...

Really like both these girls...

...but whats with all the blowing kisses?...

Right now this gray is really in:

I love that, and also silver.

What are your favorite nail colors right now?