First Impression: Benefit Gimme Brow

Hey guys!

I have another quick first impression today on Benefit's Gimme Brow. When this product first came out, I was a little skeptical. For me, it's really hard to spend so much money on my brows. But after using products from Anastasia and seeing that some of the higher end products do make a difference, I was really drawn to this product. In particular, I was intrigued by the lure of a fast and natural brow. I personally don't like super defined brows, so Gimme Brow sounded great.

Overall, after my first impression of Gimme Brow is really positive. Within two swipes on my first brow and it was instantly transformed. I was shocked by how great it looked with so little effort. Usually with my brow powder, it would take 10 minutes of work to make my eyebrow look that good. Here's a comparison of one brow done and the other not:



Left is the one with Gimme Brow, the right is untouched



As you can see, it made a significant difference. Just like the first brow, the second brow was also transformed. This one I had a little bit more trouble because it got a little gloppy, but it was nothing combing through couldn't fix.

So right now I'm super impressed. I can't believe I scoffed at this before now.

Have you tried Gimme Brow? Let me know your favorite brow products!

April Beauty Haul

There's something that just makes me so excited about new beauty products.

I'm super excited to try all of these things out. Some are old favorites (Clump Crusher Extensions and Becca Ever Matte Primer) and others are things that I can't wait to use (Hourglass Mineral Veil Primer, Beautyblender Solid, Deborah Lippman Blue Orchid, Benefit Creaseless Cream Shadow in RSVP, and Benefit Gimme Brow).

Graduation Dress Help

Hey guys,

In about two weeks, I will be graduating from college! I'm so ready to be done, let me tell you!

Anyway, I've been trying to decide on a graduation dress. Of course, I've been eyeing some Lilly Pulitzer dresses but I can't decide. So if you can help me pick one, that would be awesome!

First, is the Shianne V-Neck Dress for $148:

Then, the Briella Fit and Flare dress for $188 also really tempts me too.

The third dress is the Bella Fit and Flare for $188.

 

Another dress that I really like is the Becky Dress for $188.

 

 

The Ollie Fit and Flare is gorgeous, but I kinda worry about wearing a bra with it. It's also $198

 

 

Next, is the Lexington dress for $198.

 

 

Finally, if I decide against Lilly Pulitzer and want to go a more affordable route, I have this cute Target chevron dress already.

 

 

So tell me what you would wear! I'd love to hear your thoughts. 

Review: MAC Matchmaster Foundation

Hi guys,

I have a new love that I want to share with you today. It's the MAC Matchmaster foundation with SPF 15. I can't describe how much I've enjoyed this product the last two and a half weeks.

Back during spring break, I found myself at odds with my current face routine. I wanted more coverage than a CC cream, but I also didn't want to upset my skin, which has been incredibly oily, dry, and sensitive lately. So I went to the one place that always seems to have things that I trust: MAC. Say what you will about MAC, but for me personally, when all else fails, MAC makeup never lets me down. The makeup artist tried this foundation on me and since I've fallen in love. I'm in the shade 1.5 and I can't get enough of it.

According to the MAC site, this foundation uses "Shade Intelligence Technology" to perfectly match to your skin. The makeup artist told me that if I get a little bit darker during the summer, this will adjust just slightly to my darker skin. This foundation is also:

• Demi-matte
• Buildable medium coverage
• Broad Spectrum UVA/UVB SPF 15
• Reduces Shin on the skin's surface
• Absorbs excess oil
• Conditions and smoothes
• Minimizes the appearance of pores and imperfections

After using this for almost three weeks, I feel like I can say that it definitely seems to do all those things. It definitely absorbs oil and reduces shine, even during warmer days. I don't think it's really caused any breakouts, which is great because my skin has been super picky lately.

It gives me a "your skin, but a million times better" appearance. Like, it looks like I'm seriously not wearing any makeup. I say it gives me a solid 8-10 hours of wear.

I've been using this in conjunction with my Smashbox Photo Finish Light primer, MAC's Studio Careblend powder, and Urban Decay's Deslick Spray. I apply it with my Beauty Blender and it just blends in so beautifully. I love this stuff like crazy. I'm actually surprised that I haven't heard more people talking about how great this foundation is. It's the best face product I think I've ever used.

I'm hoping it works well in summer too. Do you have a foundation love or a brand that always seems to work?

First Impressions: Rimmel Scandal Eyes Lycra Flex Mascara

Hi guys,

If you ever need to know one thing about my beauty habits, it's that I can't resist trying out a new mascara. Especially drugstore mascaras.

This weekend I decided to venture into uncharted territory for me: Rimmel mascara.

Don't get me wrong. I've heard fantastic things about the Scandal Eyes line. However, Rimmel is usually a brand that I totally forget about. I'm not sure why, but it's just the way it is.

However, that's changed officially now because I've tried out the Scandal Eyes Lycra Flex Mascara and I want to share my first impressions with you.

The promise of this mascara is pretty simple: it's supposed to give buildable volume that leaves lashes soft and flexible.

The first thing I noticed is the size of the brush. It's huuuuuuge. Like insane. Bigger than Benefit's Bad Gal Lash, which was previously the largest I've ever used. It's not the plastic kind of wand either, which I liked a lot.

The left is the Flex Mascara and on the right is The Rocket for comparison sake. See how huge?

Ignore the awkward expression haha

Overall, I think this mascara is really good. I've only used it once, but I can say that so far, I like it. It's definitely more wet right now after the first use, so I didn't want to layer on layers (I could feel it starting to get clumpy). But I can say that it did add volume and my lashes are soft. And it hasn't worn off or made my lashes fall, so I'd say so far, it's meeting my expectations.

What's your favorite Rimmel mascara? What do you think of huge wands?

March Favorites

Hey guys!

This month I got to try out a lot of new products, so I'm really excited to show them to you. I'm in full spring mode (even though as I write this it's only about 50 degrees outside), so a lot of things that I'm gonna share with you kinda show that I'm in a spring state of mind.

As you can see, there's a bunch of favorites this month and I can't wait to share them with you.

Nail Polish:

Left to Right: Victoria's Secret "Lucky," Essie "Bikini So Teeny," Essie Romper Room," and Essie "Lilacism"

 
VS Lucky

I was skeptical about nail polish from Victoria's Secret, but this was great. The application was flawless, the polish lasted a week!! And the color is truly gorgeous. A perfect mint green color.

Essie Bikini So Teeny

I love this pale blue polish. This month I've really been into light blues and purples and this became a new obsession for me. It has a subtle shimmer and the color is so unique.
 
Essie Romper Room

Very similar to Fiji, but this is a little pinker. I love it! I think it's the perfect girly color for spring and I can't get enough of pale pinks.

Essie Lilacism

This is very similar to Bikini So Teeny, but with a touch of purple. I wore this twice this month, which should show you just how much I adore this color.

Makeup and Skincare:

 
Boots Expert Sensitive Gentle Refreshing Toner

After I wash my face, I like to go over my skin with a cotton pad with this toner to make sure I pick up any last traces of dirty or makeup. This makes my skin feel super clean and I think it kind of helps reduce redness. I really like this and it's super affordable at Target, but I think overall the Simple Toner is better. But I'll continue using this for now.

Real Techniques Blush Brush

I have really enjoyed using this blush brush this month with my Milani Luminoso blush. It's very soft and I think it makes apply blush really easy. If you are looking for good brushes, definitely check out Real Techniques.

NARS Alhambra Eyeshadow Duo

I'm obsessed with this two colors for an all over the eye look. I mix them together and it just creates the perfect shimmery champagne color. The quality and packaging is amazing, like most NARS products and I can't believe I've lived without this duo.
 
Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara

I began using this mascara sample this month and fell in total and complete love. This mascara makes my lashes super defined, very long, and so volumized. I can't get enough of it.
 
Benefit They're Real Mascara

I also started using a full size of this mascara and I'm just as impressed with this. It is definitely more of a lengthening mascara and I love how it hardly ever clumps. It stays all day and I really love using this too.

First Aid Beauty Skin Rescue Deep Cleanser with Red Clay

I featured this in my February favorites as well, but I wanted to feature this again because it has worked wonders with my complexion. I love how soft and clean it makes my face feel and I feel like it's definitely helped clear up my face.

It Cosmetics CC Cream

This has been my go to face product in March because it has a medium-full coverage, felt nice on the skin, has SPF and is super easy to apply. By far the best CC cream I've tried.
 
Hair and Body:

Big Sexy Hair Spray and Play Hairspray

At Ulta this month, I got this on sale for $10 and am so glad I took advantage of the sale. This hair spray is fantastic at holding my curls all day, without the awful scent of the L'Oreal Elnet.

Herbal Essences Body Envy Shampoo

I've used this shampoo as a clarifying shampoo to make my hair really clean and less heavy. It definitely does the job and makes my hair smell like oranges, which is seriously the best thing ever.

The Body Shop Mango Shower Gel

I've fallen in love with The Body Shop shower gels this month and one that I'm obsessed with is the Mango scent. This smells like fresh fruit and is perfect for spring and summer. It leaves a light scent on my skin and leaves me feeling soft and clean.

Victoria's Secret Pure Seduction Bloom

I love this body spray. It's been my go to scent this month and I can't get enough of it or the cute packaging.

 It's a 10 Miracle Leave-In with Keratin

I forgot to take a picture of this at first, but I've been crazy about the It's a 10 Miracle Leave-In with Keratin. I got this for free at Ulta and I think it makes my hair feel and look even better than the original version. It also smells way better. It's great at detangling and at making my hair soft and smooth.

Candle:

Bath and Body Works Honeysuckle Bouquet

This candle is such a great spring candle because it's the perfect floral. It's not super overpowering, but has such a great flowery scent. Plus the packaging is super cute too.

What were your favorites for the month of March?