Urban Decay Naked... Basics

Ah yeah, it's here!  A matte palette from UD baby!  We have been awaiting this moment for what seems like ever.  But after 2-3 years of begging, it's finally here. 

I ordered this immediately when I got the email that it was on the website last Thursday.  Which I do with most new UD releases. :)  I also ordered a couple other things (not surprising) but I will go into that later.

And can we get a drum roll please... 

6 shades.  5 mattes, one demi matte and one repeat.  Not too shabby!

And it fits nicely into the palm of your hand.  I didn't expect it to be so... tiny.  Smaller than an Iphone.  But I like it.

 

Nice study plastic case.  Has a soft feel to it, like NARS packaging.  It clicks shut and it is pretty tight so this won't be flying open in your bag. 

The shadows are the same size as the other 2 palettes, the Original Naked Palette and Naked2.  You get 1.3 grams per shadow.  So at $27 for 6, it's slightly (33 cents) more expensive per shadow than the other 2 Naked palettes.  Plus those palettes come with either a brush or a liner. 

That being said, $27 for 6 quality UD buttery shadows is a bargain!

And when I say buttery, I mean they practically melted onto my finger for the swatches.  In a gorgeous way of course.  These are beautifully pigmented, non-chalky goodness.  You will love them!

No primer.  Just the shadows in their glory.  Not heavily swatched either.  Just a swipe or 2 and bam!  They are good.

1st: So first up we have Venus, a milky and creamy white demi-matte which is not matte of course but a satiny-shimmer.  Love!  You need this to brighten up the inner eye and to ever so lightly apply to your brow bone as a highlight.  I swatched it next to Virgin from the original Naked Palette.  No dupe here if you were worried.  Venus is definitely more white and slightly golden.

 

Virgin on the left, Venus on the right.

 

 

2nd:  A repeat of Foxy from the Naked 2 palette.  A matte yellow beige.  Use it all the time.  Happy to have a back up.

3rd:  W.O.S. Walk of Shame, a matte slight pinky light beige.  This almost completely matches my underarm skintone.  How's that for naked!  lol

4th:  Naked 2, matte light brown, a cooler toned Naked from the original Naked Palette.  Now I am really excited for this one.  When I first started wearing the original Naked palette, I was very unfamiliar with warm colors on my eyes.  They took some getting used to.  Naked in particular was frustrating to me because I felt it was too warm.  So now to have a cooler toned brown for my crease is really exciting for me!

Top is Naked from the original Naked palette and Naked 2 is on the bottom from the Naked Basics palette.  When swatching, the difference in quality is very apparent.  Naked is dryer, Naked 2 is much more silkier.

5th:  Faint is a medium matte brown shade on the cooler side as well.  I'm really liking this palette!

6th: Crave is a deep, dark matte brown, so dark it's almost black.  Love!  This will be my go to liner.  Black is beginning to look a bit harsh on my eyes so a super dark brown is just perfect for me.

So what do you think?  Have you purchased this yet?  Perfect timing for the holidays.  A small, reasonably priced gift for yourself.  And Urban Decay is offering free shipping on $35 purchase right now through December 31st.

Stay tuned for my full UD haul.  Mystery Bag and exclusive sample!!!  If you follow me on Instagram you will know what I am talking about.  :)

November Empties (and apologies?)

Umm...  Just realized that my last post was October empties...  :(  But in my defense...  I got a new job!  Yay!  So I'm getting into the groove of working.  It's been a while since I've been a stay at home mom for 6 years but in that time I had 2 more babies, lived in 3 different states and went back to school.  :)  It's amazing how fast it went. 

So onto November empties.  Now this is a bit tragic.  I already sent my paper bag of empties to the curb for garbage day.  UGH!  I have no photo to memorialize this occasion.  Last month I said that I might have a lot of empties this month, but it was a serious amount of product.  I'm going to split it up into 2 posts it is so much.  I really just buckled down and started using all my half used up products.  I broke into my sample "drawers."  I have these sterlite drawers that were beginning to overflow with samples.  What the h-e-double hockey sticks (I've got kids y'all) am I doing saving all these samples?  For all the trips we do not go on?  What the...  And they are not even from sample subscriptions.  I cancelled all those except for Beauty Army since I can skip that one when I'm not feeling my sample selections. 

So for the dinky samples I have used up, they will be in the next post.  And I found some really nice products that work well that deserve their own separate write up which I will be doing as well.  So sit back and get comfortable, this is going to be a long one.  Again, no particular order!

  1.  Nutiva Organix Extra Virgin Coconut Oil:  This is my fave so far.  I like the smell, the plastic tub.  The other stuff I get is in a glass jar and readily available at the Commissary.  But glass jars get slippery... Nutiva I have auto-shipped from Amazon.  I have postponed the next shipment until the middle of January.  I've said it in the past but I use coconut oil for everything.  A moisturizer, full body, head to toe, makeup remover and lip balm when I am in a pinch, cuticles, crows feet, hair mask, cooking.  Eggs taste great cooked in it!  Eventually, I want to start making my own body butter, shea and coconut will be the main ingredients. 

  2.  Gilette Venus and Olay replacement cartridges.  I reviewed this Voxbox item in the past.  These razors work wonders.  If you are prone to razor burn, check these out.  I love them.  I have 1 out of the 3 left.  So not a total empty but it landed in the November empty box.  Yeah, I already have a December bag going. 

  3.  Neutrogena Healthy Skin Makeup in 40 Nude.  It's practically a full bottle but I've had it over a year (bought it last summer) and it is separating.  I can give it a good shake and it still mixes but here's the kicker...  I've been thinking that this breaks me out.  So the last time I wore it, a couple of weeks ago, I told my husband this.  He could care less really but it came up and he said, "If it does this time, throw it out."  Well it did.  So I am.  I don't get blemishes often so no thanks.  Also it probably has something to do with being over a year old.  Foundation is only good for 12 months!  But this is a good shade for me and the perfect finish.  Natural.  However with my oily skin, natural quickly turns into shiny but I still love this foundation.  I will probably repurchase...probably maybe.  This is the second time I've bought Healthy Skin.

  4.  Missha Perfect Cover BB cream.  While we are on the subject of expired products, here's another one.  Probably close to 2 years old.  It's a bit heavy for me but this was my go to for special occasions and it's perfect for under the eyes.  I currently have a few things that I am loving at the moment so I don't see myself using this and it says 12 months on the back label so it's time to let it go.  There are so many more BB creams I want to try but I know this one works well for me.

  5.  Lioele Beyond the Solution BB cream.  I love this BB cream!  Perfect color, perfect coverage, perfect staying power.  Ditto what I just said above, but I will probably purchase another one.  I just don't want to let it go but again, it's almost 2 years old.  But it doesn't settle in pores, it has just enough moisturization but not too much for my combo skin.  It doesn't break down...  Yeah, I need to order a new one!

  6.  epielle cucumber cleansing tissues.  This are great!  I love them just a smidgen less than the Noxema wipes but these are only a $1 at Big Lots.  But I just never make it over to that side of town.  Now that I say that, I think a new one just opened up so they will be readily available to me.  However, I found a new wipe which I am completely in love with.  I mean, completely.  They are by AVON and I just finished up a pack yesterday so it's in the December box.  :)  And I only need one wipe for my face and eyes.  epielle I needed 2.  The AVON wipes deserve it's own review.  I'm serious about makeup remover wipes.  But if you have a Big Lots nearby, these epielle wipes are very good.  They smell nice, cumber and green tea.  Could be a bit more wet and are just a tad thin but do the job.

  7. and 8. L'OREAL Go 360 Clean Deep Facial Cleanser and L'OREAL Deep Exfoliating Scrub.  Over the summer my skin just freaked out on me.  Not acne, but just really congested bumpy skin.  I was watching some YouTube vids and I came across "c The Makeup Artist" video "My SECRET to CLEAR skin!" and I immediately ran out to buy them both.  She recommended not using the scrublets that come with the bottles and use your finger tips to be gentle on your skin.  Some skin problems are caused by irritation.  I'm not sure what was going on with my skin at that time, probably change in season but these 2 cleansers work very well.  I will have a separate review!

  9.  boscia Peppermint Blotting Linens.  Weird, I have no idea that they were peppermint.  lol  I guess the box does smell a little of peppermint.  I really liked these papers.  Blotting papers are essential to my facial well being.  My skin has just been out of control oily since moving to NC.  However, I just recently acquired a "tool" if you will that has really just changed the game for me.  It's been less than a week.  More on that later.  But these blotting papers work extremely well, leave the skin feeling fresh and matte.  Can't ask for a better blotting paper.  I need some more.  I'm finishing up 2 other packs of 2 different brands, they don't even compare to boscia.  I will repurchase.

 10.  Porcelana Night skin lightening cream.  I grabbed this and the day cream at Rite Aid both on sale for 99 cents.  It was a steal and they work well.  I don't like the smell or consistency of them but they do fade the freckles on my shoulders.  They aren't completely gone by any means but they have faded.  I used this at night and I actually gave the day cream to my niece as I picked up another lightening cream from Beauty Army which I currently use in the morning.  I know that they will all pop back out next summer, but in the mean time, I like fading them.

 11.  TopCare Isopropyl Alcohol.  I was just reading recently that cleansing brush heads should be cleaned in peroxide. Is that true?  But every beauty bathroom should have Isopropyl alcohol in it.  Sanitize, sanitize, sanitize! 

 12.  L'OREAL Youth Code Eye Cream.  Now the first time that I used this, I noticed a significant difference in my undereye area.  This time, not so much.  I'm not sure if I was using an eye cream regularly this first time I used this so most of my problem was probably dehydration.  It's still a lovely cream, I've just had better results with other lotions and potions.   But I love the metal applicator.  It just feels cooling and so nice when you are applying it.  You still need to pat it in with your ring finger but the cool metal feels really good.  You can't really load up on this cream which I like to do at night.  It doesn't fully absorb.  Loading any product on can be wasteful but with some creams I like to apply heavily and my eyes look more well rested in the morning.  But in a pinch, I would still pick this up on sale!  I received this as a compensation gift from L'OREAL Consumer Testing which I love.  I've been meaning to do a post on it.  I will put it on the list!

 13. and 14.  Bath and Body Works Sweet Pea and Pink Sugarplum Shower Gel.  Sweet Pea was a Beauty Army Sample and Sugarplum was a baby shower gift from earlier in the year.  Shower gel is something I can take or leave.  I do find my skin more hydrated with some.  But I really just need some Dove Soap and I am good to go.  Shower creams are a different story, they work really nice.  I do like a shower gel in the summer though.  Sweet Pea was in my Beauty Army selections this month as well but I decided to skip the December box.

 15.  Dr. Teal's Foaming Bath Soothe and Sleep Lavender.  So funny story...  This never got moved with us to NC.  The military moves us every time my husband gets orders to another base.  So during the last move I had to move my stockpile.  I bought three 22 gallon plastic bins and taped up all my shampoos, lotions etc... Well Dr. Teal's didn't make it.  We went to our house to clean it up before the renters moved in and I found this with other various cleaning supplies on a shelf in the pantry.  Finally used up.  Really nice stuff.  I just love Lavender.  Lavender anything and I'm going to really like it.  I will repurchase.

 16.  Shu Uemura Cleansing Oil Shampoo.  I thought that this shampoo was going to change my life.  It didn't of course, but I still like it.  It is a but stripping, I see it now with my darker hair color.  So it's not an everyday shampoo but more like a clarifying shampoo.  Neutrogena works just as good.  But I loved this smell and the lather and the fact I got it for pennies, 20% off and Birchbox points.  Speaking of which, I have 195.  I need to buy another box so I can review the products and get 200 points so I can cash them in!  lol  I don't see myself repurchasing.  It is an expensive investment for a shampoo.  I am better off just getting 3 bottle of Kiehl's.  Now that is good stuff.  Any of their flavors.  :)  Don't get me wrong, it's a good shampoo and I have noticed my hair is lacking radiance lately.  I'm trying out a new set of shampoo and conditioner.  I probably should go back to Shu Uemura and L'OREAL EverCreme Cleansing Conditioner...  Hmmm...

 17.  Listerine Zero.  I never thought I would get through all those bottles of mouthwash.  Dang coupons!  I never thought I would get through 13 tubes of toothpaste in a year either.  I thought I would like Listerine Zero because it doesn't have alcohol in it.  But the weird thing about the Zero is that the skin on the inside of my cheeks peel off in sheets after I rinsed with this.  No joke.  It's disgusting and bizarre.  I remember my microbiology professor saying something about that too.  He didn't think a product that killed your skin cells on the inside of your mouth to be too healthy.  Now I understand what he was saying.  Back to fluoride for this lady.

 18.  Nioxin Scalp Renew Density Restoration.  I picked this up at Marshall's.  I didn't see any noticeable difference in my hair but it only was enough for 3 weeks.  It says that this product is a follow up to a scalp microdermabasion that I did not have.  But I faithfully used it every night until the last drop.  I have some thinning at the top of my forehead.  It's always been like that from when I started noticing about in my early to mid-20's.  Every once in a while it starts to bother me.  I was going through this major hair falling out stage just a couple months ago and then the awful haircut incident, let's not go there...  But maybe in the next couple of weeks I will see some changes.  I've been more conscious about taking care of my scalp in the last year or so.  It really does make a difference in your hair.  Especially if you use a lot of products in your hair.  Your scalp can really suffer from the buildup.  Let it breathe baby!

 19.  Clear Scalp & Hair Therapy.  I grabbed this in the shampoo and conditioner.  I really think that this stuff stopped my hair from falling out completely or it was probably just a coincidence because my hair was just finishing up it's cycle.  Whatever it was, I was using this and I am forever grateful that it finally stopped.  Clear has a nice, fresh apple like scent.  It even has my husband's approval.

 20.  Organix Renewing Moroccan Argan oil.  I grabbed this at Rite Aid.  It was on sale for $4.99 and a $2 +up reward.  I had $4 in +up rewards to spend.  Yea Buddy.  I didn't like this at all compared to the Organix Macadamia oil treatment.  The Macadamia oil one absorbed immediately into my hair and my hair was amazingly soft and hydrated.  This one didn't absorb that readily and just kind of coated the hair. Didn't like it actually.  It smells nice but since I already tried the Macadamia, this one doesn't even compare.  I need to pick up the Macadamia actually.  I'm almost out of my last Aussie 3-minute miracle. 

 21.  Peter Thomas Roth Mega Rich Body Lotion.  For the Marine Corps Birthday Ball we stayed at the Hilton Riverside in Wilmington, NC.  Peter Thomas Roth was in the bathroom.  The best stuff ever.  I love this lotion.  I also love the Moisture Infusion facial bar which I will talk about later.  :)  I can swing $18 on a full size repurchase.  Seems extravagant yes.  But the way it moisturizes and the spa like smell can't be beat.  Sometimes a girl needs to be pampered and I can easily grab this at Ulta.  Well who am I kidding, Ulta.com of course. 

 22.  Lubriderm Advanced Therapy Smoothing Lotion.  I really liked this sample but I feel like I filled this bottle up with another lotion when I finished it.  But the Lubriderm is very moisturizing without that greasy feeling.  I remember it having a nice smell too.  I am in need of a body lotion right now but I'm holding out to make my own.  I think I mentioned that already.  Lisa from Beauty Splurge shows a quick and easy way to do it. 

 23.  Better Homes & Gardens Soft Cashmere Amber Scented Wax Cubes.  Scentsy knock-offs.  They smell really nice for the first 24-36 hours and then it's gone.  Soft Cashmere is my go to BBW Sensual Amber and Cashmere Glow lotion scent that I always gravitate towards.  Just wish the scent lasted... 48 hours?  But what should one expect for $2?  Really?  I will keep buying it I'm sure unless someone can give me an equivalent scentsy scent.  Hmm?

 24.  Another Dove soap.  Good times and good stuff.  Try it out on your face with your Clarisonic.  Dare you!  Works really well actually.  :)

 25.  BBW Cashmere Glow.  We just talked about this!  I grabbed 2 of these when they were introducing the scent for $1.  Well one free and then I opted to buy another for $1.  Everyone asks me what I am wearing when I lotion up with this stuff.  It must mix well with my chemistry.  The scent is stronger at first but not over-powering and then it mellows out.  I will repurchase a full size in the near future.

 26. & 27.  AVON Moisture Therapy.  Thick like petroleum jelly, sticky, smells like AVON...  But I would load my feet up on this stuff and it keeps them wicked soft!  Kind of wish I had a little more right now.  My feet and hands are really dry.  lol  It's not a lotion I can smooth on my hands during the day.  This is a night only cream for me which I will immediately put socks on my feet and gloves on my hands.  Oh yeah.

 28.  Neutrogena Fresh Foaming Cleanser.  I believe this was a Target sample.  If you like a nice bubbling/foaming cleanser, then this is for you.  Does not over cleanse and strip the skin.  I do think I prefer the L'OREAL 360 go cleaners, but this one does a nice job too.

 29.  Crabtree & Evelyn La Source Body Lotion.  What Cashmere Glow is to fall/winter for me, La Source is Spring and Summer.  It's a gorgeous light herbal scent, remind me of summer on the Cape.  It also reminds me of another all time favorite scent of mine Lancôme Une.  Does anyone know what happened to that? 

 30.  GLO Whitening Antioxidant Toothpaste.  I picked this up from Sephora.com.  It was an add on to get free shipping.  I'm like this, if I need $6 more to get free shipping which would also cost $6.  I will add on another product.  Everyone does that right?  So here I am with a pomegranate flavored toothpaste that actually has red "micro-capsules" that burst staining your entire toothbrush head bright pinkish red.  Not sure what they whitening aspect of this toothpaste is but imagine my horror the first time I brushed my teeth with this.  I do like the flavor.  It took a couple brushings to get used to it.  But if you are not fond of mint, this would be a good choice.  I will do a separate review!

 31.  ZOYA remove +.  Hands down my favorite nail polish remover, besides the one I make myself.  ;)  I always have a bottle of this on hand.  This is a tiny travel bottle.  I had been refilling it but it started leaking so it's time to pitch.  But if you have not tried this remover, order it.  You will not be disappointed.

 32.  Clean & Clear mattifying moisturizer.  This doesn't mattify my oily summer skin unfortunately.  I have been keeping it around for the winter and because it has 15 spf.  But reality has set in and since it doesn't really work for my skin, why am  keeping it?  For the "what if" day?  I'm really trying to get away from this thought process.  My new philosophy that I am trying to adopt is have if I have something for a year but haven't used it in 3+ months, it's gone.  I literally just made that up on the fly.  I have been thinking about a way to get rid of things without feeling guilty for wasting them and throwing them away.  Waste not want not.  I'm sure this will make it's way into a drawer.  lol

 33.  Shea Butter grow strong strengthening treatment.  I grabbed this at Target before I dyed my hair dark.  It's not my fave.  I feel like it doesn't really penetrate my hair.  Also when I use it wet in the shower, it leaves a residue on my hair.  No bueno.  Maybe it's because my hair doesn't need any extra moisture.  I'm using a sample of Tresemme Split End Therapy at the moment and the same thing is happening.  I can't run my fingers through my hair right now.  It's really bugging me.  I've used it twice with the same results.  Not going to finish the sample.  lol  So back to the Shea Butter, yeah I won't be repurchasing this either.  :)

34.  John Frieda Precision Foam Colour Conditioner.  Great stuff.  I've reviewed this countless times.  I won't be using the Precicion Foam Colour anytime soon though.  I'm back on the L'OREAL Professional Mega Browns from Sally's.  It really gets me and my roots.  Heading there tomorrow actually.  Need to renew my Sally Club Card!  I think they are giving a free gift with renewals this month.  I have a flier that came in the mail recently, that I need to find actually.  'Tis the season for lots of mail, packages and sale flyers.  Oy vey!

 35. L'OREAL Professional Preference Mega Browns in Chocolate.  Love this rich, dark, mahogany color.

 In the sunlight it is a deep dark red.  Check it! It's just gorgeous.  Yeah I'm raking leaves.  This was Thanksgiving Day after eating.  I needed to burn some calories!

The next few are Expired products. 

36.  AVON superSHOCK max.  Great mascara but dries out fairly quickly.  This is the waterproof version and it dried out in exactly 3 months.  Bye bye.  I'm sure I will repurchase during a sale.

37.  Almay intense I-color volumizing mascara.  I liked this and I picked it up for super cheap during a CVS sale.  (Which is going on right now!  It's that time of year again!)  The wand on this mascara has shorter bristles that pack on the product.  It's getting a bit clumpy so for me it's time to pitch but I'm sure it would still work for a lot of people if they have a couple extra seconds and a lash separater.  I unfortunately do not have that kind of time and a dozen other mascaras in waiting.

38.  AVON Pro to go lipstick in lilac glam.  I love the packaging on this lipstick.  Love that there is a button that you slide up one handed and bam!  Apply your lipstick so cool like.  But I tried this again recently and wow, there is a lot of glitter grit in this formula.  Not sure how it's stuck around so long.  Pretty color but I can't deal with that glitter on my lips.  Not now in my, a-hem mid 30's.  Yikes!

39.  L'OREAL Double Extend mascara and primer.  Can someone explain to me how a lash primer works?  I've tried a few and all they seem to do is make mascara look clumpy and gross and weigh down my freshly curled lashes, leaving them limp and straight.  Do I let the primer dry first then apply mascara, or apply mascara while the primer is still wet?  I've tried both combinations and other combinations, 1st mascara, then primer, then over the both with mascara again.  I just don't get it.  I will keep trying though.

40.  Arbonne Virtual Illusion Makeup Primer.  Years ago I went to my Aunt's Arbonne party that she was hosting.  I signed up to be a rep.  Yup, a rep.  Never did anything with it, never sold any product or bought any product as a rep.  Silly, I know.  So I bought this primer and literally the next weekend, it fell out of my bag and on to the parking lot of some place that we had stopped and shattered.  I almost cried.  It cost something upwards of $90.  Fast forward 6 years, my mom still has one in her makeup collection that she bought the same day, virtually untouched.  She asks me if I want it.  I say sure.  I put it on, the next day I realize it had broken me out.  Of course it would, it's 6 years old.  Silly me.

41.  Thymes eucalyptus.  This smells like an old lady.  Not a classy old lady like my Grammies, but an old lady smell, like your old Great Aunt.  hahaha  I really needed to use this as I am out of lotion.  Did I mention that already?  lol  But I used up this Birchbox sample from months ago out of desperation.  Too overly dramatic?  I think so...

42.  Lavanila Body Butter in Vanialla Coconut.  Do you like a nice vanilla scent?  Well then you will really enjoy this.  Me?  Not so much!  I'm not sure where my unfondness of vanilla started.  I like to bake with it, but I don't like to walk into a room with any vanilla candle, scentsy, a room oil.  I will choke.  Again, overly dramatic. but the coconut in this was a redeeming quality.  Not my fave but I am a fan of coconut.

43.  Garnier Nutrisse Color Foam Conditioner.  I've said it countless times before, but women who dye their hair will pay good money for a full size bottle of most conditioners that come in those box dyes.  We love them and we will continue asking until our wish comes true!

Okay y'all there is seriously a lot more but I've saved the tiny samples for another post.  Ugh, again, so sorry I pitched everything without getting a photo.  There goes my end of the year empties collage.  hahahaha 

Until then, be well and continue using up your almost empty bottles. We only have 28 more days until New Year's! 

Woah.

October Empties!!!

Once again, another month flies by!  2 more months until the end of the year.  It's just incredible.

Again, not in any particular order.  Let's get started!

1.   John Frieda Root Awakening Shampoo:  I've been through several of these this year and the last couple of years really.  Lovely scent, cleans nicely, not overly drying but with all shampoos, my hair does better if I have a couple in rotation at time.

2.   Dead Sea Collection Cranberry Dead Sea Salt Scrub:  This is the second one that I have purchased from Big Lots for $4.  Quite the deal.  It's a great scrub, leaves a nice moisturizing layer of oil where you use it.  I really like that in a scrub.  It's a nice time saving step in the morning.  Btw, they are not tested on animals.  Yay!

3.   Dead Sea Collection Lavender Dead Sea Salt Scrub:  I bought this with the 2nd cranberry one and I like it, but not as much as the cranberry, but I will still repurchase.  Driving to Big Lots is a special trip, not that it is far away, it's just in a part of town I never drive.

4.   Aussie 3 minute miracle:  I have re-purchased this countless times.  I have a back up in the shower right now.  I'm actually on a conditioner overload right now.  Not sure how it happened but I have a lot to use up!

5.   Twilight Woods Shea Enriched Shower Gel:  This is a Beauty Army sample.  Nice scent.  It reminds me of a sweeter Cashmere Mist or Sensual Amber.  That woodsy, musky scent.  Love it.  I'm sure I will take advantage of the Buy 3, Get 3 to start off the new year!

6.  TRESemme Fresh Start Dry Shampoo:  This seemed to last a really long time.  I have an oily scalp so I need to wash my hair every day.  However, I usually wash my hair every other day but my second day hair can get gross.  Dry shampoo or even baby powder helps a lot.  I like the convenience of a dry shampoo but it tends to build up quickly in my hair.  Baby powder isn't as effective but it feels nicer in my hair.  I've already picked up another bottle of dry shampoo in a different brand.

7.   TRESemme Split Remedy Shampoo and Conditioner:  I believe that these were from a Target Sample Bag.  Did you get the latest and greatest and reportedly the very last Target Sample bag?   It didn't have the volume as the previous.  I was thinking that they would go out with a bang.  lol  But of course, I appreciate the opportunity to try new things.  :)  But back to the shampoo and conditioner:  LOVE!  This is a great shampoo.  I've always heard that TRESemme is great. I know I have tried the brand in the past but I don't remember being blown away.  I will definitely grab these in a full size the next time I need shampoo.

8.   Palmer's Coconut Oil Deep Conditioning Protein Pack:  I grabbed this at Target when I dyed my hair dark.  I split it up into 2 applications.  I love the smell of coconut.  I wish the smell lasted in my dry hair though.  It doesn't have the slick silicone feel but it works well for that initial conditioning after dying your hair.

9.   L'OREAL EverCreme Sulfate Free Intense Nourishing Conditioner:  I have been purchasing and repurchasing the cleansing conditioner in the line for a year or so now and I really like it.  I decided to try just the conditioner and I love it just as much.  I will be repurchasing both of them.

10.  John Frieda Precision Foam Color 4BG Dark Chocolate Brown:  If you have been reading my monthly empties, you have definitely read my reviews on this hair dye.  It's fantastic.  Why I stray every once in a while is beyond me.  When I decided to dye my hair dark, I actually grabbed 2 of these.  I ended up putting them back.  I then grabbed 2 of the Garnier Dark Iced Mahogany.  I put those back.  lol  I'm glad that I used the L'OREAL professional from Sally's to do the initial coloring and though it was way too dark, it did the job flawlessly.  But 4BG Dark Chocolate Brown will be the only dye that touches my hair until another drastic change!  And now with my layers, all I need it one box!  :)

11.   Pledge Multi Surface Cleaner Lavender Fresh:  Not sure how this ended up in my empties box but I will review it anyway.  I love the scent of this.  I use it for the entire master bedroom once a week.  Furniture, dresser mirror, wardrobe mirror and the master bath mirror and after I scrub down the sinks and facet, I go over them with this.  I'm still out at the moment and need to repurchase but it is such a time saver to use just one product on everything.  Switching cleaners, switching rags...  It just gets time consuming on a very time consuming process.  I have 3 kids and would much rather hang out with them then clean all day!

12.  Pedix Heel Rescue Balm:  I feel like I keep finding more of these!  lol  I don't suffer from cracked heels or anything but I this does make my feet feel soft and moisturized.  I tend to need more lotion on my feet in the summer because of the all the beach, flip flop and sandal wearing.  But I still need a good moisturizer for my feet in the colder months.  I don't think this is something I will purchase, but I did like the sample!

13.  John Freida Full Repair Root Lift Foam:  This is actually quite full but I just don't like the way it feels in my hair.  I've been back and forth about it for a while now and just need to toss it.  It's quite sticky.  More sticky and more watery than a mousse.  It just doesn't work with my long hair and now that it has these horrible layers in it, this product leaves my hair sticky and it's hard to blow out my hair.  However, if you have the patience to blow out your hair completely dry, this might work for you.  I have had some fantastic hair days with it, it just takes patience and you need to completely dry your hair.  Which is never the case with me.  I never have a spare hour.  lol  Now I am almost convincing myself to keep it and try using it again.  We'll see.  Waste not, want not!

14.  Vaseline Total Moisture Clean Feeling Lotion:  I really liked this lotion.  The scent is soft and pretty and it absorbs quickly and thoroughly.  Since I am a RN and work with patients, overly scented products are a no, no but I still need to put lotion on after a shower. I don't know why I picked this up other than seeing a coupon at the commissary and grabbing it after I liked the scent.  It's a no frills, reasonably priced lotion.  Vaseline has been putting out lotion for decades.  I remember growing up that this lotion was in the bathroom before my mom and sister's obsession with Curel started. lol  I was always a Jergen's fan but they don't make the lotion that I like anymore.  It was Ultra Healing with a reddish, pink label, not the cherry scent though.  I stopped buying it when I couldn't find it anymore.  Does anyone know what lotion I am talking about?  lol  I should look again.  :)  

15.  AVON uplifiting mascara:  I've had this for a while.  It doesn't keep my curl which is annoying and which is also annoying about 10 out of 10 mascaras that I use.  It doesn't flake but it does migrate under my eyes which happens 9 out of 10 mascaras that I use.  Urban Decay curling mascara, though it doesn't curl, is probably nearly perfect for me.  Which I need more of.  And the next one I'm about to talk about scores the highest.

16.  Clinique Lash Doubling Mascara:  This is the absolute perfect mascara for me and my needs.  I have longer, well maybe medium length but super straight eye lashes.  They need to be curled with a warm eye lash curler which I heat up with a hair dryer.  I've never tried a heated eyelash curler before as my method works perfectly fine and is effective.  For my lashes to keep their curl, I need a dryer formula in my mascara.  Clinique Lash Doubling Mascara, is a bit wet, well the sample was for the first few uses, I've never tried a full size, but when it dries slightly, it's perfect.  It doesn't smudge or budge, I don't have black eyes at the end of the day and it holds my curl.  I like the Urban Decay mascara just as much when it too dries out.  The first few applications are too wet for me.  I feel like I would repurchase the UD first as I am obsessed with the brand but if I find a good deal on the Clinique, I may grab that one.  I've been wanting to try that black honey lipstick.  Right now I am using up a Maybelline Falsies one, which is also nice.  It's over 3 months old and I know I need to toss it but it's still going strong.

17.  C.O. Bigelow Shampoo lavender peppermint formula:  This was in the first US Glossybox which I was so lucky to receive.  I probably won't purchase this, but if I do every see it, I might grab it.  As far as scent, it's perfect for me.  Mint is great for my system in the morning, it really wakes me up and lavender is my absolute favorite.  I could douse myself in lavender.  I love it that much!

18.    AVON Moisture Therapy Treatment:  I've been using this on my hands and feet and now I am out and my hands are so dry that they hurt.  They are not flaky or cracking or anything, just tight and dry.  I have several, dozens really of sample lotion packets.  I will go through those first of course.  But this is a good lotion.  I like to use it on my hands and feet.  It's a bit thick for my body.  However, if you have severely parched skin or eczema, it stings/burns.  I tried it on my daughter once.  Not good.

19.  Dove Soap Bars:  I don't typically keep the boxes but it seems my empties box has become the bathroom recycling bin this month so I thought I would mention these.  Dove soap is just one of those iconic products that I grew up using and still use it.  So I've probably used Dove soap for, let's just say 35 years now.  I have used other soaps (Yardley) but it's just one that I always go back to.  I can use it on my face and it actually cleanses and moisturizes quite well, it's non-irritating and really keeps my skin clear.  I do use other cleansers on my face because I like to switch things up and try new things, but I know Dove works very well and if something does break me out, I will always immediately go back to Dove Soap.  Always.

20.  True Blue Spa Paraffin Super Softening hand lotion:  This I believe is from Bath and Body Works which I picked up one month last year when B&BW was doing the month club where you would go into the store once a month and come out with a free bag of goodies.  This lotion is incredible.  I switched out a purse that I guess I haven't used in a very long time and re-discovered this.  I will definitely repurchase.  Wish they would do that monthly club again.  I would buy so much B&BW.  I was just in there this week to grab some candles which I'm becoming a huge fan of.  I also appreciate that their sales associates have really backed off.  I hated going in there and having to tell the same sales associate 5 times to basically leave me alone, that I didn't need any help.  lol  Well this was only the second time I've been in the store this year, same location, so maybe it's just this location.

So there you have it!  I love an even number empties month!

I already have a pile starting to collect for November.  Looks like it will be a big month for empties.  I'm also going to take this month to really go through some samples.  I am overloaded.  I'm not sure how it happened.  I feel like all of a sudden I was going through my stash and then Boom!  All my Sterlite drawers are overflowing.  It's madness.

So this month, I'm going to use up as much as I can.  Trying a couple samples a day.  I've already found a HG product which I cannot wait to purchase.  I'm holding off on all new purchases until after the New Year of course, which was the purpose of this challenge, my New Year's Resolution.  My bathroom cabinet is practically empty, save for some random hair products and shampoo.

But more on that in December!  You will just have to wait.  :)

Fall 2012 Beauty Blogger Swap!!!

This is the second time I've participated in the Beauty Blogger Swap organized by Shannyn of Frugal Beautiful!  I was paired up with Tammy the owner and blogger of Makeup Wishes and Lipgloss Dreams!

She was so sweet to send me so many items including cute little Clinique makeup bags!!!  Thanks Tammy!

How did she know that I'm totally digging Clear Scalp and Hair Therapy shampoo and conditioner?  I am seconds away from reviewing the shampoo. My daughter and I have almost used the entire bottle.  I actually haven't tried the conditioner yet so I will try it a few times and review them together.  I noticed an immediate change in my daughter's hair and then I started using it more regularly.  More on that soon!

I also received a Crabtree and Evelyn hand lotion sample which I used immediately opening the package and never got a picture of it.  Oops!  Love me some Crabtree and Evelyn.  My hands have been particularly dry and tight as of late and the sample immediately helped remedy that!

Fekkai is such a great brand for hair.  And so expensive too!  I'm always looking for a good color protectant for my locks.  I'm getting ready to dye my hair again.  Ugh. Light brown/gray roots really stand out with dark brown hair.  lol

I am so excited to try the fresh Umbrian Clay Mattifying Serum.  You all know by now my issues with combating oil down here in the humidity.  Also The Body Shop Tea Tree line has been at the top of my list to try and now I have the facial wash to start off with.

I've already tried the Sephora Instant Moisturizer sample one night and I liked the way it made my skin feel.  Moisturized, but not greasy, soft and smooth.  I haven't tried it during the day under makeup yet.  Oh and the  "feel like honey moon skin base" looks really interesting!  I really have not had the best of luck with primers.  I sort of gave up on them but I am slowly revisiting the idea as my Rachel K cc cream renewed my interest.  They are necessary and keep your makeup intact for longer, you just need to find the right one!  Which I have (Rachel K cc cream) but it's always a good idea to have a backup.  :)

I actually already have an Atopalm Intensive Moisturizing Cream that I have been saving for those dry skin days of winter.  They do come in handy for me every once in a while.  Either too aggressive with the scrubs/treatments or a rendezvous up in wintery Massachusetts will do it!

My daughter has already claimed the tokidoki nail art stickers as soon as I opened the package.  We love our weekly mother daughter mani/pedis!

Oh how I love purple nail polish (second to green!)  Essie Sexy Divide is an interesting duochrome in the bottle.  Can't wait to see how it translate on the nail.

Well I really got an amazing selection of items!  Thanks again Tammy!

Did you participate in the Beauty Blogger Swap?  Leave your links in the comments below!

Influenster!

So you want to know about Influenster, hmm?

Well you have come to the right place!

I briefly introduced you to Influenster when I showed off my Love VoxBox that they sent me a few months back.  Link

So what is Influenster and what exactly is a VoxBox?

Influenster is an exclusive on-line community where members share their opinion on different products, complete surveys and earn badges to qualify for free products to try out.  The free products are sent in a themed VoxBox.

For Valentine's Day, qualifying members received a Love VoxBox.  There have been many more including a Holiday VoxBox, Mom VoxBox, and most recently the Naturals VoxBox, and the Bride-to-be VoxBox.

And these aren't dinky samples friends, the products they send are full size!

The more active you are on the site in terms of reviewing products, earning badges, sharing products on social media, blogging and making videos, the more VoxBoxes you will qualify for and the higher your Influenster score becomes.

The Influenster score is a value between 0-100 and it is based upon how active you are on the Influenster site as well as other social media sites including Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, etc.

You can also complete brand challenges to earn more free products from that particular brand.  These challenges also include surveys, blogging about the brand and/or making videos.

It's a lot of fun voicing your opinion on products and best of all you are sent free VoxBoxes for your participation!  What not to love?

Currently I am under review for the Blogger VoxBox which I am very excited about!

So what are you waiting for?  Go to Influenster.com and request an invite today!

September Empties!

Oh yeah, we continue to fly through 2012!  I'm not really excited about this but I do love me some Fall weather!  It feels quite rainy and tropical here in NC at the moment...

Hmm...  Where shall I start?  Maybe with my favorites this month!

  1.  LUSH Twilight Bath Bomb:  Oh em gee...  Yeah this bomb is the bomb.  I really sound lame here but I absolutely need to repurchase this but my practical side is really deterring me.  $5.95 for one use.  I tried to break it up (practical or cheap?) but it really ruins the experience.  Use it full on and just make sure you have some uninterrupted bath time.  Like put the kids (animals) and hubby (boyfriend) to bed and make sure they are asleep.  Plus I had no idea that it had glitter in it when I used just a piece of it!  I do wish the glitter was a shimmer that stayed on the body after soaking, but then again I am a bit old to be walking around all sparkly.  But it smells wonderful, like a sweet lavender, maybe some vanilla.  It leaves the skin smelling nice and feeling soft and smooth.  It really is relaxing.  I probably need to get the shower gel as well, but again the practical side of me...  Screw that side, I need some sanity in my life and this might be the one thing to restore it!  :)

  2.  Scent Sationals Wickless Fragrance Cubes Zen:  I picked these up at Walmart for $2.  I use them in the master bathroom so the smell permeates into the bedroom.  Kind of smells a bit like Old Spice...maybe... but definitely masculine borderline metro so I figured the smell would work for both myself and my husband. It is very soothing.  However with the $2 price tag, the scent lasts maybe 3 days tops and you have to add another cube or 2.  Going through 6 cubes in a week is not very cost effective.  I don't have a lot of experience with Scentsy except for "Leather coach" (gag me) and "Nursery" (choking on baby powder) but I know they last a lot longer and are re-usable.  But this brand is readily available and I can pick it up anytime.

  3. & 4.  Sebastian Color Ignite shampoo and conditioner:  I love this duo.  I like the way they both make my hair feel and I love that the conditioner comes out like a foamy mousse.  It adds moisture and shine without weighing the hair down.  Lovely stuff.  Need to purchase full sizes but definitely of the conditioner.

  5.  Benefit Erase Paste Medium:  :(  This really saddens me.  The other night my son came down the stairs with makeup smeared all over his face, arms, legs, everywhere.  Uh oh.  Recently I have been keeping the room where my vanity (old small kitchen table, lol) is locked but for some reason it wasn't.  Big mistake.  He took a makeup brush and went to town.  This is a tiny jar but he was able to cover his body and a 2'x2' area on the rug.    Such a mess.  But I need to repurchase.  I use this every day.  It is amazing.  For a while I thought I needed the lighter shade but medium works perfectly to neutralize that light purple I sometimes get just underneath the inner portion of my eye.   I have been curious about the Giorgio Armani Master Corrector but price-wise, it's way out of my league especially as my circles right now are quite minor.  Benefit works very nicely for my needs.

  6.  Alessandro Pedix Feet Heel Rescue Balm:  I wouldn't consider this a "balm" but it's a nice, thicker lotion, perfect for slathering on the hands and feet before bed.  I don't suffer from dry, cracked heels but I do get tough dry skin on the side of my big toe (annoying) and the tips of my 2nd and 3rd toes.  I mean complaining about something so minor seems so wrong but I do have to work a bit to keep my feet soft.  I didn't feel that this was a miracle cure, but it was a nice lotion to use.  This was my second one from my double August Glossybox.

  7.  B&BW Sensual Amber:  I feel like this was already an empty?  But it was in this month's box so I will review it again?  This is my all-time favorite scent from B&BW.  I went into BB&W recently, well about 3 weeks ago from not stepping foot in there for close a year and I noticed some changes.  One they don't have Sensual Amber in a small travel size anymore because I wanted to pick another up.  Secondly, the sales team doesn't annoyingly stalk you.  I actually had to ask for help not once but twice.  It was surreal.  But I picked up a couple travel sizes of Cashmere Glow, I got one for free and another one for a $1 because they were promoting it.  Cashmere Glow is very nice too but I will need another Sensual Amber.

  8.  Crest Pro-Health Clean Cinnamon:  I threw this in here because this is the very last tube that was underneath the sink.  13 tubes of toothpaste in 9 months.  My mom actually gave this to me because she didn't realize she picked up cinnamon.  I didn't mind it but I would rather brush my teeth with mint. It just feels...right.  :)

  9.  Julep Glycolic Hand Scrub:  This should have went right underneath the LUSH Twilight Bath Bomb.  I love this stuff!  This is a small tube but used sparingly, it lasts a few months.  I think I got this last December or in January's Julep Maven box.  This scrub is like none other.  It works, plan and simple.  I don't really want to spend $32 on a full size but a girl's got to do what a girl's got to do.  And she must take care of her hands like she would her face and décolletage. :)

10.  LUSH Whoosh:  And whoosh is what it did down the drain when my son got a hold of it.  Let me explain...  It's a jello like body wash.  I couldn't really figure out the best way to use it.  I tried taking out the entire blob out but it expanded slightly and it was difficult to hold.  Then I tried to break it up into a piece but even a small piece was difficult to use.  And before I got a real chance to use it my son dumped it into the tub and down it went.  It had a nice citrus-y scent.  I don't feel the need to repurchase.  And there are parabens in it.  I didn't realize that until just now.  :(

11.  Dessert Essence 100% Pure Jojoba Oil:  This was the first bottle of jojoba oil I ever purchased last summer so I don't have anything to compare it to just yet.  Well yes I do because I just bought a replacement in a different organic brand.  I think the organic brand is a bit lighter.  But I bought this to use in my Castor Oil mixture to wash my face.  I really enjoy the oil cleansing method, when I have an extra few minutes at night.  However the water from the tap doesn't get a hot as I would like it so it takes longer to steam my face.

12.  ANEW Clinical Advanced Retexturing Peel:  I really liked these pads until I tried the ANEW Rejuvenate Glycolic Facial Treatment.  Serious results with the latter.  The retexturing peel pads felt like they were working (slight sting/burn) but there wasn't any real noticeable differences now that I think back. They just were a part of my routine.  However with the Glycolic Facial Treatment, you see results the next morning.  I need to do a review.  I think it's already discontinued or just repackaged and renamed.  Hate it when AVON does that.  I'm actually using 2 other products from AVON that I really like too.  I stopped using them for a week and my face went haywire.  However it does this when the weather changes and when I eat like crap.  2 things that have happened simultaneously this past week.  We had my son's 2 year birthday party on Saturday, can you say sugar overload?  Yeah, my skin is mad at me too.  The weather cooled down significantly and there was no humidity and now the past couple of days it has warmed up, rainy and tropically humid.  Why?!

I guess the next few items are not items that I have used up but ones that need to be discarded due to respecting expiration dates.  It's that time of year folks!  I really clean out in the Fall.  I've been feeling the urge to purge.  Selling things on Craigslist, a local yard sale site, eBay and my blog!  Oh yeah.  Feels good to  have less.  It really does.  I mean I still have a ton of "product" as my mom calls it.  But I'm a beauty blogger...  I have an excuse.  :)

13.  AVON Smooth Minerals Radiance:  I've had this, untouched for probably 4 years?  I thought I liked it but I tried it recently and I can't even see if on my skin.  Time to pitch.

13.  Physicians Formula Organic Wear black tube:  This got horrible reviews and it is just that horrible.  I was able to get it for free at CVS a very long time ago.  Finally opened it up and it is just crap, dry crap.  Total waste of plastic.  I love the green tube so much.  Weird they are so different and why did they even come out with this one at all.  Very strange coming from PF.

14.  Physicians Formula Shimmer Strips Custom Eye Enhancing Mascara Duo for Blue Eyes:  I never really used the blue side but the black side really made my eyes pop.  Nice mascara.  It has the same wand as the green tube organic mascara which I love.  I just had it for too long and it was time to pitch.  Ladies, we are only supposed to keep out mascaras for 3 months.  I had this over a year.  lol

15.  Bobbi Brown Extreme Party Mascara:  I didn't like the wand on this.  It's the bigger fluffy one that deposits too much product.  I was hoping it would dry out a little and work better.  It's a nice mascara, but my lashes are very straight so I need a dryer formula with very good hold.  This just didn't do it for me.  It was a sample I think from Sephora.

16.  AVON Naturals grapefruit & mint shimmering body lotion:  I have had this forever and I just couldn't wait to use it up.  There is nothing wrong with it.  Smells nice, leaves a subtle shimmer on the body, not extremely moisturizing, didn't make my daughter's skin react... It has a nice light summer scent.  I mean it's been under the sink for years, I may have had it since VA so that is going back 5 years unopened.  Probably way past it's prime but waste not want not!  I'm using everything up baby!

17.  Garnier Nutrisse Nourishing Color Foam 41 M Ice Mahogany Dark Brown:  I bought this for a cheap root touch up, and sigh...  that's what I got.  I had John Frieda Precision Foam Color in Dark Chocolate Brown and this in my hands.  One was $12 the other $7.50 at Walmart.  I should have just gone to Sally's and grabbed another bottle of the L'OREAL Professionals Mega Browns ($8) but of course I am a glutton for punishment.  Garnier did not over my grays at all.  I will have to re-color my roots in a couple of weeks.  Total waste of $7.50.  The color is fine.  A bit darker than the picture as all dark browns are but just didn't do anything for my gray unfortunately.  But no regrets.  I've picked this color up a dozen times to try.  As well as the John Frieda and Chocolate Brown.  I will probably try that next.  lol

18.  Rite Aid Make-up Remover Towelettes:  Finally done with these hand wipes.  I won't use them on my face.  Way too rough and they don't really remove my makeup unless you scrub.  Not good for the lashes!

So there you have it!  September empties.  I just ran out and put them at the curb.  Today is garbage day!

This....or That Makeup Tag!!

I was reading Glitz Glam Budget tonight and she tagged her readers to do this tag called This…or That Makeup Tag! 

I love tags... so of course I tagged myself!  

Blush or Bronzer?  Definitely bronzer.  I do not really contour because I believe my face is un-contourable, meaning, I can't chisel out cheekbones.  I've tried.  They are just so high, it looks ridiculous.  Trust me.  I do go through the process and if I'm in a hurry I like a light/medium bronzer like NYC Sunny to give my cheeks/face some color.  I do bring the bronzer up around my forehead as it pretty large (large brain that is!) but Idon't think it significantly changes my appearance.  I just like the application process!  :)  I remember really liking Bare Minerals warmth and want to get that again for this winter.

Lipgloss or Lipstick?  I don't have a sharply defined lip line so I have trouble applying lipsticks as they runall over the place if I am not careful. It takes me forever to get my lip line straightened out. I haven't found a 

"natural" looking lip liner so for everyday use, it's lipgloss all the way! Oh I love the YSL Glossy Stains.  They stay put and look wonderful.  I wore #7 Corail Aquatique pretty much all summer long.  I would like to add 

#5 Rouge Vintage and #9 Rouge Laque to my collection!

Chapstick or Lip Butter? Before the advent of Revlon Lip Butters I would have said chapstick but I really love those Revlon Lip Butters.  They are easy to wear and most of them are very moisturizing. I have a few of them and want some more!

Matte or Sparkle Eye Shadow? Because my choices are matte or sparkle, I will have to go with matte.  Sparkle to me implies glitter and I'm not into glitter fall out all over my face anymore.  lol  I loved glitter back in the day though!I tend to use shimmery or satin shadows exclusively.  I rarely use a true matte except to deepen my crease.  Oh and a highlight.  WnW Brulee is a staple!

Gel, Liquid, Cream, or Pencil Eyeliner? Gel.  I'm horrible at liquid liner application.  I'm great on the first swipe and then it all goes downhill from there.  Pencils are dry and pull and I hate sharpening.  As soon as I 

need to sharpen a pencil, it's done in my book.  I will try, but it never ends well.

Foundation or Concealer? I think concealer because I could sheer out it out with some moisturizer to use on my entire face and full strength for under my eyes and around my nose and to conceal the redness of my cheeks.  I'm going to actually try this with my Hard Candy Glamoflauge and see if it works out for me.  lol  

Liquid or Powder Foundation?  I used Bare Minerals for about 4 years and not really sure why I stopped. I think I just wanted a change.  It's been about 4 years now since I stopped.  I've had this love/hate  relationship with every liquid I've tried since.  I feel myself wanting to go back to powder.  It's a draw.

Neutral or Statement Eyes?  I just started with the neutral eye in the last couple of years.  Either it's my aging eyes or maturity or because no one in my immediate circle at the moment ever wears makeup, we are all young mothers with no time, but I feel silly getting all decked out.  Plus my nights of going out are over for the moment.  However, special occasions like holidays and the Marine Corps Ball, I'm game for a statement.   So for 362 days a year, it's neutral eyes. 

Pressed or Loose Shadows? Pressed shadows are very new to me, like in the last 2-3 years new to me.  But I have certainly made up for lost time.  Hello Urban Decay and Wet n Wild!  I did have a couple Cover Girl quads back in the day, like in high school but mineral loose eyeshadow was all I would ever use.  But then with 3 kids, getting "ready" really took a back seat and pressed shadow palettes are so much easier to use when you have 2 minutes to get ready.  And they are more portable.  Plus little kids like to dump mineral 

shadows...all over the place.  It's quite amusing to them.  :)

Waterproof or Non Water proof? It doesn't really matter to me.  I tend to think I like waterproof because my eyes are sensitive and tear frequently and I have hooded oily lids so everything kind of melts throughout day but I usually forget to use my waterproof items or forget to purchase them in waterproof.  In fact I just remembered that I haven't seen my waterproof AVON superSHOCK mascara in a long time.  I got it at the beginning of the summer.  lol  I have also found waterproof eyeliners to be a little irritating and make my eyes water even more.  With all the wiping, they eventually break down and run anyway.

Brushes, Sponges or Fingers?  I use them all!  I used to love the basic wedge sponge though.  I stopped using them when we were all told not to because it wasted product.  lol  I used them wet, well puffy and damp

which is the same concept of the beauty blender.  I have 2 beauty blenders, generic Target and the real deal. I don't often reach for them though.  It's another step in an increasingly stepped process.  lol

Powder, Cream, or Liquid Highlighter? A highlighter is the last thing this greasy face gal needs in the summer but oh how I love the application process so I do it anyway!  I have them all and use them all infrequently in the 

spring and summer.  I think a cream works best on me.  And now that fall is in full spring, I can load up as my skin is normalizing out!

So there you have it!  If you are reading this...consider yourself tagged!!!

Big Money

I love the name of this polish.  I was in Walmart the other day and on my way out... Well that's not completely accurate, before heading to check out, I always swing by the cosmetics section, yeah it's totally out of the way...  So as I swung by, I saw this polish literally all by itself in a display on the end cap.  The absolute last one?  Absolutely.  I had to rescue this lonely beauty!

I feel like I have or had something similar but I can't put my finger on it.  I really need to get my nail wheels done, meaning I need to get to Sally's and buy a few sets of nail wheels and paint them, or I was going to do nail sticks.  Hmm...

Back to Sally Hansen's Big Money!

It's has tiny gold glitter and larger pink glitter pieces.  Oh so shiny!  I started out with one coat of Zoya Pandora followed by one coat of Big Money.  This glitter is so opaque that you would only need 2 coats to cover the nail completely.  I also have 2 coats of Seche on top.

So yesterday was my little one's 2nd birthday.  I actually got reminder call from my sister yesterday morning.  lol  It completely slipped my mine or was I subconsciously denying it's existence?  Yes, that's it exactly.  This mama is so sad to see them all grow up so fast!

We are actually celebrating his birthday in a couple of weeks while my husband is away for work.  Whenever he is away it is like Ground Hog day, all the days mesh into one so it didn't even occur to me that yesterday wasn't just any other day!

Quickly I made some pancakes with sprinkles and chocolate chips and we sang happy birthday followed by a very exciting trip to where else?  Chuck e Cheese!  I actually detest that place, but hey, the kids love it!  They really need to get some better prizes though.  Look at all those tickets!

I worked my a#$ off at the balloon popping game (hahahaha!) to get a couple hundred tickets only to come home with a twizzler, a pseudo makeup kit and some weird piece of paper that cost 20 tickets.  Great picks.  Go us!