Product RoundUp | Facial Sprays

So as you can probably see from my posts, I kind of have an obsession with facial sprays.  They have so many uses!  I use them them for toners, for extra hydration, for making makeup last, or as just a pick-me-up during the day when my makeup or skin is feeling a bit... well, blah.  Here are my favorites (actually all of the ones I own, haha) and I'll share with you how I use them. :-)

1. Urban Decay Chill Makeup Setting Spray : This is part of the makeup setting spray line by Urban Decay. This one is called "Chill" for the reason that it works along with the temperature to control how your makeup rests on your face.  Strange? Yeah I thought so too.  I'm not so sure it keeps your makeup feeling "chilled" all day, but it is great for cooling and hydrating right when you apply it.  I have skin more on the dryer side, which is why I went for this one over the one designed for oily skin.  I think it's great for keeping your makeup put,  and I will definitely re-purchase. 

2. Caudalie Beauty Elixer : If you love reading other beauty blogs like I do, I'm sure you've heard of this little gem.  I'm not exactly sure what this stuff does, but I just like it.  It is a part-toner, part-serum mist packed with essential oils, and my skin loves it.  I re-purchased it because when I ran out, my skin missed it.  It smells amazing.  I think it's like a little magic potion.  My best friend, Lane, works at Sephora and she was telling me all about it one day.  If you know Lane, ask her what the story is on it. :-)

3. Mario Badescu Facial Spray with Aloe, Herbs, and Rosewater : This is probably the most all-purpose of the sprays I own.  You can use it to hydrate your face/skin, you can use it to set your makeup, or your can use it on your dry hair throughout the day.  Out of all those uses, I find it best for adding a bit of hydration into my skincare routine.  It's very refreshing, and it's great for soothing sunburn!  The mister isn't the best, it comes out a little strong, but for the price, I can get over that. 

4. MAC Fix + : I had high, high hopes for this spray.  But, I think it may be breaking me out.  It smells amazing, and feels amazing, but I started developing these little tiny bumps on my forehead and this was the only thing I changed in my routine.  I've stopped using it and they are going away.  Sad day.  But, I love the way it makes my skin feel... so hydrated!  The good news is, it's very good for using on your brushes when you want your eyeshadows more vibrant.  You can dip your brush into the shadow and then spray the Fix + onto the brush, and when you apply it, you have gorgeous color!  

5. Urban Decay All Nighter Makeup Setting Spray : You've read about this one before!  Great for making your makeup last.  Spray it before you apply your foundation, spray it after you apply... viola! 

6. Dermalogica Antioxidant Hydramist : This is the most "age-friendly" out of all the sprays.  Dermalogica is just an awesome skin-care brand all around.  Everything I try by them, I end up loving!  This spray is no exception.  Great for adding hydration and relieving your skin of that "tight-feeling."  I keep this small bottle in my purse.  It's amazing for an afternoon pick-me-up. :-) Plus, it protects against free radicals.  This is my top pick out of all the sprays I own!  

Have you tried any you love? Please share your favorites!!

xoxo, Molly 

Andi Dorfman Make Up Look!

How many Bachelorette fans are reading this?? :-) After seeing how gorgeous Andi Dorfman looked on the Bachelorette After the Final Rose last night, I couldn't help but try to re-create her make up look!  I included some pictures, but I apologize, I couldn't find many of her smiling because I took them from the clips of her talking with Nick... haha!

Andi always glows.  First off, she's naturally PERFECTION, so she doesn't need to doll herself up too much or she will look way over done.  Secondly, when you see her, her make up is rarely heavy.  She always has bronzed, even skin tone, long lashes, and that so-buzzed-about "Kylie Jenner" lip.  Her look last night was so appealing I decided to try it for myself this morning.  I will share with you step-by-step what I used and how I used each product.  

1. Base:  For this I used my Lo'real True Match Foundation.  Andi glows, but never has unwanted shine.  She opts for a matte finish with bronze cheeks.  I chose Lo'real True Match Foundation in W6 for my base because it is the darkest foundation I own, and it has a natural yet glowy finish!

2. Eye shadow primer and eye shadow:  I first applied an eyeshadow base.  I used MAC's Painterly Paint Pot because it provides a smooth canvas for blending your eyeshadows.  Since Andi always opts for a neutral eye, I used my Urban Decay Naked Basics palette.  I put Foxy and WOS all over the eye lids using a MAC 217 brush.  Using the same brush I applied Naked 2 to the outer crease to add definition.  I dipped that same brush into Faint to build the color up a bit more and blended out the crease.  These shadows are so creamy and easy to blend.  Take your time here though! Blending is the most important part!  I added some Venus to my inner corner just to make my eyes appear bigger since Andi's always pop!  I finished off the eye with a bit of blackish-brownish eyeliner across the tops of my lids.

3. Concealer: A tip I learned is to apply your concealer after your eye make up.  This cleans up any fall out you may have had from your eyeshadow, and you can also make the outer line where your eyeshadows end more clean cut by running your concealer next to your shadows.  I used my favorite concealer of the moment, the Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Concealer.  Run your blending brush over that line a few times to avoid too harsh of a line. I set my concealer using MAC's Pro Powder in Emphasize. This helps to brighten the face a bit, and Andi always has a bright looking complexion.

4. Powder/Bronzer/Blush:  After my foundation has had a moment to sink into my skin, I set it using my Hourglass Powder in Diffused Light (my obsession as you guys know...).  Andi's cheeks look natural with a bit of a contour.  For this, I used my Chanel Bronze Universal with an angled contour brush and on the tops of my cheek bones I applied MAC's Blush in Gingerly.  A warm blush with the perfect amount of color.  I skipped the highlighter because Andi's glow looks as if it's coming from within, and the cream bronzer gives that effect.  I skipped the glittery shimmery highlighter for this look.

5. Mascara: Long, feathery lashes are the focus here.  I chose my Maybelline Falsies mascara in Blackest Black for a classic look.

6. Eyebrows: Andi's eyebrows are full and have a natural shape.  No arches here so I kept it simple.  I filled them in using a dark brown powder with an angled eyeliner brush.

7. Lips: Ah, her signature nude lip.  I used Urban Decay Naked 2 lipliner, Urban Decay Naked 2 Revolution lipstick, and a Buxom nude gloss over top.  I blended all of those out with my finger to make the lips appear softer but still glossy.

If you're interested in re-creating Andi's look, I hope you find these tips helpful!  

Are you happy Andi chose Josh??? :-) 

xoxo, Molly

Summer Proof Makeup.

Summer proof makeup (choirs sing).  We ALL struggle with having our makeup last all day.  I'll be the first to raise my hand.  With my job, I'm driving in the car for 8 hours in middle Georgia heat and humidity.  My car's A/C is not enough to keep my makeup nice and fresh.  And in the middle of summer no one wants to cake on more makeup.  Less is more in the summer! How cute are those freckles shining through? (But always wear your SPF, not too many freckles... :-)) So, over time I've come up with some tips and tricks that have helped save the humid, hot, makeup melting struggle. 

1. Exfoliate.  

I do this step about 3 times a week.  I usually use a small grit scrub at the beginning of my week, and then an exfoliating toner throughout my week.  This helps keep that dead skin away so that your makeup adheres better.  It also helps your skin to have a smooth canvas--you'll notice a difference in how smooth your makeup goes on.  My top picks: Facial Radiance Polish by First Aid Beauty and Clarins Gentle Exfoliating Toner.

2. Moisturize or Prime.

This is your most important step.  For me, a moisturizer in the summer is hard to find.  I have normal to dry skin so I need something lightweight but hydrating at the same time.  I love Ole Henriksen's Sheer Transformation Moisturizer because it is lightweight and makes my skin feel so smooth.  It has AHA's in it also, which provide gentle exfoliation over time.  It's also oil-free--another plus for summer time!

For something even lighter, I go for one of my SPF's and use them as a moisturizer.  My two favorites are Clarins UV Plus Multi Protection or Pur-Lisse Pur Protect SPF 30 Daily Moisturizer.

Oily skin girls-Stick to a primer with SPF-Smashbox makes amazing ones with all different purposes.

3. Wait or BB it up.

After prepping your face with a moisturizer, I suggest waiting about 10 minutes before applying your makeup. I always find when I apply it right on top it usually just blends in with the moisturizer and slides around a bit more.  When the moisturizer has a chance to absorb it adheres better!  I use this 10 minutes to do my hair or put my work clothes on for the day, etc.  Don't have an extra 10 minutes in the morning? Skip the moisturizer and find a good BB cream or tinted moisturizer that does it all-prime, protect, hydrate, and cover. BAM. Done. My top picks: Bobbi Brown BB Cream SPF 35 and NARS Radiant Tinted Moisturizer with SPF 35.

4. Setting Spray (Yes before makeup, or after if you apply BB cream).

Yep, I'm saying it.  Spray your face with a makeup setting spray BEFORE you apply your makeup.  I know this seems excessive, but I'm telling you... it's like super glue for your makeup, AND it works! My top picks: Urban Decay All-Nighter Make Up Setting Spray for normal skin and Urban Decay De-Slick Make Up Setting Spray for oily skin

5. Apply.

Put on that makeup, gorgeous. :-)

6. Powder.

Finely milled powders are the best powders! No powder compares to my Chanel Loose Powder, but there are some translucent powders I also love.  The Revlon Photo Ready Translucent Finisher and the Hourglass Ambient Lighting Powder in Diffused Light are my favorites.  Both of these powders set your makeup and absorb oil throughout the day--viola!

Six steps??!! I know, I know.  You're probably thinking...ain't nobody got time for that.  I'm telling you, try it. :-) You won't regret it! 

xoxo, Molly 

Collective Beauty Haul!

Hi, everyone!  I'm back from beautiful Mexico, and it was an amazing time.  It was so gorgeous, and it was great to go on a quick getaway!  But... it's time to get back to reality!  Today I have a collective haul that I want to share.  For those new to beauty blogs, a beauty haul is basically a shopping spree.  This is a collective drugstore/high end haul, so I've purchased these items over the past couple weeks.  When I share hauls, I'd like to include a mini review.   I've obviously been using these products for a few days so I have thoughts on each of them.  Also, I think it's important to mention that I rarely buy items without trying them out first.  Now, this can be difficult with drugstore brands because you can't open products in the store or take home samples.  But, for high end products I always ask Sephora/Ulta/Department store counters for samples!  They usually are very open to giving them.  This is a great way to try the product before you spend a lot of $ on it!  It's also nice because it cuts down on returning, which I was totally guilty of before I decided to start asking for samples.  My philosophy is, if you are spending your hard earned money on something-it better work great for you! Enjoy! :-)

1. Bobbi Brown BB Cream-Gorgeous formula.  Long lasting.  Great color.  Excited to finally have a BB Cream I love!

2. Benefit Hello Flawless Oxygen Wow Foundation-I tried this first as a sample from Sephora.  I really like it!  It's lightweight, hydrating, SPF of 25, AND has brightening qualities for your skin.  Is it a holy grail for me?  More to come.

3. Milani Bella Eyes Gel Powder Eyeshadow in Bella Ivory-I picked up two of these little shadows because I heard the pigmentation was amazing and the formula was creamy.  My two cents: I think I got the wrong colors.  When I put them on I see nothing, haha.

4. Milani Bella Eyes Gel Powder Eyeshadow in Bella Caffe-<read above.>

5. Lorac Pro Palette 2-WOO HOO!  All hail the Lorac Pro 2.  A perfect palette of cool toned neutrals.  Sign me up ASAP.  I was counting down the days until this palette!

6. Laura Mercier Bonne Mine Stick Face Colour in Bronze Glow-I got this a few days before Mexico!  I wanted something I could easily take around with me that didn't just cake up as the humid days went on.  This is absolutely perfect.  I love how easy it is!  I want to grab the other colors.

7. Hourglass Femme Nude Lip Stylo in No. 2-I have my mom to thank for this one!  She is in the search of her perfect nude lip.  She tried this one but wasn't feeling it.  I, on the other hand, adore it!  Is it worth the price tag?  Eh.  There's other great nudes out there for less expensive.

8. Hourglass Ambient Lighting Palette-Okay, so I put off getting this for the longest time.  Could it really be that great?  Ladies, I'm here to tell you to contemplate no more.  BUY THIS NOW!  I'm obsessed with how it makes my skin look!

9. MAC Cosmetics Fix+-A staple.  Love how hydrating and soft this makes my face feel.  I want to buy the mini size so I can carry it in my purse!

10. GlamGlow ThirstyMud Hydrating Treatment-Can someone say... finally?  Dry skin gals, rejoice.  Get this in your life!  It smells like honey coconut, feels amazing, and really does re-hydrate that skin.  I love this stuff!  I've been getting samples at Sephora forever, and I finally just bought the dang thing.

11. NYX Eyebrow Gel-I picked this up on a whim, and surprisingly I like it!  It is definitely for those special occasions when you need your eyebrows to really frame your face.  For every day, I like something a bit softer.

Let me know if you'd like to see a more in depth review on any of these items!  What are some products you've picked up recently? 

xoxo, Molly 

Travel Essentials.

Ryan and I are leaving this Tuesday for Mexico... SO PUMPED.  As I started packing things to the side I thought, hey, perfect blog post!  Today I'm sharing my travel essentials.  Now remember that this is a beauty blog.  I will share with you things that you may never think to pack because you don't wish to--and thats OKAY!  My hope is that this will jog your memory in case you are packing for a trip and need some extra reminding.  So folks, here are my beauty travel essentials!

1. SUNSCREEN-If I remember one thing, folks.  SO important to have on hand.  I buy the Target brand that is comparable to Neutrogena.  It's sheer, and it works on your body or face.

2. Small sized face wash-This one just so happens to be Clarins.  My face goes crazy if I switch up cleansers too much.  Therefore, I stick to a solid brand like Clarins. 

3. Hydrating mask-Ok, so the plane ride is only 2.5 hours long, BUT, if your prone to breakouts like me, I am not taking a chance!  This foil packet of the Vitamin E Sink In Moisture Mask from The Body Shop will be perfect to slather on in-flight.  Plus, a foil packet is portable, and you can use half of it for the flight to and half on the way back.  Perfect!  

4. Clarifying mask-Those who know me know I don't play around with skin care.  If you have a handy little sample size of a mask...why not travel with it?  This one is the Origins Clear Improvement Face Mask, and it will be lovely mid-week when my skin is feeling a bit congested. 

5. Lip balm with SPF- Fo' those lips!  Don't play.  That skin is thin.  Protect it. 

6. Mini Moisturizer-This one is Sheer Transformation by Ole Henriksen.  It's a handy 1oz--perfect for traveling.

7. Mini eye cream-I chose an eye cream that would de-puff AND moisturize at night.  This one by Tarte has maracuja oil, and it is perfect. 

8. Rollerball perfume-My favorite fragrance right now--Nirvana White by Elizabeth & James.  Because it's okay to smell good on vacation. ;-)

9. Make up-For this I kept it basic (in my terms :-)). 

 LOreal True Match Foundation 

 Waterproof MUFE Full Cover Concealer 

 Mini Dior Mascara 

 Urban Decay 24/7 Eyeliner in Roach 

Urban Decay Naked Basics Eyeshadow Palette 

 NARS Guy Bourdin Face Palette

10. Long lasting setting spray-This one is a mini sized I got from a Sephora point perk.  It's the Urban Decay All-Nighter Setting Spray, and it is absolutely amazing!

11. Brushes-For these, I also kept it basic.

MAC 217 Blending Brush (eyeshadows)

Real Techniques Expert Face Brush (foundation, concealer)

Blush Brush

12. Shampoo & conditioner-FOIL PACKETS!  I swear, I love these things for traveling.  They are easy to pack, AND you get to try new fun things while you are on the go! 

I won't be blogging next week, but I'll be back soon. :-)

*All of these items can be found at Sephora, except the MAC Brush (MAC Counter), LOreal Foundation (ULTA), Hydrating Mask (The Body Shop), and the Real Techniques Expert Face Brush (ULTA)

What am I leaving out that you think I should include?

xoxo, Molly

Pamper Power Trio.

I have ALWAYS been a fan of bubble baths.  Let's get personal for a second.  There is nothing more relaxing in the world than a hot bubble bath and a glass of pinot.  But, bath time can be a total bust when you get out and realize you have to slather on half of your body lotion in order to recover from that warm water drying out your skin.  I had a hunch, and so I put one of my favorite products to the test.  

I have found the Boscia Tsubaki Beauty Oil to be a staple in my beauty routine.  This oil can be used directly on the face and body, in your hair, or it can be mixed in with your foundation for a dewy complexion.  I also keep the bottle next to my bed to slather in on my cuticles before I fall asleep.  It's basically amazing.  Okay, back to the blog post.  I decided to try it in my baths!  I put about a dropper full into running water.  Once I get out of the bath my skin is baby soft!  It leaves a moisturizing effect like no other.

The other two parts to this trio are by the lovely brand, Aveeno.  Another brand that never disappoints.  I have fallen in love with these two products--The Skin Relief Shower & Bath Oil, and the Stress Relief Foaming Bath are two products I will repurchase over and over again.  Paired with the Tsubaki Beauty Oil and you will have yourself the most luxiourous pamper night. :-) 

What are your bath time favorites?

June Favorites.

Annnnnnd another month bites the dust.  How is it possible we are halfway through 2014?  I won’t rant any longer, because I could go on and on about it.  Anyways, I’ve found some amazing products this month I want to share with you! J

1. Shiseido White Lucent Brightening Softener Enriched-So some quick trivia, Shiseido is a Japanese skincare brand.  In Japan they actually use “softeners” the same way we use toners, but they are more moisturizing.  So I use this in place of my toner during my skincare routine.  It preps my skin for the skincare following, AND it also adds extra moisture into my skin.  It boosts radiance and minimizes dark spots.  My face was noticeably brighter and more “plump” after using it once!  I love that I discovered it this month!

2. Laura Mercier Radiance Foundation Primer-I’m all about finding that “glow” these days.  This primer is a perfect base for your make-up and gives you radiance without being shiny or glittery.  Plus, it has a peach tint so it brightens your face on those days when you need some extra umph! J You can also use it over your foundation as an illuminator or mix it in with your foundation.

3. Clarins UV PLUS HP Multi Protection SPF 40-This is my all time favorite sunscreen.  I’m in the car constantly for work, and I feel the sun just beating down on me.  I always make sure to wear sunscreen on my face and neck, and for you sensitive skin girls this will be perfect.  It’s oil-free but moisturizing.  It comes out white but turns sheer, so it doesn’t give you that ashy look.  It’s a semi-matte finish, so it’s never greasy.  It not only protects you from the sun but also environmental pollution and free radicals.  Yes, just yes.

4. Real Techniques Setting Brush-I’ve been looking for a setting brush that I can use to set my under eye concealer.  I have been using the tapered highlighter brush by Sigma and I like it, but I still think it moves my concealer.  This is perfect because the duo fiber bristles are gentle on my make-up and places the perfect amount of powder I need without looking cakey!

5. Urban Decay Chill MakeUp Setting Spray-My favorite setting spray! I’ve never been a setting spray girl until I used this stuff.  It’s cooling, refreshing, hydrating AND sets your make-up in place all day.  Hello June, July, August AND September fave.

6. Wet N’ Wild Walking On Eggshells Eyeshadow Trio-I picked this baby up when I was at CVS at the beginning of June.  I’ve reached for it constantly.  Amelia Liana mentioned this palette several times, and I knew if she mentioned it, it just HAD to be worth the 2.99 price tag.  HOLY MOLY, these colors are so creamy and so pigmented.  I still can’t believe it is Wet N’ Wild.  I am so impressed, and I love this little eyeshadow palette.  I wonder if the other palettes are as good?

7. Ole Henriksen The Clean Truth Brightening Cleansing Cloths-Cleansing cloths that smell like sweet oranges and get that make-up off? I’m sold.  I don’t use these every night—I stick to a cleansing oil to remove my make-up, but they are perfect for freshening up or to use in the morning.  A lot of times when I get home from work I’ll use these to remove my make up, but then go about my day and wait until the nighttime to do my whole skincare routine.  They are pricy… but I can’t help it. I love them. J

8. Peter Thomas Roth Skinstant Mask Magic-I picked this up from Sephora about three weeks ago.  These masks do not disappoint!  The pumpkin enzyme mask has never made my skin feel smoother, and it smells just like pumpkin pie.  Some may compare this to the Michael Todd Pumpkin Mask, but I’m here to tell you that I like this one much better! The cucumber mask is perfect for soothing your skin.  I use it after the pumpkin mask to really hydrate my skin!  Also, it’s a savior when you work out and your face is red for like an hour afterward… yeah.  I’ve also heard it’s amazing for sunburn, but thankfully I haven’t had that problem this summer! (Wear that SPF ladies…)The rose mask smells amazing, and I use it as an overnight mask/moisturizer.  The next morning I wake up and my skin is so much brighter!  The tubs are a great size that will last a good while.

Here's to hoping everyone has a fabulous July 4th! :-)

xoxo, Molly

Special Occasion Lashes.

Mascara.  Probably the one beauty product I couldn't live without.  And when I think mascara, I think Estée Lauder.  I have tried many mascaras, and some of those I truly regret purchasing.  Some are just down right awful!  When I'm going for lashes that will stand out, I must have something more than just your everyday clump crusher natural lashes.  Don't get me wrong, I do have some drugstore favorites (which include Clump Crusher by Covergirl, Falsies by Maybelline, Bold Lacquer by Revlon), but if I'm going for something special that will NEVER disappoint, I go with EL.  If I'm feeling fancy, I'll go for a pair of falsies.  But lets be honest, it takes me way too long to perfect those guys.  Why spend that extra time when you could achieve voluminous, black, bold lashes without all the hassle?  Take notes, ladies.  This power pair may just change your life.  Okay, that's a bit dramatic, but it's a beauty blog.

First, prime your lashes with the Lash Primer Plus.  This will ensure that your lashes are plump, thick and ready for the main event.  Make sure to wait in between applications of your primer and mascara.  When the primer is dry, you can be sure that your lashes are the thickest and fullest they can be.  Next, apply the Sumptuous Extreme Lash Multiplying Volume Mascara.  This is no ordinary mascara gals!  The website states that this mascara will "multiply, magnify, and grow your lashes to the extreme." That is quite the claim.  But I can't help to agree.  Let's get up close and personal and I'll show you what this power pair did for me!

How's that for short and sweet on my first blog post?  Until next time...

xoxo, Molly