It's FALL!!

HELLOOO! It's been so long, guys.  For that, I apologize!  But, I'm back! And I have some really exciting things planned.  For now, since Fall is here, I thought I would show you some of my favorites for the season!  You know the drill. :-)

Skin:

1. Aveeno Stress Relief Foaming Bath - one of my favorites for fall, and I do love my baths!  

2. Murad Clarifying Toner - with the weather back and forth, it has my skin going crazy.  My t-zone is oily, and my cheeks are dry... this helps even it out and keeps my skin fresh!

3. Nuance Firming Neck and Chest Balm - because I can always justify adding another step to my beloved skin care routine ... this is one serious moisturizer, and I love using it on my dry hands this season!

4. Ultra Repair Instant Oatmeal Mask - soothing, hydrating, calming... you need this.  

5. Tarte Maracuja Oil - helps even out my fall combination skin.  Oil counteracts oil... this stuff is awesome!

6. MAC Fix + - I wrote about this product a couple posts back.  I was a little on the fence, but not I can't get enough!  It revitalizes everything about dull, dry skin! I love it. 

7. Soap & Glory Smoothie Star Body Buttercream - because everyone needs a nourishing body lotion that smells like vanilla and other yummy stuffs. 

Make Up:

8. Lip Liners - in Venom, Most Natural, and Naked2 - I love filling these in and wearing them as my lip color, not just lip liners.  They stay on forever, and they are perfect colors for fall. 

9. Bite Agave Lip Mask in Champagne - An everlasting lip balm, with a hint of pink shimmer, perfect for the colder weather. 

10. Essie nailpolish in Bahama Mama - this is been on my nails for almost three weeks straight! 

11. YSL Touche Clat - a hydrating foundation, my top pick for the colder months.  This is a pricey foundation, so I only have it in one shade, and I cannot WAIT to pick it back up here in a few weeks when I'm completely back to my normal fall/winter pale self (woo hoo)!

12. Lip Colors - Bite Beauty High Pigment Pencil in Heritage, Sephora Collection Rouge Shine #46, and MAC lipstick in Craving - because these shades are perfect for fall and they are beauuuutiful.

That's all I have for your tonight.  What are you obsessing over this fall??

xoxo, Molly 

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 

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