July Favorites!

Happy Thursday!  It has been SUCH a crazy two weeks for me and Ryan!  We are moving to Greenville TOMORROW, and we have had so much to do!  We went to Isle of Palms Sunday-Tuesday for a quick get-a-way before more moving madness.  We thought, well, when is the next time we will both be unemployed? (God willing, hopefully not for a while!)  Ryan starts his job this coming Monday, and I am still looking for an opportunity.  Long story short, we wanted a quick vacation before real world started again.  

Anywho, today I have for you my July Favorites! I'll keep my thoughts brief as we still have some crazy packing to do before tomorrow, AND Ryan is taking me out to dinner for my birthday tonight so I've got to get ready! :)

1. Living Proof Restore Shampoo & Conditioner: Okay, so I'm not one to purchase shampoo and conditioner if it's NOT at the drugstore (what's the point it just goes down the shower drain?) BUT, these two products have changed my hair for the better.  When I recently cut it shorter after the wedding, over styling made it super dry.  These have helped tremendously just in the short few weeks I've used them.  Big fan! 

2. Moroccan Oil Light: A holy grail product for me... oh wait, I was without it for 6 months.  So i've probably gone through 2 whole bottles of this stuff.  But, for the last couple months I haven't had the opportunity to buy it because I don't think anywhere in Macon sells it (and every time I go to ATL I forget... sad.)  Anywho, I finally got my hands on it and once again, my hair is happy.  Blonde girls, get the light version... my hair drinks it up and isn't heavy.  It's worth the splurge. :-)

3. St. Ives Fresh Hydration Lotion in Coconut Milk and Orchid Extract: I picked this up from the drugstore after seeing some hype.  Best 5 dollars ever spent.  Okay, thats a bit dramatic, but I really really love this stuff. Sinks right in, moisturizes, and smells fantastic. Quick tip, using this while your self tanning keeps your tan from getting splotchy.  Love it!

4. Boscia Clarifying Detox Mask: My clarifying mask of choice this month!  Since using up my Supermud Skin Clearing Treatment by Glamglow, I've been going back to all the masks I own that I haven't used up.  Absolutely love this one!  I forgot how well it works.  

5. Glamglow Thirstymud Hydrating Treatment Mask: EEEK. I love this stuff. Dry skin girls, this will change your life!... actually just your face. It smells like honey and yummy stuff. 

6. Kiehl's Creamy Eye Treatment with Avocado: For some reason, the skin around my eyes have been crazy dry lately.  Instead of piling on what normal cream I put around that delicate skin, I pulled this little guy out.  I use it in the winter when I have really dry skin.  3 days later, my eyes are back to normal! :-)

7. Pur-lisse SPF 30 Sunscreen Daily Moisturizer: I got this in my July Ipsy Bag! I really like it.  It provides lasting protection and is a great moisturizer. 

8. L'oreal Magic Lumi Primer: This is one of my favorite products from the drugstore (Holla if you'd like to see my other favorite drugstore products!!!) It's comparable to the Strobe Cream/Lotion from MAC, but it's lighter in consistency.  It easily makes your complexion look radiant and holds your makeup on longer than without using a primer.  

9. Lorac Pro 2 Palette: Oh how I love this palette.  Gorgeous cool-toned colors, creamy formula, great mattes.  Buy this. :-)

10. Two Faced Lipstick in Taffy: I've kept this in my purse for a few weeks, and I just love the natural color it gives and how moisturizing it is.  

11. MAC Lipstick in Sweet & Sour: This color is so fun!  You can really build it up or sheer it out.  The picture below is the color built up.  MAC never disappoints with their lipsticks. 

Well, I'm off to dinner for my birthday! 

Please comment below, and let me know what products you loved this month! :-)

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

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 

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?

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