I always tend to apply my foundation and concealer first and then my eye makeup. Unfortunately, this often results in fall out creating what looks like dark shadows under my eyes (not the look I am going for!)
Instead, after my foundation, I have recently been starting with eye makeup and then applying my concealer afterwards. That way, I can easily clean up any eye shadow that falls below my eyes. I also soak a cotton swab or two in makeup remover to have on hand to quickly and easily clean up any of the left over fall out. To finish, I apply my concealer under my eyes for a bright perfect under eye area.
Well, as I have recently mentioned, I have really been trying not to buy new makeup…easier said than done! I really like to browse the makeup aisles! I love to look at all the new things! I love to get great deals on makeup! I love to buy all the makeup!
Unfortunately, I don’t have a ton of space to store all the many beauty products that I buy. I have so many makeup products that I have used one or two times and completely forgotten about. I also have so many awesome products that I don’t give enough love to. I have decided that I am going to be going on a strict No Buy! I will be shopping but it will be in my own stash. Hopefully along the way I will discover some new loves and rediscover some old goodies!
I can hear all the beautiful things calling out my name!
Here are my self imposed rules to my No Buy…
I can repurchase a product if I run out of a holy grail product that I always use on a daily basis. (ie my Maybelline Volum’ Express The Colossal Mascara is running low and I know I am going to have to buy another one soon.)
I can purchase/repurchase hair care and skin care items as they run out and need to be replaced.
Ipsy and Walmart Beauty Subscriptions are not included since they are automatic subscriptions.
Although, Target Beauty Boxes are going to be included in this self imposed No Buy. I have so many stacked up filled with product samples that I have never used.
When I feel as if I want to buy something new I need to first stop and ask myself “Do I already own something very similar to this product?”
I need to try out and use up products and samples that I already own.
Chapstick/lip balm is a major necessity, so if I see a new one that I really want to try, I can get it…Never mind, that totally goes agains the point of what I am trying to do. No new chapsticks/lip balms. I definitely have enough already!
What about you? How do you decided when to cut back on your spending? Do you have a monthly makeup budget? If so how much do you usually spend?
Why Reese’s Easter PB eggs do you have to be so temptingly delicious?! The holiday edition of Reese’s peanut butter cups tastes even more awesome than the already awesome regular Pb cups.
So while I really want to be eating Reese’s Peanut Butter Eggs, instead I will be good and snack on some of this healthier option of an Energy bite.
I find that just one or two of these little bites will be just enough to fill me up and stave off unwanted afternoon snacking.
INGREDIENTS
2 cup oats (dry)
1/4 cup natural peanut butter (I love crunchy, but smooth is fine of course too.)
1/4 cup almond butter (if you don’t have any almond butter just use 1/2 cup of peanut butter.)
4 Tbsp honey (use local raw honey for an added immune boost.)
4 Tbsp mini chocolate chips
1/2 tsp pure vanilla extractAdditional ingredients for added flavor and nutrition…
1 Tbs chia seeds
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1 scoop vanilla flavored protein powder of your choice.
DIRECTIONS
Mix all ingredients in a large mixing bowl using a spatula
Place mixing bowl in refrigerator for 30 minutes to 1 hour
Roll mixture into equal size bites (I use my 2 tsp scoop to make them all uniform)
Store in refrigerator until ready to eat
Makes 8 servings, Each serving is quite a few of the 2 teaspoon sized balls. You won’t be able to eat too many without feeling sick to your stomach, so the chances of eating an entire serving is not likely.
Macros (per serving): If the above recipe is followed without the additional ingredients…
Calories – 338
Protein – 10 g
Carbs – 37 g
Fat – 18 g
Let me know if you make them and how you like them!
Well, I have really been trying not to buy new makeup…easier said than done! I bought all this stuff waaaay back in February and have been using most of it ever since.
Here is a list of what I got (with links):
Essence matte sun club bronzers This bronzer smells like summer and sunshine that is a plus. That is kinda where my love of it ends. It is just ok. I found that it tends to be a bit on the orange side rather than bronze. It works fine for adding color to my face, but it is definitely not my go to bronzer.
Garnier Clean + Nourishing Cleansing Oil For Dry Skin – 4.2 fl oz So, what can I say about this cleanser to convey how much I LOVE it! I wear waterproof mascara everyday and on the days that I work I always wear waterproof eyeliner. This cleanser takes off my waterproof makeup perfectly and makes my face feel moisturized at the same time.
It is hands down my go to every day base. It is very easy to blend and gives light to medium coverage. One of my favorite things about it is that as it brightens and evens out the skin it still has a very lightweight feel on the skin.
Neutrogena Pore Refining Daily Cleanser Despite the fact that I bought this all the way in February, I still haven’t used it yet. The main reason that I haven’t tried it yet it because we went on vacation to Florida right after I bought it and the bottle warns “Sun burn alert” Because it has an alpha and beta hydroxyl in it it can increase the skin’s sensitivity to the sun.
Even though I haven’t tried it yet…Here is what the product claims…”Pore Refining Daily Cleanser starts working on contact to instantly reduce the look of large pores and improve skin’s tone and texture. Week after week, it continually reduces the appearance of pores for clearer and smoother skin. This dermatologist-tested alpha and beta hydroxyl formula delivers visible results by removing dead skin from your face while smoothing over rough, uneven patches for improved skin texture. It penetrates to deeply clean pores so they appear smaller and less visible. Skin is instantly smoother and more even toned. Minimize the appearance of pores with continued daily use.”
Olay Regenerist Luminous Overnight Facial Mask Gel Moisturizer, 4.5 oz This is another major winner! I LOVE this one too! I don’t use it every night, maybe two or three times a week, but it leaves my skin feeling so nourished and smooth. I highly recommend this Olay Overnight Mask! It is a bit pricy for a drugstore product at $24, but it is totally worth every cent! It has a nice clean fresh scent that is not too overpowering. As it says in the name it is a gel not a cream and I really like the way it feels on my skin as well as the way it makes my skin feel.
Wet n Wild Color Icon Eyeshadow Trio I actually bought this for my sister. I already have this one and I know that I love the Wet N Wild Walking on Egg Shells Palette. It is a great little eye shadow palette for creating a beautiful eye look. I love these smooth and creamy shadows. She really likes these shadows as well.
Wet n Wild Color Icon Ombre Blusher Ok, so here is the thing about this blush…I really really like this product, but NOT as a blush. When put onto the cheeks it kind of gives an ashy appearance, it isn’t a good look! But when used as a highlighter or an eye shadow it is gorgeous! I love to use it as an eye shadow on a quick 5 minute makeup days!
Of course, I paid for all of this stuff myself. I wish that someone else had bought it for me, that would be nice
Invest in a good matte taupe eye shadow like Urban Decay Buck, Bobbie Brown Taupe, The Balm Matt Patel from the Meet Matte palette, or one of my favorites Taupe from the Lorac Pro Palette. You don’t just have to use that matte taupe eye shadow in your crease or on your eyelids. You can use a matte taupe eye shadow to fill in brows, line eyes, and even blend under your cheekbones for a quick and easy contour.
PS: No affiliate links in this post, just a bunch of links to help you know what types of shadows I am talking about 😉
~Weekly Product Highlight~Colgate Optic White Express White Toothpaste~
I have VERY sensitive teeth. I cannot bite into an apple that is cold right out of the fridge, I cannot drink a glass of ice cold liquid without using a straw. I cannot even think about doing either of those things without my teeth hurting. So, when it comes to teeth whitening, my vanity does have its limits!!! Of course I want to have white teeth, but at what price?! I have tried all kinds of “teeth whiteners for sensitive teeth” and most have left me in serious pain! I think that overall I have a somewhat high pain tolerance, but when it comes to the pain of sensitive teeth, NOPE, I am a huge baby!
All that being said, I received my first tube of Colgate Optic White Express White Toothpaste in a Target Beauty box a few months ago. My teeth are so sensitive that I can usually tell after the first use of a whitening product if it is going to make my teeth hurt. This product claims to be ” formulated to be used daily and is enamel-safe. When used as directed, ColgateOptic White has not been shown to increase sensitivity in consumers” It also claims to give a noticeably whiter smile within 3 days (*best results seen after 4 weeks) So with all those claims, I figured that I would give it a try.
Did this tooth paste make my teeth hurt…
Nope! When I first started using it I didn’t have any noticeable increase in my teeth’s sensitivity. What I did notice though was when I flossed my teeth every day gums were a tiny bit tender, nothing too bad nor painful, but something that I was aware of. Also, my lips have been a bit drier while I have been using this tooth paste. I must also mention that I use this in combination with ACT Restoring Anticavity Fluoride Mouthwash in Cool Mint. (I have been using ACT for years and it really does help with my teeth’s sensitivity.)
Did I have noticeably whiter teeth in 3 days…Yes! When used consistently twice a day, I did notice that my teeth looked whiter /brighter after using this toothpaste for 3 days in a row. But… to be honest, I also had a dental appointment to get my teeth cleaned on day 3, so I don’t know if it was all the toothpaste or a combination of the two.
After those initial 3 days, I have since used the entire sample 0.75 oz size tube, as well as an entire tube in the 3 oz size and have started a new tube. Now that I have consistently used this toothpaste my teeth are definitely whiter and brighter. I am hooked!
Not the most flattering of pictures. But here is an idea of what my teeth looked like before using the Colgate Optic White Express White Toothpaste and after using it for 3 days.
Were my teeth super yellow to start off with? No. Are my teeth super duper brighten up the entire room white after using this? No, but are they whiter and brighter than they were when I started, yes!
I have recommended this toothpaste to both my sister and my sister in law and they are both loving it as well! I love sharing products I love with people I love!
What does the Colgate Website have to say about this product…
Dazzle Without the Hassle
Express White is Colgate’s fastest teeth whitening toothpaste ever.
Breakthrough formula offers whiter teeth in 3 days* just by brushing.
Safe for daily use. Protects enamel and provides anti-cavity fluoride protection.
*For best results, use as directed for 4 weeks. **Vs Optic White® Sparkling Mint®.
“When used as directed, best results are achieved in 4 weeks, but to keep your white smile, continue to use. In addition to providing whitening results, Optic White® provides all of the benefits of standard fluoride toothpaste and can be used daily.
When using the entire Optic White® collection together, when should I use the Mouthwash? Before or after the whitening gel? Use mouthwash prior to the Optic White® Whitening Pen. To get the desired results, the gel should be the last item you use after brushing your teeth.“
I haven’t tried out any of the other optic white products, but I am interested to see if they work out as well too. If you are interested in trying out this toothpaste or any of the other Optic White products HERE is a link to a $0.75 off coupon, http://www.colgate.com/en/us/oc/special-offers. You know how much I love to save money!
What about you? Have you tried out the Colgate Optic White Toothpaste? What did you think? How were your results? Have you tried any of the other products in the Optic White line? I’d love to hear about it!
How long does it take to see results with exercise?
Sometimes it feels as if you are working so hard and not seeing results! You may start asking yourself “When am I going to start seeing results for all the hard work that I have been doing?!”
Even though the diet marketing people want to make us think that we can quickly lose 15-20 lbs in a week by using their products, it isn’t really likely or that easy. Also, in the small chance that the product does work, it isn’t likely that the weight loss will stick around and be permanent.
Try this, instead of only gauging your progress by what the scale says, think beyond just weight based result. You may find that you are being consistent and working so hard, but don’t have results on the scale. Don’t just look at the number on the scale. Maybe your strength and endurance have improved, you notice that your body is changing and you are feeling better and healthier and you feel happier and better all around.
So, how long does it take to see results with exercise? Remember even though you may already feel the results of a healthy lifestyle change right away, it can take between 4-6 week to see results when first starting a new workout routine.
Like I said in last weeks post about Muscle and Fat, focus on fat loss and how you feel, not just the number on the scale. When you feel good you can’t help but look good too!
Did you know that Walmart has it’s own a subscription beauty box? Yup, they do! It is a quarterly box and only costs $5 a season. Walmart technically calls it a “sample box” and says that the box itself is free and the $5 is a flat rate for shipping and handling. Either way the box costs $5 each season.
Generally the box will have around 5 samples, with 1 or 2 of them being full sized products. Also in your Walmart Beauty Box, they send 2 or 3 smaller sample beauty products and coupons.
If you are first time subscribers: Your subscription will be processed when you sign up and your credit card will be charged $5 and you will receive the current season’s box. Once you are subscribed, you won’t have to resign up, you will receive a shipping confirmation email and then your box will arrive. You’ll only be charged when your Beauty Box is shipped.
The Walmart beauty box website says “Each seasonal Beauty Box is a “limited edition” and may sell out. Note: Beauty products vary by box. Only one beauty box per email address.”
Here in the picture below is what I got in this seasons box.
Spoiler alert: I had already been working on a post about the Optic White Colgate toothpaste. I’m not going to tell you what I think, you’ll just have to wait and see.
This Neutrogena Moisture Smooth Color Stick is quite nice! The color is great, the consistency is great. It has a bit of a sweet scent to it, but overall it doesn’t bother me and I am very sensitive to scents. I have been enjoying using the Curel Rough Skin Rescue lotion. It is thick but not too greasy. I don’t really like the scent of the Dove body wash, which is too bad because I really like Dove body wash. I may have to pass this one along to someone else. I also love the concept of the Jergens wet skin moisturizer, but the floral scent is just too strong for me. I think that I am going to pass it along as well.
Over all I think that this was a great box! For $5 I find that this Walmart beauty box is generally a great deal! How about you, do you get the Walmart Beauty box? Did you get the same samples in you box? What do you think?
Have you seen that Biore recently release a Baking Soda Pore Cleanser? You don’t need to pay $7 for the benefits* that you can receive from a $0.52 box of baking soda.
Make your own baking soda pore cleanser by mixing plain old baking soda and water until it forms a paste.
Wet your face with warm water. Dip your fingers into the baking soda paste. Apply the paste to your wet face using a gentle circular motion. Cover your entire face with the paste. Avoiding the eye area. Rinse your face thoroughly with warm water. Pat your face dry with a clean towel. It is as simple as that.
You can also spruce it up by mixing it with organic coconut, olive, or grapeseed oil or with Witch Hazel.
As I posted the other day Target has been offering their own version of a beauty box. These boxes are usually awesome! This one has 8 items in it and costs $7. The box is now available! They always sell out quickly, so you have to order it fast! I just ordered mine. If you want one too click HERE. Shipping is free and if you use your RedCard you can also get the usual 5% discount.
“details
Freshen up your look for spring with the Target Beauty Box. A $26 value for just $7, this handpicked collection of beauty products includes a few of our latest beauty faves. Test them out and tell us what you think. If you love them as much as we do, find the full-size versions at Target.com/beautybox.
CeraVe Healing Ointment This healing ointment combines ceramides with a gentle, lanolin-free formula and a lightweight, non-greasy feel to protect and soothe dry, cracked and chafed skin.
Maybelline Dream Velvet Foundation – Ivory New from Maybelline NY, Dream Velvet foundation is the first gel-whipped foundation formula, delivering a flawless 100% velvet-smooth finish.
Laneige Water Bank Soothing Mask Infused with hydro-ionized mineral water, this unique hydrogel sheet mask provides intense moisture to soothe and cool your skin instantly.
CoverGirl Colorlicous Lipstick This luxuriously rich lipstick is infused with shea butter for lasting color.
Marlowe. No 022 Body Butter This ultra-rich body butter is made with a highly moisturizing formula of antioxidants and extracts that nourish, smooth and revitalize skin.
Simple Cleansing Facial Wipes Perfect for when you’re on the go, these facial wipes remove makeup, even waterproof mascara, and cleanse your skin.
Pantene AIRspray Hairspray (Level 2 Flexible Hold) This non-sticky and ultra-lightweight hairspray delivers a smooth finish that leaves your hair feeling moisturized and silky soft for healthy body and bounce.
Hawaiian Tropic SPF 30 Island Sport Lotion This water- and sweat-resistant sunscreen offers fast-absorbing moisture to replenish the skin, a light tropical scent and an oil-free, ultra-lightweight formula to keep skin looking and feeling beautiful.
Makes 8 servings, Each serving is quite a few of the 2 teaspoon sized balls. You won’t be able to eat too many without feeling sick to your stomach, so the chances of eating an entire serving is not likely.
All that being said, I received my first tube of Colgate Optic White Express White Toothpaste in a Target Beauty box a few months ago. My teeth are so sensitive that I can usually tell after the first use of a whitening product if it is going to make my teeth hurt. This product claims to be ” formulated to be used daily and is enamel-safe. When used as directed, Colgate
Looking Joli Good 