e.l.f. studio Glitter Gloss & NYC Lip Plumper

NYC Lip Plumper in Peach Parfait

Let me just start by saying I love both of these products. They are my current go-to glosses. I'm not sure if a lot of people like lip plumpers or not, but I have lips that are on the thin side so sometimes it's nice to have a little plump. I got this in 473, Peach Parfait and looove the tint. It's very neutral without washing out my skin tone. Immediately after putting this on I feel a slight tingly sensation and within a few minutes can tell that my lips are a little more plump. This product won't give you Jolie lips, but they will enhance what you have! It is glossy but not the glossiest I've seen. It's also not sticky, which is always a plus. The product lasts for a couple of hours before having to reapply it.

 The package says, "Cinnamon and Ginger help to enhance lip shape and fullness while Vitamin E formula hydrates, smoothes and soothes."

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 I actually probably didn't put enough on for the pictures, but I'm not one to layer it on very heavy. Next time I'll take two different pictures of it applied lightly and then applied with layers.

For $3.39, you really can't beat this. If you're looking for a good plumper or daily wear gloss that isn't too sticky and doesn't dry out your skin, try it out! You really can't lose at this price.



e.l.f. studio Glitter Gloss in Glam Guava

Another amazing find, only $3.00 for this beautiful sparkly gloss. It comes with a brush applicator, which can be annoying with certain glosses but for this one it actually works quite well. Again, I love the color.

Here's a sample...

It feels somewhat grainy while on but that's because of the glitter, you can't really escape that for this type of shimmer.

Isn't it so pretty? Overall I'd have to say this is my favorite gloss so far. And it's only $3!!

Biore & Olay Cleansers Review

Biore Steam Activated Cleanser with SteamActiv beads (oil-free) 5 fl oz - $5.00
Olay Acne Control Face Wash (oil-free) 6.7 fl oz - $5.99

I think I've tried more cleansers since I became a teenager than any other product. The only ones that have worked for me and my combination/acne prone skin have been big name and price products such as Proactive. However, lately I've been using Olay Acne Control Oil-Free Face Wash. It is AH MA ZING. And this is coming from someone who has had trouble controlling her acne for what seems like forever. With this cleanser I still get occasional SMALL bumps that are easily covered with my foundation (no big red irritating spots yet). I also occasionally use Biore's Steam Activating Cleanser in the shower. It has mint in it and it leaves my skin feeling so cool and refreshed after I use it. It was one of Marie Claire's 25 Best Beauty Products in 2010. The reason I don't use the Biore cleanser every day is because it doesn't do enough to clear my acne - but using once a week has proved not to be a threat. The one thing I don't like about this Biore product is that there aren't enough steam beads in it - I maybe get one per pump. It works anyway, but still. If that's the main selling point of the product, I should have lots of them in each pump!

Back to Olay... I'm tired of paying an arm and a leg for my cleansers and secretly have always envied those women who can use the simple yet extraordinary Olay products! Also, I find that when using products such as Proactive I'm more likely to "accidentally" fall asleep with my makeup on, because the entire 4 step (5 if you use an eye cream!) seems like too much when I'm exhausted. This Olay product also doesn't bleach my towels, as Proactive unfortunately has. It doesn't have a very strong scent, but don't use a full pump because you will literally be inhaling bubbles if you do. It leaves my skin feeling fresh and clean, and it completely takes off all of my make up - even waterproof mascara. I've read reviews for this product and I think people who have had negative experiences with acne cleansers aren't using a good moisturizer. The salicylic acid really dries the skin and even if you have oily skin you need moisturizer to protect it. I'll be doing a review on my moisturizer soon - it is from Mary Kay (my cousin is a rep) and although I'm not a huge Mary Kay fan, this stuff is honestly the only moisturizer I've ever tried that has not made me break out. In fact, I'll take a picture of the entire drawer filled with moisturizers that have failed me! I think I'm going to try an Olay moisturizer next, so if you've tried one you love let me know!

Sonia Kashuk Eyeshadow Quad - Fair and Square

I'm a huge fan of Target and a new fan of Sonia Kashuk for Target. I've seen her products there before, but never wanted to pay the price - until I spotted this eye shadow quad last week. I tried to find something similar for less money, but the sparkle in this and the color choices really pulled me in! I couldn't find anything else like it. It is very neutral but with a pop of that sparkle that you can wear all over or just on the inner eye for brightening. I wore this to dinner and it was stunning with my blue eyes.

The packaging looks like this...

Fair and Square, number 44
Price: $12.99
Product Form: Pressed Powder
For Use On: Eyes
Beauty Purpose: Defining
Color Family: Pink

The shadows look like this... (a little bit darker in real life)

And this is what it looks like on...

I'm excited to try some of her other products, and I will definitely be going back soon for the Shimmering Sands and Browns quads!

Bath & Body Works Review: Twilight Woods

Bath & Body Works Review - Twilight Woods

Fragrance Top Notes: Juicy Berry, Sparkling Mandarin, hint of Coconut
Fragrance Mid Notes: Creamy Frangipani, Soft Mimosa, Wet Honeysuckle, Wild Freesia, Apricot Nectar
Fragrance Base Notes: Oud Wood, Skin Musk Captive, Vanilla Milk, Warm Woods

Shower Gel - This shower gel works fine but isn't anything special. If you like the scent, it is nice to smell in the shower but unless you pair it with the same scented lotion or a spray after your shower you won't be able to smell it at all. It rinses clean and does not feel filmy, but other than that it's just a basic shower gel! A bottle of full size shower gel lasts me about a month and a half to two months.

Body Lotion with vitamin e, jojoba & shea butter - This lotion is like any other bath & body works lotion - if you like the smell, that's basically what you are paying for. The lotion works and moisturizes my skin fine but not great. For a $10.50 lotion I expect a lot more softness. These lotions have never impressed me, although they are not terrible - but I love the scent of Twilight Woods so that's why I am using up the bottles I received as gifts. If I ever buy a lotion from B&BW (which I don't see myself doing unless I have a gift card), I will probably opt for a body butter or cream rather than a regular lotion.

Fragrance Mist & Eau de Toilette - I like to use the fragrance mist after I get out of the shower and apply lotion. It's great for day time wear and just makes me feel fresh. It lasts a decent amount of time, but for longer wear or more intense scent I go with the "Eau de Toilette" or perfume, usually if I'm going out at night. This stuff lasts forever, especially if you pair it with the shower gel and lotion. And you don't need a lot - one or two sprays at most!


If you like these products or want to try some there is a sale going on right now for these products Buy 3 Get 2 Free or Buy 2 Get 1 Free. Not sure how long the sale will last so you may want to check their website.