Blogger Christmas Beauty Brawl: Benefit Cosmetics The POREfessional Face Primer

Hello day four! How are you liking the brawl so far ladies? I can't believe tomorrow we will be halfway through the Blogger Brawl! Today we are talking about one of my favorite things primers! Primer helps keep makeup in its place and looking good. I chose Benefit Cosmetics The POREfessional Face Primer. 

 What it does:

 Quickly minimize the appearance of pores and fine lines and help makeup stay put with this priming phenomenon. The silky and lightweight formula can be worn under makeup to create a smoother-than-smooth canvas or used throughout the day to mattify shine and touch up problem areas. It’s so translucent, no one will know you’re wearing anything!

Packaging: I have always loved the way Benefit packages their products and the POREfessional primer doesn't disappoint! I think the packaging is adorable and you can't miss it. 

Smell: It has a VERY faint smell. I was only able to smell something once I had it right up against my nose.

Texture/Finish: They aren't kidding when they say it is silky and lightweight it feels so nice when I apply it to my skin. It looks like it is tinted but it blends right into the skin and you can't tell it's on.

Application: You just need to apply a thin layer to clean moisturized skin. Apply to the Tzone first then work your way out then wait a few seconds and you are ready for foundation! You can even apply it over your makeup for touch ups just pat it on and blend out.

Effectiveness: Getting my foundation to stay put has always been tricky for me. I was very excited when I got a sample because my NYX primer just wasn't working as well as I hoped it would. The first time I used it I was very happy with the results! My makeup on my Tzone stayed put all day. When I don't use it the makeup on my nose is completely gone in a couple of hours.

Value For Money: My sample is .10 oz. and I have maybe half of it left. You don't need to use very much just enough for a thin layer. There are three different sizes and the smallest is $10 for .25 oz. You won't regret this primer!

Availability: You can get this product at Sephora or Ulta. 

*This image is from the Sephora website*

Don't forget to follow our hashtag #bxbeautybrawl on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook! Beth also reviewed POREfessional so be sure to hear her thoughts on this product! 

Is there a primer you think is better? Let me know!

Blogger Christmas Beauty Brawl: EOS Smooth Sphere Lip Balm - Summer Fruit

Welcome to day three of the Bloggers Christmas Beauty Brawl! I am really having fun with this. Not only am I writing more and working on my blogging skills but I get to do this with an awesome group of ladies! Today we are talking about lips balms and I can't wait to see what the other ladies chose. I decided on the EOS Smooth Sphere Lip Balm in Summer Fruit.

eos lip balm in Summer Fruit is 95% organic, 100% natural, and paraben and petrolatum free. Packed with antioxidant-rich vitamin E, soothing shea butter and jojoba oil, eos keeps your lips moist, soft and sensationally smooth.

Packaging: The packaging is a tricky one for me. I do like it but it is way too bulky for me. Sometimes I can't have a purse with me or I need to downsize so this obviously doesn't fit in my pockets. Another thing I don't care for is the product in the bottom I won't be able to get easily. I prefer the tubes that twist the product up. 

Smell: It has a very nice fruity smell to it. When I use it now I feel like I am somewhere tropical. I always thought it was mango but I guess it's strawberry, blueberry, and peach. 

Texture/Finish: It has a very smooth texture.

Application: Goes on well especially if you've kept it in a warmer place.

Effectiveness: It does make my lips soft but I can't say it's my favorite. It's not as moisturizing as I would like it to be. A friend started a business called Back Kitchen Soaps and she makes soap, lotion and REALLY nice chapstick that I don't have to constantly apply throughout the day. Her products smell so good!

Value For Money: It is .25 oz. for $2.96. It's the price of a typical lip balm/chapstick but I think something like Baby Lips is better.

Availability: You can find this at Walmart, Target, Ulta. 

Don't forget our hashtag is #bxbeautybrawl. You can follow us on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook. Let me know what your favorite lip balm is.

What's your favorite Christmas tradition? I'm having trouble getting into the Christmas spirit this year so I need ideas! 

Bloggers Christmas Beauty Brawl: Mario Badescu Hydro Moisturizer With Vitamin C

I hope you all enjoyed day one of the Blogger Brawl! I enjoyed reading about the masks the other ladies chose and if I can find them I will definitely be trying them out! The great thing about the brawl is if you need last minute Christmas gift/stocking stuffer ideas you will have a lot of great options! 

Day two we are reviewing Moisturizers. I love moisturizer because it keeps the skin looking beautiful and soft. I chose Mario Badescu's Hydro Moisturizer With Vitamin C. 

It is a 

 Lightweight, antioxidant moisturizer suitable for normal, combination skin. Vitamin C formula restores clarity and health to tired, dehydrated skin. Non-greasy.

Packaging: The packaging is very simple. With Mario Badescu you are paying for the product. Some pricey brands it seems like you are only paying for the name and the fancy packaging. Not that Mario Badescu is an expensive brand, I think it's reasonably priced. 
 
Smell: It smells like every other moisturizer to me. It's nothing strong so it shouldn't bother anyone.

Texture/Finish: As much as I like my Clinique moisturizer I don't always care for how thick it is. So I really like how lightweight this one is. 
 
Application: You don't need to much I would say slightly bigger than a pea.

Effectiveness: My skin feels nicely hydrated after putting it on without feeling to greasy.

Value For Money: The full size bottle is 2 oz. and it is $18 at Ulta.I bought mine in this kit. So far I have loved everything I have tried from Mario Badescu.

Availability: You can find this product at Ulta and Mario Badescus website. 

I hope you enjoyed day two of the Beauty Brawl. Tomorrow I will be reviewing a primer. Check out Zoe's blog Mad About Makeup to see what her pick is. Our hashtag is #bxbeautybrawl so you can follow on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook. Now I am going to go listen to some Christmas music and try to finish the handmade gifts I thought would be a good idea to make two weeks before Christmas! Wish me luck!

What's your favorite moisturizer? 

Bloggers Christmas Beauty Brawl: Freeman Charcoal & Black Sugar Mud Mask

Hello ladies and welcome to day one of the Blogger Christmas Beauty Brawl! I am late getting this posted because today was such a beautiful day I couldn't just stay inside all day. Where I live it's usually below freezing with a ton of snow on the ground so it's been very hard to get in the "Christmas spirit" Honestly I can't believe Christmas is 11 days away! 

Now about the Beauty Brawl. Ten days, ten products. Four other bloggers and I have each chosen different products we want to review. Each day is a different category, I listed them below so if there is a particular day you are interested in you'll know when it is. I am really excited to share all the products I picked and I can't wait to see what the other ladies chose! 

Day 1 Mask .................................................................December 14th    

Day 2 Moisturizer ...................................................................December 15th
Day 3 Lip balm ...................................................................December 16th
Day 4 Primer ...................................................................December 17th
Day 5 Foundation ...................................................................December 18th
Day 6 Eye palette ..................................................................December 19th
Day 7 Brow product ...................................................................December 20th
Day 8 Mascara .........................................................................December 21st
Day 9 Blush ..........................................................................December 22nd
Day 10 Lip color .....................................................................December 23rd

Today we are reviewing a mask or treatment I chose the Freemen Charcoal & Black Sugar Mud Mask. 

This velvety, jet-black mud mask works like magic to moisturize, remineralize, and make skin sensationally soft! Skin-loving minerals collected from the Dead Sea have a natural nourishing effect that boosts smoothness and overall skin health. Activated Charcoal locks onto oils & toxins, then gently lifts them away without over-drying or disturbing skin. Black Sugar helps skin hold on to hydration, which helps smooth out roughness and fine lines. Perfect for normal to combination skin.

I love to try anything beauty related that has charcoal in it. Charcoal is amazing for soaking up the extra oil without drying out skin. I also love masks because I can just put it on, grab a book, and relax. 

Packaging: For under $5 the packaging is great. It isn't flimsy and it's very easy to push the product out.

Smell: To me this product doesn't really smell. I don't think I have ever noticed. Which is a good thing! The fruity smelling stuff is nice but sometimes I don't want to smell anything.

Texture/Finish: Just like the description says this product has a velvety/muddy texture.

Application: The application is very easy. I put warm water on my face then apply a thin layer on my skin.

Effectiveness: It is very effective considering how much it costs. I use it religiously when I have my hormonal breakouts and my skin clears up in a week. I also broke out from using a different product once and the whole Freeman brand helped.

Value For Money: This product is under $5 and worth every penny. It works very well with my skin especially when I have hormonal breakouts. If you buy them at Ulta you can even find them buy one get one!

Availability: I buy mine at Ulta, but I have seen the Freeman brand at Walmart. You can also buy samples to test the product before buying.

I hope you enjoyed day one! You can check out Zoe's blog for her pick. Our hashtag is #bxbeautybrawl so you can search it on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook to see everyones posts.

Tell me what you think of Charcoal skincare or masks! I would love to know your favorites.

Breast Cancer Awareness month 2015

As many of you know October is Breast Cancer Awareness month. Breast cancer is the second leading cause of death among women. For 2015 it was estimated there would be 60,290 new cases. We need to raise awareness so that someday there will be a cure. Luckily there are a LOT of great ideas for fund-raising and raising awareness.

By 2050 no woman should die of breast Cancer. Glamulet is launching their October Campaign to help make that a reality. Glamulet has a special campaign to raise awareness to prevent breast cancer. For every charm bought 50% of the sales go to a charity fund. All of the charms are beautiful and a wonderful reminder to think of all the women who have been affected by breast Cancer. 

*This post is sponsored by BrandBacker and Glamulet.

Measurable Difference + Giveaway!

Like any other makeup lover I love to learn about new brands. This brand isn't necessarily new but it's new to me and I wanted to tell all of you lovelies about it!  

About the brand

We aspire to help women of all ages and cultures feel beautiful… and uniquely special. Being interested in our customers, we've undergone major changes to bring them more than just products. We now have weekly newsletters and blog posts about beauty, tips, events, and deals, and forward moving social media engagement.

Measurable Difference is available in countries all around the world at retailers including stores like Nordstrom.com, Walgreens.com, Beauty.com, and Pharmasave in Canada, and other beauty supply stores around the world, as well as on www.lashem.com. 

It looks like the products are reasonably priced. The eyeshadow pallets are $7 so that's pretty normal for drugstore. You can buy them here.

GIVEAWAY!!!!!!

*A special thank you to BrandBacker and Measurable Difference for sponsoring this post. And for allowing me to share their giveaway on my blog.

Life Update #1

I thought I would update all of you with what's going on right now in my life and why I haven't posted in a while. July 19th was my birthday and I spent it in beautiful Sanibel Island, Florida. I strongly suggest checking it out sometime! I actually won two roundtrip plane tickets so that was why I went and I took my mom with me (mommas deserve some love that day too!). The only part of the trip I didn't like was our matching sunburns! We underestimated the sun a bit so we were in pain for a while and my skin still hasn't fully recovered so lesson learned! Which is one of the reasons I haven't shared much. Peeling skin is just not cute! We were sad to go but we plan on coming again and hopefully bringing the rest of the family.

 The beach

 I was waiting for Liam Hemsworth to show up lol!

The bugs here were a nightmare but the view was amazing!

Reason number two why I haven't posted is because a couple of days after we got back we got a call that a family member had to go to the hospital immediately. We didn't know much and could only pray that things would be ok. The whole weekend was spent at the hospital being together. The surgery went well and the doctor is amazing. We will do whatever we can to help on the road to recovery because that's what family does. I'm sure it won't be easy but we have to have faith. Small improvements are already happening! When I can I will share more details but for now say a prayer for my family. 

I just wanted to update everyone. I haven't stopped blogging I just need some time. I do have some things like a new VoxBox, product, and many other things planned.