Product Review: Surfs Up Vox Box

As a member of Influenster I was recently able to review their Surfs Up Vox Box. 

Included in this box:

Hawaiian Tropic Silk Hydration After Sun - Coconut Papaya

Sinful Nail Polish - Aqua 

Covergirl Bombshell Curvaceous 

First Aid Shot Therapy

Hawaiian Tropic Silk Hydration After Sun - Coconut Papaya

Today was the first afternoon this summer I was able to spend at the pool. Even though I slathered on the sun screen, I had a few spots I missed that got crispy and burnt. As soon as I got home and showered I put on some of this after sun gel/lotion and it instantly cooled the burn. I'm not a fan of aloe because it's too sticky. With this being half gel/half lotion it isn't sticky and I don't have to wait 5 minutes for it to dry. Unfortunately, I'm not a fan of coconut so I would never purchase this for myself - but it definitely gets the job done. 

B

Sinful Nail Polish - Aqua 

I have a ton of Sinful colors in my collection so this brand was one I am extremely familiar with. The price point is awesome at $1.99 and with two coats it's a great vibrant shade and gets the job done. It was the perfect shade of blue to wear for the 4th of July. It has a metallic sheen and reminds me of a mermaid blue. I love it!  

A+

Covergirl Bombshell Curvaceous 

First off, how awesome is it that they sent a full size mascara worth $10.00? SO awesome!! 

Anyways, my absolutely favorite mascara that I can't find in stores anymore was the Maybelline XXL Volume & Length Microfiber Mascara.

When I received the Bombshell Curvaceous I thought it was similar to my beloved mascara - step one for length/step two for color. Unfortunately, it wasn't BUT it still works great. Step one added volume and really separated each lash, and step two added the darker color and acts as a top coat to seal in the look. I would definitely recommend this mascara to the waterproof loving gals - I just  don't do it. (Probably because I've never gotten around to purchase oil-based makeup remover.) This won't be my go to daily mascara, but I will be glad I have this for days like today when I head to the pool.  

B+

Unfortunately, I wasn't able to try out the First Aid Shot Therapy - said to be a fast FDA approved liquid pain relief to combat headaches/migraine/hangovers etc. I wasn't comfortable with the amount of caffeine it had in it, and I figured it probably wasn't pregnancy approved. I did give it to CT for when he gets his next headache. He is game to try anything to relieve the pain. 

Grade pending! 

Have you tried any of these beauty products? 

Keep them in mind next time your are at the drug store. These are some good ones for the summer months. 

Product Review: L'Oreal Sublime Bronze Tanning Towelette ---- HELP!

Ladies - please help me! 

I need suggestions on which sunless tanners work for you. 

I have been pasty for far too long and I need a little color in my life. 

I use to be an avid tanner back in the day. 

I played volleyball in high school and college so it was necessary that I maintain a nice golden glow since I lived in spandex. 

I loved being tan. 

It's slimming. 

See picture #2. I don't have to wear much makeup - just throw on a little mascara and eye liner because it makes my skin look good. 

My angel kisses come out. 

You get the picture. It's just makes me feel good about myself.

Then I started working at Healing Waters Spa & Cosmetic Clinic and saw first hand what sun damage does. 

Wrinkles, wrinkles, and more wrinkles. 

Saggy skin.

Hyper-pigmented skin.

Skin cancer.  

None one which are flattering or worth it.

Since then - I've tried a few different spray tan places but haven't been fully satisfied. 

If you know me - you know I'm cheap. 

Paying $15-$30 for a tan that lasts maybe a week doesn't cut it for me. 

I would rather buy a lotion and do it at home when it's convenient for me.

So yesterday evening I tried out the L'oreal Sublime Bronze Self-Tanning Towelettes.

You can purchase these 6 single use towelettes at target for $9. 

I thought using a towelette would be easier to handle, there aren't any gloves involved and I wouldn't have to worry about putting on too much or too little.

Conclusion: 

 My upper body looks great but not so much my lower body. 

It said to use sparingly around your elbows, knees and ankles but clearly I didn't follow the rules. 

Don't mind the crusty toes.

 This preggo can hardly bend over these days - so I'm going to get a much needed pedicure with my mom on Friday!

The tricky part about using a towelette is that you don't know where exactly you are applying it. You just rub it on hoping you cover everything. I also slept in short shorts last night so I woke up with discolored/splotchy legs. I'm sure it's because I get super hot in my sleep and probably sweat some areas off. Gross. I also can't stand the smell and neither can CT. Even though I took a shower this morning I could smell myself all day at work. That's the worst! 

So ladies .. help me out please! 

Do you have a sunless tanner that works well for you? 

Product Review: Bright Spring Time Lips

As a member of Influenster I recently was able to review the new Rimmel Moisture Renew lipstick. 

I was sent As You Want Victoria. 

Let me start off by saying that I have never been big into wearing bright colored lipstick because I have such huge lips. I was blessed in that department but I have yet to learn how to be confident with color on them. 

As bright and vivid as As You Want Victoria is - it didn't scare me too much. 

Thoughts??

I love how moisturizing and creamy this lipstick was. Unfortunately, though I probably wouldn't wear it too often because it comes off on everything. CT's lips, the straw, my teeth . . . everything. It sure looks pretty - but I feel like I would have to continuously keep having to reapply it because it won't stay on long. 

What are your favorite drugstore lipstick brands? 

Looking at these photos - I may start experimenting with colors more! 

Five Fabulous 'Fumes

As much of a hassle being a girl is sometimes - I wouldn't trade it for anything.

The one thing I love most about being a girl is smelling good! 

Lotion. 

Shampoo.

Deodorant. 

Perfume.

Nothing beats someone who smells good! 

My favorites in no particular order:

1 // Lucky You - Lucky Brand

2 // Abercrombie 8 - Abercrombie & Fitch

3 // Viva la Juicy - Juicy Couture 

4 // Love Spell - Victoria's Secret

5 // Acqua di Gioia - Georgio Armani 

What are your go to scents? 

Friday Favorites: Elf Cosmetics

Let me start this post by reminding you all that I am no expert on beauty. 

I don't spend a lot of money on makeup. 

I don't spend a lot of time on my makeup.

I don't wear a lot of makeup. 

But I DO have some favorite $3 makeup beauties from Elf Cosmetics.  

1 // Blush - Twinkle Pink

2 // Cream Eyeliner - Black

3 // Lip Exfoliator 

4 // Translucent Matifying Powder 

I assume there are some duds in the Elf line of cosmetics but fortunately I haven't come across any.

My absolute most favorite products of theirs are the cream eyeliner and translucent matifying powder. I use them daily and can't get enough! These are the first makeup products besides mascara that I've bought more than once. That's when you know you've got a keeper.

The blush does the job for $3 and I've learned that a little goes a long way. 

And with this pregnancy and my super chapped/dry lips - I'm going to get a lot of use out of this exfoliator. I have tried the skinny girl lip exfoliator and this Elf exfoliater doesn't leave that nasty oily film all over my lips and lower face. 

Do you have any Elf products that you use in your daily routine? 

Linking up with Style Elixir

Nail Files [11]

So this week I received some super happy mail - the best Christmas gift! 

The complete Gelish starter kit ... light and all!  I liked this option because it came with 2 full size colors. I've been looking all over on the web for some the best deals on colors - and it looks like Amazon might be the best place for some new colors. $11 bucks a piece though ... yikes. Please let me know if you have seen them cheaper anywhere. 

Nails this week: 

Gelish: Gossip Girl

What I've learned from my first time doing this

1. It's a super long process - so make sure you have time

2. Make sure your coats aren't thick - or you will have to keep it under the light longer

3. Do NOT let it get on your skin - this is the number one cause for it to start peeling off 

4. To make sure it doesn't get on your skin - do work on your cuticles before

Nail Files

CND Shellac - Rock Royalty. 

I've fully transitioned over into the fall colors. 

Once you go dark, you can't go back. Not until at least February or March! 

Linking up with Jennie. 

No Words

I hope this brings a smile to your face on this humppp dayyyyyy!

I told the ladies I couldn't pull off red lips, but they sure do make my green eyes pop! 

I did It. . . and I LOVE it!

If you remember last week, I talked about my itch to chop my hair off. 

Well . . . I did it! 

I use to change my hair all the time. Chop it off, grow it out. Chop it off, grow it out. Blonde, brown, red. I've had it all! Why this time was the most scary was because I had been growing my hair out since before me and CT got engaged. We got engaged June '10. That means I had been growing it out for a little over 3 years! That is such a long time!

I'm so happy I did it.

 Hair grows back.

 Change is good.

 I feel older.

 I feel more sophisticated. 

My hair needed it. 

It's so much more healthy and pretty.

Flashback:

Here's what I brought to my stylist for inspiration

And here's how it came out:

(I think it turned out the most like Tyra's)

It's so easy to do! Actually, it might be so easy to do because I learned about the AWESOME capabilities of a round brush, mixed with root boost, and some other great bed head products. 

I love that I can wear it not teased, teased, half up, a pony (even though it's teeny tiny), with a head band, and I assume I can still curl it even though I haven't tried yet! 

It was time for a change - and I'm so happy I did it! 

It's About That Time

As of tomorrow evening I will be a changed woman. 

I will probably be a pound lighter and looking a bit more refreshed. 

Tomorrow evening, I am CHOPPING my hair off! 

YIKES!

 The more I think about it the more nervous I get. I have been growing out my hair since before my wedding. If I'm doing the math correctly, that's about 3 years I have been working on growing it long and pretty. It takes so long to grow it out and a split second to chop it off.

I do love my hair long, but it's to the point where I can't do anything with it so I'm always throwing it in a pony or a high sock bun. (Of course, after I scheduled my hair appointment, the next 3 days were awesome hair days. It never fails) But I've realized, it's time for something different and it will always grow back. 

My inspiration:

Initial thought was to do a long angled bob with some long bangs. As I searched instagram and pinterest, this is what I came up with. 

I love the layers and the body of Selena's cut.

If I could pull off short bangs, this style is so sleek.

I love the length of Tyra's hair and her chunky bang. It's short but not too short.

I like Sandra's cut, it similar to Tyra's but maybe more of a bob in the back.

This will probably be what I'll show my stylist though. I like that she has it angled and long (I might want mine a tad bit longer) but with enough layers, and she has it cut so she can wear it with a middle part or to the side. 

This is my color inspiration. 

Black to brown. 

I never use to be a fan of ombre, but if it's done right it looks so pretty! 

Wish me luck! 

I hope I leave without shedding any tears. 

Which inspiration pic was your favorite?

Women Crush . . . Thursday

So I know it's 'Women Crush Wednesday' and that I'm a day late and a dollar short with this post BUT my days are crazy busy and there seriously aren't enough hours in the day. That's unless I want to wake up at 430a or go to sleep at midnight, neither which are happening.

So I've made today women crush Thursday! 

Sergeant Theresa Vail

A beauty queen. 

A hunter.

A sergeant in the US Army. 

And the picture talked about around the world, a lover of the Lord and tattoos! 

From looking at the photos above, this woman looks as though she's the complete package. Someone who will die for their country, someone who loves the Lord, and someone who has a wide variety of hobbies. Why didn't she win Miss USA the other night? Was it because she was tatted up? Was it because she kills animals in the woods? Was it because she dresses like a boy sometimes in a uniform? Her platform is empowering women to overcome all stereotypes and to break boundaries, and she definitely breaks the stereotypical 'Miss USA' type of candidate. I think it's time we started getting real people in the pageant. Women that most of us can relate to and women that we as other women look up to. 

She definitely is that type of a contestant! 

And she's from Kansas so I like her even more. =) 

Who was your favorite contestant? 

Nail Files [7]

We just hired a new nail technician at work this week, so I got a nice 'training' manicure. You can't beat free - especially while on a budget.

 {Don't mind the nubs. I went on a binge last week =/}

CND Shellac

Grey // Cityscape with VIP Silver over it

Pink // Cake Pop with VIP Gold over it

Linking up with Jennie.

My Summer Glow

Ever since I stumbled across these high lighting and contouring {H&C} photos on Pinterest and realized how the technique really can transform you, I was hooked on trying to replicate it.

This year I just recently started to buy other make up besides chapstick, mascara, and eye liner. 

I have since discovered the greatness of BBCream, the Naked Palettes by Urban Decay, Latisse, and the technique of H&C. 

I have definitely NOT perfected the technique but I have found some products that I really like and that help get the job done for now. 

It looks as though KimK does all her H&C underneath her foundation. 

Since I'm not a big foundation wearer, I use my BB Cream to even out my color, then I apply my bronzer, highlighter, and blush on top of that.

I'm O-B-S-E-S-S-E-D with this Two Faced Bronzer: Snow Bunny. From a girl that didn't spend more then $4 dollars on a product to paying $30 for a bronzer is quite a change. 

I'm glad I found it but scared because now I'm hooked. I'll now never be able to go back to anything different - it's that good! 

What products do you use to achieve your summer glow?

What are some of your favorite products that you can't live with out? 

  

Nail Files [6]

With today being the first day we can totally focus on baseball (because the NBA playoffs are over), this nail combo is a throwback from last summer when we went to STL for some Cardinals baseball games. 

Pinterest inspired. 

I don't have the blue any more so I'm not sure of the polish name, but I added a gradient of loose white glitter on top. 

Then I used a tooth pick to create the baseball lines.

Cute and festive!

Linking up with 

What I Wore - OOTD [4]

Some days it's hard finding cute things to wear when you have to wear business casual to work everyday. 

All your nice clothes tend to be work clothes, and then you aren't ever wanting to wear those clothes outside of work. 

Luckily, I found this beauty in the back of my closet. 

Blouse // Kohls

Bandeau // Kohls

Shoes // Gianni Bini - Dillards

Bracelets // Stella&Dot Namaste Body Central  

Earrings // Gift 

Some days you just feel pretty!

You know it's one of those days when the selfie comes out. =))

Linking up with the Pleated Poppy.

Nail Files [4]

 

CND Shellac- Tutti Fruity

 Bubblegum meets pepto bismal meets barbie!

Happy Friday! 

Cheers to the freakin' weekend!   

Linking up with Tara.

Life Lately: According to Instagram

via

 

via 

Life lately according to my phone! 

 

• Miss Aynslee posing for the camera!
• BabyLips! This color has just enough tint.
• These are my baseball essentials to get me through CT's games. 
• This precious little girl is CT's cousin. She said "Tiffy, we have matching shoes."
• A baby shower gift I got that found the perfect home by my window.
• Happy Administrative Assistant day. My office spoiled me! 
• This little beauty is taped to our employee bathroom mirror. How funny!
• I'd be darling at it.
• Last night I made baked pickles. They were so easy (bread them and broil on high 3 minutes each side) and so delicious. Just my kind of food!  
  
  
  Happy hump day!