Jessica's Best of 2013

Hey everyone! My name is Jessica and I am the new girl on the blog. Here is a little about me then on to my Top 10 of 2013. I am a lover of all things girly and have collected, blogged about, and reviewed makeup and beauty products for a couple of years now. I am a single mom of 2 little girls and will be turning the big 4-0 in a few months. Ashley just happens to be my cousin and I am so thrilled that she asked me to contribute to this blog. She has great style and I am glad that I can share my love for makeup and beauty products with someone in my family.

On to my top 10!

These are products that I either found and fell in love with in 2013 or that I have continued to use because they are just that awesome.


1. Mac's Mineralized SkinFinish

I had read great things about this and seen many good reviews on Youtube. So, I had to try it. I can't believe I waited as long as I did. I love this stuff. I don't like to wear a lot of foundation and most times just use a light BB Cream or tinted moisturizer. THIS will cover anything and can give you full coverage if you want it to. It doesn't feel heavy and gives a nice matte finish without being too powdery. I used it in shade 'Light'. I don't have a lot of high-end stuff, because I just don't like spending a lot of money, but this is definitely worth the $$.


Number 2. Urban Decay's Naked Basics Palette

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I don't own any of Urban Decay's Naked Palettes... except this one. I just can't justify paying $50 dollars. Though, I am glad I decided to get this. At $27.00 (US) I felt it was worth it at least to try. I have used it almost daily since buying it a year ago. The 1st color, 'Venus', is a perfect brow highlight and isn't matte. Its a slightly shimmered off-white/cream. The 4th & 5th colors, 'Naked2' & 'Faint' are perfect for the crease and work great for a light makeup application to give definition without being too dark. 

Number 3. NYX Matt Finishing Spray

I originally bought the dewy finishing spray and really liked it. Then I watched a video of Melmphs where she raved about the matte spray so, again, I had to try it after watching her video. I love this stuff! I am on my second bottle. It sets the Mac Mineralized SkinFinish perfectly and I often feel like I don't have any makeup on. After spritzing it on my face, I have a little fan that I let it dry with. From experience, I learned that I need to set my makeup with this before I put my mascara on, or else I am look like I have been crying. It's affordable and works well.

Number 4. Maybelline FitMe Concealer

Working at a large chain pharmacy, I often times will browse the makeup isle on my lunch break. I had a few customers and coworkers say they liked this line. When I needed a new under eye concealer, I decided to give this a try. I chose the number 10 and it was a little too dark, so I went back and got the number 15 and its a perfect match. I have this darkish vein under my left eye and this covers it without being cakey.


Number 5. Elf's Small Stipple Brush

As per last year's list, I am a huge fan of Elf Studio line brushes. This has by far become my favorite brush and use it for foundation and concealer. It blends beautifully. It isn't too big and floofy nor too small to smear. Its just right.





Number 6. Wet n' Wild Rose Golden Goddess to Reflect Shimmer Palette

I bought this on a whim and its become my go-to busher/bronzer. Its not shimmery enough to make me look like a disco ball, but its just enough to give a gorgeous warm glow. The color works well with my skin tone and hair color, but I think it will will with pretty much any skin tone.




Number 7. Juice Beauty Stem Cellular Moisturizer

I received this in a PopSugar Must Have box last year and it is AH-Mazing! First of its all organic and natural. Secondly, its feels really good and refreshing on the skin. And thirdly, it smells like lemon candy. Its no secret that I am turning 40 and I could use all of the help I can get. I can really tell a difference in my skin since I started using this. A little goes a long way and I still have plenty left but will pay the high price to purchase more when I run out. Its worth it.




Number 8. Physician's Formula Organic Wear Fake Out Mascara

It is light and lovely and gives my lashes an almost ethereal affect. I got this at Walmart in a buy 1 get one free package. I gave the extra to my coworker and after a few weeks of use, she came to me raving about how much she liked it and how it made her lashes look. I have to agree. When I wear black mascara, this is the one I reach for every time.






Number 9. Rimmel London Show Off Lip Lacquer

The ONLY thing I don't like about this stuff is the smell and it really isn't that bad. It feels amazing on the lips, the color payoff is like whoa, and it lasts. Its just gorgeous. It took forever for CVS (my place of employment) to carry it so I had to find it elsewhere. Its affordable and there are several colors to choose from, both shimmery and cream. I would definitely recommend it.





Number 10. Beauty Blender Makeup Sponge

This is another thing I received in a Pop Sugar Must Have box. If you haven't read any reviews about the Beauty Blender, do yourself a favor and go read them. There are many like the Beauty Blender but this is the real deal. Once you get it wet, the size doubles and becomes this cloud like sponge and blends foundation flawlessly. I would repurchase this anytime!



I hope you liked my review of my top 10 of 2013 and I would love to hear your thoughts and what your you top 10 beauty products of the last year are. Cheers! ~ Jessica

Elf Beauty Book Nude Eyeshadow Palette Review & Swatches!

Sooo I finally got my hands on a neutral Elf palette!!! Also on sale at Walgreen's for only $2.50 like the other one. I'm pretty excited about it, and I've already used it, and it is definitely great for work makeup!!!

Like the last one, it contains 9 shades, an eyeliner pencil, and a sponge applicator that I won't use.

Here's what it looks like opened up, and the directions for the perfect nude eye look. :)

And here's a little close view of the inside. I've mostly only used the lighter colors.

Here's swatches, with flash. Some of the colors are super pigmented, others are pretty light, but they work on my eyelids. Just not my arm. :D

And here's no flash, to give you a better idea of what that super pigmented awesome green and gold look like. :)

The verdict: While not as pigmented as the other palette. Still worth $2.50 on clearance. They still are long lasting, and really pretty. I like that some of the colors are matte, and others are shimmer. I like variety. 

Still want to own every Elf eyeshadow palette ever!!!

I swear some Nail Polish posts are coming your way soon! I haven't painted my nails in days because ever since I got HK Girl topcoat, my manis last forever! Rock!

Xx Ashley C.

Elf Party Eye Shadow Book Review & Swatches!

As many of you guys may already know, I can't resist a Walgreen's beauty deal. I've been eyeing the Elf Christmas sets for some time now, but decided to hold off until clearance time because I didn't know if they'd be any good. So glad I did!!

I want to start by saying I bought this palette not expecting much. I don't think I own any other Elf eyeshadow, even though I do use a couple of their products on a semi regular basis (cream eyeliner, liquid eyeliner, and eyeshadow primer). I purchased this palette for $2.50 and now I must own every single eyeshadow book there is.

The colors are highly pigmented, NO NOT CREASE at all, and go on so so buttery and smooth. This palette is infinitely better than the Nyx one I just reviewed, and I am officially in search of a neutral Elf palette. For such a cheap price, you really can't beat the color payoff here. I'd even pay full price for one. :)

Who's ready for some swatches!!?!!?!

Here is the beauty "book" opened up. As you can see, it contains 9 shadows, a mini eyeliner pencil, and a brush. I won't be using the eyeliner pencil because I tried it and it sucks. & I have my MAC brushes. But it's a nice addition for beginners.

On the left side there is a page that gives you directions on how to use the palette. This is pretty neat, especially for beginners who want to know how to make their makeup look like it's professionally done.

On the other side is the eyeshadows. It also comes with a little mirror that would be nice for touchups.

And here are the swatches! As well as the eyeliner pencil. This photo is with Flash.

And here is one without.

Like I said I'm really really surprised with how much I love this little eyeshadow palette. The colors are GREAT and super bright. They are just the right amount of shimmery without being overpoweringly glittery and I didn't notice any fall out either which is pretty awesome in my opinion! I'm going to try out the Silver color and the pink tonight!

Do any of you have this palette and LOVE it? Anyone have any recommendations for Elf products they love!?

Until next time!

Xx Ashley C.

Ashley's Top Ten Eye Essentials!

Chynel and myself definitely have different taste in makeup. :) Here are my TOP TEN essential products. Most are things that I use every single day, and if not I use them everytime I'm trying to be fancy with my makeup! Some of these I have used for years and others I never would have found without the help of Ipsy. Hope you enjoy!
Keep reading to see my faves!

Fall Golden EOTD!

Sunday I decided to play with my Sephora Metallize cream palette that I just got back from my cousin. My my how I have missed it! It's filled with 4 shades: silver, gold, bronze, and a really golden gold color. It goes on super smooth and if you apply if over a powder it lasts all day!

For this entire eye look I used:
Sephora Eyelid Primer
Sephora Metallize Mini Cream Palette - Bronze and the Yellow gold color (discontinued :( )
Avon Expert Mega Palette - Brown color for crease (This palette is AWESOME check it out)
Kat Von D True Romance Palette - highlight color in the corner is Heavens
Julep Kajal Eyeliner in black
Elf Cream Liner
Makeup Forever Smoky Lash Mascara

First I filled my whole lid with Heavens by Kat Von D. Next I applied the Avon brown color to the crease and blended out. Next, I added the bronze color from the metallize palette to the outer corners of my eye, then decided it wasn't bright enough so I blended it with Gold. I added a bit more Heavens to my inside corner and underneath my eye. I also added a little bit more brown to the crease and blended it better. Then I lined my whole eye and waterline with the Kajal Eye Glider. It goes on really nice and dark and I've found if I use it under my Elf it makes it stay better. The I did a heavy winged eye with the Elf liner. I left lit a little smoky and I really really like how it turned out. I used Makeup Forever Smoky Lash mascara because I couldn't remember why I hate it so much. I remember now. Excuse the clumps and horrible mess it made of my EOTD.
Enjoy!!

I know I switched to the other eye for the third pic but I didn't get a good picture of the right one for that step lol Sorry!

And here is an awkward pic of both eyes finished!! :)

Hope you enjoyed! :) Let me know if there are any cool eye tricks you know of, or if there is anything you want me to try for another post!!!

Xx Ashley C.

Blue Shadow for Brown Eyes!

So I don't really know how I didn't realize until now how much blue eye makeup makes my normally boring brown eyes POP! Since I received the Bella Terra mineral shimmer in Navy in my Ipsy bag last month I decided to play with a little blue, and WOW did I end up loving it!

To start off, I want to kind of review the Bella Terra. I'd never heard of this brand before Ipsy, but it's pretty neat! They are made of 100% mica and do not contain any weird chemicals or anything harsh that would make it uncomfortable/impossible for people with sensitive skin to wear. Their shimmers are multi-use according to their website and can be used 9 different ways! It's basically a mineral pigment and you can use it as wet or dry eyeshadow, depending on how intense, matte, or creamy you want it to look. You can also use it as an eyeliner, which I don't think would work all that great, as the navy is really shimmer and not all that bold. I like either black or BRIGHT and bold liners. Other uses include nail polish, hair streaks, body glitter, lip color, and mascara. Basically you can use it any way you can think of. I would really like to try out some of their other colors. You can buy them in singles or in an epic 9 stack, which is like a giant tube of shimmer greatness!!! I counted 53 colors total on the single color page!! So many to choose from!! I hope they go on sale for Christmas because I need the Hot Pink in my life.
Anyways, so I originally wasn't all that impressed with it as an eye shadow because I wore just the Navy on my lids, no other colors or special blending or tricks. I didn't use a primer because I was in a rush, and I think that was my big mistake. :/ It had creased horribly by the end of the day and on one eye it was basically gone altogether. But, for the sake of trusting my Ipsy makeup picks, I decided to try it again for the makeup look I'm about to show you, and this time I did, in fact, use a primer. I used it on the outer portion of my eye and in the crease and it lasted all day long and blended beautifully with my urban decay and Kat Von D!!! :)

So for this EOTD, I used:

• Elf Essesntials Eyelid Primer
• Kat Von D-  "Heavens" and "Carvaggio" out of the True Romance "Saint" Palette
• Urban Decay - "Kiddie Pool" (Sadly discontinued, it's my favorite)
• Bella Terra Mineral Shimmer - Navy
• Julep Kajal Eye Glider - Black 
• Elf Cream Eyeliner - Black
• Sephora Collection Glitter Eyeliner - 05 Blue
• Elizabeth Mott - It's So Big Mascara

I started by priming my lids with the Elf primer. I really like it because it's super cheap ($1.00 at Target) and does it's job beautifully. Then I used Heavens all over my lids as a base shimmer. I really like shimmer.

Next I applied Kiddie Pool all over my lids and blended it really nicely with the Heaven. I then took the Bella Terry Navy color and applied it to the outsides of my lids and in the crease. Then I added the brown color and added it to the crease and outer V for a smoky effect.

Next I added the Kajal Eyeliner on to my waterline on both the top and bottom because it is really dark black. Then I went over it in the Elf Cream Eyeliner because it helps the Kajal stay on and not bleed off like it does on it's own. Plus, I can't do winged eyes with a pencil :) 

Once the cream liner was nice and dry, I applied the blue glitter over it and made sure that it was nice and thick so the blue really pops out. Then I added like four coats of mascara!

 This next one is kind of not as neat as the other side, but HEY It happens :) I'm no pro.

And last but not least Here is my completed makeup for the day!

 See how it makes my brown eyes really pop!? I think it's great! :) I don't even really like the color blue all that much but I will definitely be doing this much more often.

If you have any questions about any of the other products I used on my makeup, feel free to ask!! :)

Have a great night and don't forget to like us on Facebook and Subscribe using the buttons on the side!

Xx Ashley C.

Mini Drugstore Haul!

Walgreens is pretty much my favorite drugstore ever. They always have the best stuff on sale!!! I told you guys I was going to get another Wet N Wild palette and lucky me they were still on sale for $2.00!!!!

I picked up Walkin' on Eggshells which is one the of neutral trios. Can't wait to test it out tomorrow!! You can buy it here!! 

I also have been dying for some gel liner.... mine from Sephora is sadly all dried up and I was on a super budget so I decided to pick up some Elf cream liner for $3.00!! I've never tried it before but I like the Elf products that I have tried so far so I figured why not. Pretty excited! Even more excited now that I just realized it comes with a brush too! 

I know I said yesterday I was going to review the Julep liner today.... BUT I woke up way later than anticipated this morning and did a bad job on my makeup. I'm probably going to actually review both Julep and Elf liners tomorrow or this next day so watch out!!

I also grabbed two really great looking nail polishes by Sinful Colors because they were 2/$3 and the matte color display totally sold me. I bought a reddish orange matte color called "Laced Up" and a Hot Pink/Fuschia color called "Forget Now". I tried out Laced Up earlier and it goes on really really nice. It only took two coats and went on perfectly smooth. I can't really decide if it is more orange or more red.... I vote orange and my husband votes red... So you can decide... Please ignore my horrible black tips I was going to Halloween colors. lol I also haven't even bothered to clean up. :)

  

So great and matte. 

AND last but certainly not least my husband had two wonderful gifts waiting on me when I arrived home... in the form of mustaches. 

Have a great night!!! 

Xx Ashley C.