Friday Favorites! #5

 

 

Hey guys! So I know I've missed a few weeks of Friday Favorites! Hopefully you didn't miss them too much! I have just been crazy busy with new client projects and the terrible two's (mom's, you know what I mean!) Any who, I have 5 amazing products to share with you this week and I promise it was worth the wait!

 

I recently saw these new makeup removing products on an end cap at the drugstore. I am always on the lookout for those little signs that say "NEW"! I decided to try the makeup removing lotion and facial towelettes from Maybelline's new Clean line. I was definitely not disappointed!

To clean my face at night, I now use this makeup removing lotion first. I just rub it all over my face as if I was putting on moisturizer. The lotion instantly breaks down my makeup and seems to just melt it off! I then follow with the facial towelettes, working in sections to make sure everything gets removed. The towels are thin, which I love because it allows you to really mold it into all of the creases of the face. They are also not soaked in product, which I also love. And isn't the bright pink packaging so cute!? 

 

This product was recommended to me by my MIL. I had never heard of this before, nor did I even know that something like this existed! This PB2 is powdered peanut butter! It is so low in calories and fat compared to regular PB and it works perfectly when making protein shakes! I recently started replacing one meal a day with a protein shake to try and loose these last few stubborn baby weight pounds! I use this in almost all of my smoothies and it makes it taste like desert! It tastes so good that I almost feel like I am cheating! (and just by replacing 1 meal a day with a protein shake, I have lost 4lbs in only 2 weeks!) Give this one a try!

 

Being the makeup obsessed girl I am, I of course am a Sephora Beauty Insider. I get weekly emails with sales and new product information. (It's free so go sign up!) I saw last week that they had released their new Give Me Some Lip favorites. It is one box with 6 lip products, for only $25!!!! Let me tell you that one of these full sized lip products would cost you just as much! They are all high end, luxury brands such as Laura Mercier, Buxom, NARS, Sugar Rose, Bite, and Tarte. I am in love with every one of these colors. They are all so wearable and all in the pinky-mauve range. This is a must buy!!

 

I think I have mentioned before that my favorite blush brand on the planet is MAC. They are my go to for blush because they're blushes are SO pigmented and in the most beautiful shades! I have been using this one, Melba, for a few months now and every time I wear it I think to myself, I have to share this with the world! So, if you are in the mood to splurge a little on a blush, (I believe they are about $20) this is the one to do it on! And it's really not much of a splurge if you think about how L'Oreal blushes are in the $12 range, and this one is so pigmented that it will last you a LONG time! Try it and let me know what you think!

 

And last, but definitely not least, Benefit's They're Real Mascara! I have tried countless mascaras, different formulas, wands, brands, price points, etc. Nothing compares to this one for me. It is a little pricey at $27, but right now at Ulta when you buy the full size, you get a travel size for free (I have been using my travel size one for 3 months now and it is still going strong!) *Tip: Apply your first coat with the want held horizontally like you normally would, then while it is still wet, apply your second coat with just the ball tip, stroking up one lash at a time. This gives the best coverage and really helps to lengthen the lashes! LOVE IT!

 

 

I know I mentioned a few higher end items today, and I am still a huge fan of a bargain, but when I have found a product that it really worth spending the extra money on, I want you guys to know about it!

 

 

I love hearing your thoughts and feedback on the products I share, so feel free to comment below! Talk to you guys next week!

 

 

 

 

 

Living Room Design with Unique Inspiration!

 Last weekend I gave you guys a sneak peek of the living room I was designing for one of my new clients, so here is the follow up blog post I promised!

 

My clients' main concern was how dark and un-inviting the space felt, so I knew that I would need to address those issues first. They also requested that the room's color scheme and style be inspired this abstract painting...

 

So I knew right away that I wanted to choose a fun, colorful fabric that pulled out the reds, teals, and whites that the painting had, to brighten the room.

I pulled together this gallery style wall with personal touches such as the letter 'B' for the couples last name, a framed date that has meaning for my clients, and a fun Texas graphic print!

 

Here is the before and after of the space!

 

I went with this beautiful set of Robert Allen prints. I recovered the old couch back pillows with the new fabric. This is a great way to give an old couch new life!

 

 

 

I placed a sofa table behind the couch and added some teal blue lamps (from Home Goods of course!)

 

I love adding extra lighting to a space so you can control how much or how little lighting you need.

 

  

 

 

Above the fireplace, my client already had this great mirror, so I just added a lantern with twigs and a few teal accents.

 

 

 

For the curtains, I used white linen and added a fun, colorful striped accent at the bottom. I also hung the curtain rod all the way up at the ceiling to make the room feel taller and more open. This also lends itself to making a room feel brighter.

 

Across from the living room, I added the same window treatments and a couple of yellow candle sconces in the breakfast area.

 

And in the kitchen, I added a matching valance and a new pendant light over the sink!

 

That completes the space! I love the way this turned out and it shows that you can use bright colors and a mix of patterns without it looking overwhelming! The space is now fun, bright, and welcoming!

 

I hope I have inspired you to add some color to your space!

 

Friday Favorties!! #4

 

 

 

 

This has become my new favorite brush and way to apply flawless foundation! It is the Flat Top Kabuki Blending Foundation Brush from Eco Tools. I purchased mine at Ulta for under $10!

I first place small dots of my foundation all over my face and then use this brush in circular motions to blend it all in. I then repeat the process by dabbing a few more dots all around my face and then I use the brush in a stippling motion to really push the foundation into my pores. This second step helps to not only build up your foundation for a more full coverage look, but it is the key to a smooth foundation finish!

 

 

This is the toner I have been using during my night time skin care routine. It is the H20 Waterwhite Advanced Brightening Toner. I found this little gem at TJ Maxx for only $5.99!! They have an awesome skincare section and it is my new favorite place to search for new products to try!

I soak a small cotton round in the toner and then rub it all over my face. It smells so fresh and clean and leaves my skin feeling tingly and refreshed! It also helps to grab any remaining makeup that my remover and cleanser didn't get! I honestly have noticed my skin looking brighter and healthier in just a few weeks of using this product!

 

These EOS lip balms are my new favorite way to moisturize my lips. They cost around $2.99 and are available at most drug stores. They come in all kinds of amazing colors and flavors too! I got mine at Target in the checkout isle. I am currently using Pomegranate. The shape is perfect for easy application and it coats your lips perfectly. I apply this every night before bed and after only 2 weeks, my lips are softer than ever! LOVE IT!

 

 

Ok, so this is the odd ball of the bunch this week since I normally focus more on skincare, cosmetics, and décor, but this was a must to share about. This is the newest craze for teaching your toddler to swim. It goes over the arms, around the chest, and then buckles in the back. I purchased this one at Target for only $19.99. It was the BEST $20 I EVER spent!

It keeps my little guys head straight up (unlike vests that tend to dip forward and shove up into their faces). After only 5 min, my son was swimming around the pool all by himself with this thing! He did not care to hold on to someone or the edge of the pool. He is only 27 months too! I recommend this to all of you mommies and daddies out there who are trying to teach your kids to swim or just want to play in the pool. You won't regret this purchase!!

 

 

Last, but certainly not least, the lip lacquer made famous by the one and only Kim Kardashian. (OK, I know we are not all fans of hers, but you can't deny her beauty or her fabulous makeup!) This NARS lip lacquer is in color Chelsea Girls and I have fallen head over heels in love. I splurged on this one after debating over it for months. You can buy NARS at Sephora and Nordstrom, as well as online. These pots are around $25. I know what you're thinking, $25 for lip gloss? Are you nuts? Yes, a little. LOL. But this is the most perfect shade of nude/pink and the formula is amazing. It is like butter! It goes on like a gloss, but has the pigmentation of a lipstick. I truly believe this color would look good on just about everyone and it will last you a very long time! Unless you become as obsessed as I am and you want to wear it every day lol.

 

 

Please leave your comments and feedback below! I love hearing your thoughts!

 

 

 

 

**I am not paid by any of these brands to try or talk about these products. These are my own opinions.  

Friday Favorites! 3

 

Hey guys! Here are 5 things that I am LOVING right now!  

 

Chevron Printed Burlap!!

Of course we all know how huge the chevron pattern has become lately and I am loving that it is being printed on just about everything! At my local Hobby Lobby store you can get 1"-5" thick, chevron printed burlap ribbon in just about any color! And it's all under $6! Hobby Lobby also just opened their online store so if you don't have one near you, you're in luck!

 

Midi Rings

I am so obsessed with these above the knuckle rings called Midi Rings!! Especially in the gold color! I have been buying most of mine at Forever 21. They are so cute and you normally get 2 for $4!! Here is a link to their Midi Ring page online!

MAC Fix+

I am a big fan of MAC cosmetics and I had been hearing a lot of hype over their makeup setting spray. Honestly I just thought it was yet another unnecessary makeup item to add to my morning routine. I happened to stop at the mall where we have a MAC pro store. I asked one of their makeup artists what their TRUE opinion was of the spray and they said that it was a must! Now, I was still skeptical, wondering if they were just trying to sell me to get their commission. But, I bought it anyway and let me tell you, I. LOVE. IT!!!! My makeup is not finished until I spray my face with this wonderful stuff! I have found that it not only sets all of my makeup so that it doesn't budge all day, but it helps to blur and blend any harsh lines from my contour, blush, and highlight. It also leaves a beautiful dewy finish to your skin. Plus, it smells great! This is a must try product for only $20!  

The Balm Mary Lou Manizer

This is the best highlighter I have ever used! It is definitely a little pricey at $25, but it is only $12 on Haute Look today!!! I have tried products from $1-$25 and they have pretty much all been 'good' highlighters, but this one is incredible! It gives my face the most beautiful glow. It is also great for below the brow and the inner corner of the eye. You can find this online at Sephora, Amazon, any many other places. Although it is expensive, this will last you at least 6 months, if not an entire year. It is so pigmented that you only need a little bit to make a huge difference.

(If you are wondering how to use a powder highlight, and are interested in a tutorial, please comment below!!)

Stila Lip Glaze

I heard about these Lip Glaze's in Ulta's recent mailer. They had an ad for 3 for $15 which is actually their everyday price and ONLY at Ulta! I thought that was such a great deal on Stila cosmetics that I had to try them out. I think they have 15 colors to choose from and if you go to an Ulta store, they have testers that you can swatch on your hand to find the right colors for you. I love that they look and feel like a gloss, but they have the pigmentation of a lipstick. They stay on my lips for a very long time too!

Don't be afraid to try a fun color...I used to be a nude/pink lip girl until one day I decided to just try something more bold. Once I did, I loved it and now I wear all kinds of colors! Most people say to me that they are scared to try a bold color, and my response is always, what is there to be scared of? If you don't like it, you can return it (yes, you can return makeup anywhere if you live in the US. If you don't love it, take it back!), it washes off, and you can try it in the privacy of your own home (in case you don't want any one to see)! There is really no commitment involved! Just have fun with it!

 

And one more tip, NO MAKEUP PRODUCT ACTUALLY LOOKS LIKE IT LOOKS (confused? Let me elaborate...) If you look at a lipstick in the tube, it looks like a certain color, but if you take that lipstick and swatch it (apply it on the backside of your hand), it will look completely different! Same with eye shadow, blush, bronzer, you name it! I will not buy a makeup product before swatching it first, nor will I judge a color before swatching it. Try it...it just may change the way you buy makeup :)