Coastal Scents Travel Brush Kit

I was looking for a compact travel bush kit for everyday use and came across this neat find by Coastal Scents.  The case is a plush faux leather and has an invisible magnetic clasp that keeps it closed when not in use.  The brushes are just the perfect size and the bristles are super soft and of great quality (synthetic and pony/goat hair).  The case measures 6L by 4W.

Conair Facial Sauna System

I recently picked up from Bed Bath and Beyond a facial steamer.  I used to steam my face the old fashion way, boil some water, pour into a plastic bowl, grab my towel to lock in the steam and hover over the bowl.  Now I just add a little distilled water with the small cup included with the Conair system and turn on the power - wait for the water to boil which takes about 60 seconds, set the timer and get ready to steam.   I still use a towel over my head to lock in more steam but the high facial spout is suffice.  The system also comes with a facial brush with two attachments for gently exfoliating the face and adding moisturizer.  It also includes a different attachment for sinus issues.  I absolutely love this system and the price is extremely reasonable - not to mention an additional 20% off if purchased from BBB.

Shine Bright Like a Diamond

I am in the process of remodeling my closet and I heard so many good things about the Huggable Hangers that I had to get some for myself.  I chose the color White Diamond because the wood finish that I chose for the closet is a matte white.  I will provide an update and youtube video of the finished closet in the next few weeks.  These hangers are super slim and sturdy and my clothes will no longer droop or slip off the hanger.

Omega VRT 350HD (Fruit and Vegetable Juicing Machine)

I recently completed 30 days of juicing and luckily living in California there are juice bars or options to get juice everywhere so I did not need to own a juicer.  I decided to take my commitment to the next level and invest in a new juicer for the convenience of juicing at home when I don't feel like making a trip to a store.  I owned a juice machine by Greenstar but one of the twin gears broke.  I did my research on the Omega by watching youtube videos and liked the way it performed.  I am however noticing that the vegetables I choose to juice do foam a lot but the quality of juice is amazing due to the low rpms.  I picked the Omega up from Bed Bath and Beyond.

Ipad 2

I finally got an Ipad and now that I have it I don't know what took me so long to get one!  I love how convenient it is to travel with and ease of use.  Its compact, light and I love the different apps.  I signed up for a magazine app called NextIssue and it is amazing how the magazines really come to life on the ipad.  I thought I would miss flipping the pages of a magazine, but the ipad makes it interactive with some of the issues like fitness magazine where some of the exercise demonstrations are in a video form.   This makes it a lot easier to follow the exercise because you can see exactly how the exercise is supposed to be performed.  Can't say enough new things about the Ipad - it is a have item.

I also got one of many ipad cases that I'm sure to collect.  This one is by Michael Kors which was on sale at DSW shoe warehouse.

Mini Muji Case Dupe

I recently purchased the Muji 3 and 5 drawer cases but they my bronzers are a little too big.  I also wanted additional storage for miscellaneous items.  I did however want the look to resemblance to the Muji cases to keep everything in unison.  I picked up this 3 drawer organizer from the container store and it's not as clear as the Muji case but it is a perfect fit.  The drawer doors have a similar u shaped handle just like the Muji case as well.

Makeup Organizer Caddy

I wanted a better way of organizing my growing makeup collection.  I find when they are visible I use them a lot more.  I picked up this organization caddy from the Container store.  The acrylic is really sturdy and very clear.  It came with the lipstick holder included.

MUJI cases

I jumped on the MUJI bandwagon!  After seeing so many youtube tutorials on these cases I finally decided to give them a try.  I was looking for some clear cases to display my growing collection as I was finding that I was not using all my products because I could not see them when they were hidden in my train case.  These cases are sturdy and surprisingly not as large as I thought they would be, but they fit perfectly on my new vanity that I purchased as well.  They hold quite a bit of product as well.  I purchased the 5 drawer and 3 drawer.

MAC Matchmaster Foundation Review

I got off to a slow start with this foundation and actually thought about returning it but after several weeks of trial and error I discovered the trick to applying the Matchmaster foundation properly.  The key is a little at a time.  If you apply small amounts in layers at a time to see exactly how much is needed you will avoid getting a muddy finish.  I tested the 8.0 but the 7.5 is the color that best suits my complexion.

Drew by Beshe Wig Update

So, I had a little over a week to try out the wigs I've purchased recently and so far I've only worn the Drew by Beshe.  Let's just say it took some getting used to and I finally had to trim it because the more it relaxed the bigger it got.  I still love the style, but because the texture is so soft it tends to not hold its shape.  I've worn half weaves/wigs before and never had to worry about them expanding like this one.  The shots below are after I trimmed the Drew and removed some of the bulk.  I also purchased Tracy by Freetress Equal and I have not yet worn the Tracy, but I did try it on again the other night and it morphed into an all out afro.  It came out of the package cascading downward but it somehow shrunk.  I'll end up doing some funky photo shoots with that wig at a later date.

CND Shellac Remover Wraps (Product Review)

I  finally got the opportunity to use the CND Shellac Remover Wraps and I now see why the salons don't use them.  These wraps would be great I guess if your in a very high end salon and they want to impress a certain clientele, but it pretty much does the same thing as store brand foil paper and regular cotton balls soaked in acetone. 

 

 

 

 

Ben Nye Translucent Powders

I picked up some more Ben Nye Translucent powders!  I previously purchased Topaz but wanted to  try Banana.  I don't know if this will suit my complexion but I was told it really blends well with women with my skin tone.  I also picked up the color Camel.  The powders are butter soft and feel super smooth on the skin.   In this photo I have on Topaz.

MAC Brush Cleaner and Fix+

I normally clean my personal brushes with anti bacterial liquid soap but decided to try the MAC Brush Cleaner solution.  I heard that it really leaves your brushes clean without any residue and keeps the shape of the brushes.  Having purchased the Sigma brushes recently I really wanted to take care of my investment and think this is the best choice.  I will keep you posted on how well it works.

I also picked up the MAC Fix+ for only $10US I figured I would give it a try - I've seen other vloggers use this on their blender sponges to make the concealer spread more easily or spritz their eyeshadow brush before dipping into the shadow color for a more pigmented finish.

L'oreal Hydra- Renewal Moisturizing Cream

I have been using coconut oil for the longest as my all over body moisturizer - hair, face, body.  Lately though I don't think it's cutting it for my face moisturizer so I am branching out and looking for a new face moisturizer.  I researched what is the best moisturizer for dry skin and L'oreal's Hydra-Renewal stood out.   They say that it offers continuous moisturizing without a greasy feel.

Sigma Synthetic Brushes

I needed quality foundation brushes and decided to re-visit Sigma ( I previously purchased the 15 piece Premium Professional Kit).  I used the F80 so far and the application of my foundation has never been better.  The quality of the brush allows the foundation to apply evenly.  It does take a while to dry after being cleaned so have a back up.

MAC Paint Pot

I started off using only the Groundwork Paint Pot but soon discovered that it's really only effective with certain eyeshadow colors.  Groundwork for me works best with a more smokey look and deep browns or purples.  When I want to make my greens or yellows pop I like to use Soft Ochre and now for my pinks I picked up Painterly.  From  Top to bottom - Soft Ochre - Groundwork and Painterly.

Urban Decay Naked 2 Palette

I went from not even having the Naked Palette in my radar to now owning two.  Yes, I just received my Urban Decay Naked 2 Palette!  The colors may look a little similar to the original Naked Palette, but there are less shimmers in the Naked 2 Palette.  I really like both palette's and for the price I believe they are worth it because you are getting 12 colors in each palette.  The shades are very pigmented and go on really smooth.

Urban Decay Dew Me (Moisturizing Setting Spray)

I tested this product last month and I was not sold on paying $30 dollars at the time, but Urban Decay recently had a 20% discount off all merchandise with online orders and I decided to go for it.  What I like about this product is that it does not leave my face feeling tight and it's especially made for dry skin.

Onboxing My Sigma Purchase

So excited!  I received my mini Sigma Haul.  I ordered the Paris Palette, Dare Palette and 15 piece Premium Professional Brush Kit.  I love youtube and get great ideas and learning tools from other vloggers and so many of them recommended these items.  I must say the brushes are top notch.  It inspired me to do my first youtube video.  Clink the link here to check it out.  Onboxing My Sigma Purchase I will be doing tutorials as well on the application of these palettes.

Conair Dual Side Mirror

I have to be at work by 7am pacific time and so 9 times out of 10 I apply my makeup at work.  I wanted to get a mirror that was easy to travel with and that could fit easily in my cosmetics travel bag.  I picked up this mirror at Target.  They come in several different colors.  One side is a regular mirror and the other side is 3x the image.