Easy Spring Eyes (Giveaway & Collab)

Hey you! It's FRIDAY and I have the day off! Four day weekend after a week vacation? Yes, please. Tell me your plans. Are you doing anything fun? I suggest giving this spring eye look a try. It's so, so easy and wearable for day time.

Here's what you need:

• Maybelline Color Tattoo in Inked In Pink
• Stila Not So Nude palette
• Scandaleyes Mascara

1. Pat Inked in Pink all over the lid. This acts as a primer and as a pop of soft pink on the lid.

2. Take a flat brush and pat Sugar in the center of the lid. This helps to open the eye.

3. With a crease brush, sweep Dolce into the crease. Use a clean brush to blend.

4. Use a crease brush to apply Mink in the outer corner. Use a clean brush to blend. Smudge Mink into the top and lower lash lines. You can use eyeliner on the top lash line, but I chose not to.

5. With a small brush, apply Buff underneath brows as a matte highlight.

6. Curl lashes and apply mascara.

Need to see it in action? Then check out this video below:

I made this video as part of a collab with BowsNnails. I did a spring eye look, and she did spring nails, so please stop by and watch her video. We are both doing a giveaway! I'm giving away the Stila Not So Nude palette and the Scandaleyes Mascara!

I love this palette because of it's size--6 shadows, a lip/cheek shade, and a highlight--all in one! It comes with a mirror and an additional tutorial. This is awesome for travel and for day to night looks. To enter, please complete the Rafflecopter below:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

The finished look!

Don't forget to stop BowsNnails to see her Spring Nails! Here's what she's giving away:

Want more giveaways? Enter these:

The Coffee Doge Starbucks Giveaway (the winner gets to pick one item from the store, like a $25 Starbucks giftcard!)

Sonia Kashuk/Target $100 Giftcard

May Monthly Chit Chat Vlog!

Still sick y'all and STILL behind on everything. I plan on spending my weekend getting caught up. Thanks again for your patience. May is almost ovah! And that means it's time for another Chit Chat video! I love filming these for y'all. Enjoy!

View video here.

Highlights:

• Mug (and Drink) of the Month (thanks LaNae)
• Beach Trip
• Highs/low of May
• Post of the Month
• Love It or Leave It
• Mystery Special Guest

In the video you'll see Charlie sporting a collar and bow tie from TinosDogCouture.com. Doesn't he look adorable? And he's rockin' his new summer 'do:

More pics, you say? Well, if you insist...

I chose the "Blake" collar and bow tie since he's a UGA fan like his Mama. Go Dawgs!

Yes, I am bribing him to sit still. He was in a wild mood!

So I really hope you watch the video! You can always subscribe if you like. 

More exciting reminders:

• The Coffee Doge Starbucks Giveaway (the winner gets to pick one item from the store, like a $25 Starbucks giftcard!)
• Sonia Kashuk/Target $100 Giftcard

This or That: NYX Chunky Dunk Hydrating Lippie Vs. NYX Jumbo Lip Pencil (Coffee Doge Giveaway)

Well, y'all, I am back from the beach! I'm still sick (boo) but am back to posting after a week away (yay). Did you catch all of my posts? I'll have a video up tomorrow talking more about my trip. Please be patient with me as I get caught up on visiting your blogs and responding to your emails. But for now, check out my weekly series This or That, where I compare two similar products. This time I'm comparing two lips products from NYX. Enjoy.

Pictured, Watermelon Cooler

First up is a new NYX product, the Chunky Dunk Hydrating Lippie. I cannot with that name, y'all, but after a month, I can review it. NYX has joined the lip crayon bandwagon!

• Considered to be in the "lip gloss" category on NYX
• Sheer, but buildable
• glossy, shiny, moisturizing
• twistable bottom, no sharpening
• can be used alone or over lip liner
• 12 shades
• $6

Pictured, Honey Mocha

When the Chunky Dunk came out, I immediately wondered if it was similar to an established NYX product, the NYX Jumbo Lip Pencil. Is the Chunky Dunk just a repackaged version of the Jumbo Lip Pencil (like Covergirl's BB Cream vs. CG Smoothers)? I'm glad to say these are two different products.

• categorized under the "lip pencil" category
• medium-full coverage
• creamy
• sharpens
• lip liner and lipstick in one 
• $4.50
• 24 shades

This or That:

These are two different products, as the lip crayon is hydrating and sheer, while the lip pencil is creamy with more coverage. While I liked the lip crayon, I wouldn't repurchase it as it is too sheer for my preference, but would consider other shades. It reminds me of versions from Covergirl, Sally Hansen, NYC, or ELF. I personally prefer the lip pencils, as they last longer. They are creamy and not as moisturizing, but are still very nice. 

For more reviews of drugstore lip crayons, click here. 

This or That: NYC Lip Crayon Vs. Wet N Wild

And now, for a STARBUCKS giveaway! My sweet blogger friend Rachel (you follow her blog, right?) contacted me about hosting this giveaway. Her husband Christopher has a new website The Coffee Doge that sells Starbucks products (think giftcards, coffee, K-Cups, syrups, and MORE) at a discount.

The winner of the giveaway gets to choose any one item from The Coffee Doge website. This includes the highest-valued gift card ($25), which is awesome just in case you don't make coffee at home and wouldn't want the Kcups, coffee, syrups, etc. 

In order to enter the giveaway you must: 

1. Go to the website and pick out what they would like to win

2. Like The Coffee Doge Facebook page

3. Follow on The Coffee Doge on Twitter

Extra entries:

Follow my blog on GFC--link on the right side of this blog

Follow me on Bloglovin

Giveaway ends June 3rd, 2014. Good luck!

Ipsy: May Glam Bag

As another month speeds by, it's time for another Ipsy bag! The theme for this month is Fresh Picks! Let's see what I got:

-Bag with plant design on one side, green on the other

-Pacifica Mineral Eyeshadow Duo in Moonbeam and Unicorn

• Coconut-infused mineral eye shadows, packaged in a beautiful travel-ready recyclable container, these exclusive duos are customized just for ipsy! These shades can be found in the Pacifica Mystical and Charmed Palette. Smooth application with gorgeous color pay-off. I'll be passing these on since I don't care for the colors.

-Endless Euphoria by Calvin Klein

• Calvin Klein translates the provocative fantasy of the iconic euphoria fragrance into a sunlit daydream filled with cherry blossoms and an air of sheer sensuality. I didn't care for this, as it gave me a headache, but will pass it on.

-Sans Tan Anti-Aging Sunscreen

• The Jersey Shore Sun® Sans Tan Anti-aging Sunscreen contains non-nano, anti-aging, certified organic ingredients, including vitamin E (non-GMO) & vitamin D3 which can be deficient in individuals avoiding the sun. SPF 35 provides broad spectrum protection which prevents premature aging and helps to prevent health risks associated with prolonged exposure to the sun. Top rated & recommended for safety, stability and excellent UVA protection, by The Environmental Working Group. This practically free from everything, and it worked. Just be sure to shake it up before using.

-Eva NYC Therapy Session Hair Masque

• Conditions, repairs and strengthens dry and damaged hair. Argan Oil nourishes and revitalizes, while Keravis Protein drastically increases hair’s strength and elasticity. The results are hydrated, soft and manageable hair. I have seen but have never tried this brand before. I liked it and would like to try more of their products. Smells so good.

-Avène Thermal Spring Water 

• The only thermal spring water bottled directly from the source and packaged in a sterile environment to guarantee purity and maximum skin benefits. Its unique composition is proven to soothe inflammation, itching, redness, general sensitivity and post-medical and aesthetic procedure irritation as it softens, protects and purifies the skin. So far, it seems like fancy water to me, but I will use this at the beach!

-Bonus Item: Bare Minerals Lipstick in Strike It Up

• I used up my Ipsy points to get this. It's a beautiful coral (imagine that...me with a coral lip! ha). I have a big Bare Minerals review coming in a couple of weeks, so styayed tuend for that!

Bare Minerals Strike It Up, Pacifica Eye Shadow Duo

Want to join Ipsy? It's only $10 a month! Click my code here to join.

What did you get this month in your bag or box?

PS: $100 Target Giftcard from Sonia Kashuk for Target--ends 6-30

2014 Resolutions Update!

I used to have a monthly resolution, something I did for several years, and I even shared a couple of those years on the blog. And then last year I switched to weekly resolutions. It was tough! This year, I found this online and decided to give this a go. Let's see my results so far:

Bad Habit: Diet Coke
Status: Fail. I always do well until the summer

New Skill: Improve my photography
Status: Every class I tried was for dslr cameras, so I need to find a basics course for my good old point-and-shoot

Person I'd Like to Be Like: Anyone who doesn't care what others think of her
Status: I've made great progress within the past year with self-esteem issues. I still have more work to do!

Good Deed: Inspired by Kerry, I want to do RAKs.
Status: I bought a stranger's coffee and gave someone change. Not exactly world-changing, hehe.

Place: Disneyworld (but I've been there before!)
Staus: DONE

Book: I didn't have a specific one
Status: I've read several, which is way more than last year. I don't see how you bloggers have time!

Letter: Still thinking about this one
Status:  none

New Food: Black spaghetti
Status: It's just like regular spaghetti, but made with squid ink. What else should I try?

Better At: The fact that not everyone will like you. This is a fact of life that I can't stand, and has taken me a long time to learn.
Status: Still learning.

And since it's Memorial Weekend, the unofficial start of summer, I leave you with this advice (found on The Olive Tree):

Have a great weekend!

Be safe, behave, and be well. 

Love,

Elle

PS: 

$100 Target Giftcard from Sonia Kashuk for Target--ends 6-30

ULTA Beauty's Love Your Hair Event! May 11-31

ULTA is a regular stop for my beauty needs, and they asked if I wanted to share some upcoming events with you, and I got to try out some awesome hairspray, so of course I said yes! Now that spring is in full bloom and the warmer, humid weather is around the corner, so are hair dilemmas for women across the country. With help from the experts at ULTA Beauty, this season everyone can have happy, healthy, hair, completely hassle-free!

With over 115 hair care brands, 2900 products and a salon in every store, ULTA Beauty is truly THE destination for all things hair.

• Love Your Hair, a celebration of fabulous hair which will take place May 11 through May 31 at ULTA Beauty, provides insider tips, deals and steals, as well as demonstrations showcasing the best new tools and innovative products to create your perfect hair look. During Love Your Hair, ULTA Beauty will offer Beauty Steals and events every weekend from brands such as Matrix, Redken, Sexy Hair and TIGI. 

  

• THE SALON at ULTA Beauty will also offer a discounted blowout for $20 during Love Your Hair, which includes a wash, blow dry and choice of style.  Select from a super sleek look, tousled style or loose waves.  To learn more or book an appointment, visit www.ulta.com/treatyourself.

Love this Living Proof Control Hairspray !

• Don’t forget to enter the Living Proof Contest at your local ULTA Beauty store and enter to win a chance to meet Jennifer Aniston in ULTA’s exclusive Love Your Hair Sweepstakes! The winner will receive a trip to Los Angeles to meet Jennifer Aniston and get their hair cut at Living Proof Celebrity Hairstylist, Chris McMillan’s salon.

• No time to visit an ULTA Beauty store?  Shop online!  By visiting www.ulta.com/happyhealthyhair, guests can learn more about solutions for their hair type and shop by recommended regimen.  Choose products based on a variety of universal hair care quandaries, like how to create the perfect curl, the best ways to boost volume for flat hair, combating hard-to-tame frizz and amplifying shine for lackluster locks.

Drugstore BB Cream Reviews: Nuance, NYX, Wet N Wild (And Milani Contest!)

So, I totally let dropped the ball on this one! I meant to share these reviews last year, um yeah. My BB Cream Reviews are some of my most-viewed posts, and I wanted to share some you might not have tried. Enjoy!

Nuance by Salma Hayek Brightening BB Cream

• $14.99 ($7.50 as I post this) 
• 1 oz
• CVS stores and CVS.com
• SPF 30
• Light/Medium, Medium/Deep
• Vitamin C and E
• Sheer coverage
• Best for: dry skin. 
• Overall: This is very similar to the original Garnier BB Cream, but for half the product and for more money. It will make you oily as the day goes on. Wouldn't repurchase.

Wet n Wild Fergie BB Cream

• $5.99 (I have seen it cheaper, so shop around)
• 1 oz.
• Drugstores and online
• SPF 15
• 5 shades
• 8-in-1
• Light-medium coverage
• Best for: all skin types
• Overall: This has a strong smell, and I would recommend their foundation to this.

NYX BB Cream

• $12.99
• 1 oz.
• some drugstores/Target/Ulta and online
• 3 shades
• oil-free
• sheer coverage
• Best for: oily skin
• Overall: This gave the lightest coverage, but was very drying on my dry skin. I wouldn't repurchase this, but everyone I know who has tried it, has liked it.

More BB Cream Reviews:

• Battle of the BB Creams
• High End BB Cream Reviews
• CC Cream Reviews (Drugstore and High End)
• Garnier BB Cream VS. Garnier BB Cream for Oily-Combo

PS: Click here to enter to win $100 Target Giftcard from Sonia Kashuk Beauty

FYI: MILANI COSMETICS ANNOUNCES “WHAT DO YOUR LIPS SAY ABOUT YOU?” CONTEST

ENLISTING WOMEN EVERYWHERE TO EXPRESS THEMSELVES

• Each applicant will have the chance to win the grand prize of $2,000 in cash and $1,000 worth of Milani swag to inspire any makeup fanatic’s look beyond imagination.
• Beginning at 12:00 AM EST on May 6, 2014, share photos of your lip-fashion while describing what their lips say about them using an eloquent self-expressing hashtag.  
• Entries will be accepted until 11:59PM EST May 25, 2014, and the first 500 entries will receive one of the most celebrated Milani Cosmetics products, Color Statement Lipstick.  
• Initial entries for the “What Do Your Lips Say About You?” contest will be accepted on www.mymilanilips.com, as well as onwww.facebook.com/milanicosmetics, Twitter and Instagram using #mymilanilips.  All finalist entries will be available for public voting within the Contest tab/application at https://www.facebook.com/Milani.  Winners will be announced on July 14, 2014. For more information on the contest, visitwww.mymilanilips.com.

This or That: Sonia Kashuk Take Cover Concealing Stick Vs. Smashbox Camera Ready Coverage Concealer

Hey you! How's the week treating you so far? I'm personally counting down the seconds minutes until I hit the road for the beach. Have I mentioned that enough already? Be sure to keep up with me on Instagram if you want to see lots of beach pictures. I'll still be posting each day, so be sure to stop by. But before I go, I wanted to compare two thick concealers in this week's This or That:

This: Sonia Kashuk Take Cover Concealing Stick

• $8.99, .07 oz
• Target stores or Target.com
• 3 shades
• thick, creamy stick concealer
• excellent at coverage, no creasing

That: Smashbox Camera Ready Coverage Concealer

• $20 
• various high-end beauty stores and departments and online
• 6 shades
• creamy stick concealer
• light to medium coverage, no creasing

Side By Side: I thought I would show Smashbox and Sonia Kashuk concealers' coverage of a tattoo. Please note that these shades match my face, and not my inner wrist. Also, these are designed for concealing areas on the face, but I had the same results on my inner wrist.

This or That:

• While I love Smashbox products, the fact that they have 6 shades, the coverage just wasn't there for me. Sonia Kashuk came with more product at a much cheaper price, and the coverage was much better.

GIVEAWAY:

• $100 Target Giftcard from Sonia Kashuk for Target--ends 6-30

Spring Empties and Fails

Y'all, I need a hug. This has been one of those days. I leave for the beach this week (yay) but have a ton of blog work to do before I leave (boo) and I currently have the Nastiest Cold Thing with 103 fever (double, no, triple boo). Of all the dang days to get sick! And why didn't I do guest posts this year? Fail.

One of my tasks included editing a video to accompany this post. After trying many times, the video file is corrupt, so I'm admitting defeat (blessing in disguise?). But I still wanted to do this post.

Another task of mine? Throw out the trash! Yes! I've been saving my used beauty products to share with you. I do these every season. I admit, I forget and use up more than seen here, but here are my empties and fails:

Mentioned:

• Ulta Nail Polish Remover Pads
• these worked great and would repurchase
• Nail Art remover pads from Walgreens
• only $1, they worked, but wouldn't repurchase
• Gnarly Whale body scrub
• I won this and it smelled like raisin bread. Would purchase.
• Level shower discs
• These came in my Fit, Fab, Fun box. Wouldn't purchase. I like making my own shower discs instead.
• Ricola cough drops
• I can't remember if I purchased these or if they were free from Klout. Regardless, I'd repurchase.
• Clean & Clear Steam
• This product was discontinued a few years ago, and this was my last one. I *wish* I could repurchase. RIP. ;) 
• Nano Blur
• Total fail for me, and y'all know I tried it so many ways. This is supposed to blur fine lines, pores, etc, and just didn't work for me. Wouldn't repurchase.
• Freeman Facial Masks
• Peeling Pumpkin: Set my dang face on fire, and a normal person would wash it off immediately. Not me. It worked, but wouldn't purchase again.
• Facial Sleeping Mask: It never really soaked in, so wouldn't repurchase.
• Coffee Energizing Mask: A paper mask that I loved. Repurchase!
• Golden Grain Mask: Total fail. It was gel with gold flecks in it. No.
• Montagne Jennesse Creamy Coconut t Mask: Soaked right in and worked. Repurchase!!
• Olay Facial Wash
• Loved this and would repurchase
• hyaluranic acid
• I bought this ebcayse I make my own beauty products, so I have repurchased, but not this brand
• Sunsilk
• My fave HG hair product. Sadly discontinued and sadly (crazily) I am down to 9 bottles.
• Ever Deep Facial Wash
• I've got a review coming up for this, but it's really good. PR sample
• ELF primer
• Broke me out, wouldn't purchase
• Almay makeup remover pads
• They worked and would repurchase
• Opti-Free contact solution
• Love and use it daily
• Tarte lip stain
• Loved the stain and the gloss. Not sure if this still exisits, but would repurhcase
• Inline brown liquid liner
• Didn't like thus verson, but I do like the black. WOuldn't repurchase.
• Suave Almond Cookie bath wash
• Second bottle of this. I just noticed this post is full of body washes. I'm clean, y'all!
• Vaseline Spray & Go
• This was okay, but there are others I like better. I think this was from Influenster.
• Goody's headache relief
• An essential for my migraines. Have bought many of these many times over.
• Spa Sydell Flo Body Wash
• This is an Atlanta spa chain. They sent this to me and I LOVE it. Smells amazing.
• Seba Med Dry Skin Body Wash
• This was sent to me and was my go-to during the winter. Dry, sensitive skin will love this.
• Boscia BB Cream
• Didn't like this. Glittery!
• Target baby wipes
• I use these daily and have bought them amny times to remove makeup from hands.
• Rimmel Waterproof Liner
• This was good, but it came apart. I need to buy another one.
• Blistex Lip Balm
• It was okay. I'm a Softlips girl though!

What products have you used up and which are fails?

PS: $100 Target Giftcard from Sonia Kashuk for Target--ends 6-30

HUGE Beauty Grab Bag!

Hey you! I am so excited the weekend is here! It seemed like this week has been dragging on forever! I think it's because I have my upcoming beach trip on the brain. I'll still have my regular daily posts while I'm gone, including lots of fun products like in today's Beauty Grab Bag! These were sent for consideration, and after months of testing/reviewing, I'm sharing them with you! I hope you find some new products to check out! Enjoy and have a great weekend!

Introducing “DIY DYE,” a comprehensive step-by-step guide to fun, temporary hair coloring!

Go wild with a fire-engine red accent streak. Be cool with forest-green tips. Or look bold with a whole head of purple locks! “DIY DYE” will teach you to create a personalized look with any color and style imaginable using coloring kits, chalks, henna, food coloring and even Kool-Aid packets. No salon necessary.With “DIY DYE,” you’ll get the 411 on every aspect of at-home coloring including picking the right dye, concocting original hues, adding highlights, getting an ombre in any color and much more!

While I was familiar with all of the techniques shown, I loved how easy this was to read and understand. And there are so many techniques and everything can be done at home! Perfect for the beginner. My younger sis loves this book! Really fun.

Umberto Beverly Hills 
Dry Clean Dry Shampoo-- $12.99, available at Target, did well at reviving hair and attacking oily roots with its rice starch.
Dry Texture Spray--$12.99, at Target, and I loved this for volume and being able to give hold and texture. Short hair will LOVE this!

Bodycology Cherish the Moment Lotion and Fragrance Mist--I have purchased several items from this brand, and was excited to try this scent. These smell just like cherry blossoms and are perfect for spring and summer. $3.99 at Walmart

Japonesque Performance Pro Lipstick Shade 1--This is a gorgeous, wearable nude lipstick. Love it! And how pretty is the packaging? Ulta, $20

Ayurveda Shanti Shower: with the sweet scents of Indian Rose and nourishing Sweet Almond Oil, this rich ultra-soft shower paste gently cleanses and soothes the skin, relaxing body and mind.

Price: $15 Availability: Barney’s and Barneys.com

I loved trying this because it is so unique--it's a shower paste! It comes out thick, but doesn't like skin sticky or anything. It just works, and smells AMAZING. Obsessed.

Sulwhasoo Snowise EX Brightening Mask

($130/box of 10 sheets; Neiman Marcus, Bergdorf Goodman, NeimanMarcus.com)

Formulated with traditional Korean herbs and Snowise Tri-White Complex™, instantly brightens the skin for a luminous complexion. Each patented mask is individually fermented in white ginseng for 2 weeks to bring about immediate brightening results and boosted circulation. The mask is created from plant pulp and is compressed by machine for efficiency of treatment.

My skin was instantly hydrated, and since I had a sample I can't vouch for the other claims, but this was one of the most unique masks I've ever tried. I saved this for a special occasion and EVERYONE noticed how great my skin looked.  

Sulwhasoo Brightening Trial Kit--This is a sampler of their best brightening products. While there are several steps, I can affirm that these products worked! I used this on my hands to brighten them (I didn't test on my face since I am self-tanning) and these really worked! Can be purchased online or at Neiman Marcus or Bergdorf Goodman.

I thought this was a really awesome website--Loxa Beauty, a swank, new e-commerce website that’s your one-stop shop for all things trendy in beauty.

Supported by major manufacturers like Paul Mitchell, Joico, CHI and others, Loxa offers more than 3,000 top salon products while providing a commission to salons and stylists every time a sale is made. Paul Mitchell Lemon Sage Energizing Body Lotion ($13.98) and Pevonia Timeless Radiant Skin Toner ($32.00) are what I got to try. I was already a fan of the lotion, as I have used that in one of my favorite hotel chains. The toner was fun to try and was a big hit on my recent travels. 

Amazon and big box stores can’t guarantee that what you’re getting in your bottle isn’t expired or mislabeled. When purchasing from Loxa, customers can trust that their products are authorized and authentic. I really, really liked that and liked seeing there is a site I can trust.

Mark Hill is a celeb hair stylist who's worked with Olivia Palmermo, amongst many others, and is introducing some new products to his Mark Hill Professional line.

• Mark Hill Love Big Hair Viva La Volume Volumising Blow Dry Mousse 250ml ($11.99) This light-weight non- sticky mousse adds body, fullness and shine to any style, leaving hair voluminous and bouncy. Fine hair will love this!
• Mark Hill Defrizz-ilicious Bedazzled Anti-Humidity Shine Spray 200ml ($11.99) Blocking out humidity and providing a styled finish, this ultra-light spray seals each strand of hair with an invisible jacket to protect your style while adding beautiful long lasting shine. This has been a must for me lately.
• Mark Hill Gorgeous! Work It Girl! Shine, Protect and Control Spray 200ml ($11.99)This combination spray protects hair from heated styling tools such as straighteners and tongs up to 455°F, all while adding amazing shine, and firm, flexible hold through the infusion of bamboo/fern extract. I like an all-in-one product!
• Mark Hill Gorgeous! Hot Glam Extreme Heat Protection Spray 200ml ($11.99)Crammed with heat-saving, moisture-rich ingredients, this light, non-greasy spray offers protection from heated appliances up to 455°F and leaves hair with a smooth, silky shine. I liked how my hair wasn't sticky and greasy from using this!

Lierac Body-Slim Night ($59; Lierac-usa.com) contains a high concentration of active caffeine combined with molecular micropatch technology (for the 1st time ever!), that is continuously released throughout the night. This unique technology is combined with the WTB system, patented by LIERAC, and red berry pulp to help intensify the release of already stored fat and reduce new fat storage.

 Lierac Body-Slim Oil ($50; Lierac-usa.com) is the 1st bi-phase oil dosed with 10% high-performance botanical extracts (baie rose, cranberry, red vine, butcherbroom, etc.) for double effectiveness against cellulite & excess water. Its comfortable moisturizing oil texture is ideal for a drainage-enhancing massage and offers a dry finish so that you can get dressed soon after application. A body-contouring oil free of essential oils and caffeine, safe for use by pregnant women.

TRUST ME when I say that these products WORKED. I'm serious and have recommended these to my family and will be purchasing more. TMI alert, but I have grade 2 and 3 cellulite. These made it grade 1 and completely gone in some areas as long as I used the products. I was really impressed.

Lierac Purifying Mask

($28; Lierac-usa.com)

This lightweight purifying foam cream mattifies the skin and helps tighten the appearance of pores in combination to oily skin:

• Clarifying green clay: known for its absorbent and purifying properties.
• Absorbent kaolin: instantly mattifies the skin.
• Star anise and lime extracts: selected for their clarifying, astringent, refreshing and purifying properties.

While I have dry skin, I was able to try this on oily parts of my skin, thanks to the hot weather lately. I liked it.

Milani makes some of my favorite blushes! And I'm obsessed with other products from this line. Here are two blushes that are perfect and pigmented for spring and summer.

 First up is Coralista, a shimmery peachy coral.

Probably one of my fave shades of all time is Luminoso, a gorgeous wearable peach. I can't count how many times I've purchased this for myself or others.

Which products caught your eye?

GIVEAWAYS:

• Win a pair of Reebok Skyscape shoes--pick the color!--ends SUNDAY, May 18
• All-Day Beauty Tools from NEUTROGENA--ends SUNDAY, May 18
• $100 Target Giftcard from Sonia Kashuk for Target--ends 6-30

Karmin G3 Salon Pro Hair Styling Iron

I was contacted to try out the Karmin G3 Salon Pro Hair Styling Iron, and I'm glad I did! Here are just a few of the many features on the product:

• heats quickly
• tourmaline ceramic plates
• heats from 250 to 460 degrees
• tangle-free, swivel cord
• auto shut off after 1 hour
• curls, flips, straightens hair
• comes with case/carrying mat
• 3 year warranty
• worldwide voltage
• three colors

Here's the box it comes in, as well as the carrying case/heat mat. Love this.

Here's a close up of the hair styling iron's temperature setting.

And here I am with straight hair! Y'all never see my hair like this, right? I was impressed with the Karmin G3 Salon Pro Hair Styling Iron as I could easily straighten, flip, or curl my hair very quickly. I experienced no drag or pulling, and loved how silky it made my dry hair. If you're looking to upgrade your current tools or are looking to invest in a high-quality product, I suggest checking them out. This styling iron is $189, comes in 3 colors, and is available here.

Karmin links to check out:

https://www.facebook.com/karminprofessional

http://www.pinterest.com/karminen/

https://twitter.com/karminhairtools

https://plus.google.com/103122241216562609631

This or That: Shiseido Facial Cotton Vs. Cotton Clouds

This week's This or That is not makeup, but is totally a beauty product. How do you take off your eye makeup? Do you ever use cotton pads? I do and prefer them to cotton balls, and one day I randomly splurged on Shiseido Facial Cotton. I shared them on the blog here, and several of you suggested that I try the inexpensive Cotton Clouds. I immediately got them, and have been using both since. So let's get into it:

top: Cotton Clouds, bottom: Shisedo

I love using cotton squares to remove makeup or nail polish, or to apply products. I've tried a lot of cotton pads over the years, and these are the two softest brands I've come across and they hold up very well.

Shiseido Facial Cotton:

• $9.50
• can be purchased online and in stores like Sephora or Nordstrom 
• 165 squares
• white
• removes products and applies products
• can be separated to double the use
• very soft
• broke down with facial oils 
• larger but not a thick

Cotton Clouds

• $3.99 (price varies)
• I've only found it online
• 200 or 220 pads
• white or rainbow
• removes and applies products
• can be separated to double the use
• soft
• broke down with facial oils
• thicker, but smaller

This or That: 

As you can see above, the Cotton Clouds are thicker, but a little smaller. This didn't make a difference to me in terms of use. I found the Shiseido to be softer, as did everyone else I tested them on. Both seemed to work the same, but I preferred the Shiseido. While I enjoyed and would recommend them both, I would repurchase the Cotton Clouds since they are cheaper.

Have you tried this? Which one do you like?

GIVEAWAYS:

• Win a pair of Reebok Skyscape shoes--pick the color!--ends SUNDAY, May 18
• All-Day Beauty Tools from NEUTROGENA--ends SUNDAY, May 18
• $100 Target Giftcard from Sonia Kashuk for Target--ends 6-30

PS: Sonia Kashuk is answering YOUR beauty questions! Please leave them on the post here, and you'll get TWO MORE entries to win $100 to Target!

I'm guest posting today at Chic 'N Cheap Living--stop by!