NEW L'Oreal Lip Paints Review

So before we begin, let's get caught up! I was in a dang funk last week. Luckily, I have good friends who dragged me out of the house for a fun dinner at one of my favorite places. I laughed and laughed and it was good for the soul. I took my dog Charlie with me to grab a red cup of holiday goodness from Starbucks--it was a little chilly, which made it even better. I also played with lots of new makeup from Sephora (look out for my haul this week!) and finished reviewing products from my last ULTA haul I got a little over a week ago. And the first thing I had to try would be these NEW L'Oreal Lip Paints! Here's everything you need to know:

L'Oreal Lip Paints

Description:

"In 1 stroke, the designer applicator precisely diffuses vibrant color to lips for high impact. Smudge-proof. Waterproof. Comfortable wear."

Benefits:
Saturated with pigments
High color impact
Designer applicator

Price:

$9.99 for .27 oz (for comparison, Maybelline Color Jolt is .20)

pic via Loreal's Facebook

Shades:

14

Pictured above is the applicator. I did not detect a scent.

I picked up the shades Sultry Sangria, Nude Star, and Wild Rose. Pictured above are arm swatches. 

Swatch of Sultry Sangria

--this shade was VERY patchy and hard to apply

Swatch of Nude Star

--if you have the Maybelline Color Jolt in Stripped Down, this is similar, but a little more brown. Very close color-wise. 

Swatch of Wild Rose

this is definitely more of a bubblegum pink on me.

Finish

This instantly felt familiar when I put it on. Definitely like a gloss but not sticky or too thick. Once the gloss wears off, there is a demi matte finish, but I consider this to be a pigmented gloss. It reminds me a little of the Too Faced Melted Lipsticks, but with a bit more of a gloss feel. These do not feel like the L'Oreal Matte liquid lipsticks.

Overall

I do like them, but the claims of being waterproof and smudge-proof were not true for me. Definitely worth a try, especially if you are looking for fun colors, like the blue or green.

Are you going to give these a try?

See also: Lip Paint Reviews

Extra Elle:

Some good news: I was mentioned twice on Pop Sugar's 100+ of the Best DIY Gifts Ever!!

Thanks for the honest feedback about my last post--I was so nervous to share it!

June Chat: It Cosmetics Giveaway, SBS Con, Summer Trips, #JALS Update & More

Hey you! Happy Friday and happy 4th of July weekend! I actually thought yesterday was Friday, so if my blogging comments sounded odd, that's why. But anyway, June flew by and I have been so busy that I thought I'd get everyone caught up on life. Let me know how your June was and check out my video below:

http://youtu.be/SSKoMEo80kI

What's In My Mailbox for June? NEW BEAUTY & MAKEUP

Happy Monday, y'all! First, I want to thank you for your kind words on this post. Your support is so vital to this time in my life right now and please know I never take it for granted. You are the best.

Today I want to share some of the fun things I've gotten in my mailbox this past month. I've got hair, polish, makeup, and more. I hope you find some new faves!

SinfulColors Having a Blast Collection--Let's kick things off with some polishes to get your nails ready for the 4th of July. Yes, it's almost time, and no, I can't believe it's this soon either. I'm a huge fan of this brand and think these are some fun shades.

Blue By You: Pearlescent royal blue

Green Ocean: Glitter-flecked emerald

Hot Spot: Shimmering cobalt blue

Out Of This World: Perfect silver with swirls of glimmer

Ruby Ruby: A classic deep red

Snow Me White: Bright white

GLITTER TOPPER Star Blast-Off: Star-spangled red, white, & blue confetti

$1.99 At Walgreens this July-- For more info:  SinfulColors.com                                                      facebook.com/sinfulcolors twitter.com/SinfulColors_NP instagram.com/sinfulcolorsprofessional

JORD Watch--I think this is such a unique product! JORD (Swedish for earth, soil, land) watches are sustainable wooden watches. They're expertly crafted and are for men and women. These are 100% natural and make awesome gifts. Find them here.  http://www.woodwatches.com/#ellesees. And here's the watch that I am wearing: http://www.woodwatches.com/series/sidney#39/#ellesees

Wooden Watch For Men

Ipsy June 2015--Swim Into Beauty is the theme this month! Inside the bag I received:

• Smashbox Photo Finish Primer--A silicone-based, oil-free primer that smooths and blurs skin. I've used this many times over the years but cannot use it too many days in a row. But it works and is a classic product for a reason.
• J. Cat Beauty Hydrating Lip Stain--Very pigmented, creamy, and smooth. I really liked this.
• Tre'StiQue--Mini shadow crayon that delivers shimmer on lids for 12 hours. Wear alone or with shadow.
• Befine Cucumber Facial Mask--A cooling and soothing tradition green mask that dries. I liked it and so did my skin.!
• Derma e Microdermabrasion Scrub--This award-winning, salon treatment alternative buffs skin, helping to diminish the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles and acne scars. The formula uses an exclusive crystal blend including Dead Sea Salt and Volcanic Sand (rich in Silica) to buff away dull surface cells.

Ipsy is $10 a month and click HERE to subscribe! https://www.ipsy.com/new?refer=3mda

Lee Stafford Hair Care Line--Let me introduce you to the adorable and amazing new fave hair care line of mine! I've heard of famous British hairstylist Lee Stafford (he's seriously the best), but was not able to try his products until recently, since they are now in the US! 

Some of the line I am loving:

• Dry Shampoos--Original and Dark
• Hair Growth Treatment--a best-seller and it smells amazing (yes!)
• Ubuntu Oils--Find these 4 different oils in these moisturizing products, like the shampoo, conditioner, heat protection, and blow dry smoothee. And don't forget the repairing products too!

Find these at ULTA. You are going to LOVE them!

Sally Hansen Insta-Ombre, Sally Hansen Pearl Crush, Sally Hansen Big Peel Off--New polishes that are fun. I tend to get all creative and colorful with my nails in the summer, do you?

• Insta-Ombre--These multi-glitter mixes can be built up, coat by coat to create an ombre effect.
• Pearl Crush--These are pretty top coats and look best on painted nails that are similar to the shade in the bottle.
• Big Peel Off--Easy way to get glitter off the nails! I like to use mine around my nails when I do nail art. Clean up is easy!

Simple Sugars Body Scrub--I am a sucker for products shown on Shark Tank, so I couldn't wait to try this. The all-natural yet gentle exfoliation and deep hydration that together give skin a two-in-one treat that’s so effective no moisturizer or lotion is needed. The list of ingredients, including pure cane sugar, organic soybean oil, grapeseed oil, cherry kernel oil, apricot kernel oil and organic grapefruit zest make it almost good enough to eat. Plus, it comes adorably packaged in a box with bow and complete with a spoon. Get it here: http://www.beautybrands.com

Extra Elle:

• $100 to Jockey.com, because who doesn't want free stuff?
• Had a wonderful, relaxing beach trip with friends. It was just what I needed. I loved seeing your pics of you and your dads! Thanks for tagging me. It made me smile on an initially sad (for me) day. Have no idea what I'm talking about? Click here.
• Did you watch season 2 of True Detective last night? What did you think?

10 Summer Beauty Hacks

Hey you! Happy weekend to us! Any exciting plans? If the weather cooperates I plan on being at the pool. Speaking of the pool, today I'm sharing 10 Summer Beauty Hacks that you will LOVE. Nine of these I came up with and all have been tested by me for years. Check out the video below to see them all!

http://youtu.be/DHipbxa6fIs

1. DIY Hair Treatment--1 part conditioner to 2 parts water in a spray bottle. Spray on hair to protect it from the sun, salt, sea, and chlorine.
2. DIY Hair Detangler/Leave In Conditioner--Use the same recipe as above to keep hair post-pool and the beach tangle-free
3. DIY Sunscreen Pads--Apply sunscreen to cotton pads. Keep them in a sealed bag in your bag for those times when you find yourself suddenly in the sun for long periods of time (car trips, flat tire, long lines).
4. Tea Bags--Use the bag and/or black tea for sunburns
5. Greek Yogurt--Excellent for sunburns if you find yourself without aloe!
6. Wash & Reapply--If sunscreen breaks out your face, try my tried-and-true trick of washing your face midday (like after 2 or 3 hours, depending on if you're in the water) of wearing sunscreen. Reapply and you won't break out. I also suggest trying mineral sunscreen. I give recommendations in the video!
7. Deodorant--Great for shaving knicks--just apply a little
8. Baby Powder for Sand--I swear by this oldie-but-goodie tip to get rid of sandy feet/body
9. Acne Pads--These soften feet. Instant pedi! Just add polish.
10. Yogurt for Feet--The lactic acid softens feet. No tub? Just place each foot with yogurt into a plastic bag. I use a big ziploc!

What's your favorite summer beauty hack?

Extra Elle:

• My #JALS goal for the month is to clean out the clutter, and I plan on doing just that! I'm cleaning the place from top to bottom so I can start the de-clutter process.
• I've got lots of new products coming to you next week in a haul!
• I'm kind of obsessed with the doll Barbie's Instagram. It's so cute.
• Thanks for your sweet words on this post. Y'all are the best.

My Fave ULTA Collection Deals--Love Your Hair Event

Let's start this off on a random note-- I love this girl's hair! Don't you?
Happy Sunday! I hope you are having a relaxing (and long) weekend. I just wanted to do a final post wrapping up the ULTA BEAUTY annual Love Your Hair Event.

If you need a recap,

• I shared the weekly deals here
• The daily deals here

But no worries--there is still time! 

Today, I'm sharing a few of their hair collections. These are SO good! For $20, you get a box full of deluxe and full-sized samples, plus a salon goodie as well. You cannot beat that! Let's check 'em out (received for reviewing purposes):

First up is MY FAVE, Day At the Beach collection. I know you're not surprised! And here it is out of the box (the benefits and more product info are listed on the back of each box):

• Shampoo and Conditioner from Carol's Daughter
• Sexy Hair Soy Renewal Beach Spray (SO good)
• Ouidad Climate Control Heat & Humidity Gel
• Living Proof No Frizz Nourishing Styling Cream (fave of mine)
• Coola Cucumber Moisturizer SPF 30
• Scunci headwraps--These have a rubberized feel to keep that grip on hair

Bronze Goddess--

• Matrix Biolage Cleansing Conditioner
• Joico K-Pak Intense Hydrator Treatment for Dry, Damaged Hair
• Oscar Blondi Olio di Jasmine
• Kenra Volume Spray 25
• Karina Golden Headwrap
• St. Tropez Gradual Tan Multi-Action Face

Protect Your Color--

• Redken Color Extend Magnetics Shampoo & Conditioner
• Sexy Hair Smooth Sexy Hair Smooth & Seal
• Sexy Hair Powder Play
• Joyce Power Spray Fast-Dry Finishing Spray
• Oscar Blandi Dry Shampoo Powder Spray

Happy, Healthy You--Another fave! And here it is out of the box:

• Ojon Damage Reverse Instant Restorative Serum--Love this multi-tasker!
• UniqOne All-in-One Hair Treatment--A leave-on mask that works
• Rusk Texture Dry Finishing Spray--This adds texture to any style
• Living Proof Restore Instant Repair--Put this on your ends
• KMS California Hairplay Makeover Spray--Get rid of oil between shampoos
• Sexy Hair Sulfate-Free Shampoo and Conditioner--Leaves hair healthy

So which one did you like the best? Any faves in there?

Extra Elle:

• I'll be back with a new post on Tuesday!
• Tomorrow I head back to Atlanta, but will be remembering that some gave all on Memorial Day. 

New Beach Beauty Products

As you are reading this, I am headed to the beach for a week! It's time for my annual girls' trip! No hubs, boyfriends, kids, etc. allowed! But don't worry, I've got a few posts lined up that you'll enjoy--starting with my post from earlier today. Did you miss it?

But back to the beach! After over a month of reviewing, I wanted to share with you some of items I'm packing (or am using before I go #beachprep) that you might want to check out! These are good, y'all. Now off to finish packing for the beach...

FALL HAUL! Drugstore, Sephora, Ulta, MAC, Lime Crime

Hey you! It is FRIDAY and I couldn't be more excited. I am back! I had some technical difficulties (boo) but I'm making up for it with a haul! And y'all, I've got something for every price point. I'm talking drugstores, Ulta, Sephora, MAC, and more. Of course I will have some random things thrown in.

My Sandestin Trip!

I'm back from the beach, and am sharing a few (ok, a LOT) of pics from my trip. Get comfortable and come along with my on my trip to Sandestin! My favorite time of year for the beach is in the fall. Always has been--think smaller crowds, 80s temps, and plenty of fun in the sun. This is going to be so hard to narrow down my pics!

Thanks to my recent trip, I'm rocking the salty beachy wavy hair and have a little sand still on my shoes to prove it. I was going to just share pics of the beach, but had such a great time doing other things that I had to share (almost) all of it. I got to stay at the Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort in South Walton, FL, and it was spectacular. I want to go back riiiight now. You will too.

First off the beach: the water was gorgeous--several shades of sparkling blue--and the sand is the softest I've ever walked on--like powered sugar. The Florida Panhandle has the prettiest beaches in the US, hands-down. Love that Emerald Coast.

4 DIY Beachy Waves Sprays ($100 Visa Giftcard Giveaway)

pic

Summer is almost over--um, was this the fastest summer ever? What else went by fast? The Simple Summer Series I was a part of--this is the final post. Speaking of that series, the lovely ladies and I are giving away $100 Visa Giftcard, so enter below. But before summer ends, allow me to share 4 of my DIY recipes for Beachy Waves Spray--my favorite hairstyle that can be worn any time of year. These are so easy to make!

 Vanilla Sea Salt Spray (click title for full recipe)

spray bottle

kosher salt

aloe juice

carrier oil

vanilla oil

hot water

funnel

pic

Conditioning Salt Spray

• Hot water
• 1/4c Kosher salt
• Spray bottle
• Conditioner or hair oil 

Sea Salt Spray With Coconut Oil (click title for more--this one has been copied on other blogs/Pinterest/Youtube)

• Inside clean spray bottle:
• Add 1 squirt of thick conditioner (I use Aussie's 3 Minute Miracle)
• Pinch melted coconut oil
• 1/4 c of Kosher salt 
• Add 1 squirt of hair gel 
• Fill rest of bottle with hot water.

Beachy Waves Spray--Coconut Water (click title for more)

• spray bottle
• coconut water
• conditioner
• sea salt

Bonus DIYs:

• 5 Summer Hair Masks
• DIY Leave In Conditioner & DIY Detangling Spray
• DIY Beachy Bath Soak
• 7 Summer Scrubs
• DIY Soothing Sun Spray

a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

Natalia @ Ma Nouvelle Mode // Elle at Elle Sees // Cyndi at Walking in Grace // Alison at Get Your Pretty On // Jen at Yummy, Healthy, Easy

DIY Beachy Bath Soak

It's the weekend, y'all! And I think we all need to relax, don't you? Add a handful of this make-in-a-minute Beachy Bath Soak to your bath and soak away your stressful week. It's so easy to mix, smells wonderful, and makes me think instantly of the beach. It's almost like a mini-beach vacation. Almost! Enjoy.

Need:

• 1/c Epsom Salt or Dead Sea Salt
• 1 tsp. melted coconut oil
• 1-2 drops essential oil(s) or body-safe fragrance oil(s)
• container

Do:

• Pour salts into container and add coconut oil. I am using Skinny & Co. Coconut Oil that I was sent to try. It is 100% alkaline pure, raw, virgin coconut oil and is a wonderful product that I would highly recommend. Your skin will feel so soft.
• Next, I added coconut cream body-safe fragrance oil to further enhance the scent. Coconut is one of my FAVE smells. 
• Mix and let dry for a couple of hours (preferably). Remember, we aren't making a salt scrub here, just a light coating of the coconut oil.
• Add to bath and relax for 20 minutes.

FYI:

• Not into coconut? Other beachy scents I've used are citrus, like lemons or oranges, sandalwood/musk, or tropical.
• I kept the salts as is, but feel free to add a soap colorant, like blue, to make them the color of the sea.
• While I am sharing the recipe for one use, feel free to make to your specifications. I like about a half cup, but have used up to 2 for a bath.
• This makes a cute gift!
• These will store for up to a year in a sealable container.
• If necessary, please consult doctor before using or making this recipe.
• Exercise caution when entering/exiting the tub.

PS: More DIY recipes to try:

• Many uses of Epsom Salt
• Chocolate Bath Salts
• Fizzy Foot Soak
• Rosemary Mint Bath Salts
• Sweet Almond Bath Soak
• How to Kick a Cold (read post for cold-kicking bath soak)

3 Tips For Wearing Nude Lips

via

Hey you! I love wearing nude lips during the summer, but for years I found myself wasting money on shades that didn't work for me. Has that ever happened to you? If so, don't throw out that nude lipstick! I've got 3 tips that will work for you!  And before you leave a comment saying that you can't wear nude lips or that they don't look good on you, give these tips a try:

1. Go Darker--I admit it. I'm drawn to those light nude shades. But they just don't work on me. I've found that if the lipstick is my skin color or lighter, it looks awful, like I've just smeared concealer on my lips. I've found that going darker works better. Instead of an apricot nude, I would choose a peach one, for example. Instead of the lightest pink, I'd take it a little darker. Works every time.
2. Read My Lips--The second tip is to look at your natural lip color. If it's really pigmented, you'll have an easier time with nearly any nude shade. If your lips are like mine and not very pigmented, I have to stay away from cream-colored nudes. They're too light for me!
3. Bit of Brown or Pop of Pink--What happens if you already have those nude lipsticks or glosses that don't work for you? I've found that adding a little brown lip product really helps. For example, I'll use a light brown liner and fill in my lips before adding a nude lipstick or gloss. It kind of fakes the pigmentation that my lips lack. I also will mix a light brown lipstick or gloss with my too-light nude lipstick/gloss. Depending on the shade of nude you're trying to wear, a pink might help too. Make it a darker pink, like a mauve. I use the 2-1 ratio: 2 parts light nude to 1 park "fixer" shade.

Want more tips? Here's a post on Best Drugstore Nude Lipsticks

PS: Charlie is having a dental cleaning today and possible oral surgery. Please say a prayer for him or send your good thoughts his way. Thank you.

DIY Vanilla Sea Salt Beachy Waves Spray

It's summer, and my favorite hairstyle has to be Beachy Waves. I love it. And one of my favorite posts is my annual diy beachy waves recipe. This year's recipe is for those who want a light hold, less frizziness, and a vanilla scent. Check out the recipe:

Need:

• spray bottle
• kosher salt
• aloe juice
• carrier oil
• vanilla oil
• water
• funnel

Do:

• The amount of each ingredient depends on the size of the bottle. I used a small travel-size bottle in the pic above, so my sizes will reflect that. 
• I took a very small handful of salt and put it in the bottom of the bottle.
• Using a funnel, I added 2/3 of aloe juice. Mine is from Trader Joes, but try any health store or online.
• Next, I added three drops of vanilla oil and half a teaspoon of carrier oil. Think jojoba, argan, or castor oil (coarse hair), or many more.
• Fill the rest of the bottle with filtered water, secure the top and shake.
• Spray damp or dry hair. Scrunch hair with an old tshirt to help with frizziness.

FYI:

• This works well to add texture and volume to hair. 
• This spray is awesome for heat or no heat waves. 
• If you have stick-straight hair, pretty much no spray will make it wavy, if you don't have natural wave to it, so that's why I suggest using this in conjunction to waves or curls.
• If you find your spray nozzle is clogged, shake your spray, and add more water, or consider skipping the oil. I have also added small, clean pebbles or rocks to help break up the spray.  I also have poured a little into my hand and dispersed through hair.
• This will keep for a couple of months.
• Since salt is drying, be sure to use a good clarifying shampoo on hair to remove any residue and condition afterwards.

Beachy waves in my hair--just missing the actual beach. ;)

More beachy waves recipes:

• 1
• 2--my most popular one
• 3

Are you a fan of beachy hair for summer?

How To: Easiest Fishtail Braid Tutorial (Video)

Hey you! How was your weekend and your first day of summer? It was a rainy weekend, but the sun decided to come out Sunday, so I finally got a dip in the pool. One of my favorite summer hairstyles (for the pool, beach, or anytime) is the fishtail braid.

But no matter what tutorial I tried, I just couldn't figure the braid out. Instead, I tried a trick using the same method of when I taught myself how to braid as a little girl: I visualized the braid unraveling and then how to put it together. I came up with this method and everyone who has tried it can now fishtail braid. And now so can you. Here's how to:

Need:

• large mirror (if doing this on yourself)
• brush or comb
• hair elastic

Do:

-Brush or comb hair to remove tangles. This will make it easier to braid.

-Do a side part.

-Now, take your hair to the opposite side of where you just parted it. TIP: I like braiding my hair in front since it's easier when you can see what you're doing! Even if you wouldn't wear it on the side, try it this way for practicing the braid until you get the hang of it.

-Divide your hair in half. The two sections should be equal so your braid will be even. I call them the right section and the left section.

-I consider each section to have an outside and an inside. The outside points toward the wall. The inside points toward hair (see pic above).

-Take a piece from the outside of a section of hair. You can start with either the left or right section. 

-Make sure the pieces you choose remain the same in size so the braid will be consistent and even.

-Take that piece from the outside of your section and cross it over to the inside of the opposite section.  For example, take a piece from the outside of the right section, and cross it over to the inside of the left section.

-Now, you'll repeat the same steps but with the other section of hair.

-Take a piece of hair (it should be the same size as the first piece) from the outside.

-And cross it over to the inside of the opposite section.

-Now, go back to section 1, take a piece from the outside, and cross it over to section 2.

-Take a piece from the outside of section 2, and cross it over to the inside of section 1.

-Repeat until you are ready to finish the braid.

-Secure with hair elastic and you're done!

-Tips & Tricks:

• I suggest pulling hair taut after you complete a piece to help keep braid from falling. 
• If you have fine hair, try using smaller pieces.
• You don't have to wear this as a side braid, just try this method for practicing.
• To give hair texture, try using a dry shampoo, volumizing powder, or beach waves spray on dry hair before braiding. Don't use this on the roots, but instead, put product on fingers and rub through hair.
• For a bigger braid, try a volumizing shampoo or beach waves spray (the latter makes me hair frizzy and gives me bigger hair). Also, once hair is braided, gently pull at pieces to make the braid a little bit bigger and more undone.
• For those sprigs of hair (if you're like me and have layers), spray a little dry shampoo on a bobby pin. Insert bumpy side down pushing the sprig back into place. See video for demo.
• Or you can create an undone braid look by embracing those sprigs of hair. Use beach waves spray, dry shampoo, or texturizing paste to define those pieces.
• I like allowing a dampened fishtail braid to dry. You can spray it with water after you braid it. Once dry, let the braid out for no heat waves.

-Still need help? I am arranging Google Hangouts for one-on-one tutorials (more details in video). So before you say you can't do it (yes you can!) check out my video tutorial below of the fishtail braid:

Click here if you can't see video above.

Love Target? Want to win some giftcards? Enter these giveaways:

• $100 Target giftcard from Sonia Kashuk (also enter here)--ends 6-30 
• $100 Target giftcard from St. Ives--ends 6-30