DIY Halloween Bath Bomb (With Surprise Inside and Bonus DIY!)

Halloween is almost here, so I thought I'd share a last-minute DIY! If you follow me on Snapchat or Instagram, you got a sneak peek! I came up with this idea as one for kids but it can be made for anyone (aka ME). I promise y'all these don't take long at all to make. And the best part: there's a surprise inside! Here's how to make DIY Halloween Bath Bombs:

You'll need--

• bath bomb mold (I used a plastic ornament)
• 1 c baking soda
• 1/2 c cornstarch
• 1/2 c citric acid (online, canning section, health food stores)
• 2 tsp water
• neon orange (or red + yellow) soap colorant or food coloring
• plastic toy (I used a spider ring)
• optional: candy sprinkles
• optional: essential oil + 4 tsp coconut oil or oil of choice--I leave out fragrance for kids

You'll do--

Mix all dry ingredients in one bowl. In another bowl, mix the water and coloring (and oils if doing that). 

Very carefully add a few drops at a time of the colored water to the dry ingredients and mix. Be patient with this step because the mix will begin to bubble if you add too much at a time. It should look  as pictured above.

In the bottom of each mold, place your Halloween sprinkles. These dissolve in the water, so no worries for using them in the tub. Leave out this step if desired. I forget this every time, but the dang sprinkles go every where when pouring.

Begin pressing the mixture into the mold. Add the plastic spider and then keep adding on top. Repeat on the other mold, sans spider.

Allow to dry for about 30 minutes and then place the molds together to make a ball. I place the mold on top of a cup or something similar so the mold won't fall over. After another 30 minutes, remove from the mold. Unless I'm in a time crunch, I'll just leave them overnight.

Place in a tub (demonstrated here in a cauldron bowl) and let them dissolve. Don't forget to tell the recipient there's a treat inside! This makes two big bath bombs.

BONUS! DIY Pumpkin Spice Bath Bombs!

-Follow the ingredients and directions above except add a pinch of pumpkin pie spice to the mix and leave out the sprinkles. I got the pumpkin mold at Walmart, but there are more online and in craft stores. I used red and yellow soap colorant for these. I was able to get almost a dozen of these.

Some reminders:

• These keep around 6-8 months (some I've kept up to a year, and they were fine).
• If giving this to a child make sure they are 3 or older, since there is a toy inside and that this isn't edible. Make sure the recipient (and parents) know there is a toy inside. I've never had any issues, but you can never be too careful.

Do you enjoy bath bombs?

What are you or kids going to be for Halloween?

Extra Elle:

Went home this past weekend to celebrate my birthday part 2! I got to take 2 nieces and 2 nephews to the pumpkin patch. They had so much fun playing (and the line was crazy long) that we never actually made it to the hayride for the pumpkins!

Check out more Pumpkin DIY ideas here.

DIY Pumpkin Spice Latte Sugar Scrub AND Body Butter

I'm an October baby, so pumpkins will forever be a favorite of mine. And yes, I look forward to Starbuck's annual unveiling of its Pumpkin Spice Latte.

I may like the scent more than the taste though, and for those who feel the same (or are fanatics) I thought I'd share these TWO diys today. One of my post popular diys on here is my Pumpkin Spice Latte Sugar Scrub, so I updated it and added in a bonus of my Pumpkin Spice Latte Body Butter.

PSL Sugar Scrub

1 c sugar (I recommend raw)
1/2 c pumpkin puree (I used canned, but freshly pureed sugar/baking pumpkins works too)
1/4 c coconut oil or similar
1 tsp nutmeg (I used pumpkin spice)
Mix ingredients. Store in an air-tight container. Stir before using.
--Feel free to add a spoonful of used ground coffee beans

Since this uses pumpkin puree, I keep it in the fridge for about a week. For those wanting a longer-lasting product, I suggest pumpkin seed oil (I would forgo the coconut oil but add a big drop of vitamin E instead) or ground pumpkin seeds. You can easily get 3-6 months from those.

For presentation, I put the PSL Sugar Scrub in the Starbucks cup and then added the PSL Body Butter on top. If I am giving this as a gift, I really like using plastic dome lids to keep the scrub and the body butter separate. 

PSL Body Butter

1/c coconut oil

pinch of nutmeg or pumpkin spice
--Feel free to add a spoonful of pumpkin seed oil, but cut down the coconut oil amount to about 1/4c

Melt coconut oil in microwave. 

Freeze.

Using a hand mixer, mix the coconut oil until it becomes body butter consistency.

I used a piping bag to add it to the top of my sugar scrub.

Sprinkle with nutmeg or pumpkin spice. 

Sometimes I will add a drop of vanilla to the coconut oil after melting.

Coconut oil is VERY oily, so sometimes I'll use shea butter instead.

Remember, you don't have to put the two diys together. You can make either or both, like I did!

Also, be aware of skin sensitivities to cinnamon.

Doesn't it look like the real thing?

Extra Elle:

Busy weekend of football games, a visit to the Hello Kitty Cafe food truck, and a friend's birthday party. It flew by!

CHECK OUT MORE PUMPKIN RECIPES:

• DIY Pumpkin mask for Stressed Out Skin
• DIY PSL Macaron Bath Bombs

Quick & Easy Last Minute Halloween Costumes (Using Just Makeup)

Hey you! How was your weekend? Mine was super busy. I feel like I need another few days off. Speaking of busy, Halloween is this Friday! I know, I can't believe how fast this month has flown by either.

There are some of us who plan out Halloween costumes months in advance, and then there are those that it just creeps up on us. Before you know it, your better half is reminding you of the Halloween party at his work, or the kids are asking you to dress up with them, or you forgot you needed a costume for Halloween at work.  So instead of scrambling for the last costume remaining at the picked-over Halloween store, try these easy last minute costumes. They use makeup (no brushes! Just Q-Tips!) and take only minutes. They're not gory or scary, and are really easy. Promise.

Q-Tips sent me a makeup case full of everything I needed to create these looks, as well as some ideas. I had so much fun and thanks Q-Tips for the goodies! I chose to do these two looks and used these pics as my inspiration:

Fierce Feline
Time: 5 minutes
Needed:

• Black eyeliner (I used liquid)
• White shadow
• False lashes (optional)
• Q-tips (I used the Precision Tips)
• Lipstick
• Cat ears

So the trick or treaters are coming in five minutes and you need a quick outfit: enter Fierce Feline. 

-I used liquid liner and applied it to my upper and lower lids, really exaggerating it, and making that feline shape. I used the Q-tips to smudge the lower lash line.

-I added a bit of liner to my nose and slightly under it.

-Next, I added some white shadow using the Q-tips to make whiskers.

-I then added lipstick and false lashes.

-I finished the look with cat ears--I totally borrowed them from a certain 5 yr old (no shame), but these can be purchased at the dollar store or DIYed in minutes with black paper, glue, and a headband or hair clips.

-I also wore black jeans, black shirt, and black shoes.

-Not into the cat look? Try mouse, bunny, raccoon, etc. instead.

Cute and quick!

Pop Art Princess

Time: 10-15 min 

Needed:

• Red lip liner or lipstick
• White shadow
• Black eyeliner
• Q-tips (I used the Precision ones)
• False lashes (optional)
• Yellow wig (optional)

Want a look that has impact and looks like it took forever to do but it only takes minutes? Try this Pop Art Princess costume:

-I took the lip liner and applied dots in a slight diagonal pattern on my face. No lip liner? Use a Q-Tip dipped in red lipstick instead. Don't forget your neck as well. I skipped my hands, but you can do those if you'd like.

-I applied black liner to fill in my brows, my upper and lower lashes, around my lips, and in the places shown to create shadows.

-Then I applied some white shadow (not cream, use powder) using Q-tips to smudge around my eyes, under my "new" eyebrows, and a little on my lips.

-I added false lashes and a yellow wig I got for around $10, but you can also use yellow hairspray for around $5. Or, you can go without a wig like the model is pictured in the inspiration pic. When I wear this for Halloween, I'll wear a dress to complete the look.

Boom! Lightening-fast costume!

What are you (or your kids) dressing as for Halloween?
Which look would you try?

PS: I was featured over at PopSugar Beauty! Go see what post they loved here.

How To: Zooey Deschanel Makeup, Hair, Outfit

I don't think a month goes by that I don't get a request for a tutorial on Zooey Deschanel's hair and makeup. And the last time I did a tutorial on her was two or three years ago (featuring some horrible camera phone pics in a dark bathroom...my, how I've upgraded), so I thought it was time for an update. Plus, Halloween is next week and this would make an easy last-minute costume idea. Let's get started:

Loving Lately--Fall Edition

Hey you! How was your weekend? I'm sharing mine below, along with a bunch of other goodies I've been loving lately. Enjoy!

My Birthday--Saturday was my birthday! Woo hoo! I was sick all weekend with a horrible stomach virus and migraine, so I didn't really do a lot, but felt the love online. Thanks Amy and Kerry for my presents--I love the blogger community. I rallied, ate some cake (my most memorable one ever--click to see it) and saw Gone Girl. Again, thanks for all the sweet birthday wishes.

Jessica Simpson--A highlight was meeting Jessica Simpson (she was so sweet! click here for a pic) at an in-store event for Dillards and receiving some JS goodies, like her Jessica Simpson fragrance. Whenever I wear this I either hear, "Omg what are you wearing? It smells SO GOOD!" or I hear, "Okay, who smells so good? What is that?" According to the description: "The heart of the fragrance is a romantic floral bouquet of frangipani, night blooming jasmine, orange flower and tiger lily. Warm, satisfying dry notes of white chocolate vanilla bean accord, sandalwood, tonka bean and drift wood round out the natural beauty of this harmonious signature scent." It smells good, y'all. Get it at Dillards.

Shiny Hair--This one is a reader request! I have dry, frizzy hair (and I color my roots), so anytime it looks shiny, it is via products--it's not naturally that way. Thanks to blogging, I get to try all sorts of new things (some good and some never see the light of this space) and I was contacted to try celeb colorist Rita Hazan's new Weekly Remedy. It's quick 2 step process--after shampooing, apply step 1 and rinse, then repeat for step 2. No waiting for it to soak in and no heavy-feeling products--just shiny hair. You can find it at ULTA.

Sole Serum--I've been attending a lot of blogger events this month (it's been a goal for this social anxiety girl) and my feet have been feeling the pain of wearing heels (I wear sneakers or flats at work). I was sent this Sole Serum to try and I love it--they have a purse size for $9.99 and a larger size. Just rub a little into your feet and they'll feel better in a few minutes. To save y'all some money, try the code Fall30 for 30% off.

Autumn Everything--Fall is my FAVE season: cooler weather, all the scarves, and pumpkin everything (I even bought a "pumpkin tree" what?). Seriously, this is the fastest season, and that's my only complaint.

Halloween Stuff--I am not into scary stuff, but I do have a few treats I love:

• First off, I rarely dress up, but I was sent these little earrings and charm from Chamilia by Swarovski Group from their I Love You to Death collection. They're so dainty, and my little sister has already claimed them. They'd be cute for Day of the Dead celebrations, too. 
• I am obsessed with watching any and all Halloween makeup tutorials on YouTube. Cute or gory, I am mesmerized by the talent that is out there, and I secretly love the special fx stuff.
• I also love Halloween nails! I love my nail art, but the new collection (thanks SinfulColors) makes it affordable and easy. Just add a top coat and you're done. These are from the Wicked Color collection by SinfulColors. You can get them for $1.99 each (there are 14 to choose from!) at Walgreens and Target.

Pumpkin Spice, Mystery Moonshine (multi-colored confetti), Glow in the Dark (it is really good), Cauldron Couture (glittery emerald), Splatter Spell (gilded black flecks)

Swatches over white base. The glow shows up in 1 coat!

Charlie's Dogiversary--Saturday was also the date I received Charlie four years ago. Charlie Brown is the sweetest and is my heart. You can read this post from a few years ago to learn more about his "adoption."

PopSugar Must Have Box--This is one of my favorite subscription boxes. In the video below, I quickly share what was in my October box: candles, treats, nail stuff, and more. You'll have to forgive the quality--like I said I am not feeling well. But anyway, this sub service is so fun, and I've got a sweet deal. If you want $10 off a 3 month subscription, use the code OCT10SELECT. It ends 11/2 so hurry! https://musthave.popsugar.com/

http://youtu.be/SLBJebqVSCs

The following disclosure: POPSUGAR provided me with a complimentary POPSUGAR Must Have box. 

The opinions I have shared about the box are my own 

and POPSUGAR did not tell me what to say or how to say it.

The Grits Blog--We all love new blogs to check out, so here's one I've been loving lately: The Grits Blog. I love the variety of content she features and she is a fellow rescue pup mom, like me!

So that's what I've been Loving Lately--what about you?

Linking up with B Loved Boston and Monday Morning Gossip and Still Being Molly

Beauty DIY: Pumpkin Cheesecake Masque

Hey you! So Halloween just ended, and Thanksgiving is around the corner. What to do with all of that extra pumpkin? You don't want to eat it and have more calories, but you don't want to throw it out either. Instead, make it into a masque for your face! Yes! This easy masque is great for skin and takes moments to whip up. It makes a cute gift, too. Check out how I made it:

N e e d:

1/2 c cream cheese

1/2 c pumpkin puree (fresh is preferred, but canned is fine)

Optional:

4 Tbsp light brown sugar

dash of nutmeg

D o:

• Mix cream cheese and pumpkin together.
• Apply to face and let set for 20 minutes.
• Wash away with warm water. 

T r y:

• For presentation purposes, I made this look like a tiny pumpkin cheesecake, with my "crust" being the brown sugar and then spooning in the mixture. I added a little cream cheese on top and then dusted with nutmeg for more of an authentic pumpkin cheesecake smell. But when I do this at home, I use a small bowl.
• The brown sugar (I recommend light) can be used first as an exfoliant and then the masque can be used. You can also mix in the brown sugar.
• Since this is a gloopy mix, I like painting on the masque with a tint brush (used for applying dye to hair and can be purchased at beauty supply stores for less than a dollar) and sometimes then using a plain sheet mask on top to keep it from getting everywhere!
• Pumpkins are a great source of vitamins A, C, and zinc. Those with acne or oily skin benefit the most. 
• The cream cheese is an excellent moisturizer.
• The nutmeg smooths skin and treats it. It also gives this recipe that pumpkin "pie" smell. 
• The brown sugar is an exfoliant.
• I do not use cinnamon, as it can burn and exacerbate skin.
• Pumpkin cream cheese exists, but I prefer making it myself, so I know exactly what goes into my masque.
• This masque can be made/used cold or warm. 
• This keeps for about a week in the fridge.

Looks good enough to eat! But it goes on your face instead!

MORE AUTUMN BEAUTY DIY RECIPES:

• DIY Pumpkin Facial Mask
• DIY Gingerbread Sugar Scrub
• DIY Candy Corn Sugar Scrub
• DIY Cranberry Toner
• DIY Pumpkin Pie Body Scrub
• Starbucks-Inspired DIY Pumpkin Spice Latte Scrub

Try It Out: Angel Contacts

It's Product Test Drive Wednesday! I'll have two new products I'll be reviewing today. Enjoy.

Whether it's for costume dressing up, like Halloween, or just for a change, colored contacts are a fun way to go. I was sent some circle lenses from Angel Contacts, and since I've worn colored contacts in the past on the blog, I thought I would review them today.

About Angel Contacts:

• cosmetic GEO circle lenses that enhance the color, texture, and size of your iris
• come in a variety of styles and colors
• lenses are 14.2mm in diameter, which means they give you a natural and noticeable enlargement to your iris. 
• available in prescription

Additional Info:

• meet US FDA 510(K) regulation
• completely safe to wear
• circle lenses have an expiry of up to 1 year after opening. 
• full refund within 60 days of your purchase, minus return shipping costs (for more details, visit site)

My Thoughts:

• They have so many styles and types to choose from, like Special FX or lenses with all sorts of cool patterns on the iris. 
• I chose the Angel Lenses in brown, and with my prescription! Most everyone in my family has brown eyes, and I have blue green, so it's kind of a little joke that I don't "match" everyone else. Now I can! Haha. 
• This is what the lenses look like, which I thought would be too light, but Angel Contacts know what they're doing:

These are $25 per pair, but Angel Contacts has discount codes on the site.

And here's how they arrived:

Inside this cute little box are two vials of my lenses and a contacts case.

And this is me with brown eyes:

I'm using bright lights here, so my pupils are small in this pic.

Some of my friends noticed and a couple didn't at all!

My review:

• My lenses arrived really fast!
• These lenses are comfortable and caused my sensitive eyes no irritation.
• If you're into changing your look (or into Cosplay, acting, etc.) then give these a try. It's fun!

Brown-eyed girl

PS: Don't forget to enter my giveaways!

Monster headphones 

(these are REALLY good and are valued at $150. Ends Friday)

$100 Visa Giftcard from ALMAY

(Christmas is only a few weeks away, so this would help when purchasing gifts! Ends 11-15)

DIY: Candy Corn Sugar Scrub

Happy (early)  Halloween! Today I'm sharing a sweet treat that is perfect for this time of year. It's zero calories, great for your skin, makes a cute gift, and is easy (and quick) to make. Enjoy.

N e e d:

• sealable container
• 2 c sugar
• 3 small bowls
• fork (tool for mixing)
• 3 tbsp coconut oil
• 5 drops yellow soap colorant
• 10 drops orange soap colorant
• 5 drops essential oil

D o:

• Divide sugar into three equal portions.
• Carefully pour melted coconut oil into sugar section, mix, and then add essential oil and mix.
• For the orange, add essential oil, 10 drops of orange soap colorant to melted coconut oil and mix. Add to sugar and mix thoroughly.
• Repeat with the yellow, but only add 5 drops of yellow soap colorant.
• Pour the yellow sugar scrub at the bottom, then yellow, and then white.
• Decorate if desired.

F Y I:

• Sugar scrubs are excellent exfoliants for the body. 
• Depending on the oil used and the user's skin type, this is gentle enough to use on the face.
• Feel free to use the oil(s) of your choosing.
• I find it fastest to mix the oil and soap colorant together before adding to the sugar, but the color can be added to the sugar and mixed before adding the essential oil and carrier oil.
• I recommend using soap colorant (try the soap making section of your craft store or online) as opposed to food coloring, which stains.
• Be sure the essential oil can be used on the body. Some are not truly "essential oils" and are only for perfumes, candles, etc. I order mine online.
• As far as scents go, I've made this scrub with orange, lemon, marshmallow, funnel cake, pumpkin spice, and honey. Use whatever scent appeals to you.
• I do not recommend trying to do three scents in one jar. Despite great combination ideas, oils can settle, and it never smells right again.
• This keeps well for about 6 months.

More Halloween ideas from past posts:

• Candy Corn Ombre Nails
• DIY Pumpkin Pie Body Scrub
• DIY Pumpkin Spice Latte Sugar Scrub
• DIY Pumpkin Facial Mask
• DIY PSL

Happy Howl-o-ween from

Charlie Brown, the Great Pumpkin!

DIY Candy Corn Ombre Nails (Plus Halloween Nails Roundup)

IT'S MY BIRTHDAY TODAY! It's also the three year anniversary of the day Charlie was rescued and brought into my life. The story on that is here, if you'd like to read.

And today I'm rounding up my Video Week with a nail tutorial. Ombre nails are the most-searched for nail tutorial I get on the blog (I've done LOTS of them), and I thought I'd make a video showing you how I do it. I'm making it seasonal with candy corn, something I've shared a couple of years ago on here, but this isn't a Halloween-specific nail tutorial. The basic techniques shared in the video below can be applied to any regular ombre nails. Just switch out the polishes to any (at least) three colors you like. Enjoy.

If you can't view the video, click here or here:

http://youtu.be/0q0H0BZBuoU

• 3 polishes
• 1 makeup sponge
• base, top coats
• polish remover and q-tips for clean up

Want more autumn or Halloween nails? Check out these past tutorials:

Autumn Glitter Ombre Nails

Evil Eye Nails

Snakeskin Nails

5 Spooktacular Nails

8 Halloween Nails

Sparkly Jelly Pumpkin Nails

Monster Mani Nails

Have a great weekend! 

Be safe, behave, and be well. Love, Elle

Please support my giveaways below:

• 16 gb Mini Tablet, from Citi Simplicty
• Monster headphones (valued $150)

Charlie Brown, the Great Pumpkin