A Bonafide Game Changer

I have been avoiding this product f-o-r-e-v-e-r. I've seen it on tons of blog lists, and even had a girl at the Benefit counter put it on me while I waited for my brows and wasn't impressed.

The original reason I didn't like the stuff I think had to do with the fact that the girl didn't apply it with the wand it comes with, but a sample wand for hygiene, and sadly the best part of the product (and what I'm convinced makes it so phenomenal) was not used during my first experience, and it makes all the difference.

If you're non-commital grab the $10 mini size, because I can pretty much bet money on the fact that if you haven't already tried the stuff you will love, love, love it.

I honestly don't even think I would have purchased the stuff after my first experience, but there musta' been some makeup angels watching over me because during my latest visit to Sephora I received my annual deluxe birthday sample, which happened to contain a mini thing of they're real, and also Watts Up highlighter (which I am also amazed by!). And I got to try the real deal, brush-n'all and it is a game changer. I was originally pleased because I could add them both to my purse makeup bag, but then I tried them. I am hooked you guys. The second I run out of this mini tube I'm running out to the nearest store to get the full size because my lashes are like whoa never before! 

Color me a fool because I've been avoiding this mascara forever and I was so wrong for doing it.

What are some products that caught you by surprise lately?

xo 

Siobhain

Scent Style

Mermaid / Bobbi Brown Beach /  Benefit's Maybe Baby / Amazing Grace

Am I the only one who loves to have multiple scents? For years and years I had been wearing Philosophy's Amazing Grace, and still do, but as I've gotten older I feel like I have learned that having fragrances for seasonal/and or special occasions is also a must.

Personally I don't own anything super strong, and these four scents probably have a lot in common (I think at least 3 have bergamot), but here's why I love them:

Mermaid - It's pretty much just as you would expect. Feminine, Ethereal and very floral from the orange blossoms.

Bobbi Brown Beach - Beach screams nostalgia. It's one of my very favorite fragrances because it is so tied to my childhood memories of tropical vacations with the family and I love wearing this scent and have to force myself to switch it up once the warm weather rolls around and it becomes appropriate to wear again. (I do wear it in the winter though because I live in California.. and because it smells great). This one is so very sultry and smells like Jasmine, a sea breeze, and sun tan lotion (but I promise not in a bad way, unless that is, you don't like the smell of sun tan lotion!)

Maybe Baby - I keep this one for date night. It is so flirtatious and it is pretty girly without being too sickly sweet. I have to commend Benefit for the name because it really does smell like the name if that's possible.

And finally, my favorite and staple - Amazing Grace - If you haven't already checked out Amazing Grace I highly recommend it as a daily perfume. It is classy and light enough to wear at work, but it is also so memorable that your significant other, family, and close friends will remember it on you in a really positive way. I love when smells become nostalgic for people.

Do you have a signature scent? 

Cheers!

Siobhain

The Bare Necessities

If I had to limit my makeup choices for travel or something these are the things I could probably not live without. I left out skincare because that in and of itself is an entirely different beast.

Brushes: (Cheek) MAC 120 /  (Shadow) MAC 214 /  (Eyeliner) Stila #4

Urban Decay Naked 2 - The equally amazing twin to the Naked shadow pallet 

MAC Blunt for contouring & MAC Desert Rose for cheeks

MAC Fluidline in Dipdown (I also use it in Blacktrack when I'm doing more intense makeup)

MAC select moisture cover concealer in NW25

Benefit Cosmetics Stay Don't Stray primer and concealer stay put-ter

Typically I use Maybelline mascara, but I accidentally bought L'oreal because it was in the wrong section of target and it looked like what I normally use. OOPS.

and last but not least MAC Brow Sets in clear, although because I put it on after I fill in my brows with benefit brow zings it has become brown.

What's in your makeup bag?

 Cheers! 

 -Siobhain

 

POTW: The BEST Budget Friendly Dry Shampoo

Not Your Mother's is a surprisingly amazing hair care brand. I originally began using their beach babe spray from the many recommendations on pinterest. I decided I would give their dry shampoo a shot because it came at such a great price ($5.99) but also came after the positive experience of the beach spray. 

I've tried some higher quality dry shampoos but could never justify the costs, and the cheaper brands (tresseme) just never do it for me. 

Not only does Clean Freak smell great but it also works well. I find myself wanting to spray this stuff in my hair any time it is greasy or just doesn't smell clean. It has the best clean smell which doesn't make me go ick at all. 

If you're not using dry shampoo on your wash free days but have all kinds of greasies, I can't recommend this stuff more. If you're a Dry-Shampoo neophyte, give this a try and kiss your greasy days goodbye! 

xo,

Siobhain

Product of the week: The PERFECT summer body lotion

I tend to play favorites with my products. I use things religiously. My most recent and favorite body lotion has been Avalon Organics Lavender hand & body lotion. But on a recent trip to Target I took a chance on a new product. I've tried several of the organix brand shampoos and conditioners, but I smelled (and, okay.. sampled) some of this tea tree & peppermint lotion ($8.24) from the brand and seriously fell in love. I can definitely see myself using this after laying out in the sun or on a hot day to cool off and refresh my skin.

Not only does it feel great, but I am actually really loving how much my skin absorbs this stuff. My skin feels soft and moisturized but not greasy which is great because I hate greasy feeling products.

I totally 100% absolutely recommend this stuff. Grab a bottle for summer and thank me later ;]!

What are some of your favorite summertime splurges?

Siobhain 

Product Of The Week: Moroccan Oil Treatment

I love this stuff. I would buy Moroccan oil everything.. the smell alone is addicting.. But when it comes to this 'treatment', idk what it is about the formula but it actually a great product for moisturizing those dry ends.

My favorite thing about this product is actually how versatile it is since you can use it on both wet and dry hair and it doesn't leave you looking greasy at all.

Since I have what feels like the splittiest ends ever, I rub this stuff on the ends after showers or post-styling and it really helps soften and defrizz everything.

(The size pictures happens to be the travel size, but I will definitely be upgrading to the full size when this baby runs out)

Product of the Week: Almay Eye Makeup Remover Pads

Going on vacation is amazing, however I find myself having to constantly sacrifice large parts of my beauty routine.

During a recent drug store haul I picked up these Almay Eye Makeup Remover Pads (for only $5.50!) in hopes that they would be the perfect replacement for traveling makeup removal. Normally for travel I happen to be a HUGE fan of the Say Yes to Cucumbers facial cleansing wipes, however they really stink at removing eye makeup, and I didn't feel like bringing my messy liquid makeup remover this time.

I could not have been more happy with the Almay purchase and have to say that these are perfect for travel. There is no liquid inside so they are ideal to pack in your bag for flights, (they won't spill and you don't have to worry about ounce size).

These get a 5/5 in my book.