Brush Stuff I ~ Storage

Hey Ya'll!!!

I've gotten a few comments and questions asking me all kinds of questions about my makeup brushes and how I store and clean them. Instead of a super long photo heavy post, I decided to break it down into a few posts. :)

I figured I would start with how I store my brushes. I purchased two Sephora Collection Makeup Brush Box - Large - Black Item # 1116045 (sorry y'all I can't find it on Sephora's website anymore. I purchased them in 2009). I recently saw one very similar at Wal-Mart and I'm sure its the same thing and costs 50% less than what I paid for these from Sephora.

I used to use brush rolls but I grew out of them. I only use them for travel.

This is what they look like. I have two holders so thats six compartments. The insides are lined with black velvet which gets a little dirty (from the brushes and dust sometimes. I just wipe them with a wet on when I want to clean them.



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

^Not sure why the pics came out so wonky (>_<)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

All Most of my brushes together in their homes :) I have some others in random places and travel brushes put away that I don't reach for on a regular basis.

I organize my brushes in categories that make sense to me.

1. ~ Fan Brushes, Eyeliner Brushes (angled etc), Lip Brushes

2. ~  Eye Blending & Smudging, & Crease Brushes, Detail Brushes

3. ~  Eyeshadow Lid Brushes (fluffy, small, regular) & my Eyebrow Comb

4. ~Fluffy Face Brushes

5. ~ Blush Brushes

6. ~ Airbrushes, Stippling Brushes, Concealer Brushes (a random black eyeliner that didn't fit where it belongs because its too long and random nail file)

Oh stop judging me!!! I know I need to clean my brushes. It's not brush bath night ;)

How do you store your brushes? Share :)

Luv Ya'll!!!

Mean It!!!

 

 

 

 

Mineralized Rosy Cheeks

Hey Y'all!!

I'm not a big blush hoarder. I probably own maybe 20 all together (sets and palettes included). Out of all of those I really only have maybe 4 in rotation depending on the season. I wanted to share my favorite Spring/Summer Blush with ya'll. I seriously love this blush. I find myself reaching for it daily (on the days when I wear makeup). It's a peachy pinkish kinda redish (not wine red) color too me. I love the way it looks on my sun-bronzed chocolate skin. :) Let me introduce ya'll to my new (it's not technically new, I don't remember where or when I bought it) Spring Summer Holy Grail Blush... *drumroll* MAC Mineralize Blush in Gleeful....

 

 

Swatches

^ That looks creepy, lol my arm swatches....^

 

Luv Ya'll

Mean It!!!

XoxO

Get Deep!!

Hey Y'all!!!!

Taking care of your hair is super important. Sometimes you need to give it a little TLC and a good deep conditioning. I've been in the sun and in and out the pool so my hair needs a little extra attention. So I wanted to share my deep conditioning.  One of favorites deep conditioning products is, Cantu's Shea Butter Leave In Conditioning Repair Cream!

"Cantu shea butter Leave In Conditioning Repair Cream is made with real shea butter and essential oils to replace vital oil in your hair leaving it stronger and healthier with a natural shine. Cantu shea butter leave in conditioning repair cream can be used on wet hair as an intensive moisturizing treatment or to tame frizz and fly-aways.

Cantu Shea Butter Leave In Conditioning Repair Cream helps…

• moisturize dry brittle hair with deep penetrating oil and emollients


• soften, detangle and add shine to hair


• protect hair against heat and sun styling damage


• provide extra protection from split ends and breakage"

 

After I wash my hair I slather my hair in this stuff pin it up and pop on a shower cap (you can buy a pack of 50 them at the beauty supply store or Sally's for really cheap or collect some from a hotel :). I let marinate for at least one hour. Sometimes longer. Rinse and that's it!! I know it says "leave in", but sometimes I do what I want! ;p

 

Luv Y'all

Mean It!!!


 

P.S Cantu is not sponsoring me. I just like their stuff...Well the two products I've tried. :)

Nail Woes Week #2

Hey Y'all!!!

Not much changed in a week..... DUH... I was kinda hoping to have some banging hot nails after a week but it didn't happen.

I think the Nutra Nail might have helped?  My nails are still weak but I've noticed less splitting and my polish actually lasted for a week (the polish chips worse when my nails split).

I hate chipped polish it makes me feel dirty.. I know I'm a werido.... So I decided to go purple this week.

 

I painted my ring finger a glittery purple color because all the other beauty bloggers are doing it so I copied!!!! I was tired of my Art Deco three way nail flick design. I need to learn how to do some new designs and pick up some more colors...

NutraNail ~ Flex Shield Nail Hardener, China Glaze ~ Grape Juice 717, Essence Color & Go ~ Go Wild

That's most of the stuff I used. I forgot to photograph my Burt's Bee's Cuticle Cream (>_<). I love that stuff!!!! I'll save it for Week #3...

 

Have a Great Memorial Day Weekend!!!!

Luv Y'all!!!

Mean It!!!





 

 



 

Jesse's Girl Creme Shadow Collection #2

Hey Y'all!!!

I wanted to share some swatches with ya'll!! I received this Jessie's Girl Cream Shadow #2 Palette in April's My Pretty Pink Box, and I just recently put it in my rotation. I'm usually not a fan of creme eyeshadow. I usually use them as a a base to my powder/regular eye shadows last longer and appear super vibrant.

I also love that the palette is super small because it lives in my purse :)

 

[caption id="attachment_1854" align="aligncenter" width="553" caption="Swatches Applied without primer (no flash)"][/caption]

 

These shadows are very creamy and glide on really nice, apply evenly and have all day staying power. :) They aren't named or numbered :(

Luv Y'all!!!

Mean It!!!


 

The Toner Chronicles

Hey Y'all!

So I have an issue with toner... I blame the beauty blogger community for this... I never used it before and I survived most of my life without it. I've tried a few in the past and they were just way to harsh on my skin. Now I think I'm mentally addicted to it. My face just doesn't feel clean unless I tone.. Whenever I look at the cotton round after I tone I'm like ewwwww all that was left on my face?? I really do look at the cotton round each time. I was going to take a picture because I enjoy sharing with ya'll but I decided to spare you guys the visual.

My problem is that I can't find one that I love.  :( My soul mate toner is out there somewhere....

I was using 3W Clinic Olive Natural Skin Toner and I loved it.

"Olive extract and purify the skin and soothing on, and helps keep moisture and vital.

Refreshing finish to the skin may feel a fresh touch."

I just can't get my hands on it because I received it as a gift (a skincare set) from my cousin when she lived in Korea. I can't just fly to Korea to get more and I can order it but I have to get the whole set and I don't want the whole set until I finish some of the other stuff.

Avalon Organics Hydrating Toner ~($11.95 for 7 fl oz ) I bought this because it claimed to be hydrating and gentle for sensitive skin.

"Made with organic Lavender, Licorice Root,White Tea, Arnica and other calming non-irritating ingredients for reactive complexions.
Prepares the skin for optimal moisturization.Restores the skin's delicate equilibrium while delivering essential hydration with Hyaluronic Acid. The soothing protection of Licorice Root, organic Lavender, Green Tea, White Tea and Vitamin Cantioxidants prepare the skin for deep moisturization. Made with multiple humectants, such as organic Aloe, vegetable glycerin, Sodium PCA and Hyaluronic Acid, to attract moisture to the skin's surface plus Salicylic Acid, Cucumber extract and the soothing, refreshing fragrance of certified organic Lavender essential oil."

It was "aight", but I ran out and I didn't feel persuaded enough to repurchase..

Now I'm "experimenting" with Alba Botanica Hawaiian Hibiscus Facial Toner~ ($12.95 for 8.5oz bottle) This was recommended to me by a YT'er/Blogger that I recently discovered on Beautylish. I LOVE her tutorials they are informative quick and to the point, and shes soo freakin'  beautiful *jealous* and knows how to work her makeup brushes Ms. Makeup by Cece L. I just purchased it so I can't do a review about it just yet.

"Hibiscus combines with honeysuckle, guava and cucumber to tone and balance skin after cleansing.
Tropical flower and fruit extracts with skin toning enzymes purify and gentle toner combines witch hazel and soothing aloe vera together with a whole host of tropical fruits and floral extracts to refresh and tone skin.  For all skin types, use in the morning and evening after cleansing."

What's your favorite toner and why?? Let a sister know :)

Luv Y'all!!!

Mean It!!!

 

 

Skincare Slackin’ ~Mask Time II

Hey Y'all!!!

It's skincare slackin' time!!! The mask du jour is by Cellnique Paramedical. I finally cracked open their Advanced Bio Renewal Masque....

This unparalleled scrub masque is formulated with bio-captured fresh fruit enzymes and acids complex. It works effectively in exfoliating dead cells, optimizing cellular renewal performance and deep pore cleansing, thus revealing a softer, fresher and healthier skin.

This is actually my second go around with this mask and I like it!! My skin glows afterward! I wish it was a bit more "scrubier". When I exfoilate I want to feel abused but thats a personal issue... I read some of their online reviews and some people mention feeling a tingling sensation. I don't feel that :(

Pros

My face glows immedialey and for like a day after this mask.

Doesn't make my skin feel dry or tight.

Packaging, I'm a sucker for packaging. As a marketing person I should know better but it looks so fancy sitting on my bathroom counter. It says "this is the bathroom of a fancy chick"... I couldn't get a nice shot with the top on the jar. It's silver and shiny and my reflection kept getting in the picture.

Cons

The scent, its weird... It smells like teriaki and duck sauce  and fruit.  That's the best way I can describe it. I've had it for a while but I never opened it or broke the seal so it hope it's not bad or anything.  Some people say it smells like pineapple. I'm going to have to sniff a pineapple maybe my sense of smell is off.

Price, it retails for $55.00USD my skin is priceless but I don't know if this is something that I would be able to purchase again. There's a lot in the jar and a little goes a long way...

 

Overall Rating ~ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥/5 I really like this mask and I'm committing myself it it weekly. :) I'm also using 2 other products from their line and I'm liking the way my skin is looking and feeling...

 

Luv Y'all,

Mean It!!!

P.S. I'm sorry that I haven't been posting on a regularly. I have a new schedule and I'm still adjusting :)

 

*FTC Disclosure [The product(s) mentioned in this review were sent to me complementary to be reviewed. I was not paid to write this review. It's actually a really late review b/c I moved and forgot I had it.]

6DCA6HGGM5RZ

Nail Woes Week 1

Hey Y'all!!

I've noticed that my nails suck.. They were doing good for a while. Lately they have been looking just raggedy. Splitting and peeling and my polish is chipping faster which is annoying.. I'm considering getting a gel overlay but I really don't want to deal with the cost and maintenece.

So I've decided to try to fix the problem myself. I drink a ton load of water a day (that's supposed to help with nails right?) My mom said that I should get more veggies (I can get a paper cut and she will push her veggie agenda on me), and I picked up a new 4 sided nail buffer block thing (Side 1- Even Out/Side 2-Smooth Nail/Side 3- Buff Nail/Side 4-Shine Nail).I also got some Nutra Nail Flex Shield Nail Hardener. It claims to "Help stop, breaking, tearing, & peeling, & absorbs everyday nail trauma to protect longer. I figure this is something traumatic so I hope its worth it.

 

I grabbed a new polish Sally Hansen Nail Growth Miracle Nail Color (Pretty Petunia). I need a miracle so the polish was for extra measure.



I figure I need all the help that I can get. :(  So I'm going to try to make this a series?? I will update weekly for a few weeks and if I can't find a solution then I will consider getting a Gel Overlay :(

If you know of a product or regimen that has worked well for you please let me know in the comments. :) I'm not a nail expert. You can tell by my cheesy nail art. That's the only design that I know how to do... I call it the 3 way flick... I like to think that I've mastered it. Its also on my big toe :)

 

Luv Y'all!!!

Mean It!!


 

Daily Brights ~ FOTD

Hey Y'all!!

I realized that I didn't post a "look" with my E.L.F. 32 Daily Brights Palette. So here it is :) I know it's pinkish purple. I'm just drawn to that color combo..

 

Why do I always make this clueless face??

 

I used:

Eyes:

E.L.F. 32 Daily Brights Palette, Too- Faced Shadow Insurance (I always forget to mention that, its a given), MAC Paint Pot ~ Fresco Rose, Milani Infinite Liquid Liner (Everlast), Urban Decay 24/7 Liner ~ Zero, Maybelline Falsies Mascara (Very Black)

Face:

MUFE Concealer, Smashbox Tinted Moisturizer (Cocoa), MAC Bronzer (Deep Refined), MAC Blush~(Gleeful)

Lips: CoverGirl WetSlicks Fruit Spritzers (555)

 

Luv Y'all!!!

Mean It!!!


 

E.L.F. 32 Piece Eyeshadow Collection Palette~Product Review

Hey Y'all!

I spied this colorful 32 piece E.L.F. palette in Target a month or so ago. I told myself that I didn't need it. I don't need it. I wanted it. So I was a good girl and I ignored it and kept my $6 and forgot about it. Ok I didn't forget about it. I saw it two more times and resisted the temptation. Yesterday I went to Target and I noticed that I didn't see the palette anymore and I was about to kick myself. Then I went to my "spot".. The cosmetics and beauty clearance section... I found it for $3.68. ALL I DO IS WIN!!!!

I'm going to skip the crap and get straight to the review. I noticed that the eyes shadows are not all evenly pigmented. The bolder darker colors are really pigments and the color payoff is great. Some of the neutral and lighter colors aren't as pigmented and appeared a bit dull and chalky (packing the color on the brush led to the chalkiness.

 

Pros

Lots of colors to choose from

Price

You can do lots of looks with this one palette.

Cons

Glitter fallout. Big chunky glitter fallout. Glitter everywhere. Like Urban Decay chunky glitter fallout

All of the colors are pigmented equally.

Overall Rating 5/♥ ♥ ♥

Seriously I got this for less than $4. I was really annoyed by the chunky glitter fallout because I wan't expecting it and I was kinda annoyed that I had to remove it after I had already done my face makeup. (I'm weird, sometimes I do my face first, sometimes  I do it last depends on my mood and my knowledge of potential glitter fallout). If you use a base the pigmentation issues aren't a big deal. I noticed that stickier/creamy bases work better. UDPP or Too Faced Shadow Insurance isn't enough. They worked will with NYX Jumbo Pencils and MAC Paint Pots.

So run to Target and check out the clearance section near the cosmetics before it's gone.

Luv Y'all!

Mean It!!!



 

 

Newbie Premium Hair Extension Question Answered~ Single Drawn VS Double Drawn Hair

Hey Y'all!

So lets discuss the differences between Single & Double Drawn Hair and hopefully this post will help :)

Double Drawn ~The hair is cut from the root and mid back so that each hair is the same length for a thicker fuller weft. Most all the hairs are the same length. Shorter hair strands removed, so all of the hair strands are very close to the same length. It is also slightly heavier than single drawn hair.

Single Drawn ~ The hair is cut usually starting at mid back across the top only, leaving the ends in their natural state. You will find shorter lengths throughout the hair because it is the hair at the end of the donors hair.

I hope this helped and answered your question. If you have a question for me you can leave a comment in the comment box, Facebook, Email , or Tweet me.  I don't mind at all. If you would like to be anonymous just let me know and I won't post your name, Blogger Name, twitter etc.

XoXo

Luv Y'all!!!

Mean It!!!


 

 

 

 

 

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Don't Say I Never Tell You Anything! NYX 12th Anniversary Sale

Hey Y'all!

Yay NYX is having a sale! *dances*



Don't sit on this one but pay attention!! It looks as if there's some fine print... (>_<) I won't cop a 'tude since the price point here is $1.20... I will play by their rules.

1. No tools or brushes

2. There will be a limited about of products available.

3. It may take up to 3 weeks for shipping

4. Sale will consist of your favorite products???? Meaning everything wont be on sale (>_<)

4. The sale is from 12pm-12am. A 12 hour sale for their 12th anniversary.. Clever...

Don't party too hard tonight. You have some shopping to do in the morning tomorrow. It's the weekend. 12pm is considered morning....

Luv Y'all

Mean It!!!

Android FanGirl!! I Got Apps on Apps on Apps.

Hey Y'all!

If you know me than you know that I'm a huge geek and sometimes a dork !!! I usually talk about hair, makeup and beauty stuff, but today I feel like being nerdy. I'm a closet Android FanGirl!! #teamandroid!  If it was legal to marry your smartphone I probably would. My name would be Mrs. Droid Incredible!!!

I'm a geekI make my own homescreen layouts...

Hello Kitty

Green Couch

Color Stripes

Beach 

I wanted to share some of my favorite apps with y'all. Right now I have 112 apps on my phone! I don't think that's alot but people give me the side eye... *sings apps, on apps on apps*....

So here's my list in no partiucular order :) I didn't include any "stock apps" or bloatware. My phone is rooted, so I will do my best to keep this list to apps that don't require root access.

Evernote ~ I honestly didn't like this app at first, but now I love it! Evernote is an easy-to-use, free app that helps you remember everything across all of the devices you use.  You can take notes, capture photos, create to-do lists, record voice reminders. I especially love it b/c I can make "notebooks" and use my phone or computer and everything is neatly synced.

Colornote ~I only use this app for "quick notes" and because you can make little "PostIt" notes on your home screen. I have 7 homescreens and I put important things to remember on my main screen. It's how to "force" myself to remember things or get things done.

 

Handcent SMS ~ In my opinion the stock Android messaging app is straight up boring *yawns*. I like to change the style, font etc. to my liking. The customization options are almost limitless

 

LauncherPro ~(Paid) ~ One of the benefits of Android is being able to customize and tweak your device to your liking. I love HTCs Sense UI, but I got bored of it pretty quick. LauncherPro is so customizable. You can change your homescreen docks. The paid version is worth it, especially if you like Sense widgets but don't want to use Sense as your launcher.

FourSquare~ I like being the mayor of places. :) I really have no other justification than the satisfaction of knowing that I am I the Mayor of the movie theatre and Walmart. Don't take me mayorships away! I get annoyed... Basically I need a life.

Grocery IQ ~ If I don't stick to a list. I go crazy in the grocery store. When I run out of something I add to my list so I always have my list on me. It also has coupons!!! It organizes items by aisle and category. You can save your "favorites". If your really organized you can input the price of items and as you tick them off your list you can see the "running total.

 

Tweetdeck ~ I use the desktop version so I was thrilled when they made an Android Version. It tends to force close alot which is annoying but I can't let it go :( I tried and I always go back to it.

 

US Traffic ~ I live in Atlanta.. Need I say more...

 

 

ShuffleTone 2.0 ~ You can set up a playlist of ringtones and have them rotate :)

 

Google Voice ~ This is one of my favorite and most used apps. I can't let go of my CT cell phone number. I've had it since like 1999. Google Voice is a free app that allows you have another phone number. So I selected an Atlanta area phone number. I use it for "business", "job hunting" and for people who really don't need my number. The beauty is you can BLOCK numbers. So let's say you meet some random guy the club and he wants your number. Give him your GV # then when he calls and says "ay yo shawty I saw you at the club" you can hang up and BLOCK his number if he calls back it says "the number you have reached has is longer in service" :) Thank me later. If you want to make outgoing calls using your GV # just change the settings or use the widget that comes with the app. You can also send SMS, listen and read (it transcribes your) VM.

Wifi Hotspot (sorry I don't have the link it came with the ROM that I flashed) ~ One of the reasons why I rooted my phone! I don't abuse it, I use it when Comcast is down or if I'm somewhere with my laptop and I really need an internet connection.

Dropbox ~ Wireless file syncing :)

 

So those are only some of my favs!! I can't believe that I've had this phone for over a year. That's kind of a record for me. I have my eyes on the HTC Thunderbolt, but I'm going to sit back and try to wait and see what Verizon releases later this summer. I have their "roadmap" but a lot of the time that stuff is full of rumors :(

Luv Y'all!!

Mean It!!!