Sunday, May 23, 2010

Review: LUSH Bubblegum Lip Scrub

A while back LUSH came out with three new lip scrubs in bubble gum, mint julip, and sweet lips. They all retail for $8.95 and seem like they would last for a long time because when you do use the product, you don't use a lot. I decided to just get the one in bubble gum because the lady at the LUSH counter said it smells just like Snow Fairy. Which is my favorite scent from LUSH. I even got 9 shower gels when it came out during the holidays.

My overall thought? I like it. I keep it on my nightstand and use it every other day when I go to sleep. When I wake up in the morning (feeling like P. Diddy) my lips are very moistened and taste really yummy! The only thing that I don't like is that I literally want to eat it straight from the jar because it tastes so good! I'm not going to, but since it is edible it is very tempting! I do have to say that it basically sugar. So if you don't feel like paying the $8.95, or if you don't have access to a LUSH store to try them out for yourself, you definitely can make your own.

I just think it is a very fun product, and definitely for the person who loves new things for their lips! I do plan on trying the other two, and when I do expect a new blog post review!

Until next time...

xoxo,
Brandy

Monday, May 17, 2010

New Wardrobe Ideas

Hi dolls. As I wait for my Monday night TV show routine (One Tree Hill, Gossip Girl, and Real Housewives of New Jersey) I am just browsing different websites and online articles trying to get some ideas for my new wardrobe change. I just think that now that I'm planning my "mature" bedroom, I should associate a new wardrobe to go with it. 


Everyone knows that I idolize the Kardashian sisters (Kim, Khloe and Kourtney) so much. From their personalities, to their success, to most importantly their style, I just think they are so gorgeous! It just blows my mind that they could look completely put together even when they go to the gym! Another person's style that I really like is Kristin Cavallari (Laguna Beach/The Hills) I like her more casual style for something  everyday such as school and whatnot. 


Those girls just have the best style and are always up-to-date with the hottest trends so it's so easy to look up to them! Here are some ideas that I've just come up with today. I'm always interested in different ideas, so if you guys have any suggestions, feel free to comment and let me know!



















Until next time...


xoxo,
Brandy

Sunday, May 16, 2010

Whenever You Need a Pick-Me-Up

Please remember this quote. I printed it out and I plan on framing it or printing out multiples to put it places I'll need it (in my purse, car, etc.) 


"Take a look at yourself in the mirror. Who do you see looking back? Is it the person you want to be? Or there someone else you were meant to be, the person you were meant to be but fell short of? Is someone telling you you can't or you won't? Because you can. Believe that love is out there. Believe that dreams come true everyday, because they do. Sometimes happiness doesn't come from money, or fame, or power. Sometimes happiness comes from good friends & family. From the quiet nobility of living a good life. So take a look in that mirror & remind yourself to be happy, because you deserve to be. Believe that. Believe that dreams come true everyday, because they do." ♥ 




xoxo,
Brandy

Monday, May 10, 2010

Pamper Me Sunday!

First off, Happy Mother's Day to every mother figure out there!! I hope everyone had a great day with their mamas!

Also, Happy Pamper Me Sunday!! This is a tradition I started a while back, and I have stuck to it pretty well. The name is pretty self explaining, but here is my general definition of it and what it consists of.

I usually start this after my parents go to sleep and the house is dead quiet.

My first step is a LUSH bath, candles lit in my bathroom, a good magazine or book and some music playing. Tonight I used Comforter Bubble Bar. This is my absolute favorite bubble bar. I have about 6 back ups! It has a million bubbles and smells AMAZING!!

The candle I have in my bathroom is from Coconut Lime Verbana from Bath and Body Works. This is the best restroom scent to have because it is just so refreshing!

Tonights magazine was last months Seventeen magazine. Thanks to school I got behind on my subscriptions!

After I go through my nightly face washing routine (which will be up later this week) I put on my Queen Helene Mint Julep Mask. I absolutely love this mask because it smells so minty and refreshing and it certainly does the job!

When you finish all of that, light some candles, pop in a chick flick, put on some Nivea Kiss of Moisture, and there you go!











So now I'm cuddle up in bed in my candle lit room (I have 2 Vanilla Cupcake candles from Yankee Candle lit) watching How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days.

This routine is so relaxing and much needed especially after a week full of finals!!

I hope everyone gives this a shot! Goodnight everyone!

xoxo,
Brandy

Thursday, May 6, 2010

Wish List - MAC To the Beach Collection


As many of you know, MAC is releasing the new To the Beach collection on May 27, 2010. Everyone has been getting so excited for this collection to come out, and I don't blame them. Everything is just so gorgeous!! From the colors, to the quality, to most importantly, THE PACKAGING!! Here are the items that I've seen so far that I'm really looking forward to getting.

Pictures and information thanks to Temptalia






Bronze Body Oil ($22.00 U.S. / $27.00 CDN)

Glowing Tan with multi-dimensional golden shimmer (Limited Edition)



I just know that this 1. would look great in my collection and 2. it would be the best accessory to wear to the beach, to the pool, or anywhere during summer!!


Bronzing Powder ($22.00 U.S. / $27.00 CDN)

Sun Rush Peachy bronze with gold pearl (Limited Edition)

I am always looking for a new bronzer. I don't mind having multiple different kinds and brands in my collection because throughout the year I go from one shade to another. I think this would be a good addition




Powder Blush ($18.50 U.S. / $22.00 CDN)

Hipness Intense coral with soft white pearl (Frost) (Limited Edition) (Repromote)

This looks like a color that would be a fun color to wear in the summer. I think it will give a perfect flushed look and would look great paired up with a pretty highlight

High-Light Powder ($26.00 U.S. / $32.00 CDN)


Marine Life Multi-color pressed powder

I mean really? Does this need explanation?! Even if this completely doesn't work for me, this is the cutest thing ever!! I hope it does work for me, because it would be such a great necessity!

Lipglass ($14.00 U.S. / $16.50 CDN)


Easy Lounger Light baby pink with multi-dimensional pearl (Limited Edition)

Flurry of Fun Sheer sparkly peach (Limited Edition)

Splashing Mid-tone blue pink with soft gold pearl (Limited Edition)

This are all gorgeous colors and the perfect colors for the hot summer days!






I honestly cannot wait for this collection and after writing this post, I'm even more excited! Haha

I would love it if y'all would post a comment about what y'all are planning on getting!

Goodnight!

xoxo,
Brandy 

Monday, May 3, 2010

Favorites - April Edition

It's May 3, 2010 and I'm finally getting a chance to do my April favorites! This week is finals and so I've been busy studying. My last final is Friday and then I have a break! Well until I start summer school, of course. So I'm just going to get into it before I start rambling on!

First are my NYX blotting sheets. This is the perfect to use in the middle of the day when you feel like your makeup needs a little touch up. I have combination skin, so I feel better when I use these about mid-day. A must have essential for anyone's purse!

My next favorite is DKNY Be Delicious perfume.. The best smell for spring! I even have the travel rollerball in my purse! I tend to wear different perfumes all the time (I'll be doing a perfume collection soon) but I always find myself wearing this during the day.

Yes, I know Bath and Body Works Vanilla Bean Noel is obviously a Christmas lotion, but I have to admit that this is my favorite scent EVER! I even had to buy 3 backups because if I run out before next Christmas I will not be happy. This is just such a happy scent and I just feel so pretty when I put it on! This mixed with any perfume is the best combination!

I have 5 words: THE. BEST. LIP. COMBO. EVER!!! On the left is Tarina Tarantino Lipstick in Leatherette. On the right is Too Faced Glamour Gloss in First Time The Too Faced gloss is also a lip plumper that I actually think works wonders! I have been so obsessed with the combination that I have yet to reach for something else. Even though since I bought these I have bought a lot of lipsticks and lip glosses. I actually kind of feel sorry for my other lip products lol. If you love the perfect nude lip, I suggest getting these two.

This mineralize blush duo in Light Over Dark is from the new MAC collection Pret A Papier. When I swatched this in the store I wasn't too sure how I would feel about it. It didn't have THAT much color and I just thought that I wouldn't reach for it as much. I decided to buy it just because I really had nothing like it in my collection. I usually try not to buy something just because it's cute or whatever, just because I feel I am wasting my money. But I decided to give this a chance I find myself using this practically everyday. It's the perfect blush to keep a subtle look. I suggest this for almost anyone!

My next favorite is my highlight routine. I first start with my Fresh Twilight Freshface Glow on my cheekbones up to my temples, then add some of MAC's Hush Cream Colour Base. Then finish off with MAC's MSF in Soft and Gentle along my cheekbones, nose and chin. I have gotten a lot of compliments on my glowy skin and I definitely have this combo to thank.

I have found myself reaching for this eye combo practically all month. I didn't take an "eye primer" picture because that generally changes basically everyday. But pictured from left to right (All MAC eye shadows by the way): All That Glitters [lid], Satin Taupe [crease/outer corner], Nylon [highlight]. This combination is the perfect typical day combination. It's really subtle and exactly what I need to get me through the day.


My foundation routine has been a little bit different this month. Where I live it's gotten REALLY hot and pretty humid, so I have tried to avoid any liquid foundation. I still needed some kind of coverage because I do have some imperfections that needed covering up. From left to right: Benefit You Rebel Light Tinted Moisturizer, MAC Studio Sculpt Concealer in NW25, MAC Mineralize Skin Finish Natural in Medium Dark, Benefit Moon Beam. I think this foundation routine is the best for the summer heat and it still gives me the coverage I need.

This next favorite is a product that I think doesn't get enough credit. The Smashbox Photo Finish Light Primer is a product that is either a major trend in the beauty community, or the least favorite. I actually love this and I tend to use this all the time. It works great with my skin and I think it helps my foundation last all day!

MAC's Constructivist Paint Pot is the BEST primer for a brown smokey eye. I used this for a smokey eye that I did for my sorority formal (which I will do a tutorial on soon) and I loved it!! You don't even need that many products to make this look work!


Phew! That took a while! I hope y'all know that I make sure that when I planned this, I made sure I only put products that I've been using for more than 3/4 of April. I recommend every single one of these products to anyone and everyone!

Random Favorites:




The Vampire Diaries This show keeps getting better and better! It's nothing like Twilight and definitely worth getting addicted to.





FTC: I purchased everything on my own. I'm not being paid for this. I'm not affiliated with any of the company's mentioned. This is my honest opinion.



Until next time...

xoxo,
Brandy