April/May 2014 Favorites

Phew. I am FINALLY done with my bachelors...well for the most part. Anyway, I finally have the time to get back into my weekly post on this wonderful blog. I wanted to post an April favorites blog for the past few weeks, but I just haven't had the time so why not just combine April and May. Next week I will start hair posts. If you want to see anything else (beauty related) just let me know. So lets get to it shall we? P.S. This is going to be a long one...
 
Hair Products
 
Bb Pret-a-Powder
 
So I have had this for several months now, but I just recently started using it. I completely forgot I had it, then I saw the fabulous Ingrid (Missglamorazzi) using it so of course I had to give it a try. Recently I have straightened my hair a few times, and since it takes about 2 hours to get my hair looking the way I want it, I of course want to make it last as long as possible. This dry shampoo not only sucks up most of the oil in my hair after the first day or so, it also give great volume. Needless to say I love it. The only down side is that it is very white, so if you use it just make sure that you use it in places where it won't be obvious.
 

 
 
Dove Hair Therapy Dry Shampoo
 
So, yes, this is another dry shampoo. Well I have been trying out many different dry shampoos to see what I like best. This dry shampoo is in spray form, not too white, and strongly fragranced. When I first spray it the scent is very strong, and to be honest I don't love it. After it works its way into my hair though, it makes my hair smell so good! I will catch a little sniff sometimes when I drive with the windows down. Anyway, it also works really well. Since it isn't too white, I will use this throughout my whole head, especially right around my hair line where the greasiness really looks awful. Dove's dry shampoo also gives some nice volume and texture, which is always a plus.
 

 
 
Ombre hair
 
I got my hair done at the beginning of April. I wanted to spruce things up a bit, so as us females do, I wanted to change my hair. I am way too scared to go for a really dramatic cut, so I went for a change in color. I wanted a "sombre" color (like ombre but much less contrast in color). I showed the woman a picture of a woman with dark brown hair and at the tips were a lighter brown. Yes I asked for a lighter brown, not blonde. Well that's not what I got, but I don't hate it. I've never seen someone with curly hair with an ombré and it does look nice. If your thinking about it...go for it! I am not madly in love with it, but I like it for now so it will have to do. Any suggestions on what I should do next?
 

 
 
Skin Care
 
Purity: Cleansing gel and cleansing oil
 
I have been wanted to try out a cleansing oil for quite a while now, but all of the better quality ones are pretty expensive. I wanted to find something to take my makeup off before I wash my face. I was in Ulta looking for some options, but I really didn't find anything so I went for the Purity Cleansing gel. Although I really wanted an oil and this was a gel, I am really pleased with the results. I would use this gel every night before washing my face to take all of my makeup off, including my eye makeup.
I was in Ulta again just a week or so ago, so I decided to see if they had any cleansing oils this time. I was actually looking for a different brand, which they didn't have, but I ended up back at the Purity section and I was so excited to see that Purity now makes a cleansing oil. I was pleased with the gel so I bought the oil. The cleansing oil is wonderful. It breaks down all of my makeup (again, including eye makeup) and it doesn't leave a greasy layer on the skin. I love them both!
 

 
 
Almay Eye Makeup Remover Pads
 
Even with my cleansing gel and oil sometimes a little bit of eye makeup still hangs on for dear life. Previously I was using a couple of different eye makeup removers that you have to shake to use. I didn't hate it, but they run out really quickly so I wanted to give something else a try. I picked up these eye makeup remover pads. They do still leave that oily feel on the eye area when using it, but I really like them. They get every last little bit of eye makeup off that the cleansers have missed.
 

 
 
Simple Cleansing Wipes
 
As always, I am late to the game. I really don't use wipes unless I am traveling. I went to San Diego in April so these really came in handy. I used them on the plane, and throughout my time there, to just give myself a little skin refreshment. I have tried other wipes before that I really didn't like (which may be why I don't really use them), but these were gentle and refreshing.
 

 
 
First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Liquid Recovery
 
Throughout my beauty and skin care journey, I have also been looking for a serum/oil to use at night before my moisturizer. I have been dying to try Kiehl's Midnight Recovery Serum, but until I am no longer broke that won't be happening. In the mean time I did some research for some high quality, less expensive alternatives. This is actually around the same price as the Kiehl's, but I had a gift card to Sephora so I was able to give this a try. My skin type is oily, sensitive, and acne prone. This product has done wonders so far. My skin seems to look much better and glowing every time I use it. I really love this stuff. The bottle is sooooo weird though. It took me a good 5 minutes to figure out how to get the product out. Basically you have to push the "nipple" part at the top to the side (while upside down). It seems like you are just putting water on your face, soaks in quickly, and really works. Anyway...great product!!
 

 

 
 
Secret Clinical Strength Sport
 
I have a really hard time finding a deodorant that works for me. I still have not found the "perfect" deodorant, but this is the best that I have found so far. Most deodorants I have to apply 5-7 times per day, but with this one I apply about 3-4 times per day.
 

 
 
Suave Moroccan Infusion Body Lotion
 
I actually got a bunch of travel size lotions because Suave sent a ton to my boyfriend's family's nail salon. I really love this lotion. It smells absolutely delicious, it moisturizes very well, and it doesn't leave my skin feeling sticky or greasy. Once I run out of my travel sizes I will definitely buy a full size bottle.
 

 
 
Makeup
 
Covergirl Clump Crusher Mascara
 
I pretty much stick with one mascara until it runs out, so right now I am using the clump crusher. It adds a lot of length and volume without looking all clumpy. There really isn't much more to say about it, but its great! Love it!!
 

 
 
Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Concealer
 
I haven't tried all that many concealers, but the ones that I have I didn't really like. They creased, melted off, or didn't give much coverage. This concealer makes up for all of that. It has full, natural looking coverage and does not crease. This will definitely be a holy grail product for me.
 

 
 
Anastasia Brow Pencil
 
I had gone to the store to get the Brow Wiz that I have heard so much about, but of course it wasn't in stock. I decided to give the regular brow pencil a try. I don't have much of anything to compare it to, but it fills in my brows nicely, and looks natural. I found that when I first started using it, the pencil didn't give much color. After I sharpened it, the pencil showed its full potential. I really still want to try the Brow Wiz, but this will work in the mean time. 
 

 
 
eos lip balm
 
I have pretty much been a Burt's Bees girl for a few years now. I really didn't think that I would find any other lip balm that I would like. On a whim I decided to give the eos lip balm a try, and now I am hooked! It is so moisturizing and tastes yummy. Mint is my flavor of choice.
 

 
 
Travel
 
Packing Cubes
 
I owe 100% of this to Ingrid (Missglamorazzi). I was watching one of her travel packing tip videos and she was using packing cubes to help save space and keep organized. Well just a few short weeks later I was going to San Diego so I had to give it a try. Packing cubes have changed my life! I was so much more organized then before, and I had extra room in my suitcase...which NEVER happens. Love love love!!!
 

 
 
JetBlue
 
Anytime I travel I take JetBlue airlines if possible. I have no problem spending a little extra money to take this airline because it is that good. I also try to convince anyone I know to do the same. When I went out to California in April, I convinced my mother to take JetBlue as well and now she is hooked. There is wayyyy more leg room then any other airline, TVs in every head rest, and the flight crew is usually wonderful. If you have to take a flight somewhere and JetBlue is an option....DO IT!
 

 
 
Youtuber
 
My favorite Youtuber this month has to be Jackie from JaaackJack. I watch all of her beauty and fitness videos, as well as her daily vlogs. Jackie has really helped to inspire me to get back to a healthy lifestyle, both eating healthy and exercising, and she always looks to spread positivity. In a world so full of negativity it is quite refreshing to watch someone who strives to be positive. I really hope one day to meet her because she really seems so genuine and lovely.
 

 
TV
 
Game of Thrones
 
Surprise, surprise. I am late to the game as always. I have been wanting to watch Game of Thrones since it came out, but I was so focused on school that I never had the time. Well, now I do and I am OBSESSED! I have watched all of season 1 so far, in 3 days. Oh man it is so intense! I love that era. Watching and reading it at least.
 

 
 
Other
 
Spring
 
So after this crazy long winter we had here in NY, spring time is FINALLY here!  I am so happy!! I am really starting to find myself this season as well. I never used to like bright, bold colors, but I am all about it. Look at the colors of these flowers we picked up from a nursery. How gorgeous!!!!
 

 
 
Yea I told you it would be long. Thank you for reading. If you have any comments, questions, or suggestions please leave them below or tweet me.

March 2014 favorites!

So this year, although it only just started, has been a year of trying new products and finding new products to love. My favorites will not only include hair products, but also makeup, beauty, fashion, music, etc. All of these things I bought or tried on my own. Nothing in this favorites was sent to me to try or a sponsor of my blog. So let's get to it shall we? 

Hair

So if you read my blog then you know that my absolute favorite hair product for my curly hair is TIGI Catwalk Curl Amplifier. Rather then beat a dead horse (I never realized how morbid that saying is until I wrote it) I figured I would do a new favorite of the month. So this March's lucky winner is...Marc Anthony Curl Envy Cream. This curl cream smells AMAZING, defines curls nicely, and moisturizes my hair. 

Bath and Body

This winter was much more harsh on my skin then any winter ever has been. I had several dry patches throughout my body, and my lips were constantly flaking and cracking regardless of how much lip balm I used. These products have been heaven sent for my skin!

So after watching and reading people talk so highly of Lush products I decided to give it a try for myself. Let's just say I am very thankful that the closest Lish store is 45 minutes away because I may be broke if there was one closer. A bought a few things, but I have only really tried one so far and I LOVE IT! Lush's Mint Julips lip scrub is the best! All you need is a tiny bit to rub on your lips with your finger, then rub your lips together. The scrub really works the dead, flakey skin off, then you just lick your lips to take the scrub off and you have a minty little treat.

Going along with the scrub theme, this next product has been crucial in getting rid of my dry patches. I went to Sephora in search of several different types of products, and while I was there I asked the lovely lady if she had any suggestions  for getting rid of dry patches. She suggested two products, the first being body scrub. So I made my way over the the Soap & Glory section and picked up a couple things. One of the first things I saw was the Pulp Friction Body Scrub. Of course I had to smell it before purchasing and oh my did it smell good. This body scrub is now part of my daily shower routine. I take a little but at a time and work it all over, concentrating especially on the areas where my dry patches have taken up shop. The scrub is gritty enough to exfoliate the dead skin, but not so much that it hurts. Love it! 

The next product that I was suggested by the lady at Sephora was a body butter. Before this I was only using lotion, Aveeno..which I still love, but it did not do enough to truly give my skin the moisture it needed. Body butter is much thicker then lotion, so if you suffer from dry skin then I definitely suggest giving this a try! While I was at the Soap & Glory counter I smell tested all of their body butter and I landed on the Butter Yourself body butter. This stuff smells so flipping good! I would seriously buy a body spray with this smell if it existed. So so so good! This butter has really gave my skin the deep moisture that it needed so badly this winter. Go buy it! 

So the next two products are for the face. I suffer from very oily, acne prone skin. About two years ago my skin was in a very bad place. My skin broke out so bad and I really didn't think it would ever go away. It was then that I found Cassandra Bankson on YouTube and she gave me so much valuable information which has truly helped me so much. I did go to dermatologists, but none of them could really help me. Funny how I learned more from YouTube then a doctor. Anywho..one of the products that Cassandra talked about as a favorite face wash was the Neutrogena Deep Clean Gentle Scrub. So of course I had to give it a try. This stuff is amazing. It is absolutely part of my holy grail products now, and I couldn't be happier. I use this face wash at night, since it is a scrub, and I can truly say that my skin has benefited so much from it. I have even tried changing face washes and so far nothing works as good as it does. If you too suffer from oily, acne prone skin I would suggest giving it a try and also check out Cassandra's YouTube (diamondsandheels14). 

 

My next face product I decided to try on my own. I wanted to find a night time moisturizer that is replenishing, but does not make me break out. I used to think that because my skin is oily that I don't need moisturizer..wrong! I love Aveeno products so I decided to give Aveeno smart essentials nighttime moisture infusion a try. It smells great, really moisturizes, and does not make me break out. 

Makeup

I have just recently began really getting into makeup. I grew up in a family where makeup really isn't a focus in women's lives, so I never learned how to use it. Of course that was until I discovered YouTube. Yes I am very late. Anyways, here are some of the makeup products that I am really loving right now.

I have heard a lot of good things about NYX products so when I saw that section in Target I wanted to see what they were about. I picked out one of their blushes in Pinched and I really love it. It gives my face a natural looking but of color. It also isn't so pigmented that when you put it on you look like a clown..which is very important for me as a makeup newbie. NYX blushes are beautiful and inexpensive.

What do I like to apply this blush, and other face products with? Well I am very glad you asked! As I already said I am a makeup newbie, so when I say I just discovered Real Techniques brushes don't attack me. This brushes are AMAZING! You can see in the picture below which one I use for blush, and the one to the very right I use for blending right now. I am so in love with these brushes, and when I am less broke then I am now I will be sure to own the whole line. Great quality at such a great price!! 

This next product I wasn't really sure I would like, but I gave it a try anyway. I bought this double-sided Maybelline Falsies Big Eyes mascara. Although I was very skeptical about this mascara, mostly because of the size of the ends, I really did like it! I loved how it had one side for upper lashes, and a smaller brush on the other side for lower lashes. This mascara really lengthened and volumized my lashes in the very best way. I love it and would certainly purchase again. The only complaint I do have is that the upper lash section finished much quicker then the lower lash section because the upper lashes uses so much more. I would suggest to Maybelline to consider making the lower lash tube smaller since it needs less and give that extra room to the upper lash section. I am trying out a new mascara for my upper lashes, but I am still using the lower lash section while it lasts. 

The primer that I have been trying out, and loving, seems to be a favorite among YouTube beauty gurus so of course I had to try it for myself. The infamous Benefit Porefessional is amazing. It is sooo light weight and fresh smelling. It really makes my foundation and/or BB cream really last and look great all day. Love it!

 

My last makeup favorite is a foundation. This too is a favorite among YouTube beauty gurus, and it's great for me because it is a drug store buy. Covergirl 3-in-1 Foundation is to die for. It gives me great medium to full coverage while still looking natural. I also have a couple of higher end foundations, but this one is my favorite. It took me a couple of purchases to find my right color, but I am in 842.

Fashion

So I only have one true fashion favorite this month. I typically only really wear boots or flats, but I realized that on days that I wanted to be more casual that I had no black sneakers that could go with almost anything. I decided that I wanted a pair of all black, flat sneakers and after a couple of months of waiting I finally got them. My Vans original sneakers are my absolute favorites. I can wear them with almost anything, and they are super comfy. My only suggestion is not to wear them if you are walking a lot. I have learned this very hard lesson in my converses.

YouTube 

I have many, and I mean MANY, favorite Youtubers, but my absolute must watch is the SacconeJolys. I absolutely LOVE them! They are Irish daily vloggers and they are the absolute cutest!!! Anna, is due any day now with her second baby. Jofee is hilarious and such a great husband, and Emilia is the cutest little toddler in the entire world! They give me such great hope for a family in the future. I also love watching Anna Saccone's beauty videos and reading her blog as well. Go check then out now if you haven't already!!

Music

So I may be a little late here too, but I just recently heard Sam Smith and I am in love! His voice is absolutely AMAZING!!! Go check out his music on iTunes and YouTube..you can thank me later. And yes I will be buys his entire album when it comes out. My favorite songs so far are "Lay me down" and "Stay with me" 😍 so good! 

Ok so I am done now. All of the products will be listed on my luvocracy page if you want to purchase them there. Also check out the Youtubers and musicians I talked about as well and send them some love. Hope you guys are loving the beginning of spring..this warm(er) NY weather is amazing right now! 

Marc Anthony Perfect Curl Cream

Happy Sunday!

Today I decided to try out another new product. I bought in the travel size so that I am not wasting my money if I end up not liking it. Either way though, the full size product is quite inexpensive as well. Marc Anthony Perfect Curl Cream runs for $7.99 at Ulta. So lets get to it shall we?

So of course I used this as I do all of the time. The first thing I noticed about this product is that it smells like lemon flavored candies (like lemon heads). YUM! Then as I was working it through my hair I realized that this product felt like nothing I have ever tried before. This curl cream really felt silky smooth as I applied it. This product definitely started off on my good side.

As far as my point of view on the product, I don't love it, but I definitely don't hate it. It made my hair soft and silky feeling, and it smells SOOOO good! It also is a much softer hold then I personally prefer. Overall I would definitely recommend this to my curl haired (internet) family.

Price:  $
Frizz Control: ***
Hold: **
Curl Definition: ****
Overall:***
(So I am trying something new here...for the price I will use $'s to indicate how pricey the product is, up to 4 $'s as most expensive. For frizz control, hold, curl definition, and overall it will be a rating out of five stars-5 being the best.)

Also, I wanted to let you all know that I will put all of the products that I review on my luvocracy page.

So I just wanted to do a little follow up. I washed my hair about 2-3 days after I used this product and I am very impressed! When I washed my hair, the curl cream gave my hair the same conditioned feeling as catwalk does. So I would definitely recommend this product to ladies who want a softer curl, but don't want a product that is drying. Love it!

 

Paul Mitchell Round Trip

Well its another beautiful Sunday!

As you can tell from the title, I have tried out another Paul Mitchell product. If you read my post about the Paul Mitchell Ultimate Wave you will know that I pretty much hated it, so I exchanged it at Ulta for Paul Mitchell's Round Trip.

The Paul Mitchell website states:

Basics: Adds weightless bounce and detail to curls and waves.

Benefits:

Conditions and protects textured tresses.

Bonus:

Reduces drying time to get you on your
way faster.

Details:

• Styling agents derived from corn starch add weightless detail.
• Panthenol and magnesium sulfate condition
  and protect.

I was pleasantly surprised when I used this product. When I first pumped it into my hand I was very surprised to see a liquid rather then a cream or gel.

I used this product as I do with all of my other products. I just scrunched it through my clean, damp hair. I could tell right away that this product definitely was not like the Ultimate Wave, which is definitely a good thing. I did not get that dried out feeling whatsoever. I immediately knew that this was much more light weight then any of the other products I have tried. My hair was curly, without frizz, voluptuous, and had a little bit of that "crunch" that I like. Round Trip didn't give that conditioned feel like Curl Amplifier does, but it definitely gets the job done nicely! So all-in-all I do recommend this product to me fellow curly haired people. Below are some pictures of how my haired turned out:

 



If you have any other product or treatment suggestions that you think I should try please leave a comment below!

Virgin, Unrefined Coconut Oil Hair Treatment

Another beautiful week has begun, and that means it's time to do some hair repair.

I am sure that you all have, at the very least, heard of using coconut oil as a hair treatment. Well I am here to attest to that. This hair treatment is inexpensive, easy, and works so well!! You can get coconut oil in almost any grocery store...just make sure its "Virgin & Unrefined." I do this treatment about 1-2 times per week, and I don't think that I will ever stop doing it because it is THAT good!

Here is how I use coconut oil for a hair treatment:

 

The coconut oil starts out pretty solid, so I just scoop it out with a spoon and into my hand. Then rub-a-dub-dub, and it turns to a liquid.

I just work this all throughout my hair, before washing, until my whole head is pretty much saturated. Thennnnn I put my hair up in a bun.

From here, I just let it do its thing for about an hour or two while I clean, do homework, watch TV, browse the internet, and whatever else I need to do.

Then just shower and wash it all out. Easy cake.

Oh and if you have a doggie friend, don't forget to share the love. My dog LOVES coconut oil!