Tarte Gifted Mascara Review

Does the Tarte Gifted Mascara create voluminous lashes? Today I’m bringing you my honest opinion in this Tarted Gifted Mascara Review. I love Tarte products so I was very excited to try this product.

Let's start with some things I like about the product. First, the Gifted Mascara has natural bristles. A recent trend is to create mascara brushes with thick plastic bristles, which generally do not work for my lashes. So, I appreciate that this Tarte mascara has more traditional, natural bristles.

I was able to create thick full lashes with this mascara, which almost helps create a false lashes look. It's really important to me that mascara is buildable so I appreciate this quality.

I purchased the Gifted Mascara in a set that included the Tarte Primer. These two products worked extremely well together.

If you choose not to use the primer, the Gifted Mascara creates a more natural look.

While there are qualities I liked about this Tarte Mascara, there were things of the mascara I did not enjoy as much. First, while I purchased the mascara in a set for $10, the retail price of the Gifted Mascara is $20. The Tarte Primer is $22. So, if you're purchasing both, you're looking at $42 for mascara.

Another thing I noticed about this mascara is that it seemed to dry out pretty quickly. I went through 2 Tarte Gifted Mascaras in the time it would have taken me to use up only one Maybelline Colossal Mascara.

The last thing I wanted to include is that I found this mascara hard to use without the primer. I like to create very thick, full lashes and without the primer, I found this difficult.

To see more of my review, check out my video! What are your opinions of this Tarte mascara? Let me know in the comments!



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Disclosure: This is not a sponsored video. All products mentioned were purchased with my own money. All opinions are my own.

Drugstore and Bath & Body Works Haul

On Monday I posted a Drugstore and Bath & Body Works collective haul video. I picked these items up over the last few months. I'll leave the majority of the products for the video but here are some of my favorites from the haul.

First, let's start with the L'Oreal Miss Manga Mascara! Mascara is my first makeup love. When your eyelashes are blonde like mine, the best weapon in your makeup arsenal is mascara. I'm so excited to try this mascara because of it's unique design and flexible brush.

I might have been sucked into buying this nail polish because it's part of the Kate Moss collection...but I think this color is going to be a great fun option for fall. This Rimmel polish in BritPop is a little bright but I can't wait to try it.

When I saw the L'Oreal Glossy Balms, they immediately reminded me of the Tarte Lipsurgence Lip Tints and the Revlon Color Stay Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stains. I picked up the Vintage Rose balm and swatching this color I noticed that it is a little more sheer than the Tarte and Revlon products but I'm hoping it will be buildable and have a good formula.

I showed many other products in my haul that I can't wait to try and if you'd like to see the haul, check out my video below. Thanks for watching!



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Disclosure: This is not a sponsored video. All products mentioned were purchased with my own money. All opinions are my own.

October Favorites 2014

It’s time for October Favorites! I have some new favorites and returning favorites this month. I have some great makeup favorites, hair favorites, candle favorites, and a book favorite. What are your favorites this month? Let me know in the comments!

For makeup products, I have wearing Lipstick Queen in Medieval this month. Medieval is a sheer berry color. I’ve been using a nude lip liner under it and a M.A.C. lusterglass on top.

The time change in the fall always makes me sleepy so to brighten up my eyes, the Mally Waterproof Eyeliner in Starshine has been a lifesaver. A little bit of this eyeliner lining my bottom lashes, in the inner corner of the eye, or tightlined on the bottom lashes makes such a big difference!

In the fall and winter, I tend to start wearing bold lips and eye shadows. So, I like to go for a pretty light and neutral cheek look. For the apples of my cheeks, I’ve been applying a NARS blush in the color Sex Appeal. Then in the hollows, I just dust a little bit of the Benefit Rockateur blush.

I know everyone’s been using the original Naked palette for years but I fell back in love with this palette this month. I’ve been pretty busy. To save time while still looking put-together for work, I just quickly apply Naked and Buck.

My next favorite has been so life-changing for me that I have decided to do an entire review post/video about it. All I will say now is that there needs to be a parade for the Macadamia Natural Oil Flawless Cleansing Conditioner!

For this month’s book favorite, I want you to keep an open mind. It’s not a girly book but it is incredible. I highly recommend Unbroken: A World War II Story of Survival, Resilience, and Redemption by Laura Hillenbrand. It has a few slow parts and some parts are hard to read because it discusses prisoners of war during World War II but it is an amazing read.

Fall means it is time to break out all of the candles again.

One thing I love about Bath and Body Works is their ability to combine two completely unique scents and come out with an amazing candle. The Pumpkin Cinnamon Bun candle is the perfect mix of pumpkin and cinnamon bun. You can smell both scents distinctly and they come together in an amazing way.

The candle above is Salted Caramel Corn and when you burn this candle, it smells like you are making a caramel dessert. This candle is so strong you can even smell it in the room when it isn’t burning. If you like sweet scents, I think you will really enjoy the Salted Caramel Corn candle.



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Disclosure: This is not a sponsored video. All products mentioned were purchased with my own money. All opinions are my own.

POPSUGAR Must Have Box October 2014

Today I’m so excited to share my first unboxing blog post and video. The October POPSUGAR Must Have Box is festive and adorable. I love subscription boxes and I’m really excited to start getting the POPSUGAR box!

The POPSUGAR Must Have Box is a monthly subscription service. This is a lifestyle box, which means there may be makeup and beauty products included but the boxes also includes food, decor, fashion and other lifestyle items.

The price tag for this box gives me a little sticker shock. It's $39.95/month. Long before I started a blog and YouTube, I subscribed to Birchbox, a $10/month beauty subscription box. $10/month is a little easier to swallow but less expensive boxes like Birchbox usually only include deluxe samples with the occasional full size product. When you subscribe to a pricier box, like the POPSUGAR Must Have Box, you should generally expect all of the items included to be full size products.

I didn't think I was getting the October box because I subscribed after the beginning of the month. So when I received a tracking number from POPSUGAR in my e-mail, I was excited and a little sad. Since I was convinced I wouldn't receive my first box until November, I already peaked and watched YouTube videos of the October box.

Upon opening the adorable POPSUGAR October Box, the first product I noticed was the Butter London Wink Eye Pencil in Earl Grey. I've tried Butter London nail polishes before and haven't been impressed, especially after spending $15/bottle. However, nail polishes and eyeliners are completely different so I was happy to see this product. Happy but wary. I'll let you know after I try the product.

Some people might not be excited to get socks in a subscription box but I love fun socks, especially now that the weather is getting colder. Red Leopard Print is not my favorite but I'm a big fan of stepping out of your comfort zone so I'll definitely give these Happy Socks a try.

The Dean & Deluca Pumpkin Spice Maltballs immediately interested me. Pumpkin spice is ridiculously popular in the fall so I'm sure I am not the only person delighted to see these. Check out my YouTube video below for my taste test reaction!

The next product in the POPSUGAR box was the K. Hall Designs Shore Line Shea Butter Olive Oil Soap. Not the most exciting product but I will definitely use it!

It's no surprise I have a nail polish and product obsession. The Halloween Nailed Kit included in the box is adorable but I received the October box at the very end of the month so I will have to wait until next year to use it. Darn!

A decor product included in this month's box is the Mine Design Chalkboard Soy Candle. It smells heavenly! And I love the idea of being able to write little messages on it!

The last product in the October POPSUGAR box is the Isaac Jacobs Frame. It's a thick, clear, magnetic frame. I can't wait to put this in my office at work.

That's everything in the October 2014 POPSUGAR Must Have Box. You can check out my YouTube video below!



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Disclosure: This is not a sponsored video. All products mentioned were purchased with my own money. All opinions are my own.

Nail Art Essentials

I’m so excited to announce my second Giveaway! This giveaway will focus on Nail Art Essentials.

If you want to win the nail art tools and products mentioned in the video below, ENTER HERE:

Nail Art Essentials

Check out the YouTube Giveaway to see what Nail Art prizes I'm including!!!



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Disclosure: This is not a sponsored video. All products mentioned were purchased with my own money. All opinions are my own.

Nail Product Addict Tag

It’s another Nail Polish Video!!! Today I’m answering all of the Nail Product Addict Tag Questions. If you like a polish you see in the video, check below for a link!

Questions:
1. Favourite nail treatment product?
2. Favourite luxury brand?
3. Favourite drugstore brand?
4. Best eye-catching red?
5. Most disappointing nail polish/product?
6. Basecoat - yes or no?
7. Favourite topcoat?
8. Favourite summer shade?
9. Favourite winter shade?
10. Mention something extra!




Christian Dior Creme Abricot Nail Cream
Zoya
Revlon Scented Lime Basil
Revlon Top Speed in Electric
Butter London
Seche Vite Top Coat
Sally Hansen Big Shiny Topcoat
OPI Fly from the Nicki Minaj Collection
Rimmel Pink Posh
China Glaze Merry Berry
Julep Kylie
China Glaze Pizzazz
Essie A Cut Above
China Glaze Luxe and Lush
OPI It’s Real 18K Gold Top Coat

Chanel Fire DUPES!!!
Essie First Dance
China Glaze With Love
Sally Hansen Surspice

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Disclosure: This is not a sponsored video. All products mentioned were purchased with my own money. All opinions are my own.

Sally Hansen Miracle Gel Review

Does the Sally Hansen Miracle Gel Nail Polish really last 14 days? Find out in today’s review! I wore this polish for 2 weeks to put it to the test. I tried the color Tidal Wave but I also purchased Pink Up and Red Eye.

Tidal Wave is definitely a bold color to commit to for 14 days. It was a great choice at first but it become old pretty quickly. I will say that I got plenty of compliments while wearing this color.

I took pictures on Day 1, 5, 10, and 14 so you could see the progression of the polish.

Honestly, I was pretty impressed with this polish. It is better than most regular polishes but it does not quite hold up to a gel or acrylic polish. I think this will be an excellent polish to use right before going on a trip because you can wear it longer than your regular polishes.

I decided to get a few other colors. Because I love a good pink polish, I purchased Pink Up. I ended up wearing this for about a week or so. It's a really beautiful, bright almost barbie pink!

I also decided to add Red Eye to my collection. I have not tried this color yet but I'm very excited to put it on my toes soon! I love the look of red polish, especially on toes. It's just so classic!

For a full review of the Sally Hansen Miracle Gel nail polish, check out my video below! Have you tried this polish yet? What did you think? What color did you try? Did you like it? Let me know!



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Disclosure: This is not a sponsored video. All products mentioned were purchased with my own money. All opinions are my own.

DIY Eyeliner: Turn Eye Shadow Into Eyeliner!

I’m happy to share with you one of my favorite makeup tricks, turning your eye shadow into eyeliner! A.K.A., DIY eyeliner!

This trick is extremely easy and it’s budget friendly because you can use eye shadows you already own. I’m going to show you three simple ways you can create eyeliner from your eye shadows.

The first option is to take an angled brush and a very pigmented shadow. Just put the angled brush into the product and then apply, creating your desired eyeliner look. This will create a softer line. If you want a more natural liner look, this is a great method.

For the second method, again you’ll need an angled brush and a good shadow. You’ll also need eye drops or water. This time you’ll dip the angled brush into the water or eye drops and then into your eye shadow. After that, you’ll just apply the product to the lid. This is a great alternative to a liquid liner.

Finally, if you want to create your own gel liner, grab some clear mascara. Dip your angled brush into the clear mascara and then into the eye shadow. Then just glide the product onto your lids to create your DIY gel liner!

Just a heads up, some eye shadows work better than others. I’ve found drugstore and high-end eye shadows that work well with this trick. So, you don’t have to use expensive eye shadows. Just make sure the eye shadow you use is pigmented. I suggest you test it quickly on your hand first to make sure you’re creating the look you’re going for.



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Disclosure: This is not a sponsored video. All products mentioned were purchased with my own money. All opinions are my own.

Closet Confidential Tag

Today I’m doing the Closet Confidential Tag! Going through your wardrobe to answer the questions is so much fun. I tag YOU! Let me know if you do this video (or if you’re already done this video). I want to see it!

I was tagged by sandyrellamidnight! Check out her channel here: https://www.youtube.com/user/sandyrellamidnight

Tag Questions
1. What is the oldest item in your wardrobe/closet?
2. What is the newest item?
3. What is the most expensive item?
4. What is the cheapest/most affordable item? (that you wear/use a lot!)
5. What was the biggest bargain?
6. What was the biggest waste of money?!
7. Show us your three favorite items right now!



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Disclosure: This is not a sponsored video. All products mentioned were purchased with my own money. All opinions are my own.

Products I've Used Up / Empties

Today I’m posting my first empties video, where I show you all of the products I’ve used up recently. There are lots of hair products, mascara, and stuff from LUSH Cosmetics!

I find empties videos so helpful because you get a more complete review than a first impressions or monthly favorites video. Those videos are great too but with an empties video, you get to hear about products that were fully loved (or sometimes hated) till the last drop.

If you haven’t seen my Dry Shampoo Review/Comparison Video, you may not know my absolute love for dry shampoos! They are great for refreshing hair, long trips, and styling second day hair. It’s really bad to wash your hair everyday but if you can’t stand the feeling of dirty hair, like me, dry shampoo is absolutely the answer.

Finding the right dry shampoo is difficult. The Suave Dry Shampoo is great at reducing oils in your hair and works very quickly. However, I can’t get used to the scent so I won’t be repurchasing it. I know many other people who love the scent and for the price, it is worth trying at least once.

The Batiste Dry Shampoo costs a little more but this brand has lots of scents to choose from (my favorite is the rich and elegant paisley). It works quickly and applies easily.

I had a large sample of the Ouidad Climate Control Heat and Humidity Gel that I also used up. I’m not sure if this made much of a difference so I probably won’t be repurchasing it.

I have a very large LUSH Cosmetics obsession! I’m always trying new products from them because they have some cool things that you just can’t get anywhere else.

Lush’s Dream Cream Lotion is one of products I hated at first and then grew to love. It was all about the scent. It’s very natural and I just hadn’t tried many natural scents before. Dream Cream is a wonderfully thick lotion.

One of Lush’s more popular scents is the Rock Star Soap. I’m sure many people buy it for the name but the fact that it smells like candy, vanilla candy to be specific, probably helps too.

My holy grail face wash is Coalface Face Wash. This is the only face wash that helps me keep breakouts at bay.

As much as I love, love, love, love Lush (too many loves??), I will admit that I was not a fan of their Retread Conditioner, Tea Tree Water Toner, Grease Lightning Gel, or Snow Fairy Lip Balm.

Onto Mascaras! And there were lots of mascaras. Well loved mascaras included Maybelline The Falsies, CoverGirl Lash Blast, Maybelline Colossal, Maybelline Mega Plush, Benefit They're Real, and Victoria's Secret Lash Lust.

I’m not a huge fan of false eyelashes but I did enjoy using the Celebrity Lashes from Sephora.

In addition to my holy grail face wash, I also have a holy grail foundation. I can't live without my Make Up Forever High Definition Foundation. It’s expensive but totally worth it. Every other foundation I’ve tried breaks me out like crazy!

Last May, I purchased the Shea Body Butter from The Body Shop and promptly used it up entirely. I like this because I can wear it when I want a subtle scent or a scent that goes well with other perfumes and fragrances.

For more specifics about my thoughts on these products, definitely check out the video below. What products have you used up recently? Let me know what I should try!



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Disclosure: This is not a sponsored video. All products mentioned were purchased with my own money. All opinions are my own.

How to Use a Bun Donut!

I have always envied thick hair. As a girl with thin, frizzy hair, I look at a sleek full sock bun and get more than a little jealous.

My friends with thick hair think I'm crazy. Thin hair dries faster, it's quicker to flat iron (or curl for that matter). But to me, there's just something elegant about having a bun half the size of your head!

For all of you thin haired girls, I've got a trick that's worth trying. Before you get started, there are a few products that are essential to my big bun look.

First, you want to invest in a bun donut / bun maker / bun ease. Whatever you want to call it, it's awesome!



This look is best on second day hair. So, using a dry shampoo is very helpful. I love the Toni and Guy Dry Shampoo. It's a little pricey but it works extremely well and smells better than any other dry shampoo I've tried...and I've tried many, many, many dry shampoos!



You'll also want to make sure to have some good quality bobby pins.



A teasing comb is helpful but if you don't have one (I don't!) you can just use a round or regular brush.



The only other thing you need is your favorite hairspray. My favorite is the Got2b 2sexy Voluptuous Volume Hairspray. Terrible name but it does not have the chemical smell most hairsprays have.



For my Big Bun for Thin Hair Tutorial, check out my video below.



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Disclosure: This is not a sponsored video. All products mentioned were purchased with my own money. All opinions are my own.

Nail Polish Collection

What do you do when you have entirely too much nail polish? Share your embarrassing collection with the Internet of course!

I will completely admit that I have entirely too much polish right now. In fact, I have put myself on a nail polish purchasing freeze. I'm not allowed to buy any new nail polish until I start using up what I have. For the last few months, I've been doing pretty well with my personal challenge.

In my collection, I have polishes from OPI, China Glaze, Zoya, Chanel, Julep, Butter London, Essie, Rimmel, Sally Hansen, Revlon, L'Oreal, Orly, Finger Paints, Maybelline, Cover Girl, N.Y.C. and others!

What are your favorite nail polishes? How many do you have? How long have you had them? What are your least favorite polishes?



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Disclosure: This is not a sponsored video. All products mentioned were purchased with my own money. All opinions are my own.

Summer What's In My Carry On / Carry On Only

I have a very special video I'll be posting Friday on my YouTube channel! In celebration of this, I'm updating my blog by posting every day this week.

Let's start with the Summer Carry On Video I posted on YouTube a little while ago. In this video, I discuss what's in my carry on luggage. For this trip I did not check any luggage. Carry-on only, baby! So, I had to be resourceful and make sure to pack efficiently.

I have posted several travel videos on my channel but this is my favorite so far. It's just so much easier to pack lightly in the summer! My last carry-on only video was in the fall. So, you have to worry about taking sweaters, a heavy coat, etc.

I also try to have fun luggage and packing items because it makes traveling so much more fun. The Vera Bradley rolling luggage I show in this video was such a great deal. It was on clearance on their website and then they were have an additional percent off of everything on the website that weekend. So, I jumped on this bag, which I had been eying for quite a while!

What are your tips for traveling light?



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Disclosure: This is not a sponsored video. All products mentioned were purchased with my own money. All opinions are my own.

Nail Polish Organization and Storage

I have a nail polish obsession! Sometimes it's just best to be honest.

I have entirely too much nail polish. So much nail polish that I actually have put myself on a buying freeze. I am not allowed to purchase any more nail polish until I start using up what I already have. Some people may have more than I do and there are definitely no judgements from this nail polish fanatic. But for me, I have to stop here or I will start to get out of control.

When you have too much of a product, sometimes that motives you to organize. That's what today's post is all about. How to organize your nail polish and nail art tools. Or at least, how I organize all of my polishes and accessories.

How do you organize your nail polish?



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Disclosure: This is not a sponsored video. All products mentioned were purchased with my own money. All opinions are my own.

Eye Shadow Blending Tutorial

I hope everyone is having a wonderful July so far! I've been slow to post over the last month or so due to a stress fracture. I'm currently in a boot and on crutches, which is a great look, I assure you!

In June I posted an eye shadow blending tutorial that I would like to share here on my blog. This video came from a tip I learned from a makeup artist. If you find it hard to blend your eye shadow using the traditional application method, definitely take a look at the video below. It will help you create a more natural look with your eye makeup.




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Disclosure: This is not a sponsored video. All products mentioned were purchased with my own money. All opinions are my own.

Get Ready With Me Spring Makeup + Makeup MAYhem Day 13!

It's Makeup MAYhem Day 13 and I'm doing my first Get Ready With Me video. Today I'm showing you my Spring Makeup Routine.

In this video, I feature the Naked 3 Palette, Benefit Rockateur Blush, Buxom Bronzer in Tahiti, and several other of my go to products this spring.



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Disclosure: This is not a sponsored video. All products mentioned were purchased with my own money. All opinions are my own.

Lip Product Addict Tag + Makeup MAYhem Day 12!

Happy Makeup MAYhem Day 12! Today I'm doing the Lip Product Addict Tag. I have a slight lip product obsession! If you're addicted to lip products, I tag you to do this video. Send me a link to your video via twitter or leave a comment below!

Here are the Tag Questions for this video.
1. Favorite balm/treatment?
2. Best eye-catching red?
3. Best luxury & best drugstore?
4. Best MAC lipstick?
5. The most disappointing?
6. Liner - yes or no?
7. Best gloss?
8. Something extra!



Products Mentioned
Buxom Big & Healthy Lipstick in Shanghai

C.O. Bigelow Mentha Lip Tint No. 1641


Estee Lauder Lipstick in Fig


MAC Lipstick Frost in Jist


NYX Butter Gloss in Peaches and Crème


Revlon Color Stay Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stain in Honey


Revlon Just Bitten Lipstain + Balm in Crave


Revlon Just Bitten Lipstain + Balm in Flame


Skin Effects Lip Effects by Dr. Jeffrey Dover (sadly, I think this product is discontinued)


Tarte Natural Lip Stain Pencil W/LipSurgence in Joy


Victoria’s Secret Very Voluptuous Lip Plumper in Baby Pink


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Disclosure: This is not a sponsored video. All products mentioned were purchased with my own money. All opinions are my own.