Friday, February 28, 2014


I'm sure you've all heard of NYX cosmetics. If you haven't, you NEED to check them out. Their products are high end quality yet pocket friendly! I know their stuff is sold at Ulta, but unfortunately for me I don't have one near:( So, online shopping it is! Haha. I wanted to share my haul with you guys. I will link their website below:) 

I had to start with this. This is actually a canvas tote my boyfriend bought me as an early birthday gift. This tote is super sturdy and huge! They  keep it classy and black, making it look professional and the sequin work on the front is beautiful giving it a "pop". The letters are big and the sequins on them are tiny and perfectly sewn in so all stay put. This tote is $25.00 and totally worth it. This is definitely what I'll reach for when traveling on the plane from now on:) 









I don't know about any of you, but I'm addicted to blotting sheets. I mean, I do need them. My face is really oily around the T-zone and now that Spring is around the corner I'm really going to need these. I used to buy the Clean&Clear ones from CVS, but lately I've been using these from NYX. I'm really loving the texture of these because not only do they really soak up any oil, but they are immersed in green tea antioxidants. They don't seem to smear or remove any of my makeup, so that's always a plus. These retail for $4.00 each and also come in, tea tree, matte finish and fresh face. 





 Next are two stick blushes I picked up. I've honestly never owned a stick blush before so I was excited to try this out. They are $6.00 each and in my case, under priced. They are FABULOUS! The consistency of the product is so creamy yet light and not to mention incredibly pigmented! I mean just look at one swatch! The pay off is incredible and I'm beyond ecstatic to have them. I'm a huge fan of cream blush and both will be so perfect for Spring. I also really like the fact that they're retractable. So, if you're like me and sometimes you twist too much out you can always just retract it and not have to worry about wasting product! I might have to get a few more shades. There are a total of eight shades.



Here's another product I don't own many of. I think the last time I had a glitter liner was when I was fifteen, but am I glad I bought this. The applicator is a really fine tip brush that applies the liner in small straight lines. The payoff is really pigmented and full of glitter. Here is a picture of a few swatches so I was able to really show just how much glitter is in this. There are ten shades and at a low cost of $4.50 each. If you love glitter and making your eyes sparkle on the dance floor, this is for you!:)





Can I just start by, WOW! The pigment is OUTSTANDING! I believe this is from their new 2014 line and I'm super stoked that I got my paws on this baby. This has six amazing colors. I mean, just look at it! Haha, I sound a little excited about this. I haven't played around with this too much, but they don't seem to be powdery, flaky and there isn't much fall out. As listed on their website the colors are as followed from left to right; Matte Red, Shimmery Slate, Shimmery Beige, Matte Nude, Matte Taupe and Matte Black. This retails for only $7.50!!


Next, we have their Radiant Finishing Powder that I have actually been using as a setting powder for my under eyes and a highlight. This powder is totally illuminating and is sure to brighten up any face. I mean, the name of this is pretty self  explanatory, but I have to say that this product have been a favorite and I can see myself repurchasing it:) This retails for $9.00



And the last product in this haul is this gorgeous, bright red and matte lipstick. Aside from being matte, (which is my favorite lipstick texture) the quality of this is fantastic. Do you see a sequence of descriptions here? Haha:) This lipstick is long lasting and not too drying. I always put a lip balm on before ANY lip product though. This retails for$6.00 and I believe is currently sold out, but they do seem to constantly re-stock.

That's it my little addicts!!!:) I hope that was in any way helpful!:) All in all, NYX is an amazing and affordable makeup brand. I have yet to be let down by any of their products!

http://www.nyxcosmetics.com/
Go check them out and if you're more of an in-store shopper they can be found at Ulta!<3
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Thursday, February 27, 2014

My "Go To" Brushes
  
This blog will be more of my everyday brushes and how to use them. As many of my fellow bloggers or any make-up lovers, I have tons and tons of brushes and yet I still feel like I need more. Lol:) Here, I just want to share with you what I reach for on a normal basis. Oh, and just to save this blog from looking like a page filled with links, I'm going to link the websites where the brushes can be found at the bottom of this blog. 
As you will see in the pictures I have some products along with every brush as an example on how I use it. I won't really be discussing them so much due to the fact that I want to keep this post about the brushes:) Enjoy!!<3


 
Because I'm not a foundation girl myself, I always go for a tinted moisturizer. I know there are probably tons of brushes to use to stipple on any liquid makeup, but preferably, this is my favorite. Aside from the beauty blender. Here I have Real Techniques, "buffing brush". I believe I picked this brush up early last year at a Bed Bath & Beyond. This came in their, "Core Collection" for $18. Totally worth it. I've been using this brush like no other to apply my tinted moisturizer and it spreads my makeup so evenly and leaves no marks. It's super soft and synthetic, so it's not harsh on the face. This brush has a rounded, dome top which gives the perfect application.

Here is my go to under eye brush. Though I do use concealer under my eyes, I don't do it everyday. I don't go out much so I don't feel the need for full coverage most of the time, but when I do go out I still usually only go with a light powder to get some coverage. This is the Sedona Lace 847 brush. This has a slight rounded top that makes easy for swiping back and forth under the eye evenly. This brush is nice and dense and fills stuffed with bristles. It's also synthetic  and easy around the eye area which is what I always try to go for. This brush is approximately $12.95.









My two favorite blending brushes!!! Both are from Sedona Lace. The one on the left is the EB09 and this brush is my brush of all brushes. I got this as a gift early last year and I have yet to find a better blending brush than this one. This brush has the most soft bristles I probably have ever felt. This is definitely a universal brush. Its flat sides make for the ideal "packing on" brush and its dome top to evenly blend it all out. This brush is only $8.95 and only having one, I might need to go buy a few more;)
The one on the right is the EB15. It is slightly pointed at the top making it a perfect brush to blend out any harsh lines in the eye socket. This goes for, $8.95. Another brush I feel is easy on the eyelids.







This is the jumbo fan brush also from Sedona Lace. There are only two things I could see useful for this brush, to me. One, and what I use it for is highlight:) I feel like this brush is simply perfect for that. This brush is jammed packed full of bristles making it full and soft. This collects make-up so well to give the most impeccable look. Two, I could see this working great for contouring. I can see the shape of this brush fitting just into place in the hollows of your cheeks. Either way, you can't go wrong with this. This brush retails for $14.95.






Aside from the fan brush I just talked about being beneficial for contouring, this is my every single time, go to contour brush. This is the Sigma Large Angled Contour F40. This brush literally feels like I'm applying my contour with a feather and is yet another brush I could never replace. When I'm applying my contour I feel as if this brush just knows where to sit on my face without trying so hard. It's long bristles makes for the perfect blending of any harsh lines. This brush is $19.00.







Last, but not least is my favorite powder brush. This brush also comes from Sigma and retails for$24.00. It is a soft round top and super dense  brush making the best application for an all over face powder. There aren't many more uses for this brush, but if you're like me and you use any liquid make-up on your face; this is the best powder brush to set all of it together for that perfect matte finishing look.










Here are all the links to their websites!!<3
http://www.sigmabeauty.com
http://www.sedonalace.com
http://realtechniques.com/

And here is a link to my Facebook page<3
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Veronicas-Beauty-Blog/1408675542723909




Wednesday, February 26, 2014

Just A Few Of My Favorite Things... 

Every month I seem to go through my makeup collection and pull out things I haven't used in some time, but for some reason I can't get enough of these items lately!! 


Let me start with this:) This is a brand named Pop Beauty. Up until recently I had never heard of them. Then I got my first Ipsy bag and this lovely trio was in it.
I wish I had known of them sooner because this eyeshadow is simply stunning!. These three colors blend just perfectly together to give off the most amazing natural, yet glowing eye look. I have been wearing this just about every time I go out. I believe this trio is a sample from their "Naturally Bare" palette which actually has ten beautiful shades. The palette retails for $26.00 on their website. http://www.popbeauty.co.uk/Popbeauty_Products/Eyes/Bright_Up_Your_Life_-_Naturally_Bare/Index.html
Pop Beauty is still a growing business I have just discovered and I'm already head over heels for their products!  More reviews on them to come soon!!


Next, is far from a new product; it is the Nars "Orgasm" blush!!! This is a favorite amongst many bloggers! This beautiful blush is a peachy-pink with a slight gold shimmer to it. Just enough to add a bit of highlight. This blush adds instant color to any face! This is a super soft and easy blendable product that goes over the cheeks gracefully. If you feel the need to splurge on any blush at least once, reach for this one. This blush retails for $30.00. http://www.narscosmetics.com/color/cheeks/blush/~/blush


 Here I have one of NYX's matte lipsticks in the shade, "Sweet Pink"; MLS17. This shade is the shade you're going to want when Spring time rolls around. I have my two front teeth slightly chipped and that has always made me quite embarrassed to wear lipstick because I hated smiling and I wanted no one to look at my mouth. (silly, I know) As time has passed I have grown to love all about me. Now, I can't stop wearing lipstick! Haha:) This lipstick adds the perfect amount of color for a girl like me who likes to wear nude looks. This lipstick goes on easily for full coverage and a matte finish. This product is pocket friendly for a low cost of $6.00. http://www.nyxcosmetics.com/p-14-matte-lipstick.aspx


All three of the products together make the perfect everyday natural look with a pop of pink on the lips. Each of these products have yet to let me down in any way. So, if you happen to be shopping online go check out these products. I give you my word that none of the three will be a let down. If in any case you want to try out Ipsy monthly subscription, (which I provide better description in the blog below) here is link to their website. For $10 a month, why not?:) 
Come join the glam bag squad!!!!<3 Thank you so much for checking me out!! Come back again for more! I blog three days a week!Xoxo  
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Monday, February 24, 2014

FEBRUARY IPSY BAG REVIEW!





I have been an Ipsy subscriber for three months now. Every month has been great. This is my first month blogging though. Ipsy is a monthly subscription of an affordable $10 a month or a year for $110 (one month's savings). You receive four to five deluxe sample size products ranging from skin care, nail polish and make-up. The thing I like most about Ipsy is the fact that I normally wouldn't go out and purchase products I haven't really experimented with or hardly know anything about. So, receiving this sample bag a month is great for make-up junkies such as myself or any new beginner. This really gives you a chance to go outside your usual everyday look and if it doesn't work out in your favor you can easily unsubscribe. Ipsy has a fast response care available on their Facebook! www.facebook.com/ipsy 
Here is my February bag broken down. 

First, I'll start off with what you see after you've opened the pretty metallic pink bubble wrap envelope. The Ipsy cosmetic bag. Every month is something new and exciting. This month; the month of "love" was all about pinks, reds and purples. The outside of the bag was simple yet a stylish bright pink, but on the inside is what catches your eye. Once opened and emptied you'll notice the inside is a beautiful pink leopard print. Making up for the plain outside. "Never judge a book by its cover."






Firs thing I reached for out of my bag were these false lashes from J.Cat. These were in EL01. A full set of lashes, perfect for any night out. This set retails on their website for $3.99. jcatbeauty.com These lashes make anyone's small eyes seem instantly bigger.




Here I have them on. I have small, almond shaped eyes and once applied my eyes seemed much larger. I wore these to a romantic dinner with my boyfriend. I love them and intend on using them again. They are very long and luxurious and aren't for an everyday look, but that being said, I'm sure these lashes could look good on just about anyone:) 






Next thing I pulled out was my Pacifica body butter in, "Hawaiin Ruby Guava". This has become my "holy grail" of lotions. To be honest, I had never tried them out before. I have seen and heard of them, but never picked it up so I was happy to see this in my bag. I tend to have dry skin most of the time. Especially after the shower and before bed. This lotion goes on smooth over the skin and is a nice  refreshing and hydrating finish . Like, running your hand through silk. This bottle retails on their website for $15.00 for an 8oz tube. pacificaperfume.com 
The scent alone sends my mind to a beach in the Bahamas. If you ever come across this or any of their scents be sure to pick it up. You'll love it!



I let out of screech when I pulled this out next. The infamous Zoya!!! I had heard review after review on this wonderful nail polish brand, but never seemed to buy it. (I don't know why.) I can't stress enough how excited I was to receive this. The shade alone, "Odette" is simply gorgeous. I can best describe it as a mauvy/cream shade. It's to die for. The finishing coat as you can see here, is quite shiny. This is after three coats. This retails on their site for $9.00. www.zoya.com



 Here is my next item, Pop Beauty "Plump Pout" in the shade Fuchsia Freesia. This shade is a bright pop of pink. As a lipstick girl myself, lip gloss isn't always my go to product, but as I stated at the beginning, I love receiving products I would never think to buy. This gloss is a super light weight and creamy texture which went over my lips very easily and seemed to spread evenly. Though, I must admit, the smell was not my favorite part. It had a weird stench to it. Maybe I just got a bad one. I have purchased a different kind and it seems to smell better. This is said to have avocado and jojoba oils. This retails for $16.00 on their website; popbeauty.co.uk

Last, but not least was the Tini Beauty creamy eyeshadow and eyeshadow base in the shade, "Spiced Rum". I can best describe the shade as a warm bronze almost. It is GORGEOUS. I wore this for a few hours the other day and experienced no creasing. On top of its beautiful color and soft application this happens to be cruelty free and vegan! This is a beautiful and simple product perfect for anyone from make-up gurus to someone just starting out.







Here is a swatch of the color.
This retails for $18.00 on their website.
tinibeauty.com





Come back for more:) I blog three days a week!!


Sunday, February 23, 2014

The Balm Review<3
 Let me start off by saying The Balm is probably my favorite brand ever! So why not start off this new blog with them!:) I've used these products before so I know first hand how great they are. They recently held a 50% off sale for a charity and I well took advantage of the sale, plus it was for a good cause!:) Here are a few of my favorite items. Enjoy and please come back. If you have any recommendations as to which beauty products you would like me to try and review, I encourage you to leave a comment below for me<3 
First, I'll start with a new fave! It's the infamous Balm Voyage palette<3 This lovely palette retails for $42.50 on their website. thebalm.com
Like all their products, their packaging is always a lovely vintage treat. It comes with sixteen beautiful shades and three lips and cheek stains.

 The eye shadows are all a beautiful earthy tone shade and are good for any occasion. From a soft natural look to a fun night out in the city look.
The lips and cheek stains are bright and poppy. Perfect for upcoming Spring. Any color you pick will suit any skin tone for a perfect day out. They are long lasting, I might have only had to re apply after lunch. 

 Here is a swatch of every color in the palette for better viewing. Look at those lip colors!!!

 Next, is my favorite brush which retails for, $29.50. The brush is a little more on the pricey side, but it lives up to its duties. This brush is super soft and synthetic. This brush is good for highlighting, contouring and my personal favorite; all over face powder. This is my go to brush:)
 These are two of their six Instain blushes. I chose Houndstooth (top) and Pinstripe (bottom). These babies retail for $22.00 each. They are THEE most staining and long lasting blushes I have ever tried. They are lovely, soft and natural looking as well. You can't go wrong when it comes them. Six different shades from light to dark can suit almost any skin tone.






  This mascara is my favorite mascara of them all. This one is called, "What's Your Type". This retails for $19.00. The way the brush is formed gives each individual lash a comb of product. I have been using this for a few weeks now and not once have I experienced any clumping. This mascara works wonders on anyone and makes it seem like you have your own little set of falsies. Totally a, "definitely gotta try this."                   





Last, but certainly not least is the eyeliner. This amazing product is called, "Schwing". BEST EYELINER EVER!!!!<33
If I could really, really tell anyone to try just one thing from The Balm, it would be this. This amazing eyeliner retails for $17.00. The long handle on it seems to give any first timer a steady hand at applying the perfect cat liner. This is the darkest eyeliner I have tried and leaves a silky looking finish.







So, all in all I give The Balm a 10/10. Their products are simply too cute alone with their packaging but their actual product has yet to let me down. Visit their website and give them a look at. thebalm.com