My Micro-blading Experience

Hello friends! I wanted to hop on here real quick and talk to you about my micro-blading experience. I’ve had a lot of questions lately and I wanted to try to answer them and show you before and after pictures from my procedure.

You may remember last summer, I started getting my eye lashes lifted. You can read about that here. Well at my last eyelash lift appointment, which was in December, I started talking to the gal working on my lashes about her thoughts on micro-blading. She told me how great it is and that is was a pretty easy procedure. I had been contemplating this for a while and decided to go in for a consultation. Keep in mind, since this procedure has gained major popularity, it was not easy to get an appointment. The location where I get my lashes lifted was booked out until May and I didn’t want to wait that long. I decided to take an appointment at their second location since they could get me in earlier. On December 31, 2018 I had my consultation with a micro-blading expert and she answered all the questions I had about the procedure. On February 5th, I got my eyebrows micro-bladed. She first mapped out my eyebrow shape. This part takes the longest. After the mapping was perfect, she put a numbing cream on my brows for about 20 minutes.

After my eyebrows were relatively numb, she got to work. Now I will tell you: I barely felt her microblading. There was a tiny bit of discomfort, but nothing I couldn’t handle. The worst part was the sound it makes. It sounds like a crunching noise. Like I said, it takes a good two hours to get this done. And believe me, you want them to take their time and not feel rushed. I was pretty swollen when she was finished, but I wasn’t in any pain. The swelling went down later that same day. I think the hardest part of this whole procedure was the after care. No exercise for 3-4 days (no problem there 😉). Avoid getting them wet for 2 weeks. That was hard! Let’s just say, the hubs got really good at washing my hair in the kitchen sink ☺️

Take a look at my before and after photos.

I love how they turned out! Micro-blading is meant to be very natural in appearance. Meaning, you may have to fill in your brows a bit if you want them to look a bit more dense, if that makes sense…

After your initial visit for your procedure, you come back for a touch up. Usually after 4 weeks. I got my touch up on March 5th. At this appointment, she filled my brows in a little more and went a little bolder with the color she used. She said I should be good to go for 8-10 months before getting any more touch ups. Most people think this is like getting a tattoo and it really isn’t. This is a temporary application and how long it lasts depends on skin type, medications, sun exposure, etc.

Here is a pic I took today almost two weeks after getting my touch up. Please excuse my appearance 😉

I think they look great with or without filling them in! Here is the pencil I use when I do fill them in.

If you are on the fence about getting this done, you should definitely go in for a consultation and ask questions. If you are local to my area, I suggest going to the place where I got my micro-blading done. Check out their website here.

Thank you all for reading and if you have any other questions about my micro-blading experience, please email me, dm me on IG or leave your question in the comments below.

Xoxo, ang 💋

October Favorites|2016

october is my favorite month of the year and it flew by lightning fast.  i was determined to find some favorites this month since i didn’t have any to blog about in september.  well, i was successful!  i found a lot of great products to try!

Urban Decay All Nighter Liquid Foundation

this is a full coverage, waterproof foundation that has a matte finish.  i am always looking for a great foundation and this fits the bill.  i got color matched at my local sephora and 4.5 medium-light beige is my perfect color.  this foundation definitely stays put and i don’t have to touch up through out the day.  the only con is that this foundation oxidizes after it’s applied.  i felt that it looked ok, since i had a bit of a tan.  i might have to adjust my color since my tan has faded a bit.

Kat Von D Lock-it Setting Powder

if you know me, you know that i love all things Kat Von D.  this setting powder is no different.  this is a weightless, translucent powder that i use to bake my under eye area.  i actually use it anywhere i apply concealer.  it is finely milled so it’s undetectable on the skin.  this powder is formulated with a micro-blurring technology that gives you a flawless finish.

Benefit Precisely, My Brow Pencil Ultra Fine Shape & Define

filling in my eyebrows is the hardest part of my makeup routine.  growing up, my mother always taught me to just shave the area between my brows because that’s what she always did. what bad advice!  now i cannot grow that area of my brows back.  i make them look somewhat presentable by using the benefit precisely my brow pencil.  i love the fact that this pencil has an ultra fine tip that allows me to draw on natural looking, hair like strokes.  i use color #3 medium in case you were wondering:)

NYX Matte Finish Makeup Setting Spray and MUA Lash Placement Tool

i used to only use the urban decay all nighter makeup setting spray.  it’s a great product that works very well.  i ran out of it one day and didn’t want to spend $30 on a replacement.  i came across the nyx spray and decided to give it a go.  well, i haven’t looked back.  it’s a great product that sets my makeup as good as the $30 brand.

i wear false eyelashes every day.  i was using a regular pair of tweezers to apply them and that worked just fine.  browsing the makeup section at cvs one day, i came across the MUA Glamour Boosting Lash Kit.  this kit contained a pair of lashes, lash glue and the lash placement tool.  i only actually bought the kit for the tool, but i ended up loving the lashes too!  this lash placement tool is easy to use and i don’t feel like there’s a chance I’m going to gouge my eye out!

Urban Decay Naked Ultimate Basics

this is a great palette if you love matte eyeshadows.  this palette contains 12 all new must have neutral colors.  these shadows blend beautifully and have virtually no fall out.  my favorite colors are extra bitter and instinct.  the packaging, however, is a little cheap.  the case is plastic and the mirror has already fallen out.  if you can get beyond the packaging, it is a must have palette.

Lorac Mega Pro 3 Palette

this is one of the best palettes I’ve ever owned.  it contains 16 matte and 16 shimmer shades.  all of the colors are great neutrals that blend beautifully together.  this is the palette i reach for every day.  hopefully you got your hands on this one, because it looks to be sold out at ulta.

do you have a favorite makeup item right now?  tell me about it in the comments!

xoxo, ang

 

August Favorites|2016

i don’t know about you,  but i am so glad fall is upon us.   i am ready to taste my first PSL of the year and pull my uggs out of hibernation.  i probably need to chill out a bit.  its wayyyy to early to wear my uggs and not get harassed about it:)  august has come and gone like a whirlwind and i am glad.  it was a busy month in the retail world and i’m not gonna lie, i’m  whooped.  as tired as i am, i managed to find a few things that made the month a little easier to get thru.

Essie Nail Polish in Topless & Barefoot

  this classy nude compliments any skin color and elongates your fingers.  even though fall is almost here, topless & barefoot will be a color i reach for all throughout the season. for best results:  apply 2 coats of polish and top with a gel topcoat.  this is my current favorite gel topcoat.

Denman Medium Cushion Natural Boar Grooming Brush

i haven’t owned a proper hairbrush in probably 10 years.  seriously.  now,  i don’t want you to think that i haven’t brushed my hair in 10 years.  that would be crazy.  up until i bought the Denman brush, i just used a wide tooth comb to brush my less than luxurious locks.  i have very fine, thin hair and have always been afraid to use a hairbrush because i thought it would tear out my hair.  i have a lot of fall out.  a lot.  well, i’m tired of worrying about it. i have always wanted a Mason-Pearson brush for as long as i can remember.  if you know anything about these brushes, you know they are extremely expensive.  amazon told me that Denman brushes are just as good and are cheaper.  this brush is available at Ulta so on a whim, i bought it.  i love it!  i like to think its doing great things for my hair.

Ardell Soft Touch Lashes #162

i just started experimenting with false lashes this year.  it took me a while, but i finally got the hang of applying them.  now i cannot live without them.  i try going thru my whole makeup routine without falsies and i find my lashes look boring.  i bought the Ardell Soft Touch Lashes #162 recently because i liked their shape.  they have become my go-to false eyelashes.  the only problem:  they are no where to be found.  i find a random pair once in a while at Ulta, but that’s it.  i ordered 6 pair last night off of the Ulta website, so i wouldn’t run out.  in case you are interested, i can get 3-4 days wear out of these lashes and i use Duo brush on adhesive with vitamins as my lash glue.

Quay Australia Sunglasses-Vivienne Black

Quay Australia is definitely one of my favorite brands of sunglasses right now.  i bought the Vivienne’s recently and love them.  i had been looking for a pair of oversized black aviators and these fit the bill.  the look of these sunnies is very stylish and classy.  with the super affordable price, you can get several pair and not break the bank.

Pink Pewter Hair Accessories

i have been wearing Pink Pewter hair accessories for a couple of years now.  my favorites are the headbands and turbans.  they are so easy to use.  you literally put them on your head, twist your hair into the headband and viola!  you have a great hairstyle that took just a couple of minutes to do!  here are some tutorials to show just how easy it is to wear these hair accessories.  fyi…i have found i get a better hairstyle with Pink Pewter hair accessories if my hair is a little dirty feeling.  if you’ve recently washed your hair, make it feel dirty or gritty with a texturizing spray or dry shampoo.  using one of these products will make the hairstyle you are trying to achieve a whole lot easier!   i love this one and this one.

Kendra Scott Jewelry

i am obsessed with Kendra Scott jewelry..especially anything that is in a gunmetal finish.  my birthday was at the end of august and i decided to treat myself to some new Kendra.   did you know that you can visit a Kendra Scott store during your birthday month and get one item 50% off?  you better believe i did!  i bought the Phara Necklace in Gunmetal as my birthday half off.  i already own this necklace in gold and as soon as i found out it was available in gunmetal, i knew i had to have it.  i also took advantage of the Color Bar while i was at the Kendra Scott store.  i combined the Elisa necklace in gunmetal with a pyrite stone.  so pretty!  i found the Eleanor Necklace in gunmetal at one of my favorite boutiques.  i couldn’t find it on the Kendra Scott website but they have the gold version.  this necklace layers very well with other Kendra necklaces.  in case you didn’t know, Kendra Scott necklaces layer very well with each other or other necklaces you may have. if you haven’t started your collection, you need to!

thanks for reading!

xoxo, ang

Hourglass Vanish Foundation

hello everyone!  in early july, i was lucky enough to be sent the new Hourglass Vanish Seamless Foundation Stick to test and review.  this was sent to me by Influenster.  i received the color Buff.  along with getting the foundation, i also received the the Vanish Foundation  Brush.  i will say that i was very excited to try this foundation.  that excitement faded fast.  i so wanted to love this foundation.  here is the tagline:  “a revolutionary foundation stick with the coverage of a concealer, the fluidity of a liquid and the weightlessness of a powder for undetectable full coverage”.  it is very full coverage.  they are not lying about that.  you want to apply very little and add more if needed.  Hourglass also claims that this foundation stick is 12 hour long-wearing and its a waterproof formula.  again, i agree with this statement.  i would wear this foundation for at least 12 hours at a time, sometimes longer.  it did stay put.  my issue with this foundation is this:  i found it extremely difficult to blend out.  i tried using the vanish foundation brush that was preferred and provided.  that didn’t work.  i tried using a damp beauty blender.  that also did not work.  i finally tried using the Tarte Double Duty Beauty Quickie Blending Sponge.  i used it dry and that worked the best, but still not great.  this foundation tends to stick to the dry patches and texture on my face.  i could not get it to the seamless finish that it claimed to have.  i found that while trying to blend it out, this foundation moved all over the place. i used it for a month trying to get it to work for me.  i really wanted to love this product, but it just isn’t the foundation for me.  i think i need to stick to liquid formulas.

here is some other info on the Hourglass Vanish Seamless Finish Foundation Stick:

• it’s available in 26 shades
• 100% reported Vanish was fast and easy to use
• 97% reported Vanish covered redness and skin imperfections
• 94% reported Vanish covered skin discoloration, pores, blemishes and dark under eye circles
• 90% reported Vanish covered hyper pigmentation and dark spots

have you tried this foundation?  if so, did you like it?

****i received these products complimentary for testing purposes.  all opinions are my own.

 

xoxo, ang

 

 

July Favorites|2016

happy sunday, friends!  how was your month?  mine was pretty busy, both at home and at work.  if you work in retail like i do, you can relate to the craziness that is back-to-school.  it is in full swing!  i am glad that my kiddo is in college and can shop for himself. he’s pretty low maintenance, so he doesn’t feel the need for brand new school clothes every school year.  i don’t miss the days of taking his school supply list to the store and looking for everything that is required for the first day of school.

i may not be buying school supplies, but i did buy some great things in July that i love and want to share with you.

Lorac Pro Palette 3

this is the eyeshadow palette that i grab for every morning when i’m getting ready.  this palette contains 8 shimmer and 8 matte shades.  i love that all of the colors are neutral.  you can create a natural looking eye or a more dramatic smokey eye all with this one palette.  these shadows have high pigment and work great wet or dry.  we are vacationing in septemeber and this is the eye palette that i will be taking with me, since so many looks can be created with it.

Tarte Shape Tape Contour Concealer and Tarte Quickie Blending Sponge

the tarte shape tape concealer has been my go to concealer in the month of july.  this is a full coverage concealer that covers acne, fine lines and doesn’t crease.  you can use this product to conceal, highlight and contour depending on the shade you get.  i use the color light-medium.  i use it under my eyes to conceal, down the center of my nose, my forehead and chin to highlight.  i apply it with the tarte quickie blending sponge.  i am always looking for a good beauty blending sponge and this one is pretty great.  it is different from using a regular beauty blender, though.  the tarte sponge doesn’t really soak up water if you wet it.  i always use a beauty sponge wet and not dry. the tarte sponge actually works better dry.  i would recommend it if you love using a beauty sponge to apply your foundation and concealer.

NYX HD Finishing Powder, Skinny Mascara and Wonder Pencil

nyx makes some of the best products at an affordable price.  i use the hd finishing powder to set all of the areas that i put concealer.  this powder reduces the appearance of my fine lines and pores and has a matte finish.  i use the color, banana.

the nyx skinny mascara is one of the best products i have discovered this entire year.  i use this on my bottom lashes only.  i cannot use a regular mascara brush on my lower lash line.  if i do, it gets all over my under eye area.  this mascara is pure perfection.  the brush is skinny and applies just the right amount of product onto my lower lashline.  no spider lashes!

i use the nyx wonder pencil in light to line my water line.  it is less dramatic than using a bright white pencil.  it still brightens my eyes and makes me look like i got 8 hours of sleep when i actually got 4;)  you can also conceal with this pencil as well as use it as a lip liner.  very versatile!

Essie Gel Couture 

the essie gel couture nail polish claims to last up to 14 days.  i haven’t found this to be true, but it does last longer than a regular non-gel nail polish.  i will say that i work with my hands banging on a cash register and opening up boxes and bags all day.  i am sure if i didn’t do this, my polish would last a little longer.  the essie gel couture polish comes in 42 different shades.  i like the fact that it is streak free and you don’t need to use a base coat before applying.  there is also no need to set with a UV lamp.  it also removes easily.  to apply:  paint two coats of your favorite gel couture color and top with the gel couture topcoat.  the wide bristle brush makes for easy application and the topcoat dries relatively fast.

David Yurman Cable Classics Bracelet with 14K Gold, 5mm

 

i have wanted a david yurman bracelet for as long as i can remember.  i happened to get a pretty nice bonus at work last month (and not to mention i have been working my a$$ off) and decided it was time to reward myself and get a bracelet.  after doing some research, i decided the 5 mm classic cable bracelet was the one for me.  i love it!  i wear it with a wrist full of alex and ani bracelets.  I’m officially addicted and plan to add to my collection for my birthday in august.

what did you love in July?  please share:)

thanks for reading!

xoxo, ang

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June Favorites|2016

happy thursday!  the weekend is almost here again!  this is bad for me, since that means my staycation is coming to an end.  no worries, though!  the hubs and i planned a getaway for september.  now i have something to look forward to in the coming months.

i didn’t have a ton of makeup favorites in june, but i did have a lot of accessories that i loved.

for the makeup and beauty:

Wet n Wild Color Icon Blush

i used this brand when i was a teen and never thought in a million years i would still be using it as an adult.  i picked these blushes up at walgreens and have been using them every since.  i chose the colors pearlescent pink and rose champagne.  both look beautiful on the skin and believe it or not, both are very pigmented.  not what i expected for a blush that cost $2.99.

Milani Color Statement Lipstick in Nude Creme

if you know me, you know i love a good lipstick.  liquid lipsticks are usually what i reach for everyday.  that is until i found this milani lipstick.  nude creme is the perfect neutral color that will compliment any makeup look that i am going for.  this lipstick applies beautifully and is more of a satin finish. it also has a light fragrance reminiscent of a watermelon jolly rancher.   i line my lips with a mac lip pencil in dervish and then apply nude creme.  on my last trip to cvs, i picked up another color:  naturally chic.  it is also a neutral that is slightly more of a pinky/mauve.  i also use dervish to line my lips before applying this color.  mac lip pencil in soar is actually a perfect match to naturally chic and i use that as well.

Smith & Cult Nail Polish in The Graduate

i bought my first smith & cult nail polish last summer and fell in love with it.  i happened to be at neiman marcus last month and decided to add another color to my collection.  i have really been into nude/opaque/pastel nail colors lately.  i think it is a good alternative to always wearing bright, poppy colors in the summer.  the graduate is a beautiful nude color that looks great with tanned skin.  i find this polish is hard to chip and it comes in a cool looking bottle.  win, win!

now on to my favorite accessories that i was loving in june and still love now.

chokers are a must have this summer season.  literally everyone i see on youtube and instagram are wearing them, so i decided to jump on this trend too.  i purchased the lariat choker and the whitely choker from BaubleBar.  BaubleBar is always on top of the trends when it comes to must have accessories.  i like the edgy look i get by wearing a choker.

i also bought this velvety choker recently that i am loving layered with a regular necklace.

i follow a gal named Amelia on youtube and instagram.  i love watching her videos about her favorite makeup, fashion and places to travel.  what i love most though, is that fact that she has the most amazing jewelry. she always has a ton of rings and bracelets piled on her fingers and wrists.  i decided to order a few of the rings that she wears and i am so glad i did.  they are amazing!

the star ring is from Mejuri.  they have the most unique jewelry i have ever seen.  i like that fact that the band of the ring is actually a chain.  the hoop ring is the Riva Diamond Hoop Ring.  it is from Monica Vinader.  this ring looks good on the middle or pointer finger.  it also layers well with the star ring.  the silver hamsa ring i purchased from Alona.  this one i got at the end of june but just had to include it in my favorites.  i wear this three- ring combo every day.  i would like to also state that Mejuri is located in Canada.  Monica Vinader and Alona are both in the UK.  the service was excellent and i got these rings in record time!  its funny, i bought the rings from the UK and something else from the US on the same day and i actually got the rings from the UK first!  like days faster!

i love a good pair of sunglasses. preferably sunglasses that don’t cost a fortune.   again, a lot of people i follow on youtube and instagram are always wearing and raving about Quay Australia sunglasses.  i was shopping last month in one of my favorite boutiques and they had these sunglasses. after trying almost all of them on, i settled on a pair called Bae.

i love how they look when i have all of my hair pulled back.  Quay also does collaborations.  the last one they did was with Desi Perkins.  Desi is well known on all social media platforms, especially on youtube.  she, along with Quay Australia, developed some of the trendiest sunglasses out right now. since they were so popular, they sold out immediately.  thank goodness Quay Australia/Desi Perkins will be back with a restock on the most popular style, High Key, in september.  when i first heard about these sunnies, i thought for sure their prices would be similar to the prices of Ray Ban.  not even close.  the most expensive pair of Quay are $60.  super affordable!

what were you loving in june?

thanks of stopping by!

xoxo, ang

Lipstick Love

happy 4th of july weekend!  i hope you are all enjoying a relaxing long weekend!  its been raining today where i live, so i’ve been stuck inside.  major bummer…i really wanted to go boating.  oh well, since i cannot enjoy any lake time today,  i decided to share with you my current favorite lipsticks.  these are the lippies that i reach for on a daily basis and currently cannot live with out.  i would like to also mention that i don’t have to use a lipliner with any of them.

Too Faced Melted Matte Lipstick in Queen B and Jeffree Star Cosmetics Velour Liquid Lipstick in Rich Blood

first of all, i know my nails look really bad.  i am suffering from some severe dryness to my cuticles.  i also pick at them like crazy.  cuticle oil isn’t helping.  i’m not sure what to do, so if you have any suggestions let me know.  i would appreciate it!

now on to the lipstick.  i am a sucker for a matte lipstick.  you will see in this post almost all of the lipsticks i feature are matte formulas.  the thing is though,  i never leave them matte on my lips.  99.9% of the time i add a bit of gloss to whatever matte lip color i am wearing.  i love the look the gloss gives.    i use the same two glosses for every lip color.  i use the Enamored Lip Lacquer Lipgloss by Marc Jacobs in Moonglow or Sugar Sugar.  you can find them here.  i picked up the Too Faced Melted Matte Lipstick at sephora a few weeks ago. it’s a soft mauve color which i love!  it looks great paired with a smokey eye.  i have been wanting to try Jeffree Star’s liquid lipsticks for a while now.  unfortunately, they are always sold out.  i stalked his site and found that only a couple of his lip colors were in stock.  i could either buy the color Drug Lord, which is white or i could buy the color Rich Blood which is red.  these were the only two colors that were in stock at the time i wanted to purchase.  well, i didn’t get the white one i got the red one.  it is a beautiful color on the lips.  it has a bit of shimmer but no too much.  i get a lot of compliments when i wear this color.  a  great thing about Jeffrey Star’s lipsticks is they are are vegan and cruelty free.  the bad thing about them is they are ALWAYS sold out.  when he announces a restock, you have to drop what you are doing, no matter what, and get online to order.  he is launching his summer collection in a few weeks.  i am dying for the color watermelon soda.  i really hope that i’m able to get my hands on it!

ColourPop Ultra Matte Lip in Privacy Please and Bad Habit

ColourPop offers some of the most affordable quality lip colors out there right now.  the colors i have are Privacy Please, which is a vivid lavender violet and Bad Habit, which is a dusty mauve pink.  these lippies have great staying power.  did i mention they are only $6 each?  if you haven’t tried them, you definitely should!

Stila Stay All Day Liquid Lipstick in Tesoro and Patina

these lipsticks do what they say.  they stay all day.  i have found that they do not bleed or transfer.  i have really been loving orange colored lipsticks lately and the color Tesoro is the perfect orange red color. Patina is a dusty rose color that will compliment almost any makeup look you are going for.  can you see a pattern here?  i love dusty rose/mauve lip colors!

Kat Von D Everlasting Liquid Lipstick in Berlin and Bauhau5

i saved the best and my favorite for last.  Kat Von D Everlasting Liquid Lipsticks.  i have talked so much about these in previous blog posts as being my absolute favorite lippies.  this is still true.  i cannot say enough good things about this brand.  the color selection is amazing (there are now 28 colors).  they have great staying power and are extremely pigmented.  i have 7 of the 28 colors.  Berlin, which is a warm rose color (i think its more of a coral than rose) and Bauhau5, which is a deep raspberry color are my two go-to colors. if you haven’t jumped on the KVD bandwagon yet, you need to get on it.  you won’t be disappointed.  all colors are currently in stock on sephora’s website!

thanks for reading and let me know what your favorite lipsticks are by snapping me!  my snapchat is:  angbruening

i hope you all enjoy the rest of this long holiday weekend!

xoxo, ang

 

 

 

 

May Favorites | 2016

happy sunday, friends!  i hope everyone had a great weekend!  its time again for some monthly favorites.

Ouai Texturizing Hair Spray

i actually just bought my second can of this. here is how  Ouai Texturizing Hair Spray is described:  if dry shampoo and hairspray had a baby.  that statement couldn’t be more true.  i have very fine, thin hair and this product definitely gives me volume and texture.    i have found that if i put this in my hair before i curl it, my hair actually holds my curls a little better.  the smell of this spray is also pretty amazing!

Ardell Lashes

lately, i have been obsessed with wearing false lashes.  it has taken me a million tries, but i think i finally got the hang of putting them on.  this is not exactly easy!  my favorite lashes are by Ardell.  i particularly love the demi wispies.  if you are wanting to try false lashes, i would suggest these.  ulta currently has them buy one get one half off. walgreens also has them on the same sale.  i will probably stock up since i only get a few wears out of these lashes.

Morphe Makeup Brushes

good brushes are essential for a flawless makeup application.  in april, i joined a monthly makeup brush club by LiveGlam.com.  every month i get $30+ in morphe makeup brushes delivered to my door.  i own a ton of makeup brushes, but these are the only ones i use now!  they are great quality and super affordable.  if you want to join, it’s only $19.99 per month.  along with getting the brushes in the mail each month, you also get exclusive discounts on morphe products, first access on new morphe releases and monthly how-to’s  on each brush.

Too Faced Sweet Peach Palette and Peanut Butter and Jelly Eye Shadow Palette

let me say, it was very hard for me to acquire both of these palettes.  they were always sold out, everywhere i went.  i finally found the  Too Faced Peanut Butter and Jelly Palette at Ulta.  i was having a harder time trying to get the Sweet Peach palette. i went to my local Beauty Brands and asked them to put me on the waiting list. they finally called me and thats how i  got that palette.  i will say that these palettes are pretty amazing.  the peanut butter and jelly palette smells exactly like peanut butter and jelly and the sweet peach palette smells like, you guessed it, peaches!  the Peanut Butter and Jelly Palette is still available on the Ulta website, but i think the Sweet Peach palette is unavailable….at least i cannot locate it.  if anyone knows where this can be purchased, let me know. i have some friends looking for it!

Becca Cosmetics x Jaclyn Hill Champagne Collection Face Palette

the Becca Cosmetics x Jaclyn Hill Champagne Collection Face Palette was one of the most anticipated collaborations of the year.  i was away on a work trip and happened to be on IG when Sephora posted that if you had their app, you could buy this palette early.  we were out to dinner and i’m freaking out trying to get this face palette ordered!  i succeeded!  in this beautiful case you get:  Champagne Pop and Prosecco Pop (both highlighters), and three blushes:  Rose Spritz, Amaretto and Pamplemousse.   the pigmentation on all of these, especially the highlighters, is AMAZING!   this palette is currently out of stock at Sephora.com.  it will be back on June 16th.  there is also an eye shadow palette in their collab and i missed out on that.  if you snooze you lose!  i had that palette in my cart and waited too long to order and it sold out. it will also be back on June 16th and i will (hopefully) be getting that also.

Apple Watch 42mm and Miranda Frye Ashleigh Necklace

finally, i have a couple of accessories that made my favorites in may.  i had been debating on whether to get an apple watch for months.  i had heard there was an updated version coming out and wanted to wait for that one. well it seems that the new watches are not coming out until sometime in the fall so i decided to get one now.  i happened to see on the  Best Buy website that they were running the watch i wanted $200 off.  i bought it that day. i got the 42 mm stainless steel case in silver.  i love it!  it is currently $100 off on the Best Buy website.  the other accessory that made my favorites is the Ashleigh Necklace by Miranda Frye.  this necklace is one the most fabulous pieces that i own.  several ladies that i follow on IG and Youtube were wearing this necklace and i loved it on them.  i knew i had to have it.  this necklace is 42 inches long and can be worn 9 different ways.  it also comes in sterling silver.  i get so many compliments on it and it goes with so many outfits i wear!

thanks for reading and have a great week!

xoxo, ang

 

Summer Essentials | 2016

Lost Ink Ruffle Fringe Lace Up High Heeled Sandals at Asos | Amuse Society Sandrine Woven Kimono | ColourPop Ultra Matte Lips | Lace Bralettes | Pink Pewter Collection Curaco Clutch | BaubleBar Lariat Choker

since summer is basically here, it’s time to start shopping for your summer essentials.  fringe is a big trend this season, especially when it comes to footwear.  how cute are these lace up fringe high heeled sandals?  if you love them, get them because they are on sale!  kimonos are a staple clothing item for me.  they can be dressed up or worn as a swimsuit cover up.  i love this kimono by Amuse Society.  i bought this Moroccan tiled print kimono yesterday and cannot wait to wear it!  since most of the clothes in my closet are black, i like to give myself a pop of color with lipstick.  i recently purchased some ColourPop lippies that i am in love with.  you can read all about it here.  they are extremely affordable and very good quality.  if you are a black clothing lover like me and don’t like bright colored lipstick, i suggest dressing up that basic black with a statement necklace or even a bright colored bag.    every store i go into lately, i see lace bralettes piled high on tables and jammed onto racks.  every girl i see is wearing one with her deep v-neck tee or backless dress.  they are definitely a trendy item.  i bought this lace bralette and love it!  a cute clutch is a must for the summer season.  i have my eye on this clutch by Pink Pewter.  it is the perfect little bag to take with me on a date with the hubs…..and it will match all the black clothes in my closet:).  are you loving chokers as much as i am right now?  i feel like i have traveled back to the 90’s and i’m not complaining. the 90’s gave us some great music and great fashion.  i have been wearing the Whitely Choker by BaubleBar nonstop lately.  i love it so much that i bought the Lariat Choker.  you should definitely check out BaubleBar right now.  they are running up to 30% off site wide (there are some exclusions).  happy shopping!

xoxo, ang

ColourPop

happy friday, beauties!  i recently made my first ever ColourPop purchase.  what is ColourPop you ask?  ColourPop is a makeup company that makes luxury products at a great price.  all of their products are made in Los Angeles and are tested on humans rather than animals. they are actually tested on the folks that work at their HQ.   when i say their products are a great price, i mean it!  their super shock shadows are $5 and their lippies are $5/$6.  i know what you are thinking.  since their products are cheap they must be low quality.  this is far from true.  they are some of the best quality products i have tried…and I’ve tried a lot of products over the years.

ColourPop had a 20% off flash sale at the end of april/beginning of may.  let’s just say my 3 hour wait to enter the site was well worth it.  i purchased 9 products for $40.  i also got free shipping since my order was over $30 and i live in the US.

here’s what i got:

5 Super Shock Shadows in: Stereo, Cop A Feel, Nillionaire, Alchemy and Amaze.

these shadows are long-wearing and have a creme to powder finish.  there is no fall out when you use them.  they apply like a dream and come in a ton of different colors.  i bought some pretty neutral colors, but if you are younger and more daring than i, you should try colors like Erotic, Empire or Too Shy.  they are absolutely gorgeous!  (tip:  these apply the best when you use your fingertip or a flat, synthetic brush)

i also purchased 2 of their Ultra Satin Lips and 2 Ultra Matte Lips.  i got Molly and The Rabbit in the satin finish and Bad Habit and Privacy Please in the matte finish.

these lippies are a thin, lightweight formula with high pigmentation.  they are long wearing and budge proof.  such a great quality for such a low price!  i definitely see myself wearing all of these regularly.

did you get a chance to order from the ColourPop flash sale?  if so, what did you get?

have a great weekend and thanks for reading!

xoxo, ang