Products I have emptied...

Good Morning and happy Monday my fellow bloggers :) Today I wanted to share with you some mini-reviews on random products I have finally emptied out! I enjoy watching videos and reading articles about reviews of products, so I can make a better informed decision about spending my money, don't you? Here are some products I have purchased, fully used up, and my opinions on them:

Equate Makeup Remover Wipes (compared to Nuetrogena wipes): This product was an impulse buy because I needed more makeup remover wipes, but I wasn't in the mood to spend a fortune on them. I decided to go with the cheaper brand (Walmart or Equate) and what a mistake that was. I used the entire packet because I spent the money on them, but the texture was so rough on the cloth, it almost hurt my face removing my makeup! Ouch!

Batiste Dry Shampoo: This is a definite favorite of mine. It works fabulous when I am on two-day old hair. However I do want to mention it does leave a white cast when you apply it, so make sure you spray and then comb through to remove any white marks. I have already repurchased another one!

ELF Makeup Setting Spray: This was another impulse buy, and I wanted to be a little more frugal with my money, so instead of purchasing another Urban Decay Setting Spray, I went with ELF. Unfortunately this product has not worked for me very well. However I will mention, I am continuing to use this product through the month in hopes that I will learn to like it. I have tried spraying it further away from my face then the package says to, and so far it seems to be OK.

Garnier Fructis Color Shield Shampoo and Conditioner: I bought this duo when I initially got my highlights to help shield the color a little longer. I had no complaints about the products, but there was also nothing amazing to say about them either. I did not use this duo everytime I washed my hair; I rotated with my Moroccon Oil Shampoo & Conditioner.

Tarte Lights, Camera, Lashes Mascara: This product I absolutely loved in the beginning; it really separated my lashes and gave them great length. I did regret buying it though, because the product dried up within the month! Most of my drugstore mascara's last over 5 months, so wth!

Maybelline Precision Eyeliner Pen: This product also worked well in the beginning, however it was another one that dried up really fast. When I would apply it to my upper lash line, it would give good color payoff and then dwindle into nothing. I would have to trace back and forth several times to make sure my entire lash line got covered....no bueno!

Maybelline Define-a-brow Pencil: This product was so aggravating, simply because the pencil was so soft that it broke everytime (and I mean everytime) I applied it to my brows. Just filling it one eyebrow, the pencil would break 3-4 times..argh! When I eventually finished filling in my eyebrow, it looked great though :)

Urban Decay Eyelid Primer Potion: This was the sample size and I loved it simply because it worked. I don't think I would spend the money to buy a full size, just because there are so many other alternatives that work just as well for a cheaper cost :)

Bath & Body Works Room Spray: Yum!! I love how these smell up my house and that the scent seems to linger throughout the day <3 Already bought another one :)

Neutral Daytime Smokey Eye...

Happy Tuesday fellow bloggers :) I hope everyone's week was off to a great start. I recently was given a gift (thank you mama!) and it was a new ELF Palette that is a dupe for a Nordstrom Palette they recently put out. Here is the comparison:

Pretty close, right? The advantage of the ELF Palette is that is also includes three mini brushes, one which somewhat mimics the new NARS Contour Brush:

So many think that a Smokey Eye should only be for nightitme, but you can tone down smoky eyes so that they're daytime appropriate; it just comes down to color technique. The beautiful pairing of gray and mauve shadows is possibly the prettiest look of the season. Substituting gray or brown for black instantly makes a smoky eye more subtle—just keep the shadow close to your lid. Here is a link to my tutorial. Let me know if you try it out! xo

My August Favorites ♥

Happy Thursday, beautiful's ♥ Since the month of August is over, I wanted to share with you some of my favorites products that I have been loving for the entire month!

♥ Maybelline Big Eyes Mascara: This was a recent mascara I reviewed and I have not been able to put it down! The formula is somewhat liquidy which I enjoy in a mascara, and it is very build-able if you wanted to layer on coats. I still stick to my guns in saying the bottom wand is conveniently small, but I don't think it picks up very much product (so several coats might be necessary).

♥ Loreal Visible Lift Concealer: This concealer is very similar to Maybelline's LUMI concealer/highlighter pen. It has a very smooth, creamy consistency, and pretty good coverage in general. I would stay away from using too much of it, because after a while I do notice creasing. But a light layer does the trick :)

♥ MAC Fix+ Skin Refresher: This was a splurge for me this month, but I have somewhat dry skin, so I tend to get the cake-y look even when I am not trying. The Fix+ is not a setting spray, but it works as a skin refresher that you can use throughout the day to keep your makeup looking like you just applied it :)

♥ Loreal True Match LUMI Foundation: I am late on the bandwagon with this foundation, but I wanted to give it a try since it is suppose to leave that dewy finish. Works great for me so far and I was very surprised on how many options are are given at the drugstore for colors and shades. I like the finish more when using a Beauty Blender, but a brush works just fine too if that is your preference.

♥ Bath & Body Works Marshmallow Fireside Candle: This candle I am definitely OBSESSED with and I can't get enough of it. The description says, "Celebrate the changing season with a warm blend of toasted marshmallows, smoldering woods and creamy vanilla reminiscent of a cozy evening 'round the bonfire". Can I buy stock in a candle?????

♥ Bath & Body Works Leaves Candle: This was a new edition to my collection but I have been wanting to smell it forever! That sounds weird, LOL, but it's so true; every time I went to the store last year to buy it, it was sold out :( I finally got my hands on it and it is a perfect 'fall' smell. The description says, "Celebrate the brilliant colors of autumn with this rich blend of golden nectar, red apple and spiced berries". YUM!

What are your favorites for August???