A BeautyStat.com Review: Viviscal Hair Filler

What I had received in the mail...

For months now I have seen various commercials about hair fillers on television.  I was ecstatic to have received an email about an opportunity to try such a product, as I have suffered from a nervous disorder for the past twenty years (it was triggered due to some trauma I endured at times in my childhood). While I do not wish to delve too much into it; I will say that having thinned hair as an end result has proved to be an embarrassment, and quite a struggle all this time.
  I received this product in a few days from shipment in a cardboard box. The fillers were in a shaker like jar enclosed with a pamphlet in a carton.  The pamphlet discussed supplements that Viviscal also sells. The idea is that the consumer, while using the supplements to promote hair growth, also uses the hair fillers as a temporary fix until the new growth sets in.

  How does it work?

  The pamphlet states, "Each fiber has an electrostatic coating which binds it to the hair shaft, immediately building hair density appearance and coverage."

  What are the benefits?

  I noticed that the patches of missing hair was obscured by the fibers, giving the illusion that I had a fuller head of hair.

  How do you use it?

  I gently tapped the open jar above the areas I wanted to conceal.  Thereafter, I set with a little bit of hairspray.  To remove it, I shampooed as usual.  It came out very easily with the shampoo, but during windy weather it clung to my hair very well.

  Did you see results and how quickly?

  Yes, immediately! I was able to use it on some areas that where so difficult to hid, and after doing so I flipped what strands I had over as I would normally style it.  It was incredible to see such a difference. I was even able to put up my hair in a ponytail without worrying about my scalp showing through.

  Did it stain, smear, or leave behind residue?

  I tried to use it on my hair line at first. I didn't like the fuzzy appearance it seem to give. However, when I decided to remove it from that area, using a moist wipe, I saw no staining, smearing, or residue.  And when I applied it, if any excess fell on my face, it was a very easy cleanup.

  I want to make note, that I have used this product periodically for almost a week, and these are my thoughts for the moment.  In a month I will be able to give a more definite opinion via this blog, and plan on doing a more extensive review. If I work the nerve, I might include a few before and after photos of some areas that are not so bad as others I have been trying to cover up. But, for now, I am enjoying this product.

<3 Beth.  

What the fillers look like.

Viviscal Hair Filler Fibers

Size: 15 grams (approximately one month supply)
Price: $24.99
Colors include: Dark Brown/Black, Light Brown, Blonde, Grey and Auburn
Available at http://www.RiteAid.com ; use promo code VIVISCAL to receive $5.00 off!

Thank you so much Ron @ http://www.BeautyStat.com  and Viviscal for giving me this opportunity for trying out a product I have been wondering about.

I also want to send out a big thank you to Honey (you can find her channel on youtube at: http://www.youtube.com/user/destne146, and her blog at http://www.honeygirlsworld.com/blog.html)for letting me know about Beauty Stat and recommending that I get in touch with them about their blogger's progam. Thank you so much dear!

Per the updated FTC guidelines, I received the sample products with compliments from BeautyStat.com, but my review is my own objective opinion.

Spring Fling Party of 2013

This past Saturday, I attended a Spring Fling party, hosted by my dear friend Amy. It was so nice to be able to come out and mingle with other women; especially, after being cooped up in doors most of this winter.

HoneyXO Cosmetics makes its debut in Indiana!

  I was honored that Amy had asked me to show case a company I am most passionate about (http://www.honeyxo.com), and was very excited to put together a display for all to see.
   One of the vendors there, Billie, actually agreed to allow me to do her makeup, to demonstrate some of the beautiful cosmetics Honey at http://www.honeyxo.com  creates.  Billie sells Scentsy and Velata products; she told me that normally she does not wear makeup. Knowing this, I wanted to keep her makeup as toned down as possible--something that was relaxed for everyday.

Billie: "I don't normally wear makeup but if I did, this is what it'd look like!"

  There were many vendors at the party! One of which, I was most excited to meet was Beth Hunley from Retro By Design. Beth is a jewelry designer and is most noted for her unique hinge bracelets. I have never seen anything like them! Her style has a vintage flair that I absolutely love. She even creates pendants out of antique spoons. I bought one of her necklaces at her table. I do not tend to wear large necklaces, yet I found myself enraptured by its detailing that I couldn't help purchasing it. This necklace will make an excellent statement piece.  I look forward to doing a review on it in a couple of weeks, and to see her new releases as they are put up on her etsy and facebook page. I hope to purchase more from her in future.

Such beautiful details!

   I was also privileged to meet up with a representative from a company called Grace Adele. I spoke with Kendra to inquire about a beautiful zipper rose clip I had spotted on one of her chic handbags, as I do enjoy wearing hair flowers.  I was pleased to learn that it had multiple functions. Grace Adele specializes in fashionable costume jewelry, handbags, scarves, and more.  I even saw a faux leather journal that can come in three colors, for only ten dollars. Being a writer, naturally, I put this on my "mental wish list."
   Thirty-one was also present.  I had a party with them about a year ago, and hope to have another someday.  I already own their manicure set and case, three different colored hair flowers, a big tote I use for laundry supplies, a small carry all caddy, and a key chain.  Their products I have tried so far, are of very good quality; and I have used them extensively.  Thirty-one's "mission," if you will, is to organize your home in style.  They have such a wide range of products and designs to choose from.

The doggie outfits were adorable!!

  I shared a table with a very fascinating woman, Gibson, who has a home business, selling reversible doggie outfits and accessories she creates herself.  Her business is called Gibson's Furry Fashions, and the profit from sales (with exception to funds to keep the business going) is donated to the Humane Society. At the moment they are trying to raise enough money for some doggie doors.  The prices for the doggie outfits are considerably affordable. She even had a reversible doggie wedding dress there with two different colored veils, and a set of matching white, wee bracelets. It was just darling!

I love the red shift on this black handbag...

  These are only but a few of the vendors at the party.  I had so much fun conversing with other women, trying out food samples, and even did a little bit of shopping.  Not only did I purchase the gorgeous necklace from Retro by Design, but at the yard sale table I saw a stunning black bag by Rosetti.  What intrigued me was the red shift in the shiny, black, faux leather.  It happened to be previously owned by our host, Amy.  She gave me an awesome deal for it, and I love this handbag already.  In fact, much to my surprise, later that evening I found, though produced by another company, it was the exact same size and design as the handbag I just previously blogged about.
  All in all, I had a marvelous time, and am very grateful that I was able to attend and meet new friends, and try and see new products. What a lovely weekend I had!

<3 Beth.

Where to find them:

HoneyXO Cosmetics- Cosmetics and Handcrafted Jewelry
Official website http://www.honeyxo.com                   
Blog http://www.honeygirlsworld.com/
Official Fan Page https://www.facebook.com/Honeygirlsworld
Youtube Channel http://www.youtube.com/user/destne146


Scentsy-Fragrances, (Flameless Candles) Tart Warmers of many styles, Tarts and more
Representative Billie Haffner

https://www.facebook.com/OfficialScentsyFanPage     
Website http://www.scentsy.com

Velata- Fun Fondue Warmers, and Yummy Chocolates
Representative Billie Haffner
https://www.facebook.com/OfficialVelata
Website http://www.velata.com

Retro by Design- Unique Handcrafted Jewelry
Designed and Created by Beth Hunley
Etsy Shop http://www.etsy.com/shop/RetroByDesignJewelry
Official Fan Page https://www.facebook.com/RetroByDesign

thirty-one - Chic Organizational Products for the Home
Consultant Paula Fifer                                                                    
Email pfifer31@yahoo.com
Website http://www.mythirtyone.com/paulas31shop 

Grace Adele- Classy Costume Jewelry, Trendy Handbags, Scarves, and more!
Consultant Kendra Brainard
Email KENDRA.BRAINARD@yahoo.com
Website http://www.kendrabrainard.graceadele.us

Gibson's Furry Fashions- "For all your dog accessories. Handmade with love!"
Email grannygrouch@gmail.com
Website http://www.gibsonsfurryfashions.webs.com
Official Fan Page https://www.facebook.com/GibsonsFurryFashions

K&K Designs- Wall Clings (Home Decor)
Consultant Kaylah Sink
Official Fan Page https://www.facebook.com/KkDesignsWithKaylahSink

Note: I'd like to send out a special thank you to Kaylah for giving me a ride to the party; I don't know if I would have been able to attend otherwise. It was lovely meeting you!

And again, a big thank you to Amy for inviting me! I've missed you so much girl, and hope you and your family are doing well!!

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FTC: I AM IN NO WAY BEING PAID BY SAID COMPANIES TO WRITE THIS BLOG POST, AND I AM IN NO WAY AFFILIATED WITH SAID COMPANIES, EXCEPT FOR  HONEYXO COSMETICS. I DO RECEIVE SOME DISCOUNT AND FREE PRODUCT(S) FROM HONEYXO COSMETICS IN RETURN FOR PROMOTIONAL AND MODELING PURPOSES.

I ALSO WANT TO ADD THAT I AM IN NO WAY LICENSED AS A CERTIFIED MAKEUP ARTIST, AND HAVE NEVER CLAIMED TO BE AS SUCH.

Deals N Steals: Designer Inspired Sunglasses at Walgreens-TWO FOR FIVE!!

NO WAAAY!!!

   Tonight, we dropped by our local Walgreens for some necessities. We were about to leave when I spotted a bin full of sunglasses. Huge signs blared from its sides: 2/$5.00. I bet they look chintzy and boring for that cheap, I thought grimly to myself, but deciding to sift through them anyways.
   And boy, am I glad I did! I found a cute pair of pink plaid designed glasses, and another with a tortoise brown print and dragon fly's embossing the edges. They look like they are about the same quality my favorite sunglasses are, and those were ten dollars at Walmart.
   I normally like to kick off my spring/summer with a new pair of sunglasses each year; that is if I am lucky enough to find shades that I actually like. Whenever I usually decide to go shopping for them, it is hard to find ones that I like, as they sell very quickly at the local stores in my town.  I am very glad to beat the mad dash this year, and at such affordable prices!

<3 Beth.

My new shades...

I didn't like how they were all just tossed in a bin, but at least they had plastic covers to keep them clean.

I tend to gravitate to more classic styles, but the pink plaid was too cute!

Totally love the dragon flies!



FTC: I AM IN NO WAY AFFILIATED WITH WALMART OR WALGREENS.  NOR AM I BEING PAID BY SAID COMPANIES FOR THIS BLOG POST. ALL THOUGHTS ARE MY OWN AND ARE UNBIASED!!

"Pink Mint" Makeup Look

Today's color palette...

  I decided to play around with some color today; still inspired by spring and hoping for warm weather to come hither, I selected some pink shades and a beautiful mint green.  This look has lasted through a very long day, and still looks bright and fresh; even as I now type.

My Makeup-how:

1. First I apply Too Faced Insurance Eye primer to my entire lid.

2. Then with a small foundation brush, I applied a thin layer of Nyx Eye Shadow Base (remember this product is very thick, and a little goes a long way!).

3. Then using a eyeshadow brush, I apply HoneyXO Cosmetics (http://www.honeyxo.com/) "Love Me" loose eyeshadow (a light pale pink) pigment on my entire lid; stopping at my crease.

4. Then with another eyeshadow brush, I blend from the outer v to about mid-way to two thirds into my lid, HoneyXO Cosmetics (http://www.honeyxo.com/) "Colors of the Wind" (a darker gold-pink tone) loose eyeshadow pigment.

The shadows are so bright! The camera does them no justice!

5. With a defining brush, I then work in a little of HoneyXO Cosmetics (http://www.honeyxo.com/) "Mermaid Serenade" loose eyeshadow pigment (a gorgeous mint green), into the outer v of my eyes; shading it just a little into my crease mid-way.

6. Then taking that same brush, I line my bottom lash line, also with Mermaid Serenade, for a bright pop of color.

7. With a fluffy highlighting brush, I dusted HoneyXO Cosmetics (http://www.honeyxo.com/) "Cupid" (a white gold shimmer that reflects the sun beautifully) to my brow bone and inner duct.

8. To frame my eyes, I used NYX's retractable black eyeliner to tightline both top and bottom lids. Then, with New York Colors black liquid liner, I line above my upper lash line, but as close as I can to it.

9. With a small blush brush, I dusted the apples of my cheeks with HoneyXO Cosmetics (http://www.honeyxo.com/) "XOXO" blush. This is such a gorgeous blush. It has stunning gold reflects in it that compliment the pink hues.

10. Using a bronzing brush, I applied Nyx Bronzer, in Daydream of Kauai, to the bone structure of my cheeks, blending it in a little at a time. 

11. To finish this look, I applied HoneyXO Cosmetics (http://www.honeyxo.com/) "Hula Girl" lipgloss. Hula Girl is one of my favorite lip glosses; I am totally addicted to its coconut scent!

Ready to begin another hectic day!

I want to thank my dear friend Honey at: http://www.youtube.com/user/destne146 and http://www.honeygirlsworld.com/blog.html for recommending the Too Faced eye shadow primer. It works very well.

FTC: I AM IN NO WAY BEING PAID BY SAID COMPANIES TO WRITE THIS BLOG POST, AND I AM IN NO WAY AFFILIATED WITH SAID COMPANIES, EXCEPT FOR  HONEYXO COSMETICS. I DO RECEIVE SOME DISCOUNT AND FREE PRODUCT(S) FROM HONEYXO COSMETICS IN RETURN FOR PROMOTIONAL AND MODELING PURPOSES.

"Springy Bohemian" Makeup Look and Outfit

  I had a doctor's appointment today, to check up on the growth of the little one I am carrying. While I wanted to look nice when I went out, I also wanted to be comfortable; and what better way to dress chic in comfort, than a pop of color and a good dose of beaded bohemian style?

   Inspired by the dazzling pastels spring often brings, I pulled out my Color Theory palette. I love this palette. For such a cheap price, it delivers amazing color impact-both bright and somewhat metallic.  I remember I paid less than five dollars for it at my local CVS Pharmacy.  The shadows are shaped to look like roses, and if you have been following me for some time now, you know how I love roses!

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My Makeup-How:

 1. I applied my Too Faced Eye Shadow Insurance Primer to my entire lid.

 2. Next, using a small concealer brush I applied a thin layer of Nyx Skin Tone Eyes Shadow Base; as it is very thick in texture, a little will go a long way.

3. With an eye shadow brush, I generously pat on the darker purple shade in my Color Theory, on my entire lid, but stopping at the crease.

 4. With another eye shadow brush, I then blend the edges of the purple, into my crease, with the lighter pink shadow.

 5. With a crease brush, then I added some dark green shadow to outer v and into midway in the crease, working from the out towards the middle.

 6.  To add a little glow, I dusted some of the gold shadow in my inner duct and on my inner lower lash line.

7. Then with a fluffy highlight brush, I applied the white shadow to my brow bone and blended into the other colors in my crease to finish.

8. I tightlined both top and bottom lids with Nyx Retractible Black Eyeliner, and then lined right above my eyelashes with New York Colors Black Liquid Eyeliner.

9. I applied Julep's Volumizing Mascara in Black to my lashes, using more of the product on my upper lashes, and less on the bottom.

10. Using a blush brush, I dusted lightly on the apples of my cheeks, a silvery rose colored blush.

11. To finish this look, I applied Stila lipglaze in Pout, to my lips and then with my finger lightly dabbed on Maybelline's Vivids Lipstick in Pink Pop for a bit of bright color.

My arsenal for today's look...

     ********************************************************************************************

What I wore:

  I love the beading on this blue maternity top. It is simplistic, yet it is a statement in its own right. I found it and the black tunic a some garage sales quite some time ago. I also sported my maternity jeans and some boots. The boots, I bought on clearance at Walmart last winter. Though wedges, they are very comfortable and I can easily walk in them. 

    And of course I carry my new faux leather bag everywhere! I love how I can toss my things in with my daughter's necessities. It is a lot easier than juggling a diaper bag and a purse.

   The only jewelry I wore, as the embossed shirt did very well on its own, was some gold and black, linked chain, tassel earrings; which fringe/tassel jewelry is very much in trend at the moment.     

    I wore my hair up in my signature high messy bun, a floral scarf head band, and a jaw rose clip to hold the hair on the back of my head in place. 

 This is one of my favorite outfits to wear and it has been a nice go-to when I am out the door in a hurry! 

<3 Beth.

I want to make a big shout out to my dear friend Honey (at http://www.honeygirlsworld.com/blog.html, and http://www.youtube.com/user/destne146) for recommending the Vivids Lipstick Line by Maybelline, and the Too Faced Shadow Insurance! My shadows last all day thanks to the primer, and the Vivids lipstick is so creamy-it is just divine!!! I finally have really good lipsticks to work with and don't have to be afraid of trying them anymore. Thank you!

FTC: I AM IN NO WAY BEING COMPENSATED BY SAID COMPANIES TO WRITE THIS BLOG POST. ALL THOUGHTS ARE MY OWN, UNBIASED AND ARE IN NO WAY AFFECTED BY ANOTHER PARTY. I AM NOT BEING PAID BY ANY OF THE SAID COMPANIES FOR THIS POST!

"Simple and Low key" Makeup Look

  Today, having decided to work on a lot of chores, I wanted to keep my makeup simplistic. So I reached for my Urban Decay Naked Basics Palette and set to work. I like to keep my everyday looks quick so it probably took less than five or ten minutes.

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How I did it:

1. First, I applied Too Faced Eye shadow Insurance Eye Primer to my entire lids.  

2. Then, with my eco tools foundation brush I applied my Nyx Skin tone eye shadow base, also to entire lids. A thin application is sufficient as it is very thick.

3. Next, taking a eye shadow brush (and using the Urban Decay Naked Basics Palette), I pat the shade Naked 2 from my lashes to my crease; stopping right on the crease. 

4. Then using a smaller eye shadow brush, I work in the shade Faint into my crease and the outer v.

5. By this time I wanted to lighten Faint, as it looks a little to dark. With a fluffy blending brush, I apply Venus to my brow bone and inner duct, and blend it in to the Faint on my crease and outer v-a little at a time; just to lighten the color a little.

6. Using an eyeliner brush, I dip into Crave and smudge my upper and lower lashes, just a little.

7. I finish off my eye make up with Nyx Retractable eye liner in black (tight lining both top and bottom), and then lining right above my upper lash line, thinly with New York Colors Black Liquid Eyeliner.

8. I apply Julep's American Beauty Volumizing Mascara to my lashes.

9. Then I dot and blend a little at a time my Maybelline Dream Bouncy Blush in Candy Coral on the apples of my cheeks. Just enough to give it a soft flush of color. 

10.  To give my cheek bones some definition, I contour with a bronzing blush and Nyx Bronzer, in Daydream of Kauai, using my ear as a guide, swooping the brush down to mid-cheek, and then up into temples. 

11. To finish this look, I applied Maybelline's Baby Lips in Coral Crush-a lip balm with just enough color to keep everything fresh but yet simple.

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  This happens to be one of my quick go-to looks for everyday.  Normally, with this, I wear a tank at home with some pajama bottoms and bright fun colored socks and my hair up in a high messy bun with maybe a flower or a scarf headband.  I feel happiest in comfort.  I can move around easily and don't feel the need to fuss with my attire and just get things done.

<3 Beth.

Author's Notes:

I went to send out a thank you to my dear friend Honey (at http://www.youtube.com/user/destne146, and http://www.youtube.com/user/destne146) for recommending many of the products showcased in today's look (Urban Decay Naked Basics Palette,  Maybelline Dream Bouncy Blush, and Maybelline's Baby Lips).  Honey's thoughts on many products have been very informative and helpful. I truly feel readers will benefit from her advice in all things beauty. Check her out!

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Special sneak peek at tomorrow's LOTD inspiration:

I am so ready for some spring inspired shimmer and color!!!

FTC: I AM IN NO WAY BEING COMPENSATED TO SHOW OR DISCUSS THESE PRODUCTS. ALL OPINIONS ARE MY OWN UNBIASED. I AM NOT BEING PAID FROM ANY OF SAID COMPANIES TO DO THIS BLOG POST.

Deals N Steals: "Pochi-mon" style Coin Purses at Walmart?!

They did have bright colors, but I loved the marble better.

  Hubby, babydoll, and I were browsing in Walmart last night while we were waiting on our laundry to dry at the laundrymat. I decided to look over the new handbag arrivals (not that I need any more), when I just happened to look up and take note of some really cute coin purses. As I gained a closer look, I realized I had seen a similar design in the Lucky Magazine's March issue; and I remembered it costing quite a small fortune.  The coin purse I found at Walmart, was marked down from $4.97 to $2.97.  There were many bright colors and then a few marbled designed. I knew I really wanted one, but had such a hard time choosing between and pink marbled and a black and white marbled.  The black and white won me over as it was simplistic enough to go well with any of my handbags. Its silicone rubber surface will make it a breeze to wipe clean as needed.

 
   Upon the arrival home, I got out my March issue of Lucky to find out the name and the actual price of the ones they showcased. They are called "Pochi-mon," they were clutches, and they were being sold for $48 a piece. Thus, it is awesome to come across this "steal of a deal." I love using it to hold my quarters for doing laundry. It even matches my faux black and white snakeskin print wallet nicely.

<3 Beth.

Ftc: I AM IN NO WAY BEING COMPENSATED BY WALMART OR BLUSH OR LUCKY MAGAZINE TO DISCUSS SAID PRODUCTS.  I DID THIS BLOG POST OF MY OWN FREE WILL.  MY OPINIONS ARE MY OWN AND ARE UNBIASED.

It Was A Sad Farewell...

My poor bag breathed its last.   :(

   For those of you who saw a haul on my youtube channel last summer, you may remember a faux leather vintage looking shoulder bag I had purchased on ebay.  About six months later, I had to set it aside, as it was falling apart.  It was detrimental to me, as I love this particular bag.  Finding a purse that screams your personality is so hard to find.  I hope to find a shop somewhere that specializes in restoring handbags.  Until then, I had to find something else; something more durable.  I love the look of leather-real or faux.  I can beat on it without a care and it gives it some character, and I am fine with that.  I could have purchased another just like the one I had, but I thought spending thirty dollars on a bag that didn't last a year was not wise. Thus, I decided to search locally. I looked at Maurice's. They did have some nice bags but I wasn't about to spend fifty dollars on something I wasn't in love with.

 
        Thereafter, I stopped by Shoe Show. I honestly didn't think I would find much of anything there since their selection is usually pretty sparse; taking only one small wall in the front, but there were a few that caught my eye. One in particular struck my fancy. At first glance I saw the price tag which said $80.00.  I shook my head and moved on, but then realizing after looking at other price labels, I had only seen half the tag. I looked again. Their actual price was $19.99. Elated, I grabbed it, looked over the other purses and then purchased it. It is not the dark tone my other hand bag was, but it is darker than the others which were displayed.

Added a little bit of "me."

    When I got home, I added a couple key chains  to personalize it a bit. I still wanted to keep its raw simplicity, but I wanted to set it apart a little.  After a few days of using it, I cannot see myself using anything else just now. It is so big! I can put my stuff in it PLUS my daughters diapers, wipes, and even a extra change of clothes for her. It is so nice not to carry a diaper bag and a purse when we are out doing errands. It has plenty of pockets, too. To make it easier to sling over my shoulder, I also added the strap that came with my previous shoulder bag.  The material feels much more sound and durable than my last one.  Hopefully this bag will last more than six months!

<3 Beth. 

FTC: I AM IN NO WAY BEING COMPENSATED TO DISCUSS SAID COMPANIES. ALL ITEMS MENTIONED WERE BOUGHT WITH MY OWN MONEY. THIS BLOG POST WAS DONE OF MY OWN FREE WILL, ALL OPINIONS ARE MY OWN, UNBIASED.

COLLECTIVE HAUL!: Sephora and Ulta

The Urban Decay Naked Basics Palette in all its glory...

  I was super excited to have some play money this tax season and be able to stock up on some things for this year.  Two stores in particular I have heard so much about and wanted to give a go-Sephora and Ulta. I have been wanting to get my feet wet in trying some more high-end cosmetics.  I have seen many reviews and tutorials based on the Urban Decay Naked Palettes  While I do love soft neutral, shelling out fifty dollars for one palatte from a brand I have never tried before seemed too much.  So, you can only imagine my delight when they came out with a cheaper alternative, the Urban Decay Naked Basics Palette.

Too Faced Suddenly Sexy Palette

  Then I saw some sets at some very reasonable prices. For twenty-five dollars, the Too Faced Suddenly Sexy Set (limited edition) came with a palette, which included eight shadows, four lipglosses (I discovered upon arrival smelled like chocolate!), blush, a sample of eye shadow insurance primer, a glossy black eyeliner, and a makeup bag. I was surprised to discover how small the palette was, along with the makeup bag. The makeup bag is also supposed to be limited edition; it's the size of a pencil case.  I think if you were traveling and wanted to just carry small basics, it would be ideal. However, if one wanted to transfer a lot of big bulky items from place to place, it wouldn't be practical. After swatching the

shadows and lipglosses for a friend of mine, I saw that a few of the lighter shadows didn't have much of a color payoff and faded into my skin. Which, I am not surprised, for I have had the same problem with my Too Faced Romantic Eye Kit. The darker shades however, were stunning. As were the lipglosses! They are gorgeous!! In fact, after I tried removing them with a makeup remover wipe from my wrist, there was color still left behind. The stains were still there after I did four loads of dishes by hand. So, the lipglosses are very color fast.

My lovely Tarte Palette and primer.

  The other set I stumbled across was by Tarte.  Not sure of this brand, I asked a close friend of mine, Honey, CEO of http://www.honeyxo.com, if the product would be worth my while. After she affirmed that not only it would be a bargain, but it was a very good quality brand, I decided to purchase it, as well.  Marked down from forty-four dollars to thirty, the Tarte Eye Couture Day-to-Night Palette sports a purple quilted case, embossed with a gold lock and key, holds ten huge full sized shadows (five bronze tones, and five charcoal tones), a step by step guide for four makeup looks, a dual ended eye shadow brush, and a eyeliner.   When I received this set in my order a sample tarte eye shadow primer also came with it.  I have been using this set these past few days, and already I love it! The shadows blend so well together. It is like having the color impact and blending payoff you would get from loose mineral pigments, but in the easy form of a hard shadow.  If I can tear myself away from using it daily, I might be able to relay later how my other palettes are after some use.

A forty-one dollar set for twelve bucks! What a steal!!!

  Not long ago, I purged out a lot of my lippies. Majority of them because they were old, and the rest because I just didn't like them.  So my own supply was pretty sparce.  There was a Stila Sealed With a Kiss lipglaze trio, regularly sold for forty-one dollars, on sale for twelve, I also decided to purchase after reading many reviews.  Thus far, I have tried the darker purple shade of the three. It is very sticky, but the color payoff is very desirable, and does graze your lips with a subtle color.  I am glad I read all the reviews, as I was warned more than once to take my time clicking the product up so it doesn't spew everywhere in a hurry. I bought all these products at Sephora online and with them I recieved three perfume samples (Justin Beiber's Girlfriend, Juicy's La La Couture, and Lancome's La Vie Est Belle), and a Too Faced Glamour Gloss in Flirt. I am thrilled to have another sample of Flirt. I still use my other sample from my previous order from Too Faced and am addicted, but really don't like spending nineteen dollars on a full sized.  I would much rather invest money in other cosmetics that I do not have to reapply throughout the day after eating and/or drinking.
    At Ulta online, I made a much smaller economical order.  Upon the release of NYX cosmetics' Lip Gloss Butters, I have been wondering what they were like.  I purchased four: Cherry Cheese Cake (a bright orange), Creme Brulee (a soft nude), Peaches and Cream (a bright pink), and Apple Strudel (a softer bright pink). I have tried the Cherry Cheese Cake, and prefer to wear it with a brown neutral makeup look. I have also tried the Creme Brulee, also good with a neutral makeup look, and the Peaches and Cream. I do not know if they smell like their names, but they do have a distinct yummy scent to them.  I also believe if you are considering trying out some of the really bright color lippies now in trend, but don't know if its for you then the Cherry Cheese Cake and Peaches and Cream would be a good way to discover new horizons. They are bright but if put on minimally they can offer that bright color without being too "loud" and can certainly be built on.  So far I am very pleased with them and would love to try other "flavors."
   I have been wanting a waterproof brown eyeliner for my softer neutral looks and to use in tandem with my Urban Decay Basics palette; something more soft and less harsh than the black I normally use. And at a very reasonable price Essence offered one.

 With summer in my radar, I have searched for a eye shadow palette designed for the warmer months. I wanted something that offered not only brown tones, but a pale yellow and blue and green shades as well. For under five dollars, there was the Essence Sun Club Glamour South  Beach palette.  All the shades I wanted in that one palette.
  Ulta sent me so many samples! I was sent a orange gauze bag filled with so many goodies from skin care to hair, and they sent a trio sampler pack.  It would take me a while just to list them all.  I qualified for quite a bit of it for making an order that was at least twenty-five dollars.
  All in all, it's exciting to try out some new things.  If it is of interest to the reader, after some time of usage, I can certainly write reviews on said products.

<3 Beth.   
I want to send out a BIG thank you to my dear friend Honey for helping me decided what to purchase (Tarte, Stila, Urban Decay, and Too Faced), and recommending these online stores (Sephora and Ulta).  I would have been at total loss, as to what to get. Check her out on youtube at: http://www.youtube.com/user/destne146  And keep up with Honey at her blog at: http://www.honeygirlsworld.com/blog.html

FTC: THESE ARE PRODUCTS I HAVE PURCHASED WITH MY OWN MONEY. I AM IN NO WAY BEING COMPENSATED TO DISCUSS OR PROMOTE THE PRODUCTS MENTIONED. ALL THOUGHTS AND OPINIONS ARE MY OWN. THIS BLOG POST WAS DONE OF MY OWN FREE WILL AND NOT OF OBLIGATION TO ANYONE.

I AM IN NO WAY PROMOTING SEPHORA, ULTA, TARTE, TOO FACED, URBAN DECAY, NYX COSMETICS, OR ESSENCE COSMETICS. I AM AFFILIATED WITH HTTP://WWW.HONEYXO.COM  COSMETICS AND ONLY HTTP://WWW.HONEYXO.COM COSMETICS AND RECIEVE(D)  FREE PRODUCT FOR MODELING AND PROMOTING SERVICES.

A DAY IN THE LIFE OF A HOUSEWIFE: New Laptop, Nesting in Our New Home, and Two Months Until Baby Number Two is Here!

Two and a half more months to go!

It has been a journey this past year. All the moves, and the ups and downs of life and marriage. I am still amazed our how our little family has progressed. God has blessed us so, and I am daily grateful to Him.  Just a few months away we will be welcoming a new little one to our family; another girl. Oh, how I am excited! My baby doll, Tori has been so much fun, and to think I will have another girl to dress up and fuss over and love to bits!  I can tell Victoria is excited over the prospect of being a big sister. Already, she has inspected time and again the baby clothes and equipment and given her approval over the items. It has been quite an endeavor trying to keep her out of it all and reorganizing them.  While this winter has kept us cooped up indoors most of the time, we pass our days with play and videos; and I stay occupied with the cleaning and running the home (and running after my two year old who undo's the cleaning!).  We look forward to spring, when we can hang up our coats and run outside in the warm air and sun...soon.

  

 The baby has been more active than ever. Even still, I can tell her personality is already much different than my eldest.  When I was carrying Victoria, whenever I would press on my stomach, she would press back and play with me.  This little one, however, will not. In fact, she waits until I am unaware, and WHAM! she kicks me a good one (lil ornery!).

   We still have yet to find a first name. About every day I present one to hubby and he still hasn't heard the 'right' one yet.  We had the same difficulty with Victoria's name, too. I had her middle name ready but her first that we actually agreed on didn't come to me until a month before she was born. Hubby has joked that we are keeping the tradition going.  Regardless, I keep having dreams that I give birth and this poor kiddo doesn't have a name still and grows up with out one. Ridiculous, I know.
      This past week we were finally able to afford a laptop. As some of you have known, our last one was stolen from our car, months ago, shortly after a move.  It has been difficult for me, being without the connection to everyone; to be able to blog, vlog, and interact with others.  After having this new laptop for the past few days, I must confess it has been aggravating to relearn a new electronic, hence the reason I will not be doing youtube videos for a while, yet.  I hope to soon.  Not only do I have to learn how to pull up my videos via computer, but also how to edit again.  In the meantime, I will keep blogging away, which I actually prefer blogging to videos.  I have loved writing since early high school.

                                      

                                                I can often be found in my kitchen. Cleaning and cooking is endless!

    I am truly glad to be back!      

<3 Beth.