Category Archives: Review

Kylie Lip Kit 

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Hey there loves! It’s been a while since I’ve come on here to talk about a new product, that is until now! I ordered one of the Kylie Lip Kits a few weeks ago, gave it a test run and am now ready to share my thoughts. Well here goes…

I purchased the shade 22 which is a gorgeous brunt orangey-red. The formula is very pigmented, has a creamy consistency and dries quickly (which doesn’t give you much room for error). The kit also includes a lip liner which helps perfect the edges of your lips and provide an adhesive base for the liquid lipstick.

The lipstick wore well for the first 4 hours but I noticed a little bit of flaking in the center of my lips towards the last hour. I then went on to eat and drink checked back on how it looked and most of the color in the center was gone. Reapplying isn’t a deal breaker for me, as long as the product doesn’t look too cakey afterward (which it didn’t).

Pros: Color pay off, creamy texture & comfortable to wear.

Cons: Flaking, Price tag ($29 for .11 oz / 3.25 mil)

Although I would recommend the liquid lipstick (if you’re willing to hash out $29 for it) I wouldn’t necessarily purchase another one.

Here’s the link to 22 which is still available for purchase: 22 Lip Kit

Till next time,

Gwen, xx

Marimekko for Target 

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As some of you know Ari came up to NYC for a short weekend visit almost two weeks ago (boy does time fly). I took her to a bunch of cool places, ate some amazing food and snapped a couple of outfit shots for the blog.

Now I know I’m a tad bit late because these items are no longer available (don’t worry I’ve linked some equally cute sets down below) but I had been dying to take photos of this blue, black and white printed matching set that I bought in back in April. Marimekko collaborated with Target creating some amazing prints for homeware, clothing, swimsuits and accessories. I was also very happy to see that the clothing line included plus sized items. I purchased a matching set (which I am all for these days) the top in a 1x and the bottom in a xl at only $24.99 a piece. 

Now on to the review: Tops that are too boxy don’t normally suit my body type but this one has flexibility and isn’t too stiff. As for the shorts they are loose enough where you feel comfortable but they don’t stretch to the point where you feel like they’re going to fall off. Overall I love how this fits and would recommend it for other body types as well.

I paired this outfit with slide black sandals from Target which I got on sale for $16.99! Here’s a closer look… 

I hope you all enjoyed this outfit of the day. Stay tuned for the next outfit I’ll be sharing!

Here are some similar matching sets from Asos:

Ruffle Stripes

Top  Bottom

Pink Clove Printed

Top  Pencil Skirt

Target Slide Sandal

Till next time, 

xx, Gwen

Neutrogena Hydro Boost 

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Hello Lovelies! It’s been a while since I’ve posted about new products but have no fear I am here to talk about a new face moisturizer and eye cream from Neutrogena! Changing up my skin care according to the season we are in is something I’ve mentioned many times on our platform. I truly stand by this based on my personal observations of my skin. For most of us our skin is usually dryer during winter months and can easily change into normal/oily when it’s warmer out, but some of us fail to understand that we still need hydration and moisture during summer as well.

I discovered the Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel around the ending of May. The words “water gel” and “hyaluronic acid” really caught my attention. This formula is said to absorb quickly like a gel, but has the moisturizing power of a cream. It claims to boosts your skins hydration level by locking the moisture in all day (due to the hyaluronic acid). This is also said to be true for the eye cream.

I’ve been using these products for nearly two months now and I love the fact that the moisturizer has the gel like texture and yet your face just drinks it up so quickly not leaving a sticky or thick residue behind. I purchased mine with spf 15 which is great base to start with (of course sunscreen should be re-applied multiple times if you’ll be out in the sun for a long period of time). The eye gel/cream has a very similiar consistency to the moisturizer and also leaves my under eye area feeling hydrated.

 Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel spf 15
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Eye Gel

CVS is currently having a buy one get second item half off on all Neutrogena products. They also offer 20% off coupons if you’ve signed up for their extra care card. Originally I would have paid $40 but with the coupons I only paid $30.

Hope this was helpful to anyone on the fence of buying this product, it surely has my stamp of approval.

Till next time,

xx Gwen

Color Correcting

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Color Corrrecting is all the rage these days as many brands have recently launched their own shades to help with problematic areas. I’ll start off by giving you a quick overview of how each color is meant to enhance your skin.

Orange: Corrects dark circles and deep discoloration

Green: Corrects redness from pimples, acne scars or widespread redness such as rosacea.

Purple: Corrects dull skin as well as yellow spots by neutralizing 

Pink/Peach/Salmon Shades help to brighten an area and mask signs of fatigue.

Yellow Corrects purple/blue veins, bruises etc. Good for evenning out skintone.

Now that we’ve got that covered I wanted to talk about the two colors I recently purchased and my thoughts on them. I purchased the Sephora Collection Bright Future Color Correctors ($14) in the Green and Melon shades, (Green once again is for redness and the Melon shade is basically a darker hue of peach helps promote brightness under the eye area). I will say that I really liked the melon shade but the green shade did nothing for the minor redness I have. They both have thin consistencies which make them great to blend, but I find that the green one is a bit too thin and it sort of looses its pigmentation once you begin to blend it. It barely covered any of my redness even while adding a second layer. The Melon shade did not eliminate all darkness under my eyes but it did cancel some of it out and really gave my under eyes the “awake” look.

 

  I like to apply the correctors with the applicator and blend them out with my fingers or either brush shown above.

Top Brush: Zoeva #110 Face Shape Brush

Middle Brush: Real Techniques deluxe crease brush

Third Brush: Zoeva #142 Concealer Buffer Brush

I hope this post was helpful for those still a bit confused about what color correcting really means. Note: Correctors aren’t necessarily a must have item for everyone, all depends on your need for it.

Till my next post,

Gwen, xx

Spring Forward 

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It is technically Spring in the North East, although it seems as if winter wants to stick around a little bit longer. For the most part I enjoy wearing which ever color I fancy on my nails, but I do tend to stick to darker hues for the winter and lighter for the summer. Which is why I went ahead and dug up some of my favorite pastel colored nail polishes in lieu of the “warmer” weather. Check them out…

From left to right:

Essie – Bikini So Teeny (Periwinkle blue shade, with a slight shimmer)

Essie – Mint Candy Apple (Minty turquoise shade)

OPI – You’re such a Budapest (Periwinkle purple shade)

Essie – A Crewed Interest (Light peach shade)

Barry M – Coconut (Milky Off white shade)

All of thee Essie and OPI shades were purchased either online through Amazon.com or at local drugstores/beauty supply stores. The Barry M nail polish might also be available on Amazon, but I purchased mine in the UK.

  

These five shades are great spring staples and are muted enough to wear even at the office (except for the minty blue). Hope you enjoyed this quick post and please share down below what some of your favorite “springy” nail polishes are.

Until next time,

xx, Gwen

Photo & Magazine DIY Display

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Hey there lovelies! I thought I’d switch things up a bit by showing you all my latest project. I moved in with my best friend a few months ago and wanted a fresh look for my new bedroom. Pinterest became my best friend as I hunted for a way to display my photos from my time away in Europe and some of my favorite books and magazines. Here’s what I came up with…        

For the magazine & book display I purchased the Ribba series picture ledge from Ikea but, I believe they are no longer sold online. This is the closest match I found Mosslanda Ledge. For this you will need a level (to make sure the shelf is straight) and a power drill. This ledge is so multifunctional, you can display anything you’d like on these. I paid $14.99 for this long one but the one they have available online is only $9.99!

For the hanging photo display I purchased nylon invisible hanging wire along with the cup hooks at my local hardware store (which you can also do) or take a trip to your local Home Depot or Lowes. Invisible Wire, Hooks. Now for these hooks all you need is a strong arm (I had my roommates uncle help me ensure they were pressed tightly against the wall) you then tie the nylon wire to each end, not giving it too much slack and ta-da you’ve got yourself an easy and cool way to hang photographs. Add some cute wooden “clothes” pins and you’re good to go! 

I hope you all enjoyed this mini DIY project. Have any of you worked on something fun lately? Please share down below!

xx, Gwen

Hot new shit (drugstore edition) 

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The drugstore is a bad place to be when you’re just “looking” around. During my trips to Target, CVS and Ulta, I spotted a few new products. My eyes would literally light up every time I saw the word “new”. Here are the items uI brought home with me… 

From left to right: Garnier SkinActive Micellar cleansing water, Essie Gel Setter top coat, Maybelline Master Precise Skinny eyeliner, Biore Pore Penetrating Charcoal bar, Pixi Glow Tonic exfoliating toner, Maybelline Lash Sensational luscious mascara, L’Oreal Brow Stylist definer and Real Technique Miracle Complexion sponges. 

    

So far I have only tried the Garnier Miceller water, the L’oreal brow stylist definer and the Essie gel setter. The Garnier Micellar water is gentle and removes all of my makeup without any stinging or burning, also it does not leave any residue. I don’t have a firm opinion on the L’Oreal brow stylist yet (I need to apply it with a full face of makeup. And lastly the Essie Gel Setter is a no light gel like top coat. I absolutely love it! My nail color has lasted for about 5 days without chipping!

I would be more than happy to review any of the other products as well, any one in particular you guys would like to know more about? Let me know in the comment box down below.

I’m really excited to try the rest of these products (especially the real techniques sponges) and cannot wait to report back to you all! 

Find these items at Drugstore.com, Ulta.com, Walmart.com, CVS.com, Target.com along with any other drugstore in your area.

xx, Gwen 

2015 Favorites 

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Happy new year everyone! Hope you all had a wonderful time celebrating, now let’s get ready to tackle 2016! I wanted to quickly mention some of my favorite products of 2015 before we become bombarded with all of the 2016 releases. Here goes…

  

From top left to bottom right

Makeup Forever Ultra HD – Foundation (shade 128) *Disclaimer I’ve only been using this foundation for a month but I already love it! It has an amazing satin/natural finish to it. 

Chloe eau de parfum – This is my third bottle, need I say more? It’s a bit floral with a clean undertone. You must smell it! 

Schwarzkopf Biotin Volume and Texture Powder – This bad boy works miracles on my limp hair, just sprinkle some on my roots and boom instant fullness! 

Charlotte Tilbury Swish and Pop Blusher (shade ecstasy) – I will forever love this blush because one I bought it in London and two because it is such a gorgeous peachy/pink shade which is super easy to blend. 

L.A Girl Pro Concealer (orange correcting shade) *disclaimer I also just purchased this about 2 months ago but it has changed my face routine dramatically! I use this to correct my under eye darkness and any other dark pigmentation around my face before applying foundation. It’s a definite must have in my opinion!  

Charlotte Tilbury Matte Revolution (shade red carpet red)- This lipstick is such a gorgeous shade of red (think Marilyn Monroe). The non drying matte formula is the selling point for this lipstick, oh and we can’t forget about the rose gold packaging! 

Mario Badescu Aloe and Rosewater Facial Spray – This spray is amazing, it instantly refreshes your face during the summer time and helps hydrate your face during the winter time. Also a staple when flying! 

Qtica Nail Growth Stimulator – I am a nail biter (mostly when I’m nervous or stressed) so I go through periods where my nails look that of a 8 year old boy but, this product has helped my nails growth tremendously. 

Smashbox Photofinish Pore Minimizing Primer – I discovered this primer in the beginning of the year and it has replaced my Benefit Porefessional. I feel that it really smooths out my pores around my nose and cheeks and doesn’t leave a residue. 

Maybelline FIT Me Concealer – I was actually surprised at how much I loved this concealer. It’s a bit more fluid than what I would normally go for so for that I like it on lighter makeup days. The coverage is great and the price is even better! ($8.99). 

CeraVe Facial Moisturizing Lotion – I was in need of a new moisturizer and my roommate recommended this one to me. I really love the consistency (not too thick not too watery). It also has SPF 30, a great two in one! 

Those were all of my favorites during 2015! What were some of yours? 

We are looking forward to sharing more content, giveaways and interacting with you all this year. Here’s to a great 2016!

xx, Gwen 

Fall Favorites 

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We are now about midway through Fall (although it hasn’t felt like it) and I have been loving some old favorites as well as discovering new ones. Here’s what the last month and a half has been like for me…

  

The crisp feeling in the air is such a nice feeling, especially after a hot summer. A nice way to warm up and feel cozy is by lighting candles. Yes everyone is obsessed with the Bath and Bodyworks candles and for good reason. My Fall favorites would be Sweater Weather and Mahogany Teakwood. They both have a very refreshing & clean aroma, I especially love Mahogany Teakwood because it has a sort of manly undertone to it.

Speaking of scents, my absolute favorite perfume would be Chloe, it too has clean and crisp notes with a hint of cedarwood giving it that musky undertone I adore!

Another thing I adore for the Fall is swapping my lipstick and nail polish shades to suit the weather. I normally choose browns, mauves, berries and burgundy tones. Lolita by Kat Von D has been my go to color! My second favorite would be Melted Berry by Too Faced. I don’t often paint my nails myself with dark colors because I make a huge mess but I still purchase whichever color I like and bring it to the nail salon with me. I believe I’ve already done my nails about 4 times with this gorgeous rich brown called Branch Out by Sally Hansen. 

On to the last two items which have been essential for my combination skin. Mario Badescu’s rose water spray gives my skin life! Thanks to my roommates suggestion, I bought the CeraVe face lotion which has a little bit of a thicker consistency for those windy/dry days.

There you have it my friends! What are some of your Fall favorites? Let me know down below!

Keep cozy,

xx, Gwen

Colourpop Ultra Matte 

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Liquid lipsticks are all the rave at the moment, which means I had to test some of these bad boys out for myself. Loads of makeup brands have launched their own versions of these long wearing formulas including the fairly new brand Colourpop. Known for their fun notes and holographic packaging, Colourpop has delivered some great products thus far, including the ultra matte lipsticks. Here’s my honest opinion (based on the two shades I purchased).

Pros: very pigmented, about 4-5 hour wear, great price ($6)

Cons: dries very quickly, can flake a bit

Now let me elaborate on my cons. The texture/formulation is really thin and liquidy, which is why I feel that they dry quickly, you don’t have much time to work with the product once applied on the lips. Now on to flaking, this happened to me because I made a mistake applying it the first time, figured I could just add another layer but after it dried it began to flake off a bit. Basically you have to be quick and precise with these. I will also say that as many other liquid lipstick formulas these are drying but it’s nothing a little lip balm underneath can’t fix.

    Chocolate brown on top is Limbo, Mauve/Rosey on the bottom is Tulle.

Limbo

 Tulle

Overall I feel that for the low price of $6 these are a really good buy. I’ve tried some higher end ones that feel the same way so why not save a few dollars, right?

Hope these swatches were of help for those wanting to purchase any of these shades. Which are you favorite liquid lipsticks? Leave comments and suggestions down below.

xx, Gwen