Tuesday, May 28, 2013

Some of My Guilty Pleasures. What are Some of Yours?


Some of My Guilty Pleasures

We all pretty much have guilty pleasures that we like to indulge in whether it be listening to some of your old-school jams, going on unnecessary shopping sprees, getting an occasional massage or indulging in something sweet. I think it's a way of keeping our own sanity even though many of us don't like to admit some of the things we occasionally enjoy when there's a small feeling of guilt involved.

TV is a common guilty pleasure whether it be watching some old re-runs, "reality" shows, daytime talk shows or following a new series. As a Glam Media publisher, I get the wonderful opportunity to work with many different brands. Right now, Glam is celebrating the premiere of ABC's new show Mistresses. A bit scandalous, Mistresses is a new drama about four girlfriends on their own paths to self-discovery. We have a bit of a feeling that it's sure to be one of our next guilty pleasures.

Continue reading to see what some of my guilty pleasures are. I'd also love to read some of yours!

A Certified Pamper Day

Keeping up with a beauty regimen can be a lot of work and can require loads of upkeep. One of my guilty pleasures is designating myself an all-out "Pamper Day" to myself. My pamper day is an all-out spa day for myself, hosted by myself and usually falls on a Sunday when I have absolutely no plans and feel like sticking around at home for the day.

I usually do what I tend to neglect on most days, which would be a full body exfoliation in the shower, shaving from head to toe (sometimes waxing) and loading myself up with a good moisturizer and throwing a protein treatment and deep conditioner in my hair and cover my hair with a shower cap while I do some of my other things. I like leaving deep conditioners in my hair for as long as I can, so with some time to kill, I like to tweeze my eyebrows really good with a 5X mirror (and any other strays I can find) and pick from my array of beauty masks. If my nails aren't looking the best, I'll paint my finger and toe nails - one of dreaded chores of being a girl. I love freshly polished nails, but I just hate doing it. I try to be good though about removing my polish as soon as it chips, but I've been guilty on several occasions of having chipped nails for days. My day usually ends with a self-tanning session and by the next morning, I feel incredibly refreshed and ready to take on the day. I loathe the feeling of when I neglect my beauty routine, but to my defense, it's only usually the periods of time where I've been super busy and haven't had much time to myself.

Thrift Stores, Consignment Shops & Garage/Estate Sales

Who doesn't love a bargain, right? So it's no secret that If I see a sign for an Estate Sale, I'm following the signs and arrows all the way to the sale. I've always enjoyed going to them since I was really young to see if I can score something really good for a low price. You definitely have to get there early if you want dibs on the good stuff, and sometimes you can get really lucky. I always have the hopes of snagging some vintage designer fashion jewelry or accessories. I've found some pretty cool things, including a real Louis Vuitton wallet for like fifty cents.

I also really enjoy going to random thrift stores and consignment shops once in a while when I get the chance. It's not something I do regularly, because frankly I don't have any good shops that are local, but if I spot one, I always like to take a peek inside.

Lately though I've been regularly looking at online consignment stores that specialize in designer goods (mostly handbags) in hopes of scoring a great deal on something that really wouldn't be in my budget otherwise. Hey, no one has to know that you weren't the original owner.. haha!

Splurging on Makeup

Surprise! I'd consider purchasing makeup a guilty pleasure only because I own so much already that I absolutely do not need any more. It's really hard for me not to give into makeup temptations, but you can bet that If I spot anything pretty at a makeup counter, it's going to go home with me. My ultimate guilty pleasure is the higher-end, pricier brands of makeup that I don't purchase too often. Purchasing a pricey foundation or blush makes me feel extra luxurious.

Junk Food

I eat very healthy regularly for the most part, but I'm guilty of indulging.. maybe a little too often than I should. There are many "forbidden" foods on the invisible list in my head which mostly consists of fast food, junk food (candy, chips, snacks, processed baked goods) and pretty much anything loaded with calories and that's high in fat or sugar.

One of guilty pleasures believe it or not is just a regular, greasy, fast food meal. I never eat fast food - maybe once or twice a year and when I go to restaurants, I will never order fries with my food. Don't get me wrong, I love it! But it's something I've steered clear of for many years. Actually eating a full meal at McDonald's would be a treat for me! Don't judge. haha!

I'm also a sweet addict and can't go to any store without looking at the bakery section. I won't necessarily purchase anything, but I love to feed my eyes with all of the yummy treats. A really good coffee cake would be a total guilty treat for me. I also love cannolis (with chocolate chips), napoleons and pretty much anything filled with custard and topped with whipped cream.

1990's Animated Movies

I was huge on Disney Movies as a little kid and during my Summer vacations I use to watch my Disney movies over and over again. I was a child with a large imagination and I remember I had a big selection of VHS tapes and I always acted like I was shopping at the video store when it was time to pick a movie. I think I even use to stamp a card with the date to "return" the movie (back to my shelf) because I saw them do it at Blockbuster. Some of my favorite movies were Beauty and the Beast, The Little Mermaid, The Lion King, Pocahontas, Thumbellina, Once Upon a Forest, Princess and the Goblin, The Swan Princess and many more! I still love these movies, and if I happened to run across any of them playing on TV, I'd definitely watch them.

I'd love to hear what some of your guilty pleasues are! Let me know in the comments!

Four friends. Four hearts. 13 weeks of seduction. Based on the hit UK television series of the same name, "Mistresses" is a provocative and thrilling drama about the scandalous lives of a sexy and sassy group of four girlfriends, each on her own path to self-discovery. These four friends find support and guidance with each other as they brave their turbulent journeys and life's storms of excitement, secrecy and betrayal, all the while bound by the complex relationships they've created. "Mistresses" stars Alyssa Milano, Yunjin Kim, Rochelle Aytes and Jes Macallan. Don't miss the series premiere Monday, June 3rd at 10|9c on ABC after an all-new "The Bachelorette."

Wednesday, May 22, 2013

Sally Hansen All Fired Up Complete Salon Nail Polish.

Sally Hansen All Fired Up Complete Salon Nail Polish

I haven't posted any nail posts recently, mostly because the cold weather this past winter was super harsh on my nails. I have Nail Miracle (blogged about this a few months ago) to thank for my now long, healthy nails.

I like wearing neutral and dark nail colors all year round, but this Summer I've been loving the classic neon and bright pinks, coral, warm reds and orange.

Sally Hansen All Fired Up is a warm, summery red with a hint of orange. In some lighting, it reads a bit of a warm coral. It's a very classic color that you can't go too wrong with. I love the way it looks on my nails, especially when I have a little bit of a tan going on.

The Sally Hansen Complete Salon Nail Polishes have a thick, flat, stubby brush so you can coat more surface area in less strokes. I like the brush because I can paint my nails quicker with a larger brush. If you have very petite hands or very small nail beds, you might find it to be a little large.

The formula is fantastic and applies evenly and opaque. Two coats is perfect.

Paired with Orly Bonder Base Coat and Seche Vite Top Coat, my manicure lasted a full week with minor tip wear.

This is definitely a nail polish I'll be rocking all Summer long.

What's on your nails?

Saturday, May 18, 2013

Rocksbox Review Vol. 002!

Rocksbox

Rocksbox Review Vol. 2

This is my second Rocksbox, and I could hardly wait to open it once I saw the package lying on my doorstep. Within seconds I was busting the package open with a pair of scissors - sounds a little dramatic, I know.

For a recap, Rocksbox is a new subscription box company where you pay a $19/month fee to borrow unlimited designer jewelry. You'll receive three items at a time, and with the enclosed prepaid envelope, you can send your items back at any time and you'll promptly receive a new package with three different items. You can wear and enjoy items up to the 60 day deadline, and if you want to keep any of the items, you can purchase them at the discounted member price.

It's really exciting not knowing exactly what's inside and knowing that I'm about to unleash some trendy, designer jewels.

My box contained:
  • CC Skye Resort Cuff in Green Ostrich (retail price $150)
  • Urban Gem Pave Crescent Necklace in Gold (retail price $65)
  • Dara Ettinger Cynthia Double Druzy Earrings in Lunar (retail price $180)

In my style survey I completed, I stated that I prefer statement pieces that are modern, glam, edgy and a bit feminine. I think they did a great job catering to the type of jewelry I'd like to wear. I actually love all three items I received.

If you follow me on Instagram, you might know about my newfound love for CC Skye jewelry so I was really excited to find the cuff in my box. Forest green is actually one of my favorite colors, so I can't wait to wear it. I recently purchased a CC Skye Kenzie Lock Cuff Bracelet, which is very similar, so I won't be purchasing this item, but I will enjoy wearing it over the course of the month.

I'm loving the dainty rhinestone bar necklaces that are popular right now, and given this piece isn't too expensive, I think it will be staying with me. But, I'll wear it and see if I can part with it or not.

The earrings are absolutely gorgeous and I may have a hard time giving these back as well. It has peaked my interest in Dara Ettinger jewelry - if you have a minute, I urge you to check some of her things out. They are just so pretty and unique to look at.

Again, I'm super happy with this box, and I've been searching the hashtag #rocksbox on Instagram almost daily and have been loving what others have been receiving as well.

It's definitely a subscription box that I'm going to stay subscribed to. And for the records, I like much better than Jewelmint, which in my opinion is going straight downhill (more about that later).

Rocksbox Review

Urban Gem Rocksbox

Thursday, May 9, 2013

Estee Lauder Hot Fuse and Techno Jam Pure Color Lip Shine Review, Photos, Swatches!

Estee Lauder Pure Color Lip Shine

This Spring, Estee Lauder is all about bringing us bright and fun colors in sheer, lightweight formulas. All of the products in the Estee Lauder Pure Color Cello Shots Collection all commonly share the same characteristics of being beautifully bright yet very subtle for a fresh, healthy look.

Estee Lauder Pure Color Lip Shine ($26) is described as bringing a sheer rush of color to the lips. The formula is lightweight, moisturizing and long-lasting.

Available in (6) limited edition shades: Pink Patent, X-Pose Rose, Plexi Pink, Hot Fuse, Techno Jam and Poppy Shock.

Does the description sound familiar? If you've had a chance to look at my previous review for the Estee Lauder Pure Color Sheer Rush Lipgloss, this product is exactly the same - but in lipstick form. Luckily, there is a bit more pigment with these lipsticks.

The two shades I have are Hot Fuse, which is a soft blue-based red, but when applied, it gives off more of a raspberry/rose tone. Techno Jam is a slightly deeper cherry red, and definitely is more red on the lips than Hot Fuse. Both are equally as pigmented, and comparable to something like Revlon Lip Butters. Sheer upon the first swipe, but very buildable to a fairly opaque coverage.



Estee Lauder Techno Jam

Estee Lauder Hot Fuse

Wednesday, May 1, 2013

Guerlain Terracotta Bronzing Powder #03 Review, Photos, Swatches!

Guerlain Terracotta Bronzer

Guerlain Terracotta Bronzing Powder #03

Guerlain Terracotta Bronzing Powder ($51) is a best-selling luxury bronzer that promises to "enhance" the complexion and provide a natural, radiant and luminous tan with a texture that won't look streaky or overdone on the skin. It contains moisturizing ingredients that won't dry out the skin or look powdery.

There are (8) shades in total: Numbers 00, 02 and 04 are geared for rosy complexions and 01, 03, 05, 07 and 08 are for golden complexions.

I purchased shade 03, as I really liked the golden-yellow bronze (slightly orange) tone. It works really well on my warm, medium (MAC NC35) skin tone. Bronzers that are too neutral or red-toned have the tendency to make my skin look ashy or bruised, so I lean towards very warm toned bronzers. I find that this one works really well without being too light or too dark.

Guerlain Bronzing Powders are finely milled and are super soft upon application. What I love about soft powders such as this one is that they're almost fool-proof because the powder blends so well on the skin and if I've made the mistake of coating my brush in too much product, it won't leave a big blotch on my cheek. It blends out with no problems.

Some bronzers have a tendency to sit on top of the skin, but this bronzer seems to melt into my skin with no obvious edges and a lovely satiny finish. It's a fabulous bronzer for adding all over warmth to the face and neck.

Guerlain Terracotta Bronzer

Wearing Guerlain Terracotta Bronzer
This photo was taken at the same time as my MAC Angel Lipstick Review - I used the Guerlain Terracotta #03 all over my face - on my cheeks, nose and the outer edges of my face. You can see that there are no obvious edges and my face is very naturally bronzed.

Guerlain Terracotta Bronzer swatches
Comparisons from left to right: Guerlain Terracotta #03, MAC Give Me Sun MSF, NARS Casino Bronzer, NARS Laguna Bronzer and MAC Refined Golden Bronzer.

Estee Lauder Hot Fuse and Pure Rose Pure Color Sheer Rush Lipgloss Review, Photos, Swatches!

Estee Lauder Pure Color Sheer Rush Lipgloss

Estee Lauder Pure Color Sheer Rush Lipgloss

The new Spring 2013 Estee Lauder Cello Shots Pure Color Collection is all about playful and bright colors delivered in sheer, lightweight formulas that will keep the skin fresh and glowing all day. Tom Pecheux, the Creative Makeup Director at Estee Lauder says, "This season, I’ve been working a lot with what I call “acqua color”. It’s a gentle, watery look with just a touch of bright, vibrant color."

Estee Lauder Pure Color Sheer Rush Lipgloss ($24) is described as a "cellophane-sheer" gloss that brings a super-sheer rush of vibrant color to the lips with a high shine finish. It's moisturizing and long lasting.

Available in (6) limited edition shades: Pink Patent, X-Pose Rose, Plexi Pink, Hot Fuse, Techno Jam and Poppy Shock.

The two colors I'll be talking about are Hot Fuse, which is a bright cherry red and Pure Rose, a vibrant grape.

Some companies tend to "embellish" the product claims to make their product sound wonderful, but refreshingly, I found the description to be dead-on.

These glosses are super-sheer and tint the lips with vibrant, transparent color. The finish is very glossy, so it almost gives a watery, juicy look to the lips. It almost looks like a very mild stain with a clear gloss on top.

The formula is amazing. It doesn't settle in my lip lines or accentuate dryness and it even makes my lips appear slightly fuller. It's very silky and feels wonderful on. It has a glossy, balm-lip texture on the lips, so when I'm wearing it, I often rub my lips together to be reminded of the softness. No lip balm is necessary, just this lipgloss and I'm good to go.

Estee Lauder Pure Color Sheer Rush Lipgloss

Estee Lauder Pure Color Sheer Rush Lipgloss
(I accidentally labeled Pure Rose as Techno Jam)