A letter to my Dad on Father's Day..

Since today is Father's Day, I wanted to write a tribute to my Dad. My Dad was and still is my motivation to continue blogging and doing what I love.

It has been eight months since my Dad was suddenly called to Heaven, as his work here on Earth was done.

Coming to the realization that it's already been eight months really bewilders me, as I feel like time hasn't passed since that day. I can feel now more than ever that time really is just an illusion, and our time here on Earth is very short.

I don't verbalize my feelings very much. I know it's something I have to work on, but I always wanted my Dad to know the way I felt about him. There were a few times in my life I wrote letters to my Dad because it was always easier for me to write my thoughts down on paper, but I don't think he ever really knew what I really felt in my heart. I wanted to write a letter for him today on Father's Day, and I know it won't be my last..

To each and every family, I hope you all have a wonderful Father's Day. May your days be filled with the joy of family, happiness, love and cherished memories.

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MAC Nude on Board Pro Longwear Bronzing Powder Review, Swatches and Comparisons!

MAC Nude on Board Pro Longwear Bronzing Powder

MAC Hey, Sailor! Pro Longwear Bronzing Powder ($28) was released in MAC's latest Hey, Sailor! Collection. It's a new formula bronzer that claims to provide a sheer, natural coverage that is long-wearing and remains comfortable on the skin throughout the day. 

There are two shades to choose from: Nude on Board (Bronzy, yellow-tone) and Sun Dipped (Dirty, red-tone). 

Nude on Board is a light, golden-yellow tan with a hint of golden shimmer. I thought it'd be a better match for my skintone, as golden bronzers tend to work better on my skin without making my complexion look ruddy or muddy. 

In comparison to MAC's standard Bronzing Powder, the texture is much softer. The standard bronzing powders are a little dry, but these powders are very smooth and are easier to blend. The texture is comparable to MAC Beauty Powder. 

Swatches of Nude on Board

IT Cosmetics Heavenly Luxe Powder Brush Review!

IT Cosmetics Heavenly Luxe Powder Brush

It Cosmetics Heavenly Luxe Powder Brush ($48) is a large ultra-plush, dense synthetic brush that can be used in a variety of ways for an always-flawless application. Did I mention that it's OMG soft?

The benefit to using such a large brush is that it covers a larger surface area at once, so application goes by much quicker. The ultra, soft and luxurious bristles create a seamless finish, so not only does it apply product quicker, but completely even with less work than a standard size brush.

I've used this brush in a few different ways - to apply liquid and cream foundation, setting powder, liquid/cream body bronzer and as a finishing brush to help blend everything together.

I love using it for liquid and cream foundation, but because it is so large, you have to use a separate brush to get to the small areas (around the eyes, nose hairline, etc.) so my favorite use for this brush is using it as a finishing brush.

I'm often on-the-go, and when I don't have enough time to adequately blend in my foundation, I always grab my IT Heavenly Luxe Powder Brush and quickly run it across my face working the brush in circular motions. It ensures my foundation is seamless, free of any streaks or blotches.

MAC Lovelorn Lipstick Review with Comparisons!

MAC Lovelorn Lipstick

MAC Lovelorn Lipstick ($15) is described on the MAC website as an emotive blue-pink. It's actually a medium toned sheer, natural pink with subtle cool tones. What's fab about this pink is that it's not overly cool, so it's a pink that both warm and cool skin tone gals could enjoy. Cool-toned pinks aren't normally flattering on my tan skin (they seem to better suit me when I'm lighter) and I often find them difficult to wear, but Lovelorn actually works out well for me.

If you're looking for a barbie pink, Lovelorn isn't it. I find it to be a more mature pink (no, not great grandma mature) - possibly Creme Cup's sophisticated older sister? It's very natural, and kind of gives my lips a "my lips but better" appearance with a couple swipes of the tube. (Check it out on Bloomin Beauty, it looks gorgeous on her!)

Lovelorn is a Lustre formula, which is one of my favorite lipstick formulas for a few reasons - The apply smoothly, don't accentuate dryness, feel great on, and although they are sheer, the color is very buildable for full coverage. Lastly, they have a shiny finish, so I never need a lip gloss layered on top. A simple wham-bam, and I'm done. The only downside is that the lasting power of the lustre formulas aren't the best. After a couple hours, I'm due for a reapplication.

MAC Lovelorn Lipstick on my lips