MAC: Bloggers' Obsessions

MAC: Bloggers' Obsessions are now available on maccosmetics.com

free ship code: BLOGS

I think that it's amazing that MAC is recognizing bloggers' (us) and have made a collection in our honor! If we want MAC and other major cosmetic retailers to value our contribution to spreading the word for new collection and existing products, we should also contribute and grab something from this collection. I probably will not buy everything from this collection, but I do plan on picking up a thing or two. Still haven't decided what I'll be getting yet...any opinions?

Have a great day!

Sephora & Hautelook Haul: Korres

One of my first purchases from Korres was their lip butter in mango. It has an amazing consistency, is very moisturizing, and with a slight touch of color. It can also double as a cheek tint, how cool is that? On my next visit to Sephora I decided to pick up another lip butter glaze in jasmine, but this time in a tube. I actually like that one better. It's easier to use, especially since I'm a bit of a germ freak.

Then one day on Hautelook, I saw that Korres had this cute little set. Since I had such luck with my first two lip butters, I decided to pick it up. I also picked up the lip scrub in a tube.

The cute bag canvas bag came filled with some great goodies! There was this beautiful white eyeshadow that would be good for a brow highlight. A lovely nude lipstick, a mascara, a lip gloss, as well as a eyeliner. I actually haven't had a chance to use these items, but I'm looking forward to it.

As for the lip scrub, I have used it and it actually disappointed me. I'll talk about that in another review. My lips are crazy dry and I was hoping that this product would help this annoying problem.

One of the things that I like about this brand is that their products are natural and good for you. I don't feel guilty using their lip butter, since they are petroleum free. On top of that, they smell soooo good!

Besides the lip scrub, I have been very happy with my Korres products. One of the things I want to try in the future is their skincare. I've heard from various gurus that it's pretty good. Have any things from Korres that you love?

Honeymoon Pics: Dominican Republic!

This was the view from the fourth floor where our hotel room was. We stayed at an amazing resort . Did I mention it was adult only? It was beautiful, and relaxing.

All the meals and drinks were included. Dessert anyone? The beautiful beach right in front of our hotel. Just a short walk and I was in paradise! I'm so glad we took this trip, it doesn't matter that we've been married for two years! We deserved it. Hope you guys had a great weekend!

Just a couple....

Vacation Makeup: What to bring?

As some of you may know, my husband and I just came back from out honeymoon to the Dominican Republic. It was wonderful! We've been married a couple of years but could not go on out honeymoon because we were planning a huge move as well as starting up our family business. Needless to say, it was much needed.

I wanted to take some makeup on the trip, but I knew for the most part that I would be relaxing on the beach. I didn't want to have to worry about my makeup. Each night we had a great dinner and of course we would clean up and dress up. That's when I really used my makeup. This is what I brought with me:

Face:

MAC Prep and Prime

Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer

MUFE High Definition Powder

Physician's Formula Bronze Booster in medium to dark

Eyes:

Too Faced Shadow Insurance

Bobbi Brown Cream Shadow in Beach Honey

Physician Formula Shimmer Strips for Brown Eyes

Boscia Lavender Blotting Linens

Eve Pearl Medium/Tan Salmon Concealer

MUFE Aqua Eyes in 10L & 0L (Black & Bronze)

24/7 Eyeliners in Rockstar & Electric

Cheeks:

Tarte Amazonian Clay Blush in Blissful

MAC Cream Colour Base in Hush

Lips:

Jack Black Lip Balm in Natural Mint & Lemon and Chamomile

Revlon Lipgloss in Coral Reef & Pink Pop

MAC Lipgelee in Budding Blossom

MAC Cremesheen Glass in Just Superb

Body:

The Body Shop in Coconut

Yes to Carrots Body Butter

Wow, that looks like alot of stuff, but as you can see I fit in all in this cute pink leopard bag that I picked up from Forever 21. Most of the items were travel sized or minis so it didn't take up much space in my carry on bag. My two body butters were not in my makeup bag, I just threw them in my carry on bag. It was perfect since you know how dehydrated your skin gets on those flights.

What do you like to take to the beach?

How do you take your blog photos???

Hello All!! As a fairly new blogger, I have come across some problems that I didn't foresee. The most annoying and frequent problem is lighting while taking photos.

I have my own successful business and it really is difficult for me to take my blog pics while there is excellent lighting, because I'm at work during those times. So, usually I wait until the weekends to get that perfect afternoon lighting. Even so, I have to take my pics near a window and that sometimes isn't always the best option.

How many of you bloggers out there use a light box? Did you buy one? Did you make one? Do you use other sources of light or don't use a light box at all? How to you get your photos looking good?!!!

HELP!

I borrowed these photos from amandascookin.com. She has an awesome photo tutorial on how to make your own light box. She even has some photos of images that she took with and without the light box.

Check out her site!

Photo taken from amandascookin.com

Photo taken from amandascookin.com

WINNER! Sigma Flat Top Brush!

I'm back! The honeymoon was wonderful, I'll post some pics soon :)

I used random.org to choose the winner. There were not that many entries, but that meant more chances for you guys to win :)

The winner of the Sigma Flat Top Brush is (drum roll, please)................

Steph xox

Stephanie Cummins

Congrats Stephanie!!

Review & Giveaway: Sigma F 80 Brush! - CLOSED

I'm getting ready to go on my honeymoon, but before I go I decided to do a little review on the F 80 brush by sigma. When my husband and I got married, we never went on our honeymoon. It's been two years, but better late than never!

I did receive this brush as an affiliate, but I'm going to give you my honest review!

When the brush initially came out, I noticed its resemblance to the Everyday Minerals flat top kabuki. I love that brush! It is fantastic to use with mineral makeup, but I never though about using it for liquid foundation.

Above is the Sigma brush. It is very dense and extremely soft! It is just lovely on the face and it allow you to buff in your foundation beautifully. This is what makes this brush stand out. The bristles are made of synthetic fibers and the softness is incredible.

I have been reaching for it every time I put on tinted moisturizer, foundation, or even my Origins Vita Zing.

As you can see, the two brushes are very different lengths. The bristles of the EM brush are also a tad bit longer than the Sigma brush. I personally prefer the longer handle of the Sigma brush.

The handle of the EM brush is made from a sustainable bamboo handle.

On the left is the Sigma brush and on the right is the EM brush. They are very similar as far as denseness. Because the Sigma brush has shorter bristles, I think it's easier to use with liquid foundation. I really just made up this theory but I think the longer bristles of the EM brush allow more buffing for mineral foundation. I did try the EM brush with liquid foundation but the results were not as great as the Sigma Brush.

I hope you enjoyed this little review and comparison. I prefer the Sigma brush over the EM brush for liquid foundation. I think the long handle is sleek and it really matches all of my other sigma brushes. Also, because the brush handle is long, I'm able to store it with my other brushes. I usually just store my EM brush in a bin on my vanity.

RULES: In order to win this brush from Sigma please comment down below. You MUST be subscribed to my channel using blogger. One comment per person, please. Also, please let me know what is your favorite type of brush. The winner will be picked next Sunday at 11:59pm using random.org. The winner will be notified and must respond within 24 hours. This giveaway is also for international subscribers. I will give Sigma your information and they will send the brush directly to you. Thank you and see you next week!

CLOSED

Self Tanner Series: Kate Somerville 360 Tanning Towelettes

Hi Everyone! This is a continuation of the self tanner series that I've been doing for the past month...

SOMERVILLE360° TANNING TOWELETTES WHAT IT IS: TOWELETTES CONTAINING PARABEN-FREE SELF-TANNING FORMULA TO GIVE YOU A QUICK AND EVEN APPLICATION WITH NO STREAKING.

WHAT IT DOES: THESE HYDRATING TOWELETTES WILL PRODUCE A UNIFORM, NATURAL-LOOKING GLOW ON THE SKIN WITHIN TWO TO FOUR HOURS WITH ONE EASY APPLICATION. FOR A DEEPER TAN AND TO MAINTAIN YOUR GLOW, USE ANOTHER TOWELETTE AND REAPPLY AS NEEDED.

My experience: I am a self tanner junkie and this is one of the best products I have tried. I love how easy the application is, you just open up the package and pull out the towelette. You can then use the towelette to wipe all over, or in sparing places. I personally like to use it on my arms and legs. But you can use it on your midsection or even on your face! The results are always great natural looking color! The only problem I had with it was when I used the towelette and then I went to wash my hands, so that I did not end up with classic self tanner orange hands. Well I accidentally let water run down my wrist slightly. So when I woke up I had a stripe on my forearm. So needless to say I learned from my mistake and was careful the next time I washed my hands after applying the product!

Has anyone tried this product? Or have you been wanting to try this product?