Is it really worth all that money?

Hey guys!  I did a video on high end vs drug store make up.  So here is the youtube link.  Subscribe to my channel JuliaP219!  Stay Gorgeous!  Here is a list of some of the products I talked about!

Face Primers:
1) Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation Primer
2) Avon Magix Face Protector SPF 20

Blushes:
1) ELF in Candid Coral
2) MAC in Peachtwist
3) NARS in Taos

Mascara:
1) Diorshow Waterproof in Black
2) L'Oreal Voluminous Waterproof in Carbon Black
3) Avon Supershock Mascara in Black

Eyeliner:
1) Benefit BADgal Waterproof in Black
2) Benefit in Steel Her Date
3) ELF Shimmer Eyeliner Pencil

Lip Gloss:
1) MAC Lipglass in Gold Rebel
2) Avon Glazewear Shine in Darling Pink
3) C&O Bigelow in Leoman and Pomegranate Lip Cream
4) Buxom Lipgloss in Lily

Lipstick:
1) MAC Frost in Purple Rite
2) Benefit in Breathless
3) L'Oreal in Shimmering Copper
4) L'Oreal Infallible in Perennial Pink

Sephora Haul!

Hey Guys,
  Here is a haul video of stuff that I bought from Sephora.  I hope you enjoy! P.S. I bought all of this with my own money and I am not paid to buy, rate, or review these products by their companies. 

1. Diorshow Mascara Waterprood in Black $24
2. Urban Decay Primer Potion Eyeshadow Primer $19
3. Urban Decay Eyeshadow in Last Call $17
4. NARS Blush in Taos $27
5. Sephora Double Ended Smokey Eye Brush $18

I hope you guys are liking these videos! I'll try and post more as time allows!

Stay Goegeous! ~Julia

June Birchbox!

Items in My Birchbox!
1. Kate Spade Twirl
2. Sircuit Cosmeticals Molecualr Mist
3. Shu Uemura Essence Absolue Nourishing Protective Oil
4. Laura Geller Baked Blush N Brighten in Honey Dipped
5. Debroah Lippman Stripper to Go Nail Lacquer Removers

Getting Ready in a Hurry

Getting Ready in a Hurry!

I hate it when I wake up late.  I feel like everything has to be rushed, including my make up.  This is when the basics and simpleness come in handy!

First things first, decide what you want to showcase for that day.  That way, you’ll know what to focus on and it will make picking your colors easier.  On most days I want to make my eyes pop, so I go for a natural lip.  If I want my lips to pop then I got for a natural eye.  But once you decide on your focal point, then the rest is easy!

Eyeshadow!  When I have little time to get ready, I just use one eyeshadow.  If I want to the focus to be on my eyes, I choose an eyeshadow that is bright, like a purple or pink, and usually with a bit of shimmer.  If I want it to be all about the lips, I usually pick a color that is close to my eyelid color, like a gold or shimmering brown. 

Eyeliner!  When I’m in a rush, sometimes I use it and sometimes I don’t.  If I have a bold color on my lid and I’m in a hurry I don’t put any on.  When I do a more natural eye, I like using colored eyeliners.  They give a subtle pop. 

Mascara!  This is something I never leave the house without.   Whether you skip the eyeshadow and liner all together, mascara is a MUST! It makes your eyes look more awake and perky.  I always feel gorgeous if that is all I have on.

Powder! This is optional, but it is quicker than doing a whole foundation routine.  Powder helps mattify the face, but if you have oily skin, you may want to consider putting on a primer first. For summer, I like powder with a little bit of shimmer for a nice glow.

Blush! Again, this is optional.  A little bit of blush can add a touch of color to the face, but you never want to over-do it to look like a clown! 

Lipstick or Gloss!  This is the finishing touch.  If you want your lips to pop, make sure that you pick a bold color, but don’t overdo it.  Of course, make sure that your make up is appropriate for where you are going.  You don’t want to be in a big business meeting with hot pink lips!

With all that, you are DONE! I always use these steps and tips when I am in a hurry, or just when I don’t feel like putting on a bunch of make- up.  These steps are also good for the make up beginners out there!  Make sure you pick colors that work for you and don’t be afraid to try something new.  You can always take it off and start again. 

Stay Gorgeous ~Julia

Relax-Take a Bath (with Lush)!

Relax—Take a Bath (with Lush!)

I am someone who loves taking baths! I take them at the end of a hard day, when I feel good or bad, or just when I want to relax before going to bed.  My favorite company's products to use is Lush.  If you know me, you know I rave about this company!  All the bath products leave me feeling relaxed, smelling good, and amazed.  Sometimes their bubble bars and bath fizzes have little “surprises” in them.  The bath fizz (Fizzbanger Bath Bomb) I just used and my recent trip to the Lush store in Annapolis, MD inspired this blog!  I just wanted to share my three favorite Lush products with you!

1)      Lip Scrubs ($8.95 + tax)!  They are made with sugar and are good for your lips because they take off all the dead skin that is on your lips.  Plus, it tastes yummy because it’s made of sugar!  I have tried The C&O Bigelow Lip Buffer ($7.50 + tax) from Bath and Body Works, but it just doesn’t compare to Lush.  I have tried Bubble Gum and Sweet Lips flavors and I love them both!

2)      Bubble Bars ($4.95-10.95 + tax) These little bars are amazing!  It just takes a little piece of one and you have a mountain of bubbles!  The bubble bars smell so good, some even smell like candy! They have skin nourishing oils in them so I rarely put lotion on after my bath because my skin is so soft! Some of my favorites are It’s a Date, Creamy Candy, and Happy Birthday.  I have used other bubble bath from drug stores and Bath and Body Works and they are total opposites.  Although they achieve the same purpose of bubbles, the Lush bubble bars give you, your senses, and your skin an extra boost!

3)      Bath Bombs ($3.95-$6.95 + tax)  These bath bombs are awesome! They fizz in your bathtub and feel really nice.  What I love about these the most is that they change the color of your bath water, and the scent radiates from the tub.  It gets stronger the longer they fizz.  Also, just like the bubble bars, they are packed with nourishing oils for your skin.   My favorites are Ickle Baby Bot, Donkey Oaty, and Fizzbanger.

Those are my three favorite products from Lush.  I do not get paid to support this company.  I just really enjoy the products that they have to offer.  Other Lush products that I have used are their soaps, lip tints, massage bars, and solid perfumes.   If you aren’t sure about the company, go to a local store or order the cheapest thing off line. Their descriptions of scents and what products do is spot on the website.  Also, be sure to read the reviews.   I promise you won’t regret it!

Take time to get in the tub! ~Julia

Spice It Up!

Spice Up Every Day Looks!

When I first started wearing make-up, I used the same old four or five products every day.  They were always the same colors from the same companies.  I liked to stick to the natural look.   I would not try anything new.  I would look at celebs on TV and wish I knew how to do my make up like that!  So I decided to make a change.

One of the easiest ways to start off with changing it up is to use different colored eyeliners.  If you always use black, try brown eyeliner.  You will be surprised how much it will soften your eye look and look totally different.  I also love to use deep purple liners.  If you have brown eyes, it makes them pop.  I also like using navy and silver eye liners.  Don’t be afraid of different color liners, they will always add a pop to your everyday routine.  Money Saving Tip: Buy the smallest size eyeliners.  There is no sense in buying a full size liner unless it is in a black or brown, or a color you will use every day.

Another way to spice up that everyday look is to use a bold blush.  I like using hot pink blushes. They just add a pop to color.  Of course, blush is tricky because you want to be sure to not put on too much so you don’t look bad, but you also want to make sure that it shows up just enough.  I suggest that you lightly sweep it on, and always checking to make sure that you haven’t overdone it.  Of course, if hot pink isn’t for you; pick a blush that is out of your comfort zone.  Money Saving Tip: Buy a bold blush on clearance!  A lot of times at drug stores, certain colors are on sale because people aren’t buying the color.  That way if you don’t like the color, you won’t feel as guilty throwing it away because you didn’t spend a lot of money on it.   

If you aren’t into trying those things, try bright and bold lip colors! From anywhere, any kind!  A lot of companies these days are starting to put out tinted lip balms which are a great alternative option for those who don’t like lipstick or lip gloss.  For the longest time I would only use peach colored lip glosses.  I finally started venturing into deep pinks and reds.  And now I will wear almost everything (as long as it looks good on me).  A lip color can make you look like you have a full face of make up on when all you did was apply a lip color.  Money Saving Tip: As I mentioned with the blushes, buy these lip colors when they are on sale.  Target is always having great sales on lip colors.  Also, E.L.F. (eyeslipsface.com or at Target) is a good place to start experimenting with different colors because they go from start at $1.

Don’t be afraid to try different things in make-up.  Stores like CVS and Rite Aid have policies so you can return an item if you don’t like it or if it’s the wrong color.  Different make-up can make you feel bolder, more confident, more feminine, and even make you smile more.   Also be sure to take advantage of samples, samples, samples!  They are the best way to try new things before you ever buy the full size of a product.

You are all naturally beautiful!! The only two things you need to be off the charts gorgeous is that smile and confidence!

Stay Gorgeous ~Julia

May Favorites!!

These are my May favorites! Products I just couldn't get enough of or products I kept reaching for over and over in the month of May!

Let's Start with Eyes!

1) Urban Decay Naked Pallette!!!  If you haven't bought this...GO OUT AND GET IT NOW! Words cannot express how amazing this eyeshadow palette it.  You get a range of colors and it will work on all skin tones.  It's more of a neutral palette with browns, golds, and silvers.  It does seem pricey ($48) but it will be the best money you ever spent!!! If you aren't a big make up person, just buy this palette and you'll be set for life! You will get quality and quantity.  I use this palette pretty much every day! You can find this at Sephora and urbandecay.com


2) Loreal Voluminous Waterproof Mascara in carbon black.  I love this mascara. If doesn't clump and it is very buildable.  It can take you from no lashes to va-va-voom! You can find this at drugstores or Target and Wal Mart.


3) Voluminous Million Lashes in Carbon black.  It is pretty much the same as the regular Voluminous, just the brush is different.  You can find this at drugstores or Target or Wal Mart.


4) Supershock mascara from Avon.  I love this mascara because it adds a little umph to my everyday looks where I don't to look over done.  I also use it before I use the Loreal for really long and voluminous lashes. 


5) Sephora Flashy liner waterproof in Ultra Brown.  I like this for an alternative to black liner.  It softens the look, especially when black liner can look harsh sometimes.  You can find this at Sephora.

Now Let's Talk About the Face

1) ELF blush in Pink Passion.  This blush is very pigmented! It's a nice hot pink that will look good on any skin tone when applied properly.  This blush is not for the weak of heart! You can find this at eyeslipsface.com or some Target store have ELF in them!



2) MAC blush in Desert Rose.  This is the perfect natural blush if you have medium tan to almost skin tones.  It looks nice with just a few brush strokes!  It's easy and a good go to if you're in a rush in the morning.


3) MAC blush in On A Mission.  I love this blush because it is so different from anything you see.  It's almost a lilac color when you put it on, but it's so soft and feminine.  It's just the right touch!


4) Avon Magix Face Protector and Smashbox foundation primer.  These are both really nice primers, especially for something with oily skin like me! It helps absorb the oil in your skin and helps your foundation last a lot longer.

Now, for the final touch, let's talk about lips!

1) Revlon Colorburst in Ruby (085).  This is a really pretty red lipstick.  It is bold, but it all depends on how much you put on.  I love it with a natural eye.  This colorburst also stays on a surprisingly long time!  You can find this at any drugstore and Target or Wal Mart.


2) Avon Ultra Color Rich in Country Rose.  This will give you a very pretty pink pout! But don't put too much on...you could look like you made a make up mistake!  It goes on extremely soft and makes your lips softer.


3) Clinique Black Honey Lipstick.  I love this lipstick because it shows up a different color on everyone.  On me, it is my lip color, but prettier! Hard to explain, but I suggest you try it!


4) MAC Frost Lipstick in Purple Rite.  I LOVE LOVE LOVE this lipstick!! It's so different from anything I usually wear, but it doesn't look crazy.  


5) Any Avon Lipgloss!!! They are all amazing, long lasting, and full of color!!! 

That finishes up my favorites of May list!  I hope that you enjoyed it and found it helpful!! For any questions, just leave comments! 

Until next time~Julia