Stila - In the Know Eye Shadow Palette

I love shimmer as much as the next person, but sometimes, it's nice to have some matte shadows to kind of balance things out.  When i came across Stila's In The Know Eye Shadow Palette, i knew i had to have it!  When it arrived at my doorstep, i immediately fell in love.  This palette contains 10 earth inspired shades along with Stila's best selling smudge Stick Waterproof Eye liner in an exclusive shade (which I'd describe as a slate gray). 

Overall, i find these colors to be incredibly user friendly.  I find myself reaching for a certain few more than others but have used and loved every single shade.  Fire is seriously stunning!  I have also become a huge fan of deep dark eye shadow because it immediately dresses up my eyes!  I reach for Ebony in this palette and apply it on to my eye lids.  It's a total stunner and works really well when blended with Fire.

Here are the swatches:

What it is formulated WITHOUT:

- Parabens
- Sulfates
- Synthetic Dyes
- Petrochemicals
- Phthalates
- GMOs
- Triclosan

 If you've been searching for the perfect combo of matte shadows, look no further... this palette is for you! I mean... even the shadow names scream perfection! 

Thank you SO MUCH for reading!  Don't forget to become an official follower of FMM! XOXO, Carla

Firmoo GIVEAWAY!

 

Hi guys!  I have an awesome GIVEAWAY for you today! Firmoo is giving 25 lucky FMM readers each a $20 voucher towards a purchase of glasses/sunnies.  They have a huge selection of prescription eye wear as well as a ton of stunning sunglasses.  You can see me wearing my favorite pair of yellow sunnies courtesy of Firmoo!  Oh and did you know you can get your first pair FREE?  Yep, you read correctly! You can read all about it here from a previous post!  So be sure to enter for your chance to win a $20 voucher towards your next Firmoo purchase!  OPEN INTERNATIONALLY!!!

 

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/d0df547/" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

Makeup Forever - Aqua Cream Shadows

I've been a fan of Makeup Forever for several years now.  Their products have never failed to impress me.  In fact, i still remember the very first product i purchased from them.  It was the most stunning eye shadow ever!  Seriously, it was this warm sienna hue (I'm sorry but i can't recall the exact name), and unlike many of my other shadows, i used this one right up until the very end!  Although this was several years ago, i still remember getting a ton of compliments on this shadow.  I have since graced my makeup train case with several more Makeup Forever staple products. 

So a while back, while flipping through the pages of a magazine, i came across Makeup Forever's Aqua Cream shadows.  I was instantly intrigued.  I'd been very eager to try cream shadows, but always feared they'd crease and leave me looking like a train wreck!  So when Makeup Forever sent me these lovely shadows, i was excited to jump on the cream shadow bandwagon!  I'm happy to say, I've converted! 

These shadows are highly pigmented.  They pack on the shimmer and are totally blendable.  The key is to work quickly to achieve your desired look because once it sets...it sets!  I made sure to use these shadows without priming my eyes in order to truly test their longevity.  I can certainly attest to the fact that these babies stayed put the entire day right into the night!  I seriously think that if i didn't remove it before bed, I'd probably wake up with it still in tact!  It's that kind of stay power these stunners possess!  Come to think of it...  if it wasn't for that 'gotta clean your skin properly everyday' thing, it would actually be a total time saver right?  I'm completely smitten with these gorgeous hues and plan on adding a few more to my collection.  I found these to be very user friendly and can instantly take you from blah to hubba hubba in very little time!  Now I'm totally itching to try the rest of the Aqua Cream products, aren't you?

#4 Snow White Pearl Shimmer

#2 Steel - Silver Gray Shimmer

#17 Plum - Burgandy Plum Shimmer

 

#11 Gold - Yellow Gold Shimmer

#17 Plum

 #4 Snow

 #11 Gold

 #2 Steel

 

 

So what do you think?  What are some of your favorite Makeup Forever products?  What can you tell me about the other Aqua Cream products?  Which should i try next?  As always, thank you SO MUCH for reading!  XOXO FMM

Essie - Beyond Cozy

Don't you just love this time of year?  I'm totally inspired by all the sparkle and glam that I'm spotting everywhere!  Naturally, i couldn't resist picking this gorgeous little number while admiring Essie's Winter 2012 collection.  It's called 'Beyond Cozy'.  I totally pictured pairing this stunner with a comfy, cozy winter white sweater!  It screams 'ski bunny' to me!  But, if it's glamour you want instead... this beauty truly packs on the sparkle!  The only bummer is that it chips easily!  Having said that, it's easier to remove then the typical glitter polish. In addition, it dries super fast making the 'chip' situation a little easier to tolerate.  Overall, I'm totally smitten by this pretty little polish!  Aren't you?

Thank you SO MUCH for reading!  XOXO,  Carla

Rebecca Minkoff Mini M.A.C

You know how you stroll into a store... Starbucks in hand.. not particularly looking for anything in specific, but just looking.  Suddenly, through the corner of your eye, you spot something special.  Wait, is that on SALE???  Your stroll suddenly turns into a fast paced walk... you spot someone headed in the same direction and you're thinking 'B... step off'!  Now you know it's on and you better step up your game!   So you walk a little faster until.... you reach her!  You pick her up, admire her beauty for a second or two.... unzip her, pull out the price tag and.... it IS on sale!!!!  It's that moment you realize, this was meant to be!  Think about it... there she was, swimming in a sea of bags... she was the only one... there... waiting to come home with meeeee!  I quickly strutted my two step right on over to the counter and made this pretty baby officially MINE!  Yipeee! I LOVE HER!  I especially adore the rose gold hardware making it the perfect compliment to its happy yellow color! You can get yours from Nordstrom like i did right here!  What do you think?  When have you ever felt that for a fabulous find you've spotted....

Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion

 

Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion is my absolute GO TO product for keeping my shadow in tact all day long!  When i recently discovered the 'professional size', i immediately snatched it up!  You see, way back when, i kind of felt as though eyeshadow primer was just another step i didn't need.  This was until i tried this primer which happened to come with one of my UD palettes.  Well, i fell instantly in love because my eyeshadow stayed in tact the entire day!  It was obvious that this primer really did its job!  Now, i never skip this step because i know in the long run, it's worth the extra 5 seconds it takes to apply! 

So lets chat... have you tried this primer?  What is your go to primer?  Thank you so much for reading!  XOXO Carla... FMM

Jouer - The Blushing Beauty Collection and Moisture Tint

I recently became acquainted with the wonderful brand Jouer after receiving a sample of one of their products in my Birchbox.  Curious, i browsed their gorgeous website not knowing that simple click of the mouse would be a life changing one.  I was quickly drawn to their stunning products and high end packaging.  Yet, as i glanced closer, i realized that the packaging was not only beautiful but functional!  In fact, it was kind of genius... GENIUS!  You see, all of their products are packaged to easily snap together and essentially create a palette customized by YOU!  Can you say uhhh-mazing??!!  I knew immediately i needed to check these out in person!  When The Blushing Beauty Collection palette and Matte Moisture Tint arrived at my door step, i am pretty sure i did cartwheels with excitement!   After hugging the package for a second or two (don't judge), I quickly ripped it open!  At first, i was a bit thrown off by it's size as i was anticipating a much larger palette!  Well, hullo... remember i said these products brilliantly connect to one another to create a palette?  Well, the geniuses at Jouer took this concept one step further!  They conveniently created the packaging so that it not only connects side by side but also top to bottom thus making this palette a cinch to travel with!  I literally had to sit down to take in all of this wonderfulness (if that's even a word!)

 

So now that I've officially declared my love for Jouer's jaw dropping packaging, lets chat about their equally amazing products!  The Blushing Beauty Collection palette consists of deliciously warm earth tones paired with luscious corals.  It's packed with all the essentials to make you look stunning!  The lip gloss in Cherish goes on smoothly leaving your lips feeling incredibly hydrated without the stickiness!  It's the perfect consistency and the color is so gawhgeous!  The highlighter and cream blush in Whisper Tint and Feather, are ideal for creating a sun kissed look.  The Sheer Matte Touch Powder and Bronzer duo are essential for contouring.  The Chocolat and Peach eye shadows are a perfect compliment of a warm bronze shimmer and matte vanilla!  The only thing you'll need to complete your look is a dab of liner, a touch of mascara and voila... stunning!

 

 

OK, so now that you're ready to go out and snatch this pretty baby right up, take note!   Pair this gorgeous palette with the BEST matte moisture tint I've every tried!  This creamy matte formula will indulge your skin in more ways than you know!  It's complete with SPF 15 and is oil free!   I love that it evens out my skin without feeling heavy creating a flawless complexion!  After all, who doesn't love themselves a beautiful complexion right?  This product is all you need to achieve just that!  

So lets chat... do you own any Jouer products?  What are your favorites?  If not... hullo... stop reading and GO GO GO pick some up asap!

NARS Flowers 1 - Andy Warhol Collection

 

Sooooo I'm the proud new owner of an ANDY WARHOL!!!!!! OMG yes!  OK, so it's not an actual silk screen of his iconic 'Poppies,' but Nars brilliantly pays homage to Andy Warhol in this incredibly stunning line that will have every beauty junkie screaming for more!  I opted to start my collection with the Flowers 1 eyeshadow palette.  I was totally drawn to the vibrant plums, golds and grays.  I will tell you that this palette does not disappoint in terms of pigmentation.  I've had a blast playing with this colorful wonderland.  There's something so special about owning a palette like this one because of it's uniqueness.   It leaves you feeling as though you own a gorgeous piece of art.  And truthfully, it is a wonderful work of art in its own right!  I know you can relate if you are makeup obsessed like meeee!  Let this palette unleash the inner artist in YOU... after all, you are your own most perfect canvas right?

So tell me, have you tried Nars Andy Warhol collection?  Let me know what you think?  What should my next purchase be? 

How sweet is this Andy Warhol quote? "If you can convince yourself that you look fabulous, you can save yourself the trouble of primping." True words!

 

Hope you enjoyed this review!  Thank you SO MUCH for reading!  XOXO FMM - Carla

Youngblood On-The-Go Beauty Set

With the holidays fast approaching, 'tis the time to start thinking about the perfect gift for the special ladies in your life.  It's also the time to start making wish lists of all the wonderful things you want on your stocking this year right?  Well, on November 1st, Youngblood cosmetics released the puuuurrrrfect gift for any girl looking for a little glamour on a not so glamorous budget!  Introducing the On-The-Go Beauty Set!  This gorgeous little kit includes all a girl needs to keep her skin glowing from head to toe!  And can we talk about the super cute and ultra chic ostrich print bag these deluxe sample sized beauties come housed in??  I know I'll be sporting mine to all my holiday festivities this year for sure!  It's the perfect it color of the season... oxblood! 

OK, lets chat about the awesome products i sampled in this gorgeous set!

• Mineral Primer – Smoothes the appearance of fine lines and pores, creating an even surface for foundation.

• Eye Impact Quick Recovery Eye Cream – Instantly hydrates and de-puffs to reduce the signs of fatigue around the eye area.

• Mineral Radiance Moisture Tint – Leaves skin comfortably hydrated, provides sheer, even-toned coverage and shields skin from environmental damage.

• Mineral Radiance Moisture Tint ILLUMINATING – Luminizes skin with a golden sheen.

• Liquid Mineral Foundation – Hydrates skin with buildable coverage for a flawless, pore-free finish.

• Mineral Illuminating Tint BODY – Moisturizes and enhances legs, arms, shoulders and décolleté with a bronze glow and the light scent of Shea Butter and coconut oils.

 

 

 

I had so much fun playing with these products.  There were definitely a few that totally stood out from the bunch.  I'm totally in love with Youngblood's Mineral Primer!  It's incredibly luxurious in texture!  This clear liquid primer applies like silk and feels like velvet on my skin.  I could definitely attest to the fact that my foundation stayed put the entire day right into evening! 

 

I also thought the Mineral Radiance Moisture Tint Illuminating and the Mineral Illuminating Body Tint were uhhhhh-mazing!  UHHHHH-MAZING!!!!  Seriously, the body tint was so insanely beautiful that i even kinda cheated and dabbed a tad on my cheeks!  Shhhhhh!  I was rocking a serious JLo glow without looking too orange and fake (I'm looking at you Tan Mom!

 

 

So for a mere $25.50, Youngblood's On-The-Go set (available in light, medium and dark), is the perfect gift!  Now go stock up!  Youngblood's site is filled with uber gorgeous products that will make any beauty junky feel like a kid in a candy store!  I'm dying to try some of their makeup as well.  It's on my 'wish list' already!  So lets chat, have you tried Youngblood yet?  What are your go-to items?

Thank you SO MUCH for reading!  XOXO FMM

How To Properly Clean Your Makeup Brushes

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Since the hurricane, we've been trying desperately to get back to some sort of normalcy around here.  School is still closed, so I've been keeping busy with my little girlies and catching up on some much needed organizing.  One of those tasks, that I have been putting off for too long, is cleaning my makeup brushes.  In fact, I've received a few emails from some of you asking how to properly do this and thought I'd share it with the rest of you.  I took full advantage of the fact that my sister (who lost power and stayed with me all week) was here since she's a runway certified MAC trained make up artist!  Who better to help me out here right?  So here it goes!

Here's what you'll need:

• Mild Shampoo (I prefer baby shampoo because you certainly can't get any milder than that!)
• MAC Brush Cleanser - It's the best one I've tried!  (Ok it's the only one i've tried... but that's why it's the best!)
• Hair Conditioner - I'm using a sample.  Don't discard those little sample size conditioners.  If you don't plan on using them on your hair, you can use them on your fluffy brushes!
• One terry cloth towel to lay the wet brushes on.

Step 1: Wet the hair of the brush being careful not to wet any other part.  You don't want to damage the wood portion so use caution when doing this.

Step 2:  Place a pea size drop of mild shampoo on the palm of your hand.  Gently massage the wet brush on the shampoo in circular motions.

Step 3:  Rinse the Brush (again making sure to only wet the hair of the brush).  Remove access water.

Step 4:  ONLY ON FLUFFY BRUSHES! You can skip this step on smaller brushes such as eye shadow brushes.  Apply a pea size drop of conditioner on the palm of your hand.  Gently massage the brush hair in circular motions to soften it's hair.   Rinse the brush.  Squeeze away any access water.

Step 5:  Lay the brushes flat on a terry cloth towel and allow ample time to dry.  CAUTION:  do not place the brush upright (ex. in a cup) as the water will travel on to the wooden portion of the brush and cause substantial damage.  It's best to lay them flat. 

This next step applies only to fluffy brushes.  If you've just washed an eyeshadow or foundation brush, you can skip the 'conditioner' step.

This next option is for either 'in-between thorough cleanings' OR for cleaning eyeliner brushes.  In fact, this is the ONLY way to clean eyeliner brushes as water and soap alone will not completely remove the gel liner residue. 

Step 1:  Apply a generous amount of MAC brush cleanser solution on to a thick paper towel. 

Step 2:  Gently massage brush on to solution in circular motions until the brush looks clean.  The tips of the bristles on this brush are suppose to be white, so i can always tell when it's clean because this product is excellent at bringing this brush back to its proper color.   

When you finish cleaning the brushes, gently place them flat on a terry cloth towel and allow them to completely dry. You'll notice how soft they feel, and depending on the products you use, you'll also notice how wonderful they smell!

I hope this was helpful.  I would recommend washing your brushes often (as in every few weeks) because they can accumulate a ton of dirt and bacteria.  Lets face it, do you really want all of that extra yuckiness on your face?  Of course not!  If you clean your brushes using a different method, please share!  I'm always up for learning new tricks!  XOXO, Carla