Jouer Spring 2013 Launch Plus Video Tutorial!

Thursday, May 30, 2013


It's no secret that i have a major makeup obsession!  Well, one look at Jouer's new Spring 2013 launch and i was instantly smitten!  This collection consists of Creme Eyeshadow Crayons, a show stopping cheek tint in Honeysuckle, and an array of pretty little lipsticks and tinted lip enhancers!  Well, i decided that this collection was SO GORGEOUS that i needed to put together a video to really illustrate just how amazeballs dot com it really is!  I decided to dedicate the first half of this video to showing you the launch complete with swatches.  It covers everything from colors to texture and packaging.  The second half of the video is a eye look tutorial using several of the eyeshadow crayons from this collection.  If you want to skip the first portion of the video and go right into the tutorial, be sure to fast forward to 7:35!




But first, lets chat about crayons!  No, not the crayola kind... Jouer's new Creme Eyeshadow Crayons!  These pretty babies glide on smooth and easily and will last you throughout the day and right into the evening!   They're formulated with vitamin E to help retain moisture as well as Alaria Esculenta Extract with is known to help smooth and fill fine lines without creasing or fading!  Hmmmm let me think, a gorgeous eyeshadow crayon that hydrates AND helps my skin look and stay young?  Yes please!  As illustrated in the video, these versatile shadow crayons can be used as eyeshadow, highlighter and liner!  You know i love my multi-tasking products right?  But it doesn't end there, Jouer has quite possibly come up with the world's most genius packaging!  In this particular case, these beauties come conveniently equipped with their very own sharpener, so you'll never have to let your shadow crayon tip go dull!  Oh and yes, there's more!  They are also waterproof, smear resistant yet blendable and paraben free!  I know... you're intrigued right?!  Check out the gorgeous swatches above!


I'm seriously crushing on Jouer's cheek tint in Honeysuckle!  This sweet sheer poppy peach adds the perfect glow to the apples of your cheeks for an instantaneous sun kissed look.  Just a few swipes and you will know just why i fell in love with honeysuckle!


On to lips... Jouer's Tinted Lip Enhancers are seriously my new obsession!  These are the perfect lip situation for days when you don't want too much fuss... just easy, great-feeling lips!  They honestly feel like lip balm, yet they look seriously gorge on the lips!  These beauties are paraben-free and contain Maxi Lip, known to naturally increase the fullness of lips while decreasing fine lines!  In addition, your lips will feel nourished and conditioned with this vitamin E, Shea Butter and Jojoba Oil rich formula, all while providing your pretty little pout with glistening sheer color. My favorites from the collection are Bellini (hi, i totally want one now please), a sheer coral/peach, and Shiraz (i'm totally sensing a trend here, cheers!) a stunning sheer berry!  Check out the swatches below!


OK, so here's the video i put together illustrating both the products in the launch as well a 'how to' create a look using these beauties!  FYI if you want to SKIP to launch preview and go right to the tutorial, you can fast forward to 7:35!


So lets chat, have you tried Jouer's Spring Launch?  What do you think?  Which of these products do you most want to try?

Thank you SO MUCH for reading!  XOXO Carla - FMM

*Press samples sent for consideration.  All opinions and photos are mine.  This is not a sponsored post!

Pixi Beauty Bronzer and Kabuki Brush

Wednesday, May 29, 2013


Get summer ready with gorgeous glowing skin!  To do that, you'll want to arm yourself with the right bronzer!  I'm absolutely loving Pixi Beauty's Bronzer + Kabuki Brush set!  With two options to choose from, depending on your skin tone, you'll look ready for beach season in no time!  If your skin tone is on the light side, you'll love Subtly Suntouched, a medium honey tan.  If you're more of an olive skin tone, you'll want to check out Summertime, a true deep bronze.  These gorgeous bronzing powders will give your complexion the warmth and luminosity of natural glowing skin.  Moisturizing, long wearing, and oil-controlling, the powder protects against free radicals and keeps you looking gorgeous all day!  It also contains Vitamin E to protect and soothe skin!

These gorgeous bronzers are helping with my daily contouring sessions!  In fact, i like to use both shades!  I reach for Summertime to contour and dab some Subtly Suntouched on the apples of my cheeks!  They really compliment each other and look amazing on my skin.  I especially love that they come conveniently equipped with their very own kabuki brush!  Honestly, i'm growing more and more in love with this brand.  I recently tried one of their Lid Last Shadow Pens and was completely blown away by the quality, stay power and gorgeous color (Brun Beam)!  I foresee another trip to Target to stock up on more colors and check out some of their other fun products!





So lets chat, have you tried Pixi Beauty's Bronzers?  What did you think?  What other products should i try?

Thank you SO MUCH for reading! XOXO Carla

* Products were sent by Pixi Beauty for consideration. All opinions are mine.  This is not a sponsored post!

Spa Life Under Eye Strips

Monday, May 27, 2013


Life can be a bit hectic at times!  You know, crazy work days, chasing the twinados around, laundry, cooking, lip gloss swatching.... with so much going on, i often find myself neglecting some much needed me time!  Spa trips are such a wonderful indulgence, but when i can't make it to the spa, it's nice to know that i have some at home options that work wonders and give me some much needed spa-like gratification!  I, along with many other women out there, suffer from dark bags under my eyes.  I rarely leave the house without something to conceal this dreadful situation!  However, now, when my eyes are feeling exceptionally tired, i simply reach for Spa Life's powerful yet soothing under eye strips!


The Wake Up Under Eye Revitalizer has all the necessary ingredients conveniently packed into strips to keep your eyes looking bright and refreshed!  These strips are formulated with espresso beans and vitamin E to instantly perk up your eyes!  Think of it as the perfect cup of java for your eyes!   Allow yourself about 20 minutes to just enjoy the benefits of this treatment!  If you're a coffee lover like me, you'll love these espresso scented strips!


Another great option are the Refreshing Under Eye Strips in Cucumber Lemon!  While they provide the same benefit as the Wake Up Under Eye Revitalizer, their relaxing scent will feel like a little slice of heaven to the skin under your eyes! Each package is equipped with 24 strips (12 treatments)!  At $12 per pack, these strips are an absolute steal!  You could essentially but a truck load for the price of ONE spa treatment right?  So why not treat yourself... at this price, you can't afford not to!  

I treated myself to a bubble bath while relaxing with my eye strips!

So lets chat!  Have you tried Spa Life's under eye strips?  What are your favorites? 

Thank you SO MUCH for reading!  XOXO Carla - FMM

*Products provided by Spa Life for consideration.  All opinions are mine.  This is not a sponsored post!

Winners of Phenome GIVEAWAY!!!

Sunday, May 26, 2013

Congratulations to all the winners of the Phenome giveaway!  Thank you all so much for entering!  If you did not win today, please check out my other giveaway going on now via my facebook page.  Also, stay tuned, i have several more planned!!!

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Emma Jean Scented Nail Polish

Saturday, May 25, 2013


Ladies, you know that i have a slight obsession with nail polish right?  OK, perhaps it's not so slight... the truth is, there is just something about pretty, polished nails that makes me feel so good!  You see, you don't have to be a particular size to fit into a nail polish and it essentially looks good on just about everyone!

When i was pregnant with my twin girls, i was placed on bed rest.  There weren't many chances for me to get dressed up, or do my hair and makeup... for what?  My days were spent in bed... doing a whole lot of NOTHING!  The one thing that truly got me through was polish!  Yes, polish!  The highlight of my day was picking a fancy hue and swiping it on.  This little thing i did for myself everyday felt so nice.  All my other beauty obsessions had been temporarily placed on hold until i could once again resume my normal routine, so this was essentially the one tiny thing that kept me connected to my passion!

To this day, i love exploring new polish brands!  This week, I've been testing Emma Jean's Scented polish in Jamaican Tango Mango, a gorgeous coral that is so fitting for the warmer weather ahead! Emma Jean is a nail polish brand whose lacquers are all scented.  Once these babies go on your pretty little fingernails, their yummy scents will instantly take you to a happy place.  Jamaican Tango Mango resonated with me for many reasons.  First, i absolutely adore corals! Second, mango is one of my favorite fruits!  Third... well you already know this but I'll throw it in anyway, i LOVE nail polish!  It's only fitting that I'd fall in love with a polish that embodies all these wonderful things. I can also tell you that this polish goes on beautifully.  It's just thick enough that you can almost get away with one coat though I'd definitely use two.  So far, with a top coat, this polish has lasted me SIX whole days and it's still looking fab!  But wait, it gets better!  Emma Jean's quality, vegan, cruelty polishes are formulated without Toluene, Formaldehyde, Camphor or, and Dibutyl Phthalates!  I know, you can all breath a little easier now... in fact, if you're gonna take that breath of fresh air, make it a good one!  I for one can't stop sniffing my mango scented nails... one sniff and I'm instantly taken away to somewhere tropical, and that my friends... makes me HAPPY!



As always, thank you SO MUCH for reading!  XOXO Carla - FMM

*This product was sent by Emma Jean PR for consideration.  All opinions are mine.  This is not a sponsored post!

Gunilla of Sweden Nutrient Rich Body Lotion

Thursday, May 23, 2013

The beauty of being a beauty blogger is being introduced to products you otherwise may not have learned about.  Such was the case with Gunilla of Sweden's Nutrient Rich Body Lotion!  The sweet people at Gunilla of Sweden sent over their 'must have' body lotion to try.  Intrigued, I immediately took to the web to learn more about this lotion.  Interestingly enough, I learned that whereas most lotions contain water as their main ingredient, this one actually contains 76% organic aloe, with high levels of organic pomegranate, organic strawberry, organic elderflower, jojoba and organic olive extracts.  You see, the thing is, the skin on your face is different from the skin on your body.  Your body needs the nutrients from organic aloe as well as the hydration from jojoba and olive extracts to moisturize deep into the skin.  This high-end organic lotion feeds and restores your body's natural moisture and PH balance leaving skin soft, smooth and perfectly hydrated.  With over a dozen amino acids and half a dozen vitamins and enzymes, your skin will get the hydration and nutrients no other body lotion can offer.
I will honestly say that it definitely feels different than other body lotions.  It absorbs quickly into the body leaving your skin feeling soft but not greasy! It smooths roughness while increasing cell turnover and slowing down the aging process as well!  Score!  Lastly, you'll be pleased to know that it's formulated without parabens, sulfates, dyes, petrochemicals or harsh irritants.   This organic lotion is light but definitely gets the job done! 
So lets chat!  Have you ever tried Gunilla of Sweden's Nutrient Rich Body Lotion?  If not, would you like to try it?  ENTER OUR FACEBOOK GIVEAWAY and you could win one of three bottles of this amazing lotion ($32 Value)!  Here are the contest rules!

1. Follow Gunilla of Sweden on Facebook
2. Follow Fashion Maven Mommy on Facebook
3. Go to Fashion Maven Mommy's Facebook page and 'SHARE' this post
4. Leave a comment on this post on Facebook.

Three winners will be selected on Thursday, June 6th at random!  USA entries only please!

GOOD LUCK!
Thank you SO MUCH for reading! XOXO Carla - FMM

The Mermaids - Summer 2013 by Deborah Lippmann

Sunday, May 19, 2013

Last year, Deborah Lippmann launched the stunning Mermaid's Dream.  I still remember strolling into Nordstrom to purchase this beauty, only to find it was SOLD OUT!  What?!  I anxiously walked back to my car stressing over the fact that perhaps I'd be the only girl on earth without this shade!  Desperate situations call for drastic measures right?  Luckily, i found Mermaid's Dream on Ebay, and suddenly... i was back to being a cool girl again!  Phew, close call!

Well, lucky for all of us, Deborah Lippmann worked her magic again creating the ever so stunning Summer Launch appropriately titled "The Mermaids"!  These dreamy, shimmer and sparkle infused pastel polishes are every girls' dream... mermaids and all!  I for one am dreaming of polishing each nail in a different shade of Mermaid ... can you just die at how gorgeous that mani would be?!   The Mermaids consists of Do The Mermaid, a lavender luster, Million Dollar Mermaid, a tangerine twinkle, Mermaid's Kiss, a bubbling blush, Mermaid's Eyes, a seaside cerulean and of course Mermaid's Dream to complement and complete the collection!  Check it out!

So lets chat!  Have you tried the Mermaids collection by Deborah Lippmann?  What do you think of these gorgeous polishes?  

As always, thank you SO MUCH for reading!  XOXO Carla - FMM

Make Up Forever Aqua Summer 2013


Dreaming of a tropical summer vacation this year?  Well, all you need is a cute bikini, fun flip flops and Make Up Forever's Aqua Summer 2013 launch!  Make a splash with these irresistible smudge and sweat proof hues for eyes and lips that will stand up to even the most scorching of days!  Here are my faves from the collection!

Lets chat about eyes... I'm so in lust with this season's gorgeous greens!  So it's only natural that i fell instantly in love with Aqua Cream #52 Pearly Green Lagoon!  This happy hue is bold, yet totally wearable!   It works especially well with brown eyes!  I applied this beauty on before leaving for work.  I topped it off with Aqua Eyes #25L Matte Brown (a luscious deep brown eye liner that glides on smoothly creating the perfect line every time).  Let me say that these two stayed put all day long!  In fact, i decided to put them to the ultimate test!  I typically wash all of my makeup off prior to yoga class since i do mostly hot yoga and am completely drenched when finished.  On this day, i took a warm flow yoga class in a 95 degree room.  And while i got some strange looks for showing up in bright emerald green shadow, i simply smiled my way through the entire class knowing that i was on an important mission!  As soon as class finished, i peeked in the mirror and was completely blown away by the fact that my eye makeup looked as if I'd just applied it!  What?!!! I immediately envisioned the endless possibilities with these gorgeous Aqua colors!  I mean, this brought a whole new meaning to the term water proof!  Perhaps i can wear eye makeup while splashing around the delicious pool in our European summer vacation rental!  Hey, a girl's gotta look good right?  Namaste!



Here's what my eye looked like after warm flow yoga (13 hours after application)!

If you're looking for a gorgeous lip color that stays put, look no further than Make Up Forever's Aqua Rouge in #19 Pomegranate Pink.  You'll want to seal it with Aqua Lip Liner in #19 Pomegranate Pink to ensure the perfect pout!  With Aqua Rouge, you will not have to worry about smudging or smearing!  This vibrant, highly pigmented liquid lip color will remain on your lips until you are ready to remove it!  I love that it comes with a clear gloss allowing for beautiful, non-transferable, kiss and smudge-proof lips without feeling dry and uncomfortable.  This color is a total show stopper!  I wasn't sure that I'd be able to pair this bold lip with the bold eye colors above, but i actually think they complemented each other!





The picture below was taken using natural sun light...

The picture below was taken using artificial lighting...

I'm so impressed with Make Up Forever's Aqua Summer 2013 collection!  I can honestly say, i will NEVER take another vacation without these babies in arm!  They work... period!

So lets chat... have you tried Make Up Forever's Aqua collection?  What are your favorites?

Thank you SO MUCH for reading!  XOXO Carla - FMM

*These samples were provided by Make Up Forever for an honest review.  All opinions/photos are mine.  This is not a sponsored post! 

Phenome COOLING Eye Puffiness Minimizer GIVEAWAY!!!!

Saturday, May 18, 2013

Hi guys!  I'm SO excited to share this awesome GIVEAWAY with all of you!  I've had so many of you reach out in various forms to declare your curiosity for this amazing product!  Now you have a chance to win it here on FMM!  The generous people over at Phenome are gifting ONE lucky winner with one COOLING Eye Puffiness Minimizer, $53 value, and FIVE winners will take home a package of Phenome Sample Sachets!  Open to US readers only! Enter now and GOOD LUCK!


a Rafflecopter giveaway

Phenome COOLING Eye Puffiness Minimizer

Thursday, May 16, 2013


Are you tired of your daily dose of puffy eyes?  I know i am!  This mommy's tried EVERYTHING to control the situation but ultimately, i wave my little white flag and surrender!  Until now that is!  Phenome's Cooling Eye Puffiness Minimizer is the holy grail of eye products!  No, really... holy grail!  This cooling, fragrance-free (yay, you know my sensitive eyes love that) eye gel reduces swelling and dark circles in the eye area.  It's really light weight in texture and absorbs rather quickly into the skin.  I noticed about 30 seconds after application, that the skin around my eyes felt tighter. When i investigated further, i learned that this product is rich in ecological plant waters, organic oils and natural extracts which provide deep hydration and form a hydro-lipid film on the surface of the skin to prevent water loss.  This invisible and undetectable film (which is what i perceived as tightening) prevents the skin from absorbing pollutants which contribute to premature aging. Immediately after application, you get this delicious cooling sensation around the eye area that wakes you right up!  Psst you can keep this baby in the fridge for even better results!  This is a wonderful product that works beautifully under my concealer!  Every time i put it on, twice daily to be precise, it's truly a little slice of heaven for my eyes.  This pretty baby is essential night stand real estate!  If you don't already have it, you must drop what you're doing immediately, and snatch this beauty right up!  Your eyes will thank you for it!


Please excuse my 'au naturale' look


So lets chat!  Have you tried Phenome COOLING Eye Puffiness Minimizer?  What did you think? If not... how badly do you want to try it?!

Thank you SO MUCH for reading!  XOXO Carla - FMM

*This product was sent to FMM for an honest product review.  All opinions are mine based on my experience after trying this product. This is not a sponsored post!  

Elchim 2001 Pro Hair Dryer

Wednesday, May 15, 2013


Today, while shopping Sephora (i know, BAD Carla!) I received the sweetest and quite frankly most unexpected compliment!  The girl at the checkout counter ooooo'd and ahhhh'd over my hair!  She said "wow, your hair is so shiny and gorgeous... the color is so vibrant"!  I swear I'm not making this up!  I was surprised simply because in all honesty, i do my own color every few weeks and follow up at the salon every few months.  However, as I'm walking out of the store... with an extra kick in my step feeling all rock star status over my hair i thought, hmmm what's so vibrant about my hair?  Then, it dawned on me!  This past Sunday, for Mother's Day, my mom and sister gifted me with this awesome, professional grade Elchim 2001 High Pressure hair dryer!  I honestly didn't realize how much i actually needed this. If you're wondering what's so different between this baby and the average Conair dryer (which i owned and liked), I'm here to tell you... everything!  First, my dry time is cut significantly short with the Elchim!  Second, this dryer really seals in the cuticle of the hair leaving my locks looking smooth and healthy!  I always wondered why after hour long wrist spraining blow drying sessions, i could never replicate the blowout of a salon!  Well, now i can!  It's all in the hair dryer!  I'm here to tell you, it's totally worth the investment!  Particularly when the investment is made by someone else... to you!


So lets chat, have you tried the Elchim 2001 dryer?  What are your thoughts?  How do you like your current dryer?  Do you think you could benefit from a pro dryer like this one?

Thank you SO MUCH for reading! XOXO Carla - FMM
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