Google Reader is Shutting Down, Follow FMM on Bloglovin!

Sunday, June 30, 2013


Hi guys, this is just a quick post to remind all of my loyal readers who use Google Reader that it's shutting down tomorrow.  A wonderful way to stay updated with my blog is to follow via Bloglovin!
If you haven't already done so, please add me to your Bloglovin blog list.  I want to be sure that you can all still keep in touch!  I have some wonderful posts planned for you as well as some fantastic giveaways (open world wide!)  So be sure to stay updated by clicking here to add my blog to your Bloglovin list!

Another great way to stay in touch is to follow via my social media pages!

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There is also an option to follow FMM via email.  All you have to do is enter your email address on the appropriate bar (right hand side of the page) and you'll instantly receive all new posts via email!

I just want to take this moment to thank each and every single one of you who take the time to read my little blog.  I appreciate each and every one of you, particularly those who, post after post, always take the time to leave a comment!  You mean everything to me!  Love you guys! xo Carla - FMM

Bloomingdales 'The Makeup Date'- Read All About It!

Saturday, June 29, 2013


A few weeks ago, Bloomingdales Short Hills invited me to host an upcoming beauty event at their store called The Makeup Date.  I eagerly accepted of course!  This event was everything a beauty lover like me could ever dream of!  I know many of you expressed interest in attending though for some of you, distance was a challenge.  No worries, I've got it all covered right here... sit back and enjoy!





The moment I walked in, the energy was high!  Guests were immediately greeted by a Bloomindgales staffer with a beautiful swag bag!  A DJ graced us with some happy tunes while everyone enjoyed breakfast.  While this was happening, I met with some of the experts who were presenting that morning for a last minute chat.  At 8:30 am, the show was ready to begin!  I quickly stepped up to the microphone and eagerly introduced the first set of presenters!  The show consisted of 10 brands, 4 presenting in the category of skincare, and 3 each in the categories of complexion and color. 





The skincare lineup was perfection consisting of SISLEY featuring their Black Rose Cream Mask and Eye Contour Mask.  CLARINS with their amazing Double Serum which I will feature soon on my blog.  La PRAIRIE with the Essence of Skin Caviar Eye Complex which I'll also feature soon because it's uhhhhhmazing!  And finally, skincare for men experts LAB SERIES: MAX LS.


Once these presenters were finished, Bloomingdales gave away some GORGEOUS swag... beautiful Long Champ bags filled with featured products!!!!   Wouldn't we all love to win that?!!!  While I read the lucky winners' names, the next set of presenters set up their stations/models.




Now was time for Complexion and this lineup was just as exceptional as the previous!  LAURA MERCIER featured her Tinted Moisturizer Crème Compact and Foundation Primer.  Let me just say that this belongs in every woman's makeup repertoire!  I will feature it soon so that you could see for yourself just why!  Bobbi Brown, a favorite of mine, featured 'The Secret of the Universe' which is essentially her powerful eye cream as well as her color correctors and concealers which I've blogged about before.  These products can seriously make you look like you've slept for 12 hours... and honestly, any product that can do that I consider to be my best friend!  CLINIQUE featured their CC  Cream!  CC Creams are my new favorite product!  I urge you all to try them and you'll immediately notice a difference in the way your skin looks!


At this time, Bloomingdales gave away some more swag... a few more Longchamp bags filled with products as well as a gorgeous Trish McEvoy box filled with her products!  The last set of presenters set up while I engaged with the audience.




Color is always my favorite... you could say that I'm slightly... OK majorly obsessed with makeup so this was right up my alley!  TRISH MCEVOY taught us how to contour using their Face Shapers Compact!  Hey, don't we all want gorgeous cheekbones like JLo's?   I know I want her gorgeous glow!  DIOR had us all batting our lashes with their iconic mascara wardrobing!  Hey, you wouldn't wear the same thing everyday would you?  So why should your eyes!  DIOR SHOW holds prime real estate in my makeup cabinet!  ESTEE LAUDER knows how to do lips right.  They showed us how to create the perfect pout using their Cello Shots!  They look so cool!  I totally want to try them!


 
 
 
 
I closed the show by reminding everyone to use their $25 gift cards which was essentially the admission cost.  Bloomingdales gave everyone their money back via gift cards encouraging guests to stock up on their favorite beauty products!  Once the show finished, there was plenty more fun to be had!  Bloomingdales hosted a series of events at their beauty counters ranging from nail polish changes, to mini makeovers to tons of gifts with purchase!  This was definitely an awesome shopping event!  I did a little damage myself!  All in all, this event was a success and I'm so honored to have been a part of it!  I hope I have more opportunities to host beauty events such as this one!  I enjoyed every second and felt right at home amongst all these beauties! 

Here's a video I put together illustrating some of the highlights from the event! 
 
 
So lets chat, have you ever attended a Bloomingdales beauty event? What did you think? 

Thank you SO MUCH for reading! XOXO Carla - FMM

Jose Eber Infrared Blow Dryer

Friday, June 28, 2013


Jose Eber is perhaps one of the world's most recognized hairstylist!  This Beverly Hills based stylist has tamed the locks of Hollywood's most beloved stars for four decades!  A long time hair stylist of mine once worked with Jose Eber and I still remember drooling over the picture of the two of them on her counter!  I thought this was the coolest thing ever!  Jose Eber along with his uber cool signature cowboy hat, takes his love affair with hair to the next level by introducing the most revolutionary collection of professional quality hair tools on the market! 

There are certain beauty tools this beauty blogger cannot live without... first and foremost, a fabulous hair dryer!  Now I've blogged about my hair dryer before, but I assure you, the Jose Eber Infrared Blow Dryer is like no other you've ever tried... and that's a promise!  This beauty uses innovative far infrared light to infuse a gentle heat inside the hair cuticle, not on the surface of the hair shaft, decreasing drying time by HALF!!!  As if that wasn't an incredible selling point, there's more!  This dryer's gentle and even heat distribution feels cool against my skin, eliminating the risk of hot spots, burns, damage and discomfort... particularly this time of year when added heat is the last thing I want on my hair and skin!  It's antimicrobial properties via ultra violet technology also removes any bacteria buildup leading to greater shine, smoother hair and easier styling!

The first time I tried this super innovative blow dryer, I knew instantly I was in for something special.  When you first turn it on, a bright light immediately shines from the inside.  I'm not gonna lie, it totally freaked me out at first, then came that 'aha' moment!  This bright light is the infrared light that makes this beauty unique and wonderful!   It immediately took me back to an amazing hair stylist I had many years ago that gave me my first sleek bob, a hair style I still adore and am seriously considering getting again!  She used to cut my hair and then place me under infrared lights to preserve my hair's health and keep its sleek new look.  This beauty is essentially doing the same thing.  I've mentioned this so many times, but I really do abuse my hair with all the processing I put it through, but I also love to use products and tools that nurture it back to life and this is certainly one that I will never go without again!  This dryer is amazing!  It leaves my hair looking sleek and smooth without the harmful heat that I typically use to achieve my desired look. 




So lets chat!  Have you tried any of Jose Eber's new innovative beauty tools?  Tell me all about it! 

Thank you SO MUCH for reading! XOXO Carla - FMM
 
*PR sample sent for consideration.  All thoughts and opinions are mine based on my experience with this product.  This is not a sponsored post.  

Jesse's Girl Pure Pigment Eye Dusts and Kohl Eye Liners!

Thursday, June 27, 2013


I love finding great makeup on a budget!  Jesse's Girl certainly knows how to pamper all us beauty loving recessionistas out there! If you're looking for a fabulous eye look but your wallet is telling you 'nuh-uh' girlfriend', no worries 'cause i got you covered today!





Let me introduce you to Jesse's Girl Pure Pigment Eye Dusts.  These fashion-forward beauties will add instant glam to your eye look.  They pack on the color and shimmer making them perfect for a night out on the town!  I'd say for the most part, they're very highly pigmented.  They definitely bring back some fabulous memories of my 20's when i essentially bathed in shimmer!  These days, i have to be a bit more careful with how i add shimmer to my makeup repertoire!  I find that the perfect balance is combining these gorgeous shimmers with some of my favorite mattes to balance things out!  Seriously though, I'll be rocking shimmer in my 90's... what can i say, it's the jersey girl in me!






Another brag worthy product by Jesse's Girl is their Kohl Formula Eye Liners!  These glide on smoothly and definitely pack on the color!  Here's an awesome bonus, they conveniently added a built in sharpener on the cap!  How brilliant is that?!  At $1.99 a piece, you can easily stock up on all of your faves!  I'd suggest layering them for an extra fun look!  You can see my video tutorial on layering eyeliners here for some inspiration!

Honestly, i think Jesse's Girl products are quite a gem at such an affordable price!  It's nice to know that no matter what your budget is, you can look fabulous... period!

So lets chat!  Have you tried Jesse's Girl products?  What are your faves?  You can purchase these at your local Rite Aid or directly from the Jesse's Girl website.

Thank you so much for reading!  XOXO Carla - FMM

*PR sample sent for consideration.  All thoughts and opinions are mine based on my experience with these products!  This is not a sponsored post. 

Alterna Caviar CC Cream for HAIR!

Wednesday, June 26, 2013


I've never met an Alterna product I didn't fall instantly in love with!  Alterna's Caviar CC Cream is no exception!  I'll preface by saying that I've been a very very bad girl to my hair!  In fact, I can't believe that I still have so much left on my head considering all I put it through... frequent color, highlights, straighteners, hot tools etc!  I think at its current state, it's very dry and in need of some major love.  Perhaps even a miracle!  Alterna's Caviar CC Cream is just what the doctor ordered for my dry, over processed hair! We've all heard of CC creams for your skin but this baby is just for your hair!!! This miracle leave-in product delivers 10 benefits in one simple step, leaving hair perfectly polished! 

Caviar CC 'Complete Correction' Cream perfects hair in 10 different ways.  It provides moisture, shine, smoothness, softness, anti-breakage, heat protection, light hold, UV protection, manageability, and strength!  Essentially, it provides my hair with everything it needs to look and feel healthy regardless of how badly I mistreat it!  This 10-in-one formula can be used alone or as a foundation for the layering of other styling products.   Note that this product is formulated without parabens, sulfates or phthalates! 

I've been using this product religiously for a couple of weeks now and am completely obsessed with how it makes my hair feel!  Oh and can we please chat about how uhhhh-mazing it smells!!??!!  Oh Em Geee if you want your hair looking and smelling incredible, certainly reach for this baby!  Caviar CC Cream officially holds prime real estate in my hair product repertoire!



So lets chat, have you tried this product yet?  Are you as much a fan of Alterna products as me?  What are your current faves? 

Thank you so much for reading! XOXO Carla - FMM
 
*PR Sample sent for consideration.  All thoughts and opinions are mine based on my own personal experience with this product.  This is not a sponsored post.

Smashbox Camera Ready CC Cream SPF 30

Monday, June 24, 2013


When I was first introduced to BB creams, I thought they were seriously the best invention EVER!  That is... until I met my first CC Cream!  Smashbox is an iconic brand known for their innovative and high quality products!  Naturally, when they introduced the CC cream, I just knew I needed to get my hands on it stat!  I mean, if this product is as good as their cult favorite primers, I knew I was in for a real treat! 


As you can see from my before picture, my skin tends to be a bit blotchy and has quite a bit of redness.  Smashbox Camera Ready CC Cream evens my skin tone immediately after application.  It can be worn alone, which I do most days, or under foundation for additional coverage.  This CC Cream is formulated to go beyond priming, perfecting, hydrating and controlling oil in a single step to reduce the appearance of dark spots and effectively improve the appearance of uneven skin tone.  It also offers SPF protection against UVA/UVB rays and leaves your complexion glowing!  This miracle cream comes in four shades to suit all skin tones!  Honestly, I've officially converted from a BB girl to a CC queen!  Period!


So lets chat!  Have you tried Smashbox Camera Ready CC Cream?  What did you think?!

Thank you SO MUCH for reading!  XOXO Carla - FMM
 
*Sample sent for consideration.  All opinions are mine based on my experience with this product. This is not a sponsored post.

Contouring and Highlighting With IT Cosmetics!

Sunday, June 23, 2013


Highlighting and contouring is essentially like having plastic surgery without actually going under the knife!  Honestly, it's easy and it can seriously enhance your already gorgeous features ladies!  Ever look at celebrities like Jennifer Lopez and wonder how on earth someone could look SO perfect?  Well, surely genes are a factor but don't discount the wonders of makeup as a possible contribution for her gorgeousness!  It's all about creating an illusion... you know, concealing what you don't want to stand out and highlighting the features that you do love!

In order to do this, you'll need to arm yourself with a few really great tools!  I'm very much in love with a few essentials from IT cosmetics and thought I'd use them to illustrate just how to contour and highlight!

First, you'll need a great bronzer... preferably one without shimmer!  I'm using IT Cosmetics Vitality Glow Anti-Aging Matte Bronzer.  I love that it's matte, totally buildable and not overwhelming against my fair skin!  Best of all, this bronzer is infused with anti-aging peptides and hyaluroinic-filling spheres to keep your skin smooth and hydrated!  How cool is that?!  A bronzer with anti-aging properties that hydrates as well?!  Wow...  but wait, there's more!  This bronzer is waterproof and sweat proof making it essentially perfect for this time of year!  Rest assured that if you have sensitive skin, this bronzer is hypo-allergenic and works for even the most sensitive of skins!



OK, can we chat about highlighting?  When i first tried It Cosmetics Hello Light Anti-Aging Creme Illuminizer with Hydrolyzed Collagen, Peptides and Drops of Light Technology (holy mouth full), it was seriously love at first swipe!  I have many highlighters, and I've definitely found some gems... but this, THIS is officially my holy grail!  There.. I've declared it!  This anti-aging powerhouse is designed to blur away fine lines for a naturally pretty, lit-from-within skin!  IT Cosmetics uses light-refracting microspheres to provide skin the look of healthy vitality, radiance and illumination without glitter or shimmer!  Honestly, this beauty will add the most gorgeous glow helping you create the a flawless complexion!  I will NEVER be without this product again, ever!



Another important tool in highlighting is concealing!  I've been using IT Cosmetics Bye Bye Under Eye and am completely obsessed with it!  First, it's a full coverage, waterproof concealer!  This means, you won't have to worry about sweating it right off!  Also, i have some seriously dark circles under my eyes and this baby makes me look like I've slept for 12 hours!  Any product that can do such miracles is certainly my best friend!  Love, love, love!


Lets not forget the importance of great tools!  IT Cosmetics has you covered when it comes to quality and luxury!  Speaking of luxury, the Heavenly Luxe Mega Fat Fan Brush is the ultimate  indulgence! I'd say, it's the most luxurious, plush fan brush I've ever experienced!  Once this baby touches your skin, you'll fall instantly in love with this 100% cruelty free mega brush!



The Heavenly Luxe Pointed Precision Luminizer Brush will be your best friend when it comes to a flawless luminizer application!  This versatile brush can be used to apply concealer as well as highlighter because of its unique design.  I love how it allows you to reach the smallest parts of your face to apply and blend!  Also 100% cruelty free, this brush doesn't miss a beat when it comes to a smooth, flawless application!  Honestly, It Cosmetics is seriously setting a new standard when it comes to brushes!  I need to get my hands on more as i can easily see a slight addiction forming here!



Now that we've chatted about my go-to products to contour and highlight, i thought I'd put together a video that better illustrates just how i get this done!  I hope you find it informative and easy.  Please note, I'm clearly not a professional makeup artist by any means, I'm simply a makeup lover and this technique is what works for me.



Note that in the video, i applied It Cosmetics' Vitality Lip Flush Butter Gloss in Naturally Pretty!


Enjoy the video!


So lets chat, have you tried IT Cosmetics?  What are your faves?  Have you ever tried contouring?  

Thank you SO MUCH for reading!  XOXO Carla - FMM

*Press samples sent for consideration.  All thoughts and opinions are mine based on my experience with these products.  This is not a sponsored post!
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