And We're Off....

Saturday, July 27, 2013


Hello my beautiful friends....  I'm getting ready to leave for vacation tonight with my hubby and little girls.  We are excited that after many years of accumulating miles, we are taking a BIG trip to PORTUGAL!!!  We'll spend a week in the Lisbon area, do some sightseeing and shopping while there.  The following week, we rented a GORGEOUS villa near the beach in Algarve, the south of Portugal known mostly for it's beautiful beaches.  We are excited to see it all and experience it all!  I will try to update you as much as possible via social media.  If I'm able, I'll even post some pics on here via the Blogger App. 

If you'd like to experience this journey with me, follow me on Instagram as I will be posting LOTS of vacation pictures there!

You can also follow on Facebook or Twitter for fun updates!

The picture above is perhaps one of the most beautiful places in Portugal and one I'm DYING to visit again!  It's called Sintra, The Feather Palace.  It's a beautiful, fairy tale town surrounded by castles, palaces, cobble stone streets and cafes!  Ahhhh.... can't wait!!!

While in Lisbon, i'm planning to visit a beauty store someone told me about!  I will be sure to document this visit as well as share any cool beauty finds! 

I will be back on August 12th and will proceed with my regularly scheduled blogging that week!  For those of you following on social media, thanks for experiencing this wonderful journey with me! xoxo Carla - FMM

YOUNGBLOOD Fall 2013 - Going for Glamour


So this morning, I walked downstairs, made my coffee and opened my backyard door... I stepped outside, took a deep breath and thought... wow, it feels like Fall!  Hard to believe, but it's 65 degrees here in Jersey right now... and yes, it's still July!  I immediately turned all of my candles on and sat down to enjoy my morning coffee with this wonderful Fall preview!  Well, I think today is the perfect day to give my loyal FMM readers a little Fall preview of a different kind!  Introducing, YOUNGBLOOD's Fall 2013 launch - Going for Glamour!  This collection consists of a stunning pressed mineral blush in Temptress, a pressed mineral eye shadow quad in Glamour-Eyes, and a luscious lip gloss in siren!  When I first saw the collection, I gasped with excitement!  It's GORGEOUS!  I immediately began to play and eventually fell even more in LOVE!  So lets chat about details!





 
YOUNGBLOOD's Pressed Mineral Eye Shadow Quad in Glamour-Eyes is sure to get you glamorous in no time!  This versatile palette of shadows comes in four captivating colors.  This sleek, magnetic-closure compact (you know I love gorgeous packaging and this is not exception!) includes Enticing, a cashmere taupe; Alluring, a warm chocolate; Stunning, a denim blue; and Charming, an ice blue.  I love this combination because it gives you the option to stay neutral or add a little more glamour and interest with the gorgeous blue tones!  Please note, these are very very very pigmented and go on beautifully!  If you like the way they look on the picture, you'll be even more impressed with how stunning they go on!  A few simple swipes is all you need because this baby truly packs on the color!  I'M IN LOVE!  Seriously!  LOVE!




 
The Pressed Mineral Blush in Temptress, a cranberry with gold flecks, is sultry and sexy!  This blush instantly gives cheeks, temples, eyes or even lips a healthy, natural flush of color! It's the most perfect fall shade ever!  If you're going for a glamorous look, be sure to take this baby along! 





To top off your glamorous Fall look, you'll want to seal your lips with YOUNGBLOOD's new lip gloss in Siren, a deep burgundy with shimmer!  Interestingly enough, this gloss is highly pigmented yet not as deep as the bottle insinuates!  It's actually a very wearable, gorgeous sheer burgundy that works well alone or layered over your favorite YOUNGBLOOD lipstick! 

This stunning collection launches August 1st so be sure to check it out stat!  This is one collection you MUST add to your Fall makeup repertoire! 

Thank you SO MUCH for reading! XOXO Carla - FMM
 
*Press Samples

Real Purity Violet Mascara

Friday, July 26, 2013


It's no secret that I have a slight obsession with makeup!  I simply love to play with all the wonderful colors and options available on the market these days.  One thing I'm currently loving is Real Purity's all natural Mascara in Violet!  You see, like many, my mascara wardrobe consists of mostly black and perhaps a brown or two, however, why not try a fun color!  A few swipes of this violet beauty and I instantly learned that black is simply not the only option for me! It's fun, playful, yet subtle enough that I feel completely comfortable wearing it! The bonus here is that this all natural option is wonderful for my sensitive eyes!  If you have trouble wearing eye makeup or mascara due to irritation of the eyes, this is the product for you!  It's so nice finding all natural options that are not blah and boring!  Check out a previous Real Purity post that I did illustrating a few other makeup favorites







So lets chat!  Have you ever tried a color mascara other than black/brown?  What do you think of Real Purity's all natural option in violet?

*Press sample sent for consideration.  All opinions are mine based on my experience with the product.  This is not a sponsored post!

City Lights


It's always nice finding a skincare product that I have an instant connection with.  You see, I'm not a fan of heavy duty moisturizers simply because I strongly dislike the feeling of anything caked on my skin.  Lucky for me, City Lights by City Cosmetics provides me with enough hydration to keep my skin looking healthy and glowy, yet feels very light and subtle.  The results however, are anything but subtle!  This hydrating cream is formulated with a high performance blend of vitamins, antioxidants and natural fruit extracts to aid in the reduction of sunspots, blemishes and discoloration which help  maintain skin clarity.  I will say that my skin is definitely glowing and is looking better then it has in a while.  While I haven't yet noticed a difference in my one huge sunspot, I am well aware that these things take time. In fact, i don't think there are any products out there to combat this annoying little situation without having it properly removed by a dermatologist!  However, I have noticed that my complexion appears brighter and i am overall very pleased with this moisturizer!


So lets chat!  Have you tried City Lights?  What are your thoughts?  Any recommendations on which City Cosmetics product to try next?  I'd love to hear your thoughts! 

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

Elite Serum - Botox Without The Needles!!!

Thursday, July 25, 2013


One of my favorite skin care items to test is anything that helps tighten and conceal dark under eye circles!  While I've tested some gems lately, Elite Serum is certainly no exception!  In fact, I think it's a step above the rest!  This clear serum has not only tightened my under eye area, it has really helped my dark circles even out.  I have truly noticed such a difference since I started using this a few weeks ago.  It goes on smoothly and doesn't feel heavy on the skin.  Once it's dry, you'll notice a slight tightening of the skin.  I use this morning and night and find that it's quite soothing on the under eye area.  I typically have very sensitive eyes and am quite particular with my eye creams/serums.  This one passed with flying colors!  It's fragrance free and completely easy on my eyes!  I wholeheartedly agree with Elite Serum's claims that it lifts and firms the skin, smooths out fine lines, minimizes eye puffiness and lightens dark circles.  I simply LOVE this serum and am quite positive you will too! 


 
Soooo how would you like to test drive this beauty for yourself?  Stay tuned for an awesome giveaway just as soon as I return from vacation! 

Thank you so much for reading! XOXO Carla - FMM
 

*Press Sample sent for consideration.  All opinions and thoughts are mine based on my own personal experience with this product.  This is not a sponsored post.

I'm a Tweezerman Ambassador!!!

Wednesday, July 24, 2013


I'm so excited to share this wonderful news with all of my loyal readers!  Tweezerman has asked me to become one of their brand ambassadors!  I have been a Tweezerman fan for YEARS!  In fact, I have never owned any tweezers that were not tweezerman because I wholeheartedly trust my brows to no other brand!  This partnership means that I will have the pleasure of showing you all their wonderful new launches!  While I have a few items to share with you once I get back from vacation, I wanted to show you this GORGEOUS tweezer that I will be sure to pack in my suitcase!  The limited edition Mix N' Match Runway Print Collection is filled with grooming items in the prettiest of patterns.  This pretty little tweezer has completely taken over my brow grooming repertoire!  Why reach for the plain old boring tweezer when I can now tweeze in style in my new Tweezerman slant tweezer!  This gorgeousness will be front and center of my vacation makeup/grooming bag! 

So lets chat, what is your favorite Tweezerman tool? 

Thank you SO MUCH for reading! XOXO Carla - FMM
 
*Press Sample provided by Tweezerman.  All opinions are mine.  This is not a sponsored post!

Smashbox Photo Op Eye Brightening Mascara and Jet Set Waterproof Gel Eye Liner

Tuesday, July 23, 2013


Smashbox is one of those brands that never fails to impress me!  Recently I've had the pleasure of testing and loving their Photo Op Eye Brightening Mascara and Jet Set Waterproof Gel Eyeliner.  I'm excited to share my experience about both so lets get started!




Smashbox Photo Op Eye Brightening Mascara is quite exceptional, even on my lashes!  You see, a few swipes and it instantly curls your lashes by up to 100%.  This is a long wearing formula that does not flake off... a major bonus for me!  This mascara is designed to curl, lift and brighten lashes for a totally wide-eyed effect.  I love that you don't have to layer a million coats to get the desired effect!  It's a very easy to use mascara that glides on easily and lasts all day!  Very impressed... particularly because I'm very picky with my mascaras!




So I've been getting a lot of questions from some of my readers about what gel liners to use!  Smashbox Jet Set Waterproof Gel Eye Liner is hands down my absolute favorite!  I love that it's very simple to use, stays put all day and is highly pigmented.  All you need is a thin angled brush to apply and you're all set.  This waterproof gel eye liner has been one of my best friends this summer!  I don't know about where you live, but here in Jersey, it's been HOT!  This baby stays put and never, ever smears or smudges!  I give it an A+!  While I'm loving the classic black, I'm quite smitten with the Deep Bronze! 


So lets chat, have you tried any of these Smashbox products?  What is your favorite? 

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

A Gorgeous Complexion With It Cosmetics

Friday, July 19, 2013


It's no secret that I'm a HUGE fan of It Cosmetics!  From the first time I tried Bye Bye Under Eye (which I've mentioned here and here and plan to do a solo post on it because it's THAT GOOD), I felt an instant connection and immediately wanted to try more of their amazing products!  I have since tried quite a few and I swear I have yet to meet a product of theirs that I don't LOVE!  One thing that It Cosmetics does so well is help us create a flawless complexion with their wonderful array of products.  Today, I'm highlighting two that are my everyday go-to products for creating a gorgeous complexion without reaching for foundation!  You see, I think foundation is wonderful, however, I like to save it for special occasions.  For everyday, I much prefer a great CC Cream and finishing powder! 



I've been loving CC Creams lately and have certainly found a few favorites.  It Cosmetics took CC Creams to a whole other level by infusing theirs with anti-aging properties as well as providing major SPF action! You know I love my multi-tasking products right?  I typically have very blotchy, uneven skin, so I definitely rely on my beauty products to help rectify this not so pretty situation!  This CC Cream is amazefest dot com!  Wow, it really evens out my complexion without feeling heavy on my skin.  It feels like I'm just wearing moisturizer but with many more benefits!  I love that it has anti-aging properties and most important, especially this time of year, it has SPF 50!  Now I never have to worry about forgetting that! 





Once I've applied the CC Cream, I top it off with It Cosmetics Bye Bye Pores HD Finishing Powder!  This stuff does WONDERS for my shiny complexion!  It delivers a face-perfecting airbrush effect while absorbing oil and shine essentially blurring away the look of pores without settling into the lines and wrinkles. Seriously, it's revolutionary and a perfect compliment to the CC Cream!  Check out my before/after and you'll see for yourself just how amazing and powerful these two products are!

So now you can get a better understanding as to why I'm so in love with this line.  Their products WORK... PERIOD! 

So lets chat!  Have you tried any of these products?  What is your go-to product from It Cosmetics?  If you don't already own products from this line, which are you most interested in trying? 

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

Tom Ford Lip Lacquer Vinyl

Thursday, July 18, 2013


When I think of Tom Ford, I instantly think... sexy, sultry, iconic American Designer! I swear, one of the most memorable moments in fashion for me, was when he took over and essentially revamped the Gucci brand!  This man could do no wrong!  He had me rocking my pencil skirts with pointy toe, kitten heel sling backs all over town!  There was one pair in particular that I still die for... the same mentioned kitten sling back heels encrusted with rhinestones!  OH EM GEEE!  I've been a huge fan ever since!  So it was inevitable that when I learned of his beauty line, my life was essentially complete!  

Tom Ford's must-have lip accessory is his Lip Lacquer Vinyl! Honestly, a few swipes of this insanely gorgeous gloss and you'll fall instantly in love as I did!  I simply love that it's sheer yet packs on the shine!  It's incredibly comfortable to wear, goes on smoothly and not doesn't feel sticky at all.  This gloss is infused with precious pulverized pearls, creating a reflective shine and a lavishly soft feel.  You can wear it alone or layer over Tom Ford Lip Colour for a deeply sexy sheen!  This is definitely one of my most essential summer must-haves!  I simply love it and you will too!
 




So lets chat... have you tried Tom Ford's new beauty line?  What product should I check out next?

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

Julie G Frosted Gumdrop Collection by Jesse's Girl

Tuesday, July 16, 2013


I'm a nail polish lover... in fact, my collection can easily put some nail salons to shame!  I love to express my feeling through my polish.  I associate putting on nail polish with my 'down time' since I typically do my nails once I've put my little girl to bed.  However, when Julie G's Gumdrop Collection by Jesse's Girl arrived in the mail, my girls went crazy for the fun, sparkly shades!  So I quickly enlisted their help in modeling these polishes for this post!  I quickly polished their little nails and toes, handed them some heart shaped gumdrops and let the fun begin! 












Overall, I loved these nail polishes.  The formula is excellent!  Two coats will give you full coverage that dries relatively quickly!  The polishes are very sparkly and surprisingly, very easy to remove unlike some of my other glitter formulas.  This is a definite plus for me because who wants to spend 10 minutes removing their nail polish right?  Ain't nobody got time for that!  Well no worries here because a few dips in your nail polish remover and these babies wipe clean!   The colors look beautiful on!  Perfect for the Summer!



So lets chat!  Have you tried Julie G's Frosted Gumdrop Collection by Jesse's Girl?  What's your favorite color? 

Thank you SO MUCH for reading! XOXO Carla - FMM
 

PR sample sent for consideration.  All opinions are mine based on my experience with these nail polishes.  This is not a sponsored post.
- DESIGNED BY ECLAIR DESIGNS -