Keep Summer Alive with Tweezerman Essentials!

Saturday, August 31, 2013

It may be Labor Day weekend, the unofficial end of summer and all, but I'm squeezing every ounce of summer as long as I possibly can!  This weekend, I'm reaching for some fun essentials that are sure to brighten even the gloomiest of summer days (you know what I'm talking about if you're in Jersey right now)!  Tweezerman's Neon Hot Filemates is sure to give my weekend mani a boost!  These gorgeous, and very effective nail files, come in three hot neon color combos to suit your color mood!  I love orange and yellow in general, so it's only fitting that I reach for this combo for my perfect mani!  Perhaps, I may even be inspired to match my nails to my super cute file! 
Another essential tool I'm putting to good use this weekend is my adorbs-dot-com  'fresh and fruity' mini slant Tweezerman tweezer adorned with strawberries in ravishing red!  This beauty will not tame my eyebrows, but it will totally help me keep summer alive just a little bit longer!  Tweezerman proves that tweezing doesn't have to be boring!  Have you seen their bling tweezers????  I die!  So add some excitement to your grooming tools! Pick up your favorite Tweezerman print and you too will be grooming in style!

So lets chat! What is your favorite Tweezerman tool? Have you stocked up on any of their gorgeous prints?  I want to hear all about it! 

Thank you SO MUCH for reading! XOXO Carla - FMM

*Press Sample


Hydroxatone Anti-Aging BB Cream with Broad Spectrum SPF 40

Friday, August 30, 2013


I'll admit, ever since CC creams came on the market, I've been neglecting BB creams ever so slightly.  That is until Hydroxatone Anti-Aging BB Cream with Broad Spectrum SPF 40 came into my life!  You see, this BB cream has enough coverage that can easily stand up to some of my CC creams!  The formula is creamy, applies beautifully and is long lasting!  In fact, it's been quite muggy here in Jersey and I can attest that after a long day of sweating (yes, I have a problem), this baby did not come off.  I also love that it's armed with a good amount of sun protection so that I never have to worry about going without!  You all know I love my multi-tasking products and seriously, BB creams are the ultimate when it comes to multi-tasking!  You'll get coverage, hydration, sun protection and anti-aging properties!  What more could you possibly ask for in a beauty product?  If you don't already own this, I highly recommend you add it to your daily beauty routine! 


So lets chat?! What are your thoughts on BB Creams?  Have you tried Hydroxatone Anti-Aging BB Cream with Broad Spectrum SPF 40?  Check them out on Twitter @hydroxatone.

Thank you SO MUCH for reading! XOXO Carla - FMM

*This product was sent by iFabbo in exchange for an honest review.  All opinions are mine based on my experience with this product.

Sonia Kashuk Limited Edition "The Fall Brush Up" 10 pc Set

Thursday, August 29, 2013


A while back, Sonia Kashuk gave us instagram followers a preview of the gorgeous Limited Edition "The Brush Up" 10 pc Set she planned to launch for fall 2013. I fell instantly in love with these magenta beauties and absolutely couldn't wait to get my hands on them!  At that time, fall seemed SO far away... While on vacation, I saw that they'd launched and I swear I was ready to cut my trip short to ensure that I could get mine before they sold out!  After all, they're limited edition, gorgeous and of course everyone is going to want them right?  So when I arrived, I promptly strolled on over to Target (oh the travesty), and nearly hyperventilated when I couldn't find them... until... I looked on the top shelf!  Ahhh, there they were... waiting for meeee!  I quickly grabbed a set, put it in my shopping cart and picked up my step... you know, just in case crazy loony tried to snatch them from my shopping cart or something!  Hey, you never know... us crazy beauty junkies will do anything to get our beauty fixes!

When I got home, I unleashed them out of their package and into my hands.... I admired them for quite a while and thought, these are simply too pretty to use!  After a little play session, I could honestly say that for $26.99, these are a great deal!  This set includes a powder/blusher brush, synthetic pointed foundation brush, duo fibre multipurpose brush, medium eye shadow brush, pointed blending brush, angled crease brush, smudge brush, brow brush, bent eye liner brush, and spoolie to handle all of your makeup application needs.  Besides being useful and relatively decent quality, they will look spectacular on your vanity!  So ladies, get ready because this fall, it's all about magenta!




So lets chat!  Have you gotten your hands on these beauties?  What do you think?

Thank you SO MUCH for reading! XOXO Carla - FMM

Rose to the Occasion Toning Spray by Smart Bomb Cosmetics

Tuesday, August 27, 2013


During my recent vacation, I fell in love with a rose water toner I picked up at a local super market for pennies.  I'd heard about the benefits of rose water but had yet to try it.  I loved how it cleansed and refreshed my skin.  When I returned home, I had the opportunity to try some products by Smart Bomb Cosmetics (stay tuned... I have some amazing products to show you), and fell hard for their 'Rose To The Occasion' Toning Spray!  One spritz, and I was instantly taken back to vacation mode.  This rose scented spray feels so refreshing on my skin.  You can apply it as a finishing spray after your makeup application, or on your bare skin when you simply just need a pick me up.  Personally, I love to spray it on before my makeup in the morning, though I often reach for it during the day.  I find that it wakes up my skin, smells incredible and makes for a perfect start to my morning.... kind a like a cup of coffee for your skin!  Did I mention it's formulated with some wonderful anti-aging properties?!  For me, Smart Bomb Cosmetics Rose To The Occasion Toning Spray was love at first spritz... period!

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


Major Presale Alert with City Cosmetics!

Monday, August 26, 2013

Hi guys!  Wow three posts in one day?  I'm on FIRE!  Well, some things are just time sensitive and I wanted to be sure that my loyal readers knew about this awesome deal!  City Cosmetics is launching their much anticipated Dragon's Blood Beauty Elixir gift set this week.  As a result, they are hosting a 48-hour presale starting tomorrow at 9am!  Note that with a purchase of a Dragon's Blood Beauty Elixir Set, shoppers will get a FREE City Lips Advanced Formula Lip Plumper (retailed for $35) in the new shade 'Orchid'.  Score right?!  So what are you waiting for?!  Get shopping! 

BTW for those of you who read about the super fun launch party that City Cosmetics planned for this product, here are some highlights from the event! Enjoy!

Thank you SO MUCH for reading! XOXO Carla - FMM

Get Your Skin Ready For Fall With Lush's Rock Your Body Kit!



Fall is fast approaching.  As much as I love Summer, I'd say that Fall is truly my favorite time of year!  One thing I'm seriously thinking about is prepping my skin for the cooler weather ahead.  I've had so much fun this summer, but as always, no matter how much SPF I lather on, my skin always take a bit of a beating.  Luckily, Lush has prepared an ideal 'end of summer' kit!  Their limited edition Rock Your Body Kit is chock-full of skin savers to help transition your routine into the fall. Customizable with YOUR choice of products, this kit promises to lend a hand in soothing, repairing and revitalizing sun-kissed skin.  Each kit contains Dream Cream and Sugar Scrub - online customers can choose from a selection of soaps and dusting powders; in-store customers can choose from Lush's range of massage bars and dusting powders. 

Here's an in depth descriptions of the products available to choose from:


Sugar Scrub – Baring all for the beach one last time? Prep your skin and scrub to your heart’s content with this stimulating sugar scrub that’s sure to leave you feeling beautifully soft. Citrus oils brighten while fennel and ginger detoxify for a beachy summer glow!

 

Dream Cream Body Lotion – The perfect remedy for scorched summer skin! With calming lavender, chamomile and oat milk, Dream Cream will repair and restore your skin. A LUSH best-seller, this lovely lotion is sure to banish redness and sooth irritations.
 
Dusting Powder – Whether you’re looking for a sweet, tropical or herbal experience, our dusting powders are a great beach companion to finish out the dog days of summer. With deodorizing properties, each fragranced powder promises to keep you feeling dry and smelling good all day.
Choose from: Coconut, Silky Underwear, Vanilla Puff, The Guv’ner, The Greeench, T For Toes and Luster powders.
 
Soap Strip down and lather up with one of our fresh handmade soaps! If you’ve been getting down and dirty, our soaps will not only get you squeaky clean but will leave your skin beautifully scented with fine essentials oils.
Choose from: Sexy Peel, Sultana Of Soap, Honey I Washed The Kids, Dirty and Demon In The Dark soaps.
 
In place of soap, our in-store shoppers can customize their kit with a beautiful massage bar
Massage Bar – Just what the doctor ordered! Don’t let the sun set on your summer fling without enjoying a rejuvenating rub down first. Choose from our wide range of moisturizing massage bars that are great for spent skin, tired muscles and everything in between!
Choose from: Wiccy, Therapy, From Dusk Till Dawn, Mange Too, Each Peach, Soft Coeur, Strawberry Feels, Peace, Hottie, Friends With Benefits and Heavanilli massage bars.
 
I don't know about you, but I'm definitely heading to my nearest Lush to pick up this beauty!  Though knowing me, I'll probably walk away with a little more then just their Rock Your Body kit! 
 
Thank you SO MUCH for reading! XOXO, Carla - FMM

 

It's Just Another Mani Monday With Prestige Nail Polish

 
Happy Monday everyone!  Today I have a budget friendly mani that is sure to please even the pickiest of nail polish connoisseurs!  At $3.95 each, Prestige Cosmetics knows how to do polish right!  Two coats and your nails with look uhhh-mazing!  The formula is creamy and dries relatively fast.  I swatched Prestige Wonder Gloss in Vintage, a bronzy copper with a slight shimmer, and Sweet, a GORGEOUS bright purple-ish pink.  I'm officially a fan! Believe me when I tell you that I've tried polishes that were much, MUCH more expensive and simply don't match the quality of these beauties!



Wanna give these babies a try?  Head on over to Prestige Cosmetics.  Can't decide between several shades?  Why not get them all!  At this low price, you can actually stock up!

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

Back Acne? Here's How I Treated Mine!

Sunday, August 25, 2013


So I've been one of those fortunate girls who never really suffered from facial acne.  But don't hate me just yet!  While I don't get breakouts on my face often, I do get them on my back and shoulders... especially during the summer!  It's so annoying and unattractive that I find myself wanting to cover up constantly! Shortly before my vacation, I received a package of AcneFree products and figured I'd give it a go for my not so pleasant back acne situation. The verdict?  While I still have some, a lot of it actually dried up!  Here are my recommendations!


The 2-in-1 Acne Wipes were perhaps my favorite from the bunch mostly for convenience purposes.  I tossed these in my work out bag and use them as soon as I'm done with a workout prior to getting home to shower.  I find that it's a good way to keep my back clean after a sweat filled workout.  I also love the portability of these wipes!  They were an absolute staple in my vacation must haves!



The Gentle Cleansing Bar is a current fixture in my shower.  I love the feel of the micro-beads working on my skin.  I use it on my back and shoulders everyday to smooth and renew my skin without irritating it.  I also love that it doesn't over-dry my skin.  It actually feels moisturized and the beads make my skin feel as though I've rid it of any impurities. 


The Gentle Acne Scrub is meant for use on your face.  As I mentioned, I don't really have much on my face to clear up with the exception of a bump here or there during certain times of the month.  However, I did try and use it on my back.  I have to be honest and say that I don't use this product often because I find the Gentle Cleansing Bar to be more appropriate for my particular situation.  However, if you have facial acne, perhaps this may work for you.  I'd love to hear from any of you who've tried this for that purpose! 

Overall, I was impressed with these products, particularly the wipes and cleansing bar.  I also love their affordability!  You can easily find these at your local drug store or mass market retailer with prices ranging from $6-$8!  Not bad right?

So lets chat!  Have you tried AcneFree products?  What was your experience like?

Thank you SO MUCH for reading!  XOXO Carla - FMM

*Press Sample

Tweezerman Procurl Lash Curler in Rose Gold

Friday, August 23, 2013


Holy AWESOMENESS alert!!!! My lashes are absolutely smitten with Tweezerman's GORGEOUS Procurl Lash Curler in Rose Gold!  This almost too pretty to use is the ultimate in luxury when it comes to curling your pretty lashes!  But don't let it's good looks fool you, this lash curler is as much a beautiful work of art as it is a powerhouse for your lashes.  It's built with a narrower top bar so the silicone curling pad hits the lashes closer to the roots.  The pad is also thicker than other lash curlers enabling lashes to curl more naturally and never look crimped!  Oh and worry not about those tiny lashes on the outer corners because this curler has a wide opening ensuring that even the tinniest of lashes won't go neglected! 


OK, so aside from the fact that it works SO WELL, I honestly can't stop starring at this beauty!  Yes, I have issues... beauty lover issues!  But it's that spectacular!  I swear, I'm often tempted to frame it in a shadow box and hang it on my wall... but it's just too good not to actually use!  So ladies... and gentlemen if you're into that sorta thing, I don't judge... get your hands on this beauty and you too will be batting your lashes all day long!  I'm batting mine now!  XOXO Carla - FMM


*PRESS SAMPLE



MAJOR NEWS from It Cosmetics!

Thursday, August 22, 2013


Ok friends... are you sitting down?!  I have MAJOR news from one of my FAVORITE brands!  IT Cosmetics will be in 306 Ulta Stores as of September 5th and the rest of all Ulta doors within a year!!!  OMG I haven't been this excited in a while!  I've had so many friends and readers reach out about this brand and am absolutely thrilled that you can all now experience just how amazing they are in PERSON!  In the mean time, if you're in too much of a hurry to wait for it in stores, you can already purchase their products via Ulta.com.  Additionally, you can always find these amazing products at QVC as well as It Cosmetics own website!  Can I get a WHOOHOO???!!!! Who else is sharing in my excitement??!!!  A HUGE congratulations to everyone over at It Cosmetics!  I'm SO happy for you all!!!

Essie 'For The Twill Of It' Swatches and Review


I don't know about you, but when a new Essie collection launches, my curiosity is instantly piqued!  Well, their Fall 2013 collection is officially here and I couldn't resist the collection's namesake polish "For The Twill Of It"!  This steel grey duo-chrome with purple and teal color shifts is unlike anything I currently own! This is saying a lot since my current nail polish repertoire consists of over 250 polishes!  While I felt that this color looked interesting on the bottle, I didn't realize it would actually be love at first swipe!  First, lets talk formula... this polish applies incredibly easily.  While I applied two coats, you can almost get away with one... it's THAT good!  I also love that it dries super fast making it cinch to resume your daily activities!  The color is insanely gorgeous.  While the steel grey is a classic fall/winter situation for me, I love how Essie plays up the drama with the duo-chrome 'built-in' option.  In fact, I get easily bored with nail polish and tend to change it up several times a week.  With this color, depending on the lighting, I feel as though I'm wearing a new polish every time with some peeks of purple-ish pink or green-ish teel!  Verdict?  Everyone needs to own this. Period!


Thank you SO MUCH for reading! XOXO Carla - FMM

Limited Edition Heavenly Luxe Vanity Brush Set by IT Cosmetics

Tuesday, August 20, 2013


Calling all IT girls! I have some exciting news!  You've heard me rave about how amazing It Cosmetics brushes (and all of their products alike) are fantastic quality and luxurious right?  Well, they've put together the ultimate must-have set of brushes to facilitate your makeup application and help you create that gorgeous airbrushed look they're so well known for! The Limited Edition Heavenly Luxe Vanity Brush Set offers 6 full size, ultra-luxe, ultra-plush brushes made from 100% cruelty free hair in a chic and convenient vanity case.  The quality of these brushes is fantastic!  I'm typically very picky with my brushes and can vouch for the fact that these are GOOD!  No... I take that back, they're PHENOMENAL!  The super chic case makes it easy to take these anywhere really... or can simply dress up your makeup area while neatly housing your pretty little brushes!

Brushes included in this set:

Heavenly Luxe Dual Airbrush Multi-Powder Brush
Heavenly Luxe Airbrush Flat Foundation Brush
Heavenly Luxe Airbrush Flat Concealer Brush
No Tug Airbrush Crease Brush
No Tug Airbrush Allover Eyeshadow Brush
No Tug Eyeliner and Brow Brush with Spooly





 
 
 
The Heavenly Luxe Vanity Brush Set is available at QVC.com and retails for $39.50... hello bargain!
Internationally in Canada they can be purchased via The Shopping Channel.  Get them now before it's TOO LATE!

Thank you SO MUCH for reading! XOXO - Carla
 
*PRESS SAMPLE

Ipsy Glam Bag - August

Monday, August 19, 2013


I'm obsessed with monthly beauty bags.  It's so fun opening up a little beauty surprise each month!  I realize that I haven't done many of these reviews lately but I felt a strong need to share with all of my readers just how GOOD Ipsy is!  In fact, I think they're getting way better than Birchbox!  I've been so disappointed with BB lately though i'm hoping it all changes in the next few months. However, Ipsy just seems to keep getting better and better featuring high end brands for the same( $10 per month) low price as Birchbox!  The difference you ask?  Well, lately, you get a lot more makeup with Ipsy and the sizes are quite substantial which is really nice! 

So here's my August Ipsy bag complete with favorites from Smashbox, Urban Decay and Pixie! 



Overall, I loved the formula/texture of the Urban Decay Lipstick.  I'll definitely look into getting a fuller size of this luscious lipstick.  The smashbox primer is my favorite and what I use on a daily basis, so it's really nice to be able to pop this beauty in my makeup pouch for when I need it on the go!  The Mica Beauty shadow is beautiful.  It's shimmery but not glittery which I love.  The color is pretty and subtle... I actually think it pairs really well with the UD red lipstick!  The Pixie mascara was a bit disappointing.  I'm a HUGE Pixie fan, but perhaps my lashes were a bit too much of a challenge for this mascara.  Still, it was a great size sample.  The pumpkin mask I have yet to use but I have used pumpkin masks before, particularly when I get professional facials and have liked them.  All of this wonderfulness comes packaged in a super cute makeup pouch!  What more could you ask for... for $10!!!??!!!

Overall, i'm very pleased!  I highly recommend subscribing to Ipsy to get the greatest bang for your buck when it comes to beauty subscriptions!  Click here to subscribe if you're interested!

Thank you SO MUCH for reading! XOXO Carla - FMM

Portugal Vacation Summer 2013

Thursday, August 15, 2013

As promised, I finally got around to uploading all my Portugal vacation pictures!  It was quite the task since I had multiple cameras.  I apologize for not posting any of my regularly scheduled beauty stuff, but I seriously can't get it together!  Between the jet lag, time change, a million loads of laundry, unpacking... well, you get the picture!  Anyway, I hope to get my self back to some sort of routine very soon so that I could get back to my favorite thing in the world.... chatting about beauty.  But for today, I will share with you some images from what was an AMAZING trip!  If you follow me on Instagram, you already had a great preview!  Warning, I'm posting LOTS of pictures!

So lets begin with my most favorite place on earth... Sintra!  Sintra is the most picturesque town I've ever visited.  Everywhere you turn, there's a palace or castle nestled in lush gardens with the most fragrant flowers.  It's a 'real life' Disney World!  The cobble stone streets lead the way to the top of a mountain with the city's crown jewel... the Feather Palace (O Palacio da Pena).  This palace is seriously the most romantic place I've ever been to.  It's purely magical!  We took the cutest trolley to the entrance of the castle.  Once we arrived, we proceeded to walk the grounds.  Each sight was prettier then the previous.  Honestly, it was so cool to see how royalty once lived... from the linens to the china, everything was perfection!  The tile work was truly something special!  Here are a few of the images I capture from our visit to the palace as well as a few other pretty sights from the town of Sintra.






This was a cafĂ© inside of the palace.  Once you resumed your tour, you could stop there for a refreshment... we totally did!


The picture below is the town of Sintra... isn't it gorgeous?



This is the Chimney Palace.  Pete and I had lunch alone at a pretty little outdoor cafĂ© overlooking this gorgeous palace.  It was a day I'll never forget!



This fountain was not in the palace grounds.  It was actually in the center of town... it's so pretty!


Our date in Sintra....


Wine, cheese and olives... does it get better then this?  I think NOT!


I SO want to buy this house in Sintra.... isn't it gorgeous?



The next set of pictures are from Lisbon.  Honestly, I'm actually bummed i didn't spend enough time in the actual city of Lisbon.  There's so much to see!  The city is very old but so charming and picturesque.  It's near the water so there are certain portions of the city that have the most incredible view.  The architecture is spectacular!


The picture below was our view from dinner one night... it was at the docks "As Docas" which is essentially a boardwalk on a marina filled with restaurants and night clubs.  The bridge you see is called "Ponte Sobre o Tejo" which we crossed on our way to Algarve.


A famous monument called "The Monument of the Discoveries" nestled in the heart of Lisbon on the water.


Remember the store I couldn't wait to visit in Lisbon?  I found it and it was SPECTACULAR!  I will blog about it soon... it was a beauty junkie's paradise!


A Torre de Belem... "The Tower of Belem" It was a cell phone pic so it's a bit grainy.


We took a drive through the coast of Lisbon... Estoril, Cascais... and this is was one of our stops.  It's called "Boca do Inferno" aka 'Devil's Mouth'. 


I fell madly in love with a little town called Obidos.  This town is built within the walls of it's crown jewel... a castle!  Picture a castle at the top of a hill, with walls draping down the hills and the houses are built within these castle walls.  Each house was more picturesque then the other.  I swear, it's virtually impossible to take a bad picture in Obidos... it's absolutely spectacular!  Unlike anything I've ever seen in my life.  Oh and the shopping is GREAT and inexpensive!













After a delicious lunch in Obidos, we headed to the sanctuary of Fatima... the most sacred place in Portugal.  I've always wanted to go there.  It's a beautifully serene sanctuary.  You see people walking the grounds on their knees making promises and sacrifices.  Quite an intense sight.  We purchased candles, said a little prayer for our family and loved ones and placed them accordingly.  It was beautiful.




For our second week in Portugal, we headed south to Algarve.  Algarve is a mecca for tourism!  There were people vacationing there from all over the world!  It's miles and miles of the most gorgeous beaches.  We rented a beautiful villa (Villa Melanie) in Carvoeiro, Algarve.  This villa had a large in-ground pool complete with the most stunning views of the town.  I fell instantly in love with its Mediterranean architecture.   While in Algarve, we visited Albufeira which is perhaps the busiest section of Algarve.  We also visited Vilamoura which is a bit more upscale and totally my favorite part of Algarve.  Next time we go... yes, God willing there will be a next time, I want to stay there!  The beaches in Algarve are breath taking!  The ocean is turquoise and the sand is soft and fluffy.  However, the ocean water is very, very cold!





Mimi is fabulous!





This was my sister and I at breakfast one day.  She met up with us in Portugal and is now traveling through Italy... I know, I hate her too!  Just kidding, but i'm totally jealous! (Pardon my 'au natural' look... I didn't wear much makeup while in Algarve with the exception of dinner time when we got dressed up to go out).


 And there you have it... my vacation in Portugal.  I will say, the food and wine is amazing here!  The pastries are DIVINE!  And get this... I indulged in foods that I don't typically eat at home and didn't exercise.... and I lost a pound!  Before leaving for vacay, I exercised like crazy, ate right and gained two pounds!  Good lord, I think i'm just gonna follow the 'couch potato' diet and call it a day! Just kidding!  Anyway, I hope you enjoyed all the pictures.  I promise to resume my regularly scheduled beauty blogging stat!  I have SO MUCH to chat about!

Thank you SO MUCH for reading! XOXO Carla - FMM




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