Briogeo Hair Care

Thursday, January 30, 2014


I'm a firm believer that every once in a while you have to switch up your hair care.  I swear I notice an immediate difference when I do.  Luckily, the sweet peeps over at Briogeo must have known that it was about that time when they decided to send some of their 'hair must have' beauties my way!  I immediately sampled their Be Gentle Be Kind Sulfate free shampoo and Don't Despair, Repair Deep Conditioning mask.  The thing with my hair is that I know immediately upon contact whether a product is a good match.  These beauties passed with flying colors!  The shampoo left my hair feeling soft, hydrated and smelled incredible!  I also love that Briogeo is made right here in the US and their products contain at least 95 percent natural and naturally derived ingredients.  I enjoy using a good mask on my hair at least once a week.  You see, my hair is thick and quite unruly so I find that hydrating it weekly helps immensely.  The Don't Despair, Repair Deep Conditioning mask works wonders on my locks.  I swear my hair had extra bounce and life after just one use.  This intensely nourishing beauty had my hair smiling for days!

So lets chat... have you tried Briogeo?  Which product would you most like to try?

Thank you SO MUCH for reading! XOXO, Carla

*press sample

Bath and Bodyworks Mahalo Maui

Wednesday, January 29, 2014



Hawaii holds a very special place in my heart!  I spent two glorious weeks traveling through Oahu, Kauai and Maui on my honeymoon back in 2005 and I vowed to return every since!  So when I recently saw Bath and Body Works' new Mahalo Maui 3 wick candle, I knew this was for me.  After all, if Hawaii is not in my near reach, I have the next best thing right?  With notes of passion fruit, white flowers and a hint of soft must, this gorgeous candle screams LUAU!  Every time I light this beauty I'm taken back to a place where the cares of the world seem distant... a place where nature's beauty in all its glory wraps its sweet arms around you making you fall in love over and over again.


Ok OK back to reality....   I'm notorious for keeping a massive stash of these amazing Bath and Body Works 3 wick candles!  They smell incredible and use the highest concentration of fragrance oils.  These babies use an exclusive blend of vegetable wax and lead-free wicks.  The wax melts consistently and evenly, radiating enough fragrance to fill an entire room... I can vouch for this as I smell this beauty from every room in my house!  The BBW 3 wick candles burn approximately 24-45 hours and measure 4" wide x 3 1/2" tall.
So I thought I'd share a little collage of some of my best memories of my Hawaiian honeymoon... enjoy and thank you SO MUCH for reading! XO Carla

*press sample - all opinions are my own... this is not a sponsored post

Nail Rock ROCKS!

Tuesday, January 28, 2014

I'm obsessed with nail polish!  In fact, I think a fab polish can instantly transform a look.  Seriously, it's so fun to express my mood through my choice of polish! When I'm feeling a little flirty or adventurous, I love to toss in a few unexpected touches to my basic manis.  Nail Rock makes it so easy and FUN to play!  They've created some amazing options for DIY nail art at seriously great prices!  The quality of their nail polish is phenomenal.  In fact, if you want to skip the glitter and jewels, you can just swipe Nail Rock polish on your pretty nails and rest assured that it will dry quickly and last for days!  Well, today I have a few looks that I'm completely obsessed with!  If you follow me on Instagram, you've already seen a few of these! 

The glitter mani was spectacular!  Here's a MAJOR bonus... it's EASY to remove!  I promise!  The beauty of applying a clear coat and dipping your nails in glitter is that your look will be intense. I'm obsessed with this look!

OK I never thought I'd love this velvet manicure as much as I do!  I typically prefer glossy nail polish but this look was so fun and luxurious... oh and the color... the COLOR!!!!  Obsessed!


Seriously... could you just die for sequin?  If you love sparkles as much as I do you'll be completely smitten for this gorgeous sequin mani!  It was surprisingly easy to create this look.... fun fun FUN!
 
So lets chat... do you have a favorite Nail Rock look?  I seriously cannot choose between these three gorgeous contenders!
 
Thank you so much for reading as always... XOXO Carla - FMM
 
*Press Sample

A Steal!

Sunday, January 26, 2014

I'm always on the hunt for the latest and greatest in fashion at affordable prices!  Well, recently I came across Rose Wholesale and was absolutely blown away by super affordable yet totally cute fashion finds!  When I received my gorgeous black cape in the mail, I couldn't wait to find the perfect occasion to put that beauty on!  I absolutely love capes.  I love their versatility as they could be dressed up or down depending on your mood.  I love pairing my cape with a great pair of jeans... toss a fun clutch into the equation and you're all set for a night on the town!  No seriously, Rose Wholesale is the ideal place for stocking up on gorgeous sweaters, outerwear, dresses... you name it.  I'm totally crushing on this pretty little batwing sweater as well as this loose fitting batwing comfy looking cape!  Check out all of their awesome finds... you will have to do a double take when you see their super low prices!  Here's the catch... shipping is a bit high.  Here's my suggestion... get a couple of friends in on the action!  If several of you place an order together, you can split the shipping and still get amazing deals!  Great plan right?!   Happy Shopping!!!




Thank you SO MUCH for reading! XOXO Carla - FMM

*press sample

The Cellular Swiss Ice Crystal Collection by La Prairie

Wednesday, January 22, 2014


Every girl needs a little luxury in their lives.  Some opt for a fabulous pair of designer shoes, others for a great statement necklace. While I'm a major lover of fashion, luxurious skin is at the top of my game!  How do I achieve this you ask?  Well, La Prairie is the ultimate in luxury skincare.  There's a reason why their products are a cult favorite amongst many woman.  Truth is, once you get your hands on some of these beauties, you'll quickly realize exactly what sets them apart from the rest.  I swear by my La Prairie Essence of Caviar Eye Complex!  Well, today I'm especially excited to tell you about their newest creation launching in February!  Cellular Swiss Ice Crystal Cream and Cellular Swiss Ice Crystal Dry Oil are innovative and feel out of this world on my skin!  According to La Prairie, the inspiration for the line were two seemingly fragile plants and one small algae, which manage to grow and flourish miles high in the Swiss Alps. La Prairie claims to have harnessed their extreme survival secrets to create the patent-pending Swiss Ice Crystal Complex, which transfers the properties of its key ingredients to the skin, allowing it too to become more resilient to the daily extremes of life, such as stress, anxiety, pollution, lack of sleep and travel. 


 The inspiration, ingredients and source also underline La Prairie’s long-standing Swiss heritage and legacy.   The first key ingredient is Saxifraga Oppositifolia, or Purple Saxifrage, which grows just below the summit of the ice-covered Dom, one of the highest mountains in Switzerland. The second is Soldanella Alpina, which flourishes on the lower mountain slopes in central Switzerland, up to 3,000 meters above sea level. The final component is Swiss Snow Algae, first used in La Prairie’s Cellular Power Collection.

According to the brand, the Swiss Ice Crystal Complex helps skin adjust to skin-ageing stressors, and supports cell renewal, delivering increased hydration and resilience. Furthermore, the DNA-protecting plant power helps skin to protect itself from the visible signs of accelerated ageing, leaving skin looking younger for longer.

 
It was love at first swipe for me!  The second these beauties touched my skin I was instantly smitten by the texture and scent.  More importantly, I absolutely loved the way my skin looked and felt after application.  You can wear them simultaneously, though I love to add a few drops of the oil on to the cream as I find that together, these work best for me!  If you're an instant gratification girl like me, you will absolutely adore this new La Prairie launch!

Bonus for all my local beauties... Saks Fifth Avenue in Short Hills, NJ is hosting a launch luncheon to give you first dibs on the La Prairie Cellular Ice Crystals collection before it launches globally! If you'd like to attend this event on Friday, January 24th, be sure to RSVP (973) 315-1208. 


So lets chat!  What's your go-to La Prairie product?  Are you as excited about this launch as I am? 

Thank you so much for reading! XOXO Carla - FMM

*press sample - all opinions are my own based on my experience with this product.  This is not a sponsored post.

Jane Iredale

Tuesday, January 21, 2014


It's no secret that I have a little obsession with makeup!  My gosh I could just play all day long! Vain? Mindless? Perhaps a little, but I view this little passion of mine as way more than the obvious superficial.  You see, makeup is way more than just a bunch of pretty colors on a palette!  Makeup is powerful!  Makeup gives me that extra kick in my step every day... when I wear it, I feel pretty, confident and ready to face the day! So today, I happily played with amazing Jane Iredale beauties!  Just wait 'til I tell you all about them!


First, I just about died when I laid eyes on the 24-Karat Gold Dust in Rose Gold.  Aside from the fact that I am obsessed with rose gold, this multi-tasking beauty will add interest to your eyes, cheeks and lips with a few swipes!  I love the look of this product when swept across my cheeks, but dab a little on your lips and you'll instantly take your look from meh to hello there gorgeous!



Another stunner is Jane Iredale's In Touch Highlighter Complete.  This cream to powder highlighter will add the perfect glow to your skin!   Dab a little on your cheeks, eyes, bridge of nose and brow bone for the most beautiful, natural-looking glow.  This beauty is lightweight and will complete the most picture perfect look!


Lastly, you know I'm always on the hunt for the perfect mascara!  Well, Jane Iredale's formula is fantastic!  It lengthens and thickens making it a must have in your makeup repertoire. 

 
So lets chat... what Jane Iredale beauties have you tried and loved? 
 
Thank you so much for reading.  XOXO Carla - FMM
 
*press sample

Jane Carter Solution Creamy Leave In Styling Smoother

Monday, January 20, 2014

Jane Carter Solution Creamy Leave In Styling Smoother
 
I've been blogging about Jane Carter Solution products for several months now. The Creamy Leave In Styling Smoother is quite possibly my favorite!  This little power house is intensely hydrating as it works to smooth your hair cuticle and also acts as a heat protectant! While this product works especially well on curly hair, I can attest that it's just as fantastic on straight hair! It's formulated with a perfect blend of natural butters and plant botanicals that nourish, add moisture and seal the cuticle.  This is a wonderfully versatile product that can be used when you want to blow dry your hair smooth or let it air dry!  Simply dab a dime size drop of this beauty on your damp hair and voila... your hair will look and feel incredibly hydrated!  Remember... a little goes a long way!  Bonus, this baby smells amazing!
 
So here's some more good news!  Jane Carter Solution is offering FMM readers 20% off on sales of $30 or more!  Simply use coupon code: NEWCUSTOMER20
 
Thank you so much for reading! xoxo Carla - FMM
 
*Press Sample

Hair Pillow

Wednesday, January 15, 2014


I don't know about you, but when I wake up in the morning my hair is a hot mess!  No seriously, there have been times where I've literally scared myself after a quick peek in the mirror!  Yes, my hair is unruly and very high maintenance!  But you know, sometimes I just wish I could have it a little easier... you know... just wake up and GO!  While I've come to terms with the fact that waking up a few extra minutes earlier is a prerequisite for cute hair in the morning, I've also found a possible solution for my morning hair disasters!  Enter... the Hair Pillow!  Oh yes, you read correctly!  You see, the Hair Pillow is structured with strategically placed curves  to create areas that allow the hair to be moved away from the head, preventing the head from compressing the hair no matter what your sleep position.  When I first saw the pillow I thought, OK, great idea... but how comfy could this thing be?!  I am very picky with my pillows.  In fact, I spent a small fortune on my current pillow because I was tired of waking up with neck and shoulder pain.  Well, this beauty really impressed me.  It's actually way more comfy than what it appears to be.  In addition to aiding your hair to fabulosity over the course of the night, I also find it great for supporting my neck while I cozy up with a magazine or watch a little TV!  I love that it comes with its own travel bag making this baby the perfect travel companion!  After putting this beauty to the test, I can say that it passed with flying colors.  While I still needed to give my hair a little TLC in the morning, it's a far cry from the mop head situation encountered in previous mornings I assure you! 



So lets chat... does the idea of a Hair Pillow entice you?  What are your thoughts?  Click here to learn more about the Hair Pillow.

*Press Sample - all opinions are my own.

Temptu Airbrush System Video Tutorial

Monday, January 13, 2014

OK I haven't been this excited about something in a long time!  This... is... mah-jorThe Temptu Airbrush System will literally change your life!  How so you ask?  Well, picture yourself... just as pretty.... but your complexion... FLAWLESS!  I mean, this baby will leave your skin looking camera ready,  like porcelain!   Best part?  It's SO easy to use!  I would not steer you wrong my gorgeous readers... no no no!  In all honesty, I was a bit intimidated when this baby arrived in the mail.  As excited as I was, I actually put it off to the side for a few days to kind of work up the courage to use it.  When I finally did, I could not believe how easy the whole process was.  In fact, I don't think it takes me any longer to use this versus my usual routine consisting of primer, foundation or cc cream, powder etc.  With the Temptu Airbrush System, you will not need to prime your skin!  Crazy right?  And no worries... once this baby goes on your pretty little face, it's there to STAY! 





fyi... no photoshop on this baby! 

As if the fact that this beauty is a total miracle worker isn't plenty already, the Patricia Field Signature Kit - Martine Girl exudes fabulosity!  Get your cosmos ready ladies (and gents if you're into that sorta thing.... no judgments here) because this pretty baby pays homage to the uber talented SATC stylist herself! I could never forget my first time in one of her NYC stores... I was sixteen and have been a fan ever since! 

Temptu is the answer to every woman's prayer!  Step aside all you red carpet beauties gracing the Golden Globes, because we've uncovered your little beauty secret!  With Temptu... you too can look red carpet ready on a living room carpet budget!  Sound good?  Check out my video tutorial for all the deets!



So lets chat... have you tried the Temptu Airbrush System?  What did you think?  

Thank you SO MUCH for reading! XOXO Carla - FMM

*Press Sample - All opinions are my own.  This is not a sponsored post.

Get Kate Beckinsale's Hair Look for the 2014 Golden Globes

Sunday, January 12, 2014


Kate Beckinsale looked stunning at the 2014 Golden Globes.  In fact, I just showed you how to recreate her makeup look in the previous post.  Well, lucky you because now I can share with you just how to recreate her gorgeous hair as well.  This stunning look was created by Celebrity Hairstylist, Sascha Breuer using Moroccanoil. Sascha gave the beauty an edgy style to complement her Zuhair Murad gown while presenting Best Original Song to Bono.  

Overall Inspiration:With her wholesome, English rose good looks, Kate can get away with quite a bit of edginess in her hairstyle, so we went with a punk-inspired diva look that’s a bit different from her usual soft flowing waves.” 
 
“Get the Look”
 
Hair—Prep/Style:
·         Start by spraying Moroccanoil Root Boost directly on to the roots of damp hair. The spray will help add body and hold and it’s a great way to set the style in. It’ll also make hair more pliable and easier to work with. 
·         Start blow drying your hair using a skeleton brush; use your fingers to create texture and additional volume. Once the hair is fully dry, separate into a horseshoe shaped section (the part between both temples & your crown area) and clip the top section away.
·         Pull the bottom section into a low, side ponytail at the nape of the neck and secure with an elastic. Then coil & wrap the tail into a messy bun.  You can even tug a few strands out to create naturally falling bits and to loosen the bun. Secure it with bobby pins.
·         Take the hair from the top section and backcomb the roots using Moroccanoil Boar Bristle Teasing Brush to maximize the volume at the crown and create a slightly disheveled texture.
·         Secure the top section into the existing, loose bun with bobby pins.
 
Finishing Touches:
·         Mist the hair with Moroccanoil Luminous Hairspray to add shine and long-lasting hold. Spray a little on finger tips and work it into the single strands to help define. Secure the final look with a few more pins. You’re good to go!
 
                              
 
I'm such a fan of Moroccan Oil... love to see that it's equally loved by the gorgeous Kate Beckinsale! 
 
Thank you SO MUCH for reading! XOXO Carla - FMM
 
*Photos provided by Lippe Taylor PR

Kate Beckinsale in Jouer at the 2014 Golden Globes


The best part of award season is the red carpet of course!  I just love oooing and aahhhing and sometimes ewwwwing over the gowns, hair, makeup, jewels... I love it all!  I was stoked to see the ever so stunning Kate Beckinsale perfectly clad in Jouer!  You all know I'm a big fan of the brand so I wanted to share all the details of how you can create Kate's gorgeous look at home using Jouer's finest! 

GET THE LOOK:
Kate Beckinsale -  Golden Globe Awards
 
Celebrity Makeup Artist: Adam Breuchaud for Jouer Cosmetics
 
Step-by-step:
“When I first saw the silver and gunmetal metallic dress I immediately thought it needed a sexy, rock n' roll make up.  We decided on a smudged kohl eye, almost the day after look.  
 
I started by smudging Jouer Creme Eyeshadow in Suede all over the eye. I blended Jouer Powder Eyeshadow in Opal in the inner corner for a highlight, then layered Jouer Powder Eyeshadow in Chocolat over her lid.  Next, I applied Jouer Eye Definer in Noir along the top and bottom lash line.  Over that I blended Jouer Powder Eyeshadow in Licorice to really smoke out the look.
 
After cleaning under her eye I applied the Jouer Age-Repairing Concealer in No.3 Cameo where needed.  Then I applied the Jouer Luminizing Moisture Tint in Bronzed as a foundation.  It is sheer enough to let the skin show through where you want  and build more coverage where you need.  
 
On Kate’s cheeks, I applied Jouer’s cream Tint in Whisper and Mineral Powder Bronzer in Sunshine - my favorite go to duo.  Together they define and brighten the cheek effortlessly.  
 
To finish off the look I used Jouer Lip Gloss in Cherish.” – Adam Breuchaud   
 
 
Thank you so much for reading! XOXO Carla - FMM
 
*Images provided by Jouer PR

GLOSSYBOX GIVEAWAY!

Thursday, January 9, 2014


I'm beyond excited to kick start the New Year with an AMAZING giveaway! I've teamed up with one of my absolute favorite monthly beauty subscriptions GLOSSYBOX to give away one box to a lucky FMM reader! I subscribe to several monthly beauty boxes but can honestly tell you that the one I most look forward to each month is GLOSSYBOX.  First, it's the most luxurious out of all of my subscriptions.  Every month I am ensured a fabulous pink box, adorned with pretty ribbon.  When I undo the ribbon, I am always sure to find the most gorgeous products... many of them are full size  btw!  My latest GLOSSYBOX is just an example of just how fantastic this beauty box is!  I was especially stoked to find a full size Nails Inc. nail polish in the most  sensuous glossy deep wine hue. 

So let me walk you through my most recent GLOSSYBOX and show you just how uhhhh-mazing it really is!






OK so the Michael Todd Pumpkin Mask I'd already tried before and liked it.  I was excited to see it again in this month's GLOSSYBOX so that I could continue to pamper myself with this beauty!  This is a deluxe sample and lasts for several uses!


The Naobay Oxygenating Moisturizing Cream is fantastic.  It leaves your skin feeling hydrated, nourished and bonus... it smells wonderful!  Also, this is a fast absorbing moisturizer which means very little drying time.  It's excellent for quick applications right before applying your makeup!


The Anatomicals You Need a Blooming Shower makes for a delicious and slightly hilarious shower!  The name makes it a fun, relaxed product but the texture and scent make it a must have shower necessity!



Wink is a lash and eyebrow growth serum that I had not previously heard of.  I'm always curious about these types of products because I've relied on many of them to help boost my lash size.  Remember, I used to be a member of the itty bitty lash committee but things have improved since.  I'm hoping this baby helps me along!  I'm especially excited to see how it helps my barely there brows.




Now on to my FAVORITE product in the entire box... the GORGEOUS full size Nails Inc. nail polish in Victoria!  This deep wine shade is glossy and makes your nails look oh so sexy!  I think it's my new winter fave!

OK IF YOU WANT A GOOD LAUGH KEEP READING... so the other morning, I got out of the shower and still felt kind of awake.  So I reached for my eye serum, in the dark because I didn't want to wake my hubby up, opened the bottle, placed a few drops under my eyes and proceeded to massage the entire eye area.  As I massaged, I began to realize that this was not the same texture or smell as my current serum.  I quickly ran to the bathroom, turned on the lights and it was like a scene right out of American Horror Story!!!!  Yes, what I thought was eye serum was the NAILS INC. NAIL POLISH!!!!!  The bottles are identical and since I'd done my nails the night before, they were next to each other on my night stand!  I laughed, I cried, I panicked and then... I laughed some more!  I had no choice but to reach for my nail polish remover!  Yes, you read correctly!  I carefully and gently dabbed it all over this ultra sensitive area and hoped not to end up with a major reaction!  Interestingly enough, my skin looked amazing that day... hmmm... new skincare trend perhaps?!  haha well... I hope that you had a good laugh at my expense because this was truly one for the books! 

OK on to the important details... GLOSSYBOX is a monthly subscription service.  You can visit their website to sign up for your monthly boxes at $21 per month.  I've been a subscriber since they started their service in the US and I have yet to receive a box I didn't love!  FYI - box spoiler alert... a little birdie told me that Beauty Blender make make an appearance in January boxes!  I'm over the moon with excitement!!!  Oh and boys.... GLOSSYBOX has officially launched a men's box this month so hurry up and get in on the action!

OK OK I'LL STOP THE RAMBLING AND MOVE ON TO THE CONTEST!!!

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