Drugstore Beauty Faves!

Wednesday, October 29, 2014

Drugstore Beauty Faves!
I'm a huge fan of high end beauty products... but more and more I'm finding that there are so many drugstore products that are equally amazing!  In fact, i have quite the list of drugstore holy grail products!  I've been shopping CVS since i was in my early teens.  Growing you, i had one two blocks away and i still remember the feeling of walking down the beauty aisle and peeking at the array of nail polish colors or lippie options.  I'd always toss a few beauties in my shopping basket followed by a magazine or two.  This was my way to unwind from a long day.   To be honest, it still is!  I love beauty products and i adore reading magazines, so during my down time (oh who am i kidding, I'm always chasing my twinadoes around), i simply love to explore new beauty options and cozy up with a great magazine!  OK so i totally just got side tracked with that flashback... but i kind of enjoyed it!  Getting back to some drugstore products I'm really loving right now!

I recently purchased Milani's Bella Eyes Eye Shadows at my local CVS and fell madly in love!  These shadows are insanely pigmented and could easily stand up to any of my favorite high end shadows!  These are easily the best bang for your buck when it comes to shadows!  I will be doing a full review on the ones i picked up along with a few more things but wanted to include them in this post because they are an absolute must have in my book!  Years ago, i found myself spending so much money on high end mascaras! While there are a few that i still love, i have to say, I'm so blown away by several drugstore mascaras!  There are two in particular that have completely wow'd me.  CVS sent me L'Oreal's Butterfly Effects (although I'd already purchased myself and loved it) and it was love at first swipe! This mascara has such a way of separating lashes! On me, it creates the most beautiful feathered lash effect!  It's just so different from any mascara I've ever tried! Another mascara i fell hard for was Revlon's Lash Potion.  I was sent this mascara initially by Allure to use in my Beauty Blogger Awards challenges and i was completely smitten.  This mascara will extend and voluminize your lashes!  It's so so soooo good that i have since purchased several!

Are you looking for a great cleanser but don't want to break the bank?  Neutrogena Naturals Purifying Cream Cleanser is a perfect option!  I love that it's free of harsh chemicals, sulfates, parabens, dyes, etc.   Really, this cleanser leaves my skin feeling clean and prepped for my skincare!  L'Oreal's BB Magic is one of those products that i have purchased over and over again.  It's light in coverage but really smooths out the skin.  It feels very similar to Sarah McNamara's Skin Transformer!  Yes!  It's a great product for when i don't really want to do up your entire face and just want to keep it simple.  I have recommended this to friends who've become equally smitten!  Great product!  Lastly, L'Oreal's Color Riche Extraordinaire Lipstick/gloss in Nude Ballet is absolutely, positively my favorite nude in the whole wide world!  The texture and pigmentation of this product is incredible!  This beauty can easily stand up to some of the most luxurious brands out there!  Everyone needs to own it!

So these are just a few of the drugstore products I'm absolutely loving right now.  Stop by your local CVS and check them out!  So lets chat... what are some of your favorite drugstore favorites?  I want to find more drugstore gems!!!  Thank you so much for reading !

Xo, Carla - FMM
Some products were sent for review and some were purchased by me.  All of the products in this posts are amazing.  This opinion is my own and not influenced by outside factors.

Urban Decay - Naked Basics Versus Naked Basics 2

Tuesday, October 28, 2014


I've been obsessed with Urban Decay eye shadows!  The quality is fantastic! They're super pigmented, buttery and just plain amazing! I've collected their palettes for years, from the smokey, to the OZ collection, to the three Naked palettes!  More recently I've added the Naked Basics! I loved that palette so much that when the Naked Basics 2 came out, i simply had to get my hands on it! I mean, who doesn't love a great 'nudes' palette! The big question here is, do you need both!  Well, I'm here to help you decide which one best suits you or if you in fact need both!  So here's the deal.... if you're me and have  a serious make up obsession, then the answer is yes, of course! However, if you would rather own one of these and can't decide, I've got swatches and of course my two cents to help you make the right decision.  Both of these palettes are beautiful and look great on just about anybody!  After all, you can go wrong with nudes! However, while the palettes look almost identical at a distance, they do have significant differences!  The Naked Basics palette is the warmer of the two.  If warmer tones are your thing, this is the palette you want!  However, the Naked Basics 2 Palette is significantly cooler than the first version.  If i had to pick between the two (and it would be quite a difficult decision) I'd probably opt for the Naked Basics 2.  I'm obsessed with the taupe shades 'Frisk and Cover' in the middle of the palette.  They're absolutely gorgeous!  OK... no more chatting! I'll let you see for yourself!




I hope this post helped shed some clarity on whether you need one, both or none (although i can't imagine!) Thank you so much for reading! XO, Carla - FMM

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Fall Beauty

Monday, October 27, 2014


So i recently purchased this gorgeous dress and was instantly inspired to search for the perfect beauty accessories to compliment it!  This is what i came up with!  

NARS Nail Polish in China Town - side note (this was the very first NARS polish i ever purchased a good 16 years ago - yes I'm old- but it just goes to show you how timeless this color is!)
Stila Convertible Color in Gladiola  - Another makeup bag staple of mine for years and years!

But lets get back to the dress!!!  How stunning is it?!  When it arrived, it was seriously everything I'd imagined it to be.  It's very versatile.  I wear it with leggings, skinny jeans and short booties etc.  The possibilities are endless. Plus, i feel that it's so unique.  You don't see dresses like this one very often!  I'm seriously in love!  

Thank you so much for reading!  You can shop the post below! Xo, Carla - FMM 
(This post contains affiliate links)



Hello Fall - Hello Dark Lips!

Friday, October 24, 2014

Hello Fall - Hello Dark Lips!

This is the most exciting time of year for me personally!  You see, Fall means dark lips.... and i love a great, bold, dark lip!  While there are many wonderful deep hued lippie options out there, i wanted to highlight one that I've been wearing for years!  MAC's Media is a great, deep, berry wine hue that applies semi-matte.  This beauty stays put all day long!  I actually wore it this week. The funny thing is, i applied once in the morning and that was it for the entire day!  This is definitely very long lasting!  The other beauty i wanted to highlight is Stila's Mile High Mascara.  When they initially launched a couple of months ago, i quickly ran to my local Sephora to see what all the fuss was about!  I'm so glad that i did because for me, it was love at first swipe!  This mascara gave my tiny lashes major umph!  Yes, i made up that word but basically it made them look longer and fuller immediately.  Upon initial glance, the brush is nothing out of the ordinary.  However, when you apply, you'll quickly realize that its lean shape helps create the perfect looking lashes!  After all, what else do you need this Fall but gorgeous lips and lashes for miles right?!  Thank you so much for reading!  Xo, Carla - FMM  




Shop the look here



New From PIXI!

Thursday, October 23, 2014


PIXI is definitely a fave of mine!  I feel as though the line just keeps getting better and better and i'm constantly wow'd!  I'm currently swooning over some of their newly launched products! From the gorgeous new Super Smoky Crayon Combo to the sparkly nail hues, PIXI's new beauties are perfect for Fall!  Lets dive right in!  A great complexion is essential when prepping your canvas right? The Concealing Concentrate Concealer is lightweight, full coverage and filled with skin loving ingredients such as vitamins A, C and E.  The size makes it the perfect 'makeup bag' essential for quick touch-ups throughout the day! The Quick Fix Powder was one of those products that actually made me gasp with excitement.  Aside from the fact that this translucent powder creates a gorgeous, soft finish... the innovation of the packaging is phenomenal!  This beauty comes equipped with a puff that is attached to the container making it super user friendly. Simply swipe this soft matte powder all over your face for the perfect finish!  Bonus? This baby comes with a mirror that is conveniently built into the packaging!  Score! You've heard me rave about the Combo Crayons before!  I mean, i find them so versatile and easy to use!  They glide on and are deeply pigmented creating the perfect line. The new Super Smokey Crayon Combo is soooo gorgeous! This combo consists of a matte black liner on one end and a gunmetal bluish grey on the other.  Another makeup bag staple for me! Want red lips but don't think you can pull them off?  Why not opt for PIXI's Tinted Brilliance balm in Rosy Red.  Swipe this stunner across your lips for the prettiest sheer red that will compliment just about any skin tone.  This beauty not only looks amazing but feels incredibly hydrating on my lips!  I'm obsessed with these!  As for nails, PIXI's formula is pretty incredible! In celebration of Pixi's 15th anniversary, they launched the most stunning sparkly polish! When i first swatched Crystal Champagne, i may have shed a tear of joy!  Seriously, this is quite possibly one of the prettiest sparkly shades ever!  I layered it over Almond Glow (a fleshy hue) and love it!  Definitely go check these beauties and more at your local Target or Pixi's website!  They're so sooooo great!






Wearing the Powder, Concealer, and Crayon Combo in the picture below.

Wearing the Tinted Brilliance in Rosy Red below.

BTW have you entered my giveaway for a $200 Sephora gift card?  Open Internationally!  Enter here!

Thank you so much for reading! Xo, Carla - FMM

*press sample

Think PINK!

Wednesday, October 22, 2014

I recently stumbled upon this super cute and very affordable Estee Lauder set and fell madly in love! While it's certainly beautiful, it also serves a great cause!  'Evelyn Lauder and Elizabeth Hurley team up for a limited-edition collection filled with gorgeous products housed in a pink fold-over clutch! The collection helps raise awareness that early detection saves lives.  With every purchase the Evelyn Lauder and Elizabeth Hurley Dream Pink Collection, Estee Lauder will donate 20% of the suggested retail price to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation from August 2014 to June 2015!'

The collection includes the following:

- Pure Color Long Lasting Lipstick in limited-edition Dream Pink
- Pure Color Nail Lacquer in Blushing Lilac and Berry Hot
- Fold-over pink clutch

This is a seriously gorgeous set and i will definitely be picking this up!  In fact, i think it makes a great gift as well!  Get it now for only $26.55 plus free shipping!  Oh you read correctly!  I know... such a great bargain right?! Thank you so much for reading! Xo, Carla - FMM

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CND Vinylux Polish


It's no secret that I'm obsessed with nail polish!  In fact, when i was pregnant with my twin girls and on bed rest, nail polish was my savior.  It was my one form of indulgence in my otherwise state of repose.  So it's no wonder that over the years, I've accumulated quite the collection.  I love finding new formulas and innovations when it comes to nail lacquer.  While I'd heard of CND, i had never actually tried any of their nail polishes... until now. CND generously sent a few shades for me to try and i have to say, i was sooooo impressed with the formula!  The CND Vinylux polishes along with top coat are designed to last 7 days chip free! This is every girls' dream no?  Well, I've been diligently testing out all of these gorgeous hues and have to say that for the most part, this is the case. I found however that some lasted longer than others.  Before i get into that, here's how this works!  You can skip the base coat (yay).  Begin by applying your choice of CND Vinylux hue.  When dry, apply the CND Weekly top coat polish to seal the nail polish in.  Exposure to natural light actually activates the patent-pending ProLight technology to deliver week long wear.  Personally, i like to change my nail polish several times a week, but i also love the option of being able to keep it on longer and chip free for weeks where I'm too busy to switch things up.  Or if I'm feeling a bit under the weather as i was this past week and simply don't have the energy to change my polish.  The formula of every single CND polish i tried is incredibly rich and applies beautifully.  In some cases, one coat was plenty, although i always prefer two.  So here's the thing, on me these polishes did not last a full 7 days. Keep in mind I'm a mommy of twins and when I'm not swatching lipsticks and mascaras, i also do laundry, housework, have a full time job that involves lots of hand washing etc.  I seriously put my nail polishes to the test!  However i will say that these lasted on me way longer than many others. This makes me excited because it's nice to know that when i need a nail polish to last me a little longer, i can simply reach for one of these beauties and know that I'm good to go!



1.  Dazzling Dance
2.  Indigo Frock
3.  Plum Paisley
4.  Crimson Sash
5.  Rose Brocade
6.  Fine Vermilion
7.  Locket Love
8.  Grand Gala
9.  Chiffon Twirl


Overall, I'm impressed!  I will definitely purchase a few more shades of these as i think they work well for me. Oh and guess what?  You can now purchase these beauties at Lola Lux online!  Check them out! Thank you SO MUCH for reading! Xo, Carla - FMM

*press sample - all opinions are my own based on my experience with these products.

Behind the Scenes of People Style Watch - Mary Kay Campaign

Tuesday, October 21, 2014

This past Spring, People Style Watch magazine invited me to attend a photo shoot for Mary Kay's Fall campaign.  It was a dream come true just getting to be in the middle of all the action!  I had a chance to see all that a fashion/beauty photo shoot entails including wardrobe and makeup.  The model was absolutely gorgeous and the final looks were simply stunning!  The looks created that day are being featured in People Style Watch's October, November and December issues.  This month's campaign focuses on a huge Fall runway trend of jewel toned velvet pieces.  As a result, Mary Kay created a smokey eye using gorgeous jewel tones (purples and violets to be specific).  One of the dominant colors used which i have and love is Mary Kay's cream shadow in Violet Storm. Definitely check it out!  Want to read all about my fun day in NYC during the photo shoot?  Check out part one and part two of all the behind the scenes actions of the photo shoot!



I took the picture below of the model without makeup... how stunning is she?! Wow


Thank you so much for reading! Xo, Carla - FMM

$200 Sephora Giftcard Giveaway!!!

Monday, October 20, 2014

Thank you so much to all who entered my Benefit They're Real Push Up Liner Giveaway!  Congratulations to the winner (package is on its way)! 

This is major!  Arielle (my fellow Allure Beauty Blogger finalist friend) is celebrating the birthday of her awesome beauty blog Beauty By Arielle!  To celebrate, she collaborated with a few bloggers (myself included) to host a major giveaway!  One lucky reader will win a $200 Sephora Giftcard!!! Best part?  This giveaway is open internationally so no worries if you don't have a Sephora where you live because you'll receive the value of the gift card via pay pal to use anywhere you please! Exciting right?  Gosh, I'd go bananas at Sephora with $200!  Well, since i can't win this one, I'm hoping a lucky FMM readers scores the grand prize!  You can enter via the Rafflecopter widget below!  Be sure to stop by Arielle's blog and send your good wishes her way!  This is a celebration after all!  Thank you all for reading and GOOD LUCK! Xo, Carla - FMM

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Amarte Skincare

Friday, October 17, 2014

Amarte Skincare
I've been using and loving some of Amarte's Skincare for a while now.  In fact, i just finished the Amarte Exfolipowder which I'm completely obsessed with.  It really speaks volumes for a brand when a beauty blogger actually finishes a product.  You see, yes, I'm very fortunate to have an abundance of skincare to try, but not all of it makes it on the blog!  I try many products and when i find a gem, i want to shout it from the rooftop!  And while i do love some products, i hardly every hit pan on anything because there's always something new to try.  So when i do finish a product, i feel that it's worth while to tell you all just how amazing it is!  Amarte's Exfolipowder is a staple in my shower and i use it daily.  This powder activates when you add a few drops of water to cleanse and gently exfoliate your skin.  I just love the way my skin feels when i use it.  Also, i find that this is a great value!  The bottle is quite large and lasts a long time... a great value for only $35!  This gem is absolutely, positively amazing!  You all need to try it... i promise you'll fall instantly in love just as i did!

Amarte's Wonder Cream has done wonders for my skin.  It promotes brighter, more youthful complexion as it corrects the visible signs of aging.  Mushroom extracts reduce freckles and age spots while retinol increases cell turnover.  I use this baby every night after properly cleansing my face and i have noticed a significant difference in the overall appearance of my skin.

Currently on my nightstand is Amarte's Aqua Mist Toner.  A few spritzes and my skin feels instantly refreshed!  This beauty restores skin's delicate pH balance as it hydrates for renewed appearance.  This toner is infused with a ton of skin-loving ingredients that feel absolutely delicious on my skin.  I use it at bedtime and in the morning because i absolutely adore the way my skin feels immediately after application!

If you're looking to try new skincare, i give this brand a major thumbs up!  Seriously, I've already repurchased the Exfolipowder!  It's amazing!  Thank you so much for reading! Xo, Carla - FMM

*press sample - all opinions are my own based on my experience with these products.

October GLOSSYBOX - Spoiler Alert!!!

Thursday, October 16, 2014


GLOSSYBOX is easily one of my favorite monthly beauty subscription services! This is the one i REALLY look forward to because i know that every month, i am assured at least one full size product and the rest are usually very generous sizes unlike some of the other beauty subscriptions out there.  While i subscribe to GLOSSYBOX and have for almost two years, the GLOSSYBOX team sent over this box before all boxes ship so that i could give you a sneak peek of what this month entails!  Let me tell you, it does NOT disappoint!  DO NOT SCROLL DOWN IF YOU PREFER TO BE SURPRISED!

This month, you can expect to get a full size Tarte Power Pigment (mine is in the color Flush and it's absolutely stunning).  This beauty packs on the color and hydration all at once.  It's super long lasting and tastes rather refreshing.  And yes, i will be adding more to my collection!  I love love LOVE Tarte so this is a major bonus for me! Best part? No sharpener needed... this beauty is a twist up making it super easy to use!  Also in this month's box, you'll get a Proganix Volume Boost Finish and Body Builder.  This beauty is another full size product that adds volume to your hair.  I don't exactly need any more volume with mine but i will say that it kind of applied like a hair spray.  A little goes a long way. OK, I've been obsessed with Nails Inc. for quite some time.  They're nail polishes are great so when one of these babies pops into one of my beauty subscriptions, i get really excited.  This is another full size product (score!) and it is the Westminister Bridge Matte Top Coat.  If matte polish is your thing, this product is for you! The next product is a wonderful sheet mask by SESHA. The Botanical Hydro Mask left my skin feeling refreshed and rejuvenated!  I'm a huge fan of sheet masks so this was certainly a major bonus for me! Last but certainly not least, this month, GLOSSYBOX is sampling Vince Camuto's Amore Eau De Parfum.  This limited edition scent is absolutely beautiful.  It's floral and light.  Oh and as for the bottle?  Major cuteness alert!  Seriously, it's perfection!   So you see, in this box you actually get THREE full size products!  Oh and lets not forget this month's bonus!  As a special gift, GLOSSYBOX included a $40 gift card to sign up for a discounted Hello Fresh Food Box subscription!  Basically this service delivers recipes and corresponding ingredients to your home weekly. Honestly, I'm never disappointed with my GLOSSYBOX and this month's is no exception! My favorite product was definitely the Tarte lippie but i absolutely loved the entire box as a whole.  




Curious about GLOSSYBOX?  Simply subscribe here for $21 per month.  Every box I've ever gotten is worth so much more than what you pay for it.  Once you receive your box, be sure to review it for Glossy Dots.  Each product review equals 20 Glossy Dots.  You can earn a free box this way!  Oh and if you order yours before October 31st, be sure to use code GBGLAM and receive a Glamglow Youth Mud Mask.  That stuff is soooo amazing!

Thank you so much for reading! Xo, Carla - FMM

*press sample - all opinions are my own.  While this box was sent as a press sample,  I subscribe to GLOSSYBOX and pay for it every month because i genuinely love this subscription. 

Tarte Bon Voyage Travel Set - Holiday Edition

Wednesday, October 15, 2014


Listen up beauties!  Tarte's holiday collection is one not to be missed!  When you take a peek at what's in store for the most wonderful time of year, you'll easily lose all self control!  The Bon Voyage Collector's Set and Travel Bag is quite possibly one of the prettiest sets ever!  Really! This Parisian glamour inspired beauty is all you need to carry with you during all of your holiday travels!  Don't worry, if your plans don't involve a trip to Paris, Tarte makes it easy for your to channel your inner Parisian chic! This set valued at $423 will only set you back $59!  It's easily the best deal out there right now because you get a gorgeous, portable travel bag filled with a collection of limited-edition, over sized must-have beauty essentials for eyes, lips, cheeks and complexion.  Here's what's included:

 20 x 0.07 oz Amazonian clay eye shadows in Palace Of Versaille, Moulin Rouge, I Think I Cannes, My Own Cotes De Rhone, Boudoir Noir, Fall In Louvre, Provence Upon A Time, Eiffel For You, Too Haute To Handle, Bastille In The Night, Chantilly Lace, Merci You Later, No Champagne, No Gain, Take On Bordeaux, French Riviera, C’est La Vie, Marseille The Word, Play Nice, On A Good Notre Dame, Le Cordon Bleu 
- 0.13 oz Deluxe lights, camera, lashes 4-in-1 mascara 
- 0.17 oz Limited-edition deluxe cheek stain in Muse (soft nude) 
- 0.27 oz LipSurgence lip gloss in Visionary (apricot) 
- 0.06 oz LipSurgence lip tint in Romantic (peachy nude) 
- 0.23 oz Deluxe maracuja oil 
- 0.07 oz Deluxe smooth operator Amazonian clay finishing powder 
- Limited-edition collector’s travel bag 










The eye shadow palette is well pigmented and has zero fall out!  The colors are stunning and have very fitting french names! The travel bag, complete with the prettiest tassels ever is perfect for travel and even has a pocket that fits the eye shadow palette perfectly!  I'm obsessed with the Lip gloss and tint included in this set.  It's so beautiful and i swear will look amazing on just about anybody!  If you've ever tried the Lights, Camera, Lashes mascara, you know this is a great one!  I've purchased several of these over the course of a few months because it's that good!  Every single product in this set is amazing and well worth the price.  This will make a wonderful holiday gift for the beauty lover in your life, even if that beauty lover is you!  Treat yourself girlfriend!



You can purchase this beauty here.  Thank you so much for reading! Xo, Carla - FMM

*press sample - all opinions are my own based on my experience with this product.

IT Cosmetics Your Most Radiant You! QVC TSV

Tuesday, October 14, 2014


Well it's that time again! On Tuesday, October 14, 2014, QVC's Today Special Value is none other than IT Cosmetics' Your Most Radiant You! Five Piece Collection! This set includes Celebration Foundation Illumination and a brand new CC+ Radiance Ombre Blush to help you achieve your most luminous skin! Be one of the first to experience the worldwide launch of Hello Lashes Extensions that will give your lashes a reason to wink! It comes paired with the No-Tug Gel Eyeliner to give your eyes the attention they deserve. Help transform your complexion and eyes with makeup that looks and feels like your skin but better for your most radiant you! But that's not all you get! If you know and love IT Cosmetics, you know their brushes are the very best in the business right? This set includes the Heavenly Luxe Double Airbrush Foundation Brush! This is the best brush for applying your celebration foundation! So here's what you need to know! The TSV will be live on QVC beginning at midnight (ET) on October 14, 2014 for the low price of $54.96! Whaaaat?! But remember, this price is ONE DAY ONLY so be sure to get yours before they sell out! The ombre blush is on another level of gorgeous! Seriously... you should see it in person! This is easily my favorite product on this set! Although i absolutely love all the products! The mascara is awesome, the celebration foundation is a long time favorite of mine, the brush is phenomenal (as are ALL IT brushes) and the liner glides on smoothly and stays put all day and all night if you let it! Seriously, this is an amazing deal! You can purchase it here!  The item number for this set is #A260772 or for Auto-Delivery it's #A262259.








Thank you so much for reading! Happy Shopping! Xoxo, Carla - FMM

*press sample

- DESIGNED BY ECLAIR DESIGNS -