Peter Thomas Roth Cucumber De-Tox De-puffing Eye Cubes

I've been so so soooo curious about Peter Thomas Roth's Cucumber De-Tox De-Puffing Eye Cubes! So when Sephora had their VIB sale event, i decided i needed to take action.  I've always had issues with puffiness and dark under eye circles so anything 'cucumber' and 'refreshing' always peeks my curiosity!  I've had quite some time to put this beauty to the test and while it feels amazing on, i'm not quite sure it lives up to the hype or price tag for that matter.  The concept is amazing actually. Basically , you get these capsules that are in liquid form.  Pop them in the freezer and when you are ready to use one, simply peel it off the package and gently place it inside the cloth pouch (enclosed). Next, you massage it all over your under eye area.  OK, so lets chat positives.  It feels wonderful on and is very soothing.  In fact, i think these will be especially wonderful in the head of the summer. Having said that, application can be quite messy!!! You see, while you're applying the 'ice cube' under your eyes, it melts... and you can visualize the rest from there.  There has to be a better way to execute this concept!  I was hoping that these were actually cucumber infused circles that you placed in the fridge and reused as necessary but at $50 for 6 uses, i just don't think it's worth the price.  If the price tag was a bit more wallet friendly, i would say yes, definitely worth it (messiness and all).

I actually like the product itself if it weren't so messy and perhaps a bit less pricey. I'll continue on my quest to find the perfect 'cucumber' de-puffing product.  When i find it... i will be sure to share it with you!   If you're still curious and want to try these for yourself, you can purchase them here!

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

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Nordstrom Half Yearly Sale

YAY it's my favorite time of year.... Nordstrom Half Yearly Sale!!!  While i always have a few things on my virtual shopping cart, i thought I'd highlight a few of my favorite things that are currently marked down until May 31st!  

OK so i actually already own the regular sized Rebecca Minkoff Fiona Bucket Bag but this 'mini' version is ON SALE and it's ADORABLE! 
The Michael Kors 'Josephine' wedges are sooooo insanely gorgeous for summer!  The navy is gorgeous and will pair so well with a bohemian white dress! 
All hail to the queen... Alexander McQueen that is... ummm these stunning shades pretty much speak for themselves!  Need.... stat!
I'm a huge Kendra Scott fan and this Arden Station Cuff is everything!  I'm also loving this Kate Spade bangle so much... plus it's under $30 so you can get one for you and one for your bff!

Also on my shopping cart but not on sale (weep weep) are these spectacular Rebecca Minkoff earrings and Charlotte Tilbury Beach Stick.

So have you shopped the Nordstrom Half Yearly Sale?  What did you get??? Do tell!!!

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

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Download the Fashion Maven Mommy APP!

I'm so excited to share that FMM now has its own app!  This will make navigating my blog so much easier on your mobile device or ipad!  All of my posts as well as social media is linked to the app so it's a one stop shop!  Be sure to download the app via the App Store stat so you don't miss out on your daily dose of FMM beauty! Let me know what you think!

Thank you so much for stopping by... xoxo, Carla - FMM

NARS Dual Intensity Blushes

A few months back, my friend and awesome youtube vlogger Serein Wu spoke so highly of the NARS dual intensity blushes!  Being the beauty junkie that i am, i certainly cannot resist such a great recommendation so i picked up my fist blush in the shade Craving. I've never been wow'd the way that i was with this blush! Holy amazingness!  Here's why... while you can wear these by simply swiping your brush and applying, you can actually wet these for major intensity! But before we get into that, lets chat brushes!  Serein really recommended the NARS Wet Dry  brush that is specifically made to use with these blushes. Since i didn't actually have that brush, i reached for my favorite IT Cosmetics brushes (this one and this one) and have to say, they did an amazing job! I think the key is to have a good, densely packed brush! Initially i used an evian spritz on my brushes but then switched over to MAC's Prep + Prime Fix It which makes everything more intense in general (you so need this, especially for shadows)! The color payoff was incredible!  Simply spray MAC's Fix It on your brush lightly, dab your brush on the blush, tap the brush on over the top of your hand to be sure you're not over applying (always better to build up your color versus over applying), then swipe across your cheeks for the most gorgeous color ever!!!  In fact, i was so blown away by how gorgeous this blush was that i added Frenzy to my collection!  Warning... these blushes are addicting!  Once you see just how gorgeous these apply, you'll want every. single.one! I know i do!

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

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My Feature In Bella NYC Magazine's Beauty Issue

I couldn't be more excited to share that I'm featured in Bella NYC Magazine's Beauty Issue!  This is a major dream come true for me!  For this feature i chatted about my favorite Iconic Beauty... Michelle Williams of course!  I adore her timeless style and beauty... hullo, have you seen her Louis Vuitton Campaign??? Besides, it was her 2006 Academy Awards ensemble that stole my heart!  Read all about it here or pick up the latest issue of Bella NYC if you're in the NYC area or at your local Barnes & Noble!  Thank you SO MUCH to everyone at Bella NYC for including me in this spectacular issue... such an honor!

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

Pacifica Coconut Infused Mineral Eye Shadow Palette

Last year, while browsing Target's beauty aisles, i took notice of these makeup remover wipes by Pacifica.  Initially, i loved the packaging, but as i read on i realized they were infused with coconut water and being the coconut lover that i am, i simply couldn't leave them behind.  I loved them so much i actually featured them in a blog post which you can read here.  That day i also picked up this beauty.  Fast forward to now... my friends at Pacifica reached out to me with a couple of new products to try.  Since i loved what I'd tried so far, i was excited to see more!

Pacifica's Power of Love Coconut Infused Mineral Eye Shadow Palette is a seriously amazing drugstore palette!  It features a well balanced array of neutrals with a few pops of color! The colors are beautiful and well pigmented.  The shadows are so buttery and super easy to work with!  This is quite a drugstore gem!

Lippie - Anastasia Beverly Hills Liquid Lipstick in Vintage

Definitely go check out this palette, the delicious coconut infused makeup remover wipes and the rest of the line at your local Target , Ulta or online! I promise you will not regret it!  Noteworthy... this brand is cruelty-free, and 100% vegan!

BTW i loved this palette so much that I'd like to share one with you!  Enter to win a Pacifica Power of Love Coconut Infused Mineral Eye Shadow Palette via the Rafflecopter widget! World Wide Giveaway... anyone can enter as long as you follow the required entries!  There are plenty of chances for additional bonus entries!  GOOD LUCK beauties! Xoxo, Carla - FMM

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Style Haul!

I'm a little late in getting this post out but during this past spring break I did a ton of \cleaning, organizing and redecorating.  It was just time to change things up and i went to town!  In between cleaning and organizing i did sneak in a little shopping too!  I found a super cute Kate Spade cross body in pink that I'm absolutely obsessing over (here's a similar one)!  Plus how cute is this Ban Do ipad case (check out this equally adorable zip up pouch! ?! Oh and i couldn't believe that i scored these sandals for such an amazing price! My Brickyard Buffalo kimono finally came in and I'm so in love! I found some other fun options for you to check out as well!  I couldn't resist the 'Merci' thank you cards that i found at Marshall's but you can find some great ones here too! Lastly, I'm obsessed with my Ray Ban mirrored aviator sunnies.  I'd been wanting the ones with the green lens for a while now and i finally bit the bullet and ordered them!  Aren't they gorge??!!!  I also went to West Elm and discovered wine scented candles!  The Riesling and Sangria were my absolute favorite!  I couldn't resist them so i brought home the Sangria candle and am head over heels in love!

While i opted to stay in, i'm so glad that i took the time to get reorganized.  It's such a good feeling! Thank you so much for reading! Xo, Carla

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Living Proof Curl

This is the story of how Living Proof's Curl Collection changed my life... seriously... hear me out! I was born with naturally curly hair... after much processing and damage, those curls turned into waves and then eventually just a frizzy old mess! For years, i opted to wear my hair straight.  This meant countless hours of heavy arm workouts to contradict my hair's natural ways.  My hair however, has always been quite unruly... surely you've heard me say this a thousand times. Looking back, i wonder if it was just rebelling against the lack of sensitivity on my part! I can't tell you how many times i nearly broke my arm straightening my locks only to walk out the door and have it swell into a frizzy hot mess!  All that work for nothing! I remember dreaming of what it'd be like to just be able to air dry my hair.  I envied the girls that could just wash n' go!  For me 'wash n' go' meant hiding under a hat or simply not ever leaving the house because my untamed coif became an interesting mix of super curly underneath, layered with a frizzy wavy brillo pad effect.  Not exactly the look i was aiming for if you know what i mean!  

A while back, after cutting my hair significantly shorter, i decided that i loved my new haircut way better when i styled it curly.  However, styling it curly meant turning to my favorite curling wand for help because my hair could never simply do that on its own.  Thing is, i'd worn my hair straight for so many years that i simply didn't know what products to use to embrace my new curly do.  I asked plenty of advice from my curly haired girlfriends... thank God for girlfriends right? Little by little, i began attempting to re-train my hair to go back to its natural curly ways.  Then one day, a package arrived at my door.  Little did i know that this package would essentially change my life!  I was so intrigued by this collection that i quickly put it to work.  Wow Nelly... the results were uhhhhmazing! 

The first product i used was the Curl Conditioning Wash which gently washes and conditions your hair.  This non lathering formula is sulfate-free and combines cleansing ingredients with a conditioning base giving you smooth, hydrated curls that are clean and healthy.  It starts defining curls in the shower and is great for all types of curls!  I followed this step with the Curl Detangling Rinse.  This water-activated, clear gel-like formula instantly detangles and defines hair the moment it hits water, prepping hair for frizz-free styles. Both of these products are designed to lengthen the life of the curl which is so major for us curly haired gals! 

So the styling part was quite tricky for me because i'll be honest, i'm not used to using products with any kind of 'hold'.  While this is a bit of an adjustment for me, i quickly learned the best combination for my hair.  The first product i use after towel drying my hair is the No Frizz Nourishing Styling Cream although another fantastic option is the No Frizz Leave-In Conditioner which I've also used and loved.  Either one of these products will keep your hair smooth and lessen frizz.  The next product i use is the Curl Defining Styling Cream.  This product actually has a bit of 'hold' to it which turned me off at first... but this is where i initially went wrong with styling my curly locks.  You kind of need a bit of hold because this is what holds the curls together and keeps them nice and defined! I find that the combination of the No Frizz Nourishing Styling Cream or No Frizz Leave-In Conditioner and the Curl Defining Styling Cream makes my hair soft and easy to manage.  There is no crunch!  Sorry but i hate crunchy hair!  Another great option is the Curl Enhancing Styling Mousse which you can use in place of the styling cream or in addition to if you need it.  I actually prefer using the mousse when my hair is dry for a quick touch up.  I spray a small amount on my hands and work it into my hair by scrunching it.  Personally though, because I'm just not used to mousse, i can easily just use the styling cream and be OK!  I think it's really a matter of preference here.  Thanks to these products, i can now just air dry my hair and never worry about a bad hair day again! I never thought I'd see this day but couldn't be more excited particularly because summer is almost here and the thought of blow drying my hair in the heat and humidity is less than pleasing to me so air drying will be a welcome change!  When i need to speed things along, my diffuser does the job quickly and efficiently!  Also noteworthy, these products are formulated without Parabens, Sulfates, Phthalates, and are silicone free and color safe!  Honestly, this collection has changed my life!  While my wonderful friends at Living Proof sent these products for me to try, i just placed an order replenishing the entire collection because I'm pretty sure that i could never live without this entire line of products ever again.  So this is my plea to Living Proof... whatever you do, please don't ever stop making the Curl Collection products!  My hair thanks you in advance for this consideration! 

Thank you so much for reading!  You can shop the post below! Xo, Carla - FMM

Gigi Hadid Blue Cat Eyes

The other day while flipping through the pages of a magazines, i came across this picture of Gigi Hadid and fell madly in love with her stunning blue wing lined eyes! The magazine mentioned that makeup artist Dominique Samuel used Maybelline's Color Tattoo in Tenacious Teal so i took a stroll to my local CVS and purchased this beauty!  I've worked with Maybelline's Color Tattoo shadows before and love them!  They're incredibly long lasting, blendable and the color pay off is intense! Interestingly enough, I'd never tried these as liner so i was excited to step outside the box and play!

To create Gigi Hadid's look, i kept my eye shadow very simple letting the liner do that talking!  I used an eye liner brush to create my winged line.  I began by applying a thin line from the outer part of my eye and worked my way in.  In order to soften the look a bit, i reached for my Chanel Les Ombres Multi Effects Quadra Eye Shadow palette in Tisse Venitien (read my review here).  I mixed the silver and lightest teal/blue shade together and swiped across the liner.  Then to finish the look, i swiped the silver shade from the palette on my lower lash line.  Top off the look with mascara and voila... Gigi Hadid Blue Cat Eyes! I love this look so so much! It's young, fresh and so perfect for Spring/Summer! Best part... it's easy! Give it a try! Be sure to tag me when you do... I'd love to see how you recreate this look!

BTW be sure to enter my Borghese Beauty Gift Set GIVEAWAY HERE! 

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

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Borghese Belleza Naturale Mother's Day Gift Set GIVEAWAY!

This giveaway is particularly special to me because it celebrates moms!  I was blessed with an amazing mom and two incredibly strong grandmothers.  I always looked up to them and aspired to be as great of a mom as they were/are to me.  I was blessed with two beautiful little girls and i pray that i can instill in them all that my mother and best friend instilled in me.  So today, i teamed up with the amazing Borghese brand to gift one of my beautiful readers with the gorgeous Borghese Belleza Naturale Mother's Day Gift Set!  I love these products so much, especially the mud mask which leaves my skin with the most beautiful glow. I hope you'll love this gift set as much as i do!  Please be sure to use the rafflecopter widget below to submit your entries. All entries will be verified so be sure you properly follow the prompts.  There are some required entries and some chances for extra entries. Thank you so much for entering and GOOD LUCK!
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Mother's Day Gifts Moms Will LOVE!

Mother's Day is right around the corner and if you're anything like me, you're scrambling to find the perfect last minute gift! I don't typically take this long to look for a gift for mom, but the past two weeks have been so incredibly busy that i honestly just haven't had time.  However, i have some great ideas up my sleeve that i know my mom will especially enjoy!  I put together a list of beauty products that will cover a wide range of styles and tastes to help you finalize your last minute shopping plans!  

Deborah Lippmann Calypso Nail Lacquer Duet - Perfect for summer!
Tatcha Mother's Day Gift Set - Best skincare ever!
Clarisonic Mia Skin Cleansing System - Actually gave this to my mom last year for Mother's Day!
FAB To The Rescue First Aid Beauty Set - Love their products too... especially the cleanser.
Afterspa Macadamia Coconut Hand Soap - Smells uhhhmazing!
Hey Honey Take It Off! Duet - You have to try these beauties... i especially love the packaging!
Peter Thomas Roth Cucumber Detox Depuffing Eye Cubes - Oh Em Geeeee so so soooo good!
Living Proof Perfect Hair Day Night Cap Overnight Protector - obsessed!
Bobbi Brown Beach Perfume - Seriously, spray this on your wrists and you'll be instantly transported to bliss!
Stila Ready Set Summer Makeup Set - I've loved Stila for years and at $15, you can't pass this up!
Beautyblender Bling Ring - This one speaks for itself! I mean...
GLAMGLOW Get Glowing Set - OK this is a skincare game changer.  One application and your skin will glow for days!

I hope these last minute gift ideas help! OK off to shop now!  Stay tuned for an AMAZING Mother's Day GIVEAWAY!!!!  Happy Mother's Day! Xo, Carla

Met Ball Beauty: Chrissy Teigen

Chrissy Teigen stunned on the red carpet at the Met Gala donning a jet black gown and Chinese-inspired earrings to stick with the Gala’s theme.  What really made Teigen the bell of the ball, however, was her flawless beauty look, from her waved hair to her perfectly manicured nails, which were done by manicurist Chi under the direction of celebrity manicurist and Dermelect Color Curator, Elle, using top nail brand Dermelect Cosmeceuticals.

Elle finished Teigen’s nail look with Dermelect’s Revital-Oil, a part essential oil and part Keratin solution nail treatment that is specifically formulated to support natural nail growth as it perfects the cuticle. “I never leave the house without my Dermelect Revital-Oil cuticle oil and same goes for my clients” says Elle.

Elle’s team also worked on A-list celebs including Jennifer Lopez, Katie Holmes and Georgina and Karen of Marchesa. As Jennifer was leaving, she asked Elle for some oil as a finishing touch. Luckily Elle doesn’t leave home without Dermelect!

beautyblender bling ring

If you're sitting around wondering what to get mom for Mother's Day, well, sit tight because i have another fun little gift idea for you!  If your mom is a beauty lover like mine (hey, the apple doesn't fall far from the tree), she will fall hard for the beautyblender bling ring kit!  This kit features everyone's must-have beauty tool the beautyblender along with a throne fit for a queen!  The bling ring is a gorgeous stand that beautifully displays and dries your beautyblender.  This sparkler will add a touch of glam to your vanity while serving a very functional purpose.  Before this beauty came into my life, my beautyblenders just laid on my vanity looking quite sad.  Now, however, they're all about that base (step aside Meghan Trainor) sitting pretty like the fabulous princesses that they are because hey... every princess needs her throne!

Just think how happy mom will be when you surprise her with this beauty!  Oh and while you're out shopping, be sure to get one for yourself too because your vanity called and it's screaming for some glam girl!  Oh and the solid blendercleanser works so well so you may want to toss that onto your shopping cart as well!  OK, sorry... i know I'm quite the enabler but when it comes to beautyblender... i have no self control!  Cheers beauty lovers!  Xo, Carla - FMM

*press sample - all opinions are my own!

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TATCHA - Limited Edition Mother's Day Set

This week's posts will be dedicated to all the wonderful mommies out there!  I was blessed with an incredibly beautiful (inside and out) mother whom i consider my best friend.  Honestly, i would be so lost without her love and guidance in my life.  As Mother's Day approaches, I'm thinking of ways i can pamper one of the most important women in my life.  Tatcha skincare has been a staple in my skincare routine for about a year now.  My skin absolutely loves the way these products make me feel.  They're so luxurious and make a big difference in the way my skin feels.  I was thrilled to learn that Tatcha put together the sweetest of Mother's Day gift sets featuring some of my favorite nightstand staples! The Okasan gift set includes the following:

- AGELESS Enriching Renewal Cream Travel Size - 10mL 
- AGELESS Revitalizing Eye Cream Travel Size  - 3mL
- LUMINOUS Deep Hydration Lifting Mask - 20mL
- GOLD Camellia Beauty Oil Travel Size - 10mL
+ A SWEET SURPRISE Tatcha candies from Japan | 5 pcs.

I've been using the Revitalizing Eye Cream and Enriching Renewal Cream religiously every day! The GOLD Camellia Beauty Oil is like a miracle worker not only for the occasional dry patches on my skin but for my hair! Yes, you read it correctly... i love dabbing a few drops of this beauty on the ends of my hair for shine and hydration! Oh and i absolutely love the specs of 24 Karat gold flakes in this beauty! Tatcha often incorporates gold into their products such as their amazing lip balm! If you haven't tried it yet, it's a must! I'm obsessed with Tatcha's Luminous Deep Hydration Lifting Mask. There's nothing more pampering than applying this beauty on your face and stealing a few minutes to myself! I use one every week!

Mothers teach us the true beauty of caring for others.  This collection of little luxuries was created to help mothers feel as treasured as they make others feel.  The purchase of each kit sends an incredible girl in a developing country to school for a day, in partnership with Tatcha and Room to Read's Girls' Education Program.  Make this your Mother's Day gift and you will not only pamper your mom with the most luxurious skincare, but you're supporting this wonderful organization!  You can purchase this set here.  BTW you can find a few select products at Sephora including my holy grail can't live without Rice Enzyme Powder!!!  Definitely check it out! 

Thank you so much for reading.  Stop by again this week for some more Mother's Day inspired posts! Xo, Carla - FMM  (press sanmple - all opinions are my own)

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