Keep Calm and Lip Balm

I initially spotted 'Keep Calm and Lip Balm' these cuties in a magazine and knew i had to get my hands on them!  I mean seriously, how sweet is the packaging! So i went on a mission.... six drugstores later and two very tired little girls, i decided to reach for some online help!  Apparently they are sold at Walmart so i schlepped my girls over in hopes of ending my crazy search!  Lucky for me they were fully stocked! I almost picked them all up but settled for four!  The names are catchy and the colors are happy and fun!  I picked up Keep Calm and Kiss, Keep Calm and Play, Keep Calm and Rock and Keep Calm and Party.  As for formula, they're sort of what you'd expect off of a lip balm... smooth, hydrating and so on.  As for color, Kiss and Play are pretty much sheer whereas Rock and Party have a sheer flush of pink.  My favorite 'color wise' is Keep Calm and Rock because the color is subtle but very pretty. Sadly, i was pretty disappointed in these because they taste awful.  You'd expect that these fun lip balms might have yummy flavors no?  Well, they don't! They kind of taste like really cheap old lipstick.  I hate to be so passionate about my dislike for the taste but when it comes to lip balm, it really makes a difference. If you can get past the taste, they're great!  I don't regret purchasing these because as you all know, I'm a sucker for great packaging.  However, the average consumer might not be sold on just packaging so i felt the need to alert you of such!  Either way, you can purchase them here and there's even a coupon.

Do you already own one of these?  What did you think?  I'm curious to know if I'm the only one who feels this way or if anyone else out there understands where I'm coming from!  

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

Popsugar Must Have Box - August

I swear this is one of my favorite subscriptions thus far! Yes, it's a bit pricier than others but you get some amazing (full size) things valued at way more than the cost of the box.  I'm over getting a bunch of tiny samples of stuff I'll never use!  The Popsugar Must Have August Box was great as always. This month's box has me feeling ahem ready... OK almost ready for Fall featuring a yummy waffle mix, plaid scarf and super cute 'best day ever' mug (though i do wish the letters were gold or pink). The lunch box is super fun too!  Overall, I'm rarely disappointed with my Popsugar Must Have box and this month is no exception.  I seriously cannot wait for next month especially because i saw a product sneak peek and (cover your ears and eyes if you don't want to know) it's an Anastasia Beverly Hills brow kit! Ahhhh sooooo happy!

Wanna sign up for the Popsugar Must Have box?  Sign up here!  Thank you so much for reading! Xo, Carla - FMM

Bye Bye Pores Pressed

If i had to name one of my top 5 holy grail products, Bye Bye Pores would certainly make the list! Naturally, when i learned of IT Cosmetics new release of the 'pressed version' of my beloved BBP i was stoked!  Honestly, prior to using BBP's loose powder, i was a pressed powder kind of girl, so i was excited for the possibility of actually being able to toss this product into my make up bag and having it with me for touch ups! Bye Bye Pores literally makes your pores vanish right before your eyes!  It sets make up beautifully and leaves skin silky smooth! The pressed version is just as good as the loose powder version AND is totally portable which excites me in the sweetest of ways!

The first time i tried BBP's was a few years ago.  I photographed a part of my forehead where i applied BBP and did a comparison post.  I was completely blown away at the difference!  In fact, that was the blog post i submitted to be considered for the IT Cosmetics Commercial and clearly it made quite a statement because as you know, i was selected!  This photo is unedited and is a clear illustration of the power of this product and why it's one of my holy grails!  Here's the blog post in case you want to read more!

This picture was taken back in 2013 - the first time i tried Bye Bye Pores and is not edited.  The lighting isn't the best but you can completely see the difference this product makes! 

You can purchase Bye Bye Pores Pressed (or powder) at www.itcosmetics.com or at Ulta! Thank you so much for reading! Xo, Carla - FMM

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

Pixi Glow Tonic NEWS!!!

Today's post has me beaming with joy!  As you know Pixi's Glow Tonic is one of my skincare holy grails!  I use it everyday and can't imagine life without it! I recently traveled to St. Maarten and purchased a tiny plastic bottle to place some of my Pixi Glow Tonic so that i could use it on vacation. I hated doing that for fear of spilling and lets face it, any product lost would be an absolute tragedy! This beauty also made it to my July favorites video where i discussed wishing that Pixi made a travel friendly size!  Well, it's as though the Pixi Gods listened because there is now a travel friendly option available and get this... are you sitting down??? It's available at TARGET!  Happy dance happy dance happy dance happy dance!!!!!!! Do you know how wonderful it is to drive to my local and purchase this?!  I'm celebrating by stocking up for myself and my mom!  I know she'll love it so much too! How will you celebrate?  OK beauties... now that I've shared the news, run don't walk to your local Target and stock up on this beauty must-have!

Thank you so much for reading! Xo, Carl a- FMM

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

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Butter London X Allure Arm Candy Collection! Plus GIVEAWAY!

I've been a huge Butter London fan for years and obviously i adore Allure so when these two beauty powerhouses got together to create a fun nail polish collection Arm Candy, i was all over it! The colors are very pretty and super versatile ranging from nudes to deep charcoal browns! Check it out!

• Nude Stilettos is a sheer pink/nude creme
• I'm on the List is a rose gold metallic
• It's Vintage is an opaque rust creme
• Statement Piece is an opaque orange/red creme 
• Lust or Must is an opaque charcoal brown creme
• Disco Nap is a charcoal glitter

There were definitely a few colors that spoke to me!  I think my favorites are definitely the darker colors... Statement Piece, as seen below, reminds me a bit of MAC's lipstick Lady Danger!  It's bright, fun, slightly daring but still quite wearable!

I'm obsessed with Lust or Must for Fall... plus i layered a bit of Disco Nap to jazz things up a bit!

Another color i can't wait to rock in the Fall is It's Vintage! So so sooo gorge! Overall I'm loving this collection.  Sadly enough it is limited edition which means if you want to snag a few or all you will need to hurry (you can purchase them here) or you may miss out!  Butter London graciously sent an extra set for a lucky FMM reader to win!  YAY!  So lets get right to it shall we?!

You can win the six Butter London For Allure Arm Candy shades you see above decked in a pretty little black velvet bag! The giveaway is open internationally so anyone can enter no matter where you live!  Entries must be completed using the rafflecopter widget.  There will be some required entries and some extra points entries.  The required entries will be verified before winner is selected so be sure you complete your entries properly.  Winner will be notified via email.  If i don't hear back from you within 24 hours, a new winner will be selected. Thank you so much for entering and GOOD LUCK! Thank you so much for reading! Xo, Carla - FMM

*press sample - all opinions are my own.

ENTER GIVEAWAY HERE

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Peter Lamas

I recently discovered Peter Lamas' line of skincare and have been loving his products. In fact, there is one product in particular that has been my saving grace! I'll walk you through the products pictured above and share with you my experience with them.

A few years ago, while getting a facial, the Esthetician taught me the importance of Vitamin C for the skin!  We all know that it does wonders for our immune system but who knew that it's equally important for the health of your skin!  Vitamin C helps to detoxify without disturbing the pH balance. It's especially important to use a product with Vitamin C when your skin has been exposed to sun and for most of us, that's a daily occurance.  Peter Lamas Detoxifying Citrus C Cleanser will leave your skin clean, nourished and prepped for your skincare!

Fall is fast approaching and you know what that means... pumpkin EVERYTHING!  So why not start with an Exfoliating Pumpkin Facial Scrub!  This has been my go-to for a while and i absolutely adore the way it makes my skin feel.  It's not overly abrasive but gets the job done.  The only problem i have with this scrub is that every time i use it i want to EAT IT!  It smells like a delicious pumpkin cupcake!

The Spa Sensuals Collection is inspired Grace Kelly (one of Peter Lamas' clients BTW)! She would tell him "your hands show your true age"... truer words have never been spoken!  The Spa Sensuals body collection is unique because the ingredients are natural and safe, while still being potent and effective.  In fact the hand products have saved me big time!  I have horribly dry skin on my hands due to constant washing and i have never had a product work so well to keep them soft and smooth in between washes!  I now keep the Rejuvenating Hand Scrub next to my sink so that i never forget to use it.  It washes away all the dead skin leaving my hands prepped for a good moisturizer.  Speaking of which, the Intensive Repair Hand Cream leaves my hands feeling uhhhhmazingly soft!  Hydration lasts for up to 24 hours! Oh my gosh if i could give each and everyone of you a sample of this you would all understand!  It's so good!  This is gonna be my winter BFF for sure!

Reveal smooth skin with the Energizing Antioxidant Body Lotion! After showering, apply the lotion on damp skin to help nourish and seal in moisture. This beauty is infused with Green Tea Extract and Chinese Herbs to neutralize free radicals while Shea and mango butter provide rich moisture.  The formula is lightweight and doesn't leave your skin a greasy mess... just smoothness all over!

Head on over to Peter Lamas' website and shop these (and more) products! 

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

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

Ipsy Glam Bag - August

I cancelled my Ipsy Subscription a while back to make room for some new ones i wanted to try.  I actually really missed it so i re-subscribed and am so glad that i did because for a mere $10, i got a great bag filled with makeup, skincare, hair care and nail polish!  I'd say that's quite a well balanced bag!  Take a peek... the lip gloss is stunning and the liner is great too! I have yet to try everything else but am excited to do so!

This is a great bag don't you agree? So glad i re-subscribed!  Want to subscribe for your very own Ipsy Glam Bag? Simple click here!

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

Make Up For Ever Ultra HD Invisible Cover Stick Foundation

I've been anxiously awaiting Sephora's release of Make Up For Ever Ultra HD Foundation stick, so when i saw that it went live online prior to its store arrival, i had to get my hands on it.  I just loved the idea of foundation in a stick because i find it to be a wonderful travel option! When it arrived i immediately put it to the test!  So, i'll admit, it wasn't love at first swipe for me.  The first time i applied this foundation, it felt quite heavy and i ended up with a breakout.  However, i attribute that to the fact that i completely over applied!  With any foundation, it's always better to start lighter and build up from there... clearly i don't take my own advice!  As for the breakout, i eventually figured out that my chin breakouts were a result of my sleeping position (hands on my face)!  I don't typically break out so i was seriously concerned that it was the foundation.  Thankfully, i discovered the culprit and MUFE's Ultra HD Foundation stick was led of the hook! As i wore it more (with and without a primer), i realized that i did in fact really like the coverage it gave me without emphasizing my pores. I filmed a video review with all the details that i think you might need, plus you can see this baby in action as i apply it for you and revisit a few hours later to let you know how it's holding up!  Overall, i do recommend checking it out!  You can visit your local Sephora or MUFE stores to get color matched or just wing it like i did!

Check out my full video review below! 

Have you tried MUFE's new Ultra HD Foundation Stick?  What was you experience with this product?

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

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French Pharmacy Haul - Sint Maarten Edition!

I recently vacationed in the gorgeous island of Sint Maarten.  The island is half French and half Dutch so while while shopping on the strip of Maho Beach, i stumbled into a French Pharmacy!  You can imagine my excitement at the possibility of finding beauty products that are not either not available in the US or cost way more!  The first thing i spotted was the La Roche-Posay Serozinc which is very difficult to find in the US so naturally i grabbed all three off the shelf (thanks for the recommendation Serein!) I found it here BTW in case you're looking!

This product is so amazing! It contains zinc sulfate which is wonderful for blemish prone skin.  I am lucky enough to not suffer from acne however, during the summer i tend to have a few breakouts her and there and this product has been amazing!

I also picked up the La Roche-Posay Thermal Spring Water for sensitive skin because i love those sort of products. They soothe the skin while nourishing it with antioxidants.  Besides, there's nothing better than spraying your face on a hot day... feels so good! The Micellar water pictured here was actually a free sample (can you believe it??) I'm so obsessed with Micellar water as it cleanses my skin beautifully and all traces of makeup without irritating my super sensitive eyes.  I actually have a massive bottle of the La Roche-Posay Micellar water at home so it's nice to add a travel size to my stash!

I love lip balm so it was only natural that i pick one up as well!  It's so so good!

I love a good toner and La Roche-Posay Physiological Soothing Toner for Sensitive Skin is wonderful.  I typically love my Pixi Glow Tonic... this feels quite different from that... it's not as drying and feels so soothing on the skin.  I alternate this one with Glow Tonic and am loving it so much!  If you remember my French Pharmacy Haul from Paris, you know i fell madly in love with Roger & Gallet's Fleur de Figuier hand and nail balm (found one on amazon though in case you're interested).  Well, they didn't have that particular product (though i stocked up via a friend who traveled who was kind enough to bring some back for me), so i picked up the perfume which was such a nice reminder of the wonderful time i spent in Paris!

Lastly i picked up an eye serum and a moisturizer for sensitive skin and have been using (and loving) them since.... They're great for summer because they don't weigh my skin down yet feel hydrating and soothing.  I also scored a few more samples to try which is nice!

Lucky for us, La Roche-Posay is now easily available at Target and drugstores.  However, i scored these products for half the price of what they cost in the US so I'm really glad i picked them up!

Have you tried La Roche-Posay? What's your favorite product?

Here are a few pictures from my trip... i had such an amazing time!  I'd visited Sint Maarten with my entire family (parents, grandparents and sister) a couple of times over 20 years ago so it was so nostalgic visiting with my own kids and husband.  If you even have a chance to go, definitely do so... it's beautiful and you'll have such a relaxing time!

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