Pixi Pretty Glow

Sometimes less is more!  Lets face it, make up is wonderful but there are just some days where putting on a whole face is just not an option right? On those 'less is more' kind of days, you need one or two products that will keep your skin and lips glowing.  Lucky for us, Pixi's got us covered! They're newly launched skincare line is uhhhmazing (stay tuned for detailed review).  Their Glowtion Day Dew is certainly one of the standout products for in my opinion!  Apply Glowtion to clean skin and your skin will glow all day long!  This brightening lotion will hydrate your skin for a healthy glowing look.  It's my new go-to!  Wear it alone or under make-up.

When your skin is on point, you don't need much more than a bright lip to complete your look.  Pixi's Lip Contour Liner will keep your lipstick from feathering (ugh don't you hate when that happens?)  It glides on smoothly and is the perfect companion to Pixi's Matte Lustre Lipstick in Raspberry Blush! This lippie is the most beautiful, glamorous hue that will flatter all.  Honestly, these three beauties will keep you looking radiant on days when you just don't have the time!

You can purchase Pixi products here and here.  Thank you so much for reading! Xo, Carla - FMM

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

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Bake Your Dark Under Eye Circles Away!

One of my biggest beauty struggles is my massive dark under eye circles!  In fact, I'm willing to bet that if you surveyed every woman in the world, a good majority would respond the same way!  After all, we are busy, overloaded and lets face it, I'm convinced that a good night's sleep is just a myth! I've tried many concealers in my life time and have settled on one that i decided is the best option out there for me.  IT Cosmetics Bye Bye Under Eye was the product that made me fall hard for this brand.  But there are days were even the most powerful concealer can't do it all alone.  I mean, yes, it conceals but by the end of the day, the bags and circles seem to make their glorious come back!  Ack, so frustrating!  Well, i have learned a way to conceal my dark circles in such a powerful way that they will not resurface until you remove your makeup.  This technique has literally changed my life! While it's not a new technique by any means, in fact, many pro-makeup artists have been doing this for years.  However, I'm not a makeup artist... far from it in fact!  But this makeup lover and enthusiast is feeling quite proud of this new accomplishment.  Oh and you know that when i learn something new you are the first to know right?  I love all my beautiful readers and hope that this little tip helps you vanish those unsightly dark circles too!  I promise that while it looks a bit odd, it's actually quite simple.

Here's what you'll need to bake your dark circles away:

A beautyblender (or beauty sponge)
Your favorite concealer (mine is IT Cosmetics Bye Bye Under Eye)
MAC's Prep and Prime Fix + (or you can simply dampen your sponge with your favorite setting spray)
A pressed powder (obsessed with this one and this one)
A powder brush (I love this one and this one)

Begin by applying your concealer under your eyes.  I actually applied in the tip of my nose which tends to get a bit red as well as my chin.  This is certainly optional.

Blend it in...

Next, spray your beauty blender with your setting spray until it's nice and damp.

Then dip your damp sponge into a good setting powder.  I love to use IT Cosmetics Bye Bye Pores OR an amazing drugstore option is Coty Air Spun Translucent Extra Coverage Powder.

Then press the product on the sponge under your eyes covering your problem area.  Don't worry about caking the product on, that's the idea!

Wait about five minutes.  This is very important because you want to product to 'bake' onto the skin.  I typically work on my brows while the product sets in.

Using your powder brush, sweep away all the access product.

Spray a good amount of setting spray on to your skin.

Finish your look by adding a little bronzer to the hollows of your cheeks, swipe a little blush on, complete your eye makeup and rock your favorite lippie.  One thing you will not have to worry about is looking tired!  This trick will make you look as though you've slept for days. It's perfect for days when you simply need to fake a good night's sleep!  Another tip I'd offer is to dab a luminous sheer foundation over your skin or add a bit of highlighter so that you have a bit of luminosity going on. This technique can leave skin looking a bit matte so you can adjust according to your preference.

Honestly, this little trick has rocked my world!  I hope it helps do the same for you!  Thank you so much for reading! Xo, Carla - FMM

Beneath the Surface! Week 4 Update!

So i haven't really posted my weekly updates here on the blog but for anyone wishing to follow this little journey of mine, please subscribe to my youtube channel and watch every week as i update you on the results of my Gastric Sleeve Surgery.  I am officially one month out and i couldn't be more happy with my decision and of course my results!  Here's my video update! Thank you so much for sharing this journey with me.  Your love and support means so much to me! xo, Carla - FMM

Favorite Masks Plus GIVEAWAY!

I've been so obsessed with face masks lately that I've grown quite the collection. After all, there's nothing better than the feeling your skin looks when you've washed one of these beauties off of your skin! The wonderful thing is that while some masks can be quite costly, there are certainly affordable options.  I've decided to include my favorite in every price range to give you options.

Lets begin with Glamglow Gravitymud Firming Treatment had me at chrome!  Let me explain... upon application, this mask is white.  You simply use the brush (included) and apply all over your face.  The mask changes color from white to chrome and you can basically peel it off in one shot! It's so cool and incredibly innovative!  This mask definitely leaves my skin feeling firmer, hydrated and prepped for my skincare.  It was a splurge but since my skin loved the other GlamGlow masks I've tried, i knew i needed to invest.  Best of all, it's mess-free!  Win win...

StriVectin Oxygen Infusion Soothing Mask is perhaps one of the neatest masks I've ever applied on to my skin!  This mask goes on white but then begins to bubble on the skin.  You literally feel little tiny bubbles bursting against your skin.  It's the neatest sensation really! This beauty provides gentle exfoliation to remove dead surface cells therefore reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. It removes impurities and minimizes dullness.  Loved how plump and beautiful my skin feels after each use! (Note, this mask is a press sample but i truly loved it).

Glossier is a brand I'm falling more and more in love with these days!  Every single product I've tried I've loved!  I'm completely obsessed with the BalmDotCom Coconut balm!  It was out of stock for the longest time so when they restocked i went to town!  More recently, i purchased the Moisturizing Moon Mask and i must say, it's dreamy!  You see, this time of year has my skin screaming for moisture!  This mask seals in moisture and leaves my skin feeling so soft and hydrated. It's very gentle on my skin.  I especially like to use it when I've been extra rough on my skin.  It's just a wonderful 'pick me up' and great source of hydration.

Derma e's Purifying 2-in-1 Charcoal Mask is on another level of amazing!  Hear me out! Some days, when i cake on the makeup and put my skin through the ringer, i know that Derma e's Purifying 2-in-1 Charcoal Mask's got my back... or actually, my face!  This powerhouse works hard to lift impurities to the surface and then exfoliates the heck out of them!  The result?  Glowing skin baby!  It's crazy to think that the least costly of the bunch is so powerful and provides such incredible results! I love it so much that i want two lucky FMM readers to experience the goodness for themselves! (Thank you Derma e for sending extra for my readers)!   Check out this awesome giveaway... two lucky FMM readers will each win one Derma e Purifying 2-in-1 Charcoal Mask!  This giveaway is open internationally because i want to give everyone an equal opportunity to try this amazing mask! Simply use the rafflecopter widget to enter the giveaway.  Be sure to follow all required entries accordingly as they will be verified!

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

a Rafflecopter giveaway

IT Cosmetics Superhero Elastic Stretch Voluminizing Mascara

You've heard me say this over and over again... as a member of the itty bitty lash committee, I'm constantly on the prowl for a mascara that will make my lashes look longer and fuller than the barely there situation i currently have going on. IT Cosmetics new launch Superhero Elastic Stretch Voluminizing Mascara has been a major addition to my mascara repertoire!  A few swipes of this beauty and my lashes look so on pint!  I love that it adds length, separates and adds volume without much fuss.  This is not one of those mascaras you have to really work at to get results.  Just a few swipes, and your lashes literally come to life!  I'm obsessed with this beauty and know that you will be too!  You can purchase it here , here or coming soon at Ulta!

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

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

Valentine's Day Ombre Lip

Valentine's Day is quickly approaching and this year, i thought it'd be fun to create an easy, fun ombre lip to help celebrate this special day!  So lets get to it shall we?

WHAT YOU'LL NEED

You'll need a few tools to create this look.  Let me preface by saying that you do not need to use the colors i used of course.  Choose a combination of dark and light shades that you feel best suit your skin tone and personality.  I used Make Up For Ever's Aqua Lip in 19C which is a deep berry lip liner. I also used Tarte's Tarteist in Adorbs, a lip brush by Inglot and a Jouer Longwear Creme Mousse eye shadow (yes, eye shadow... stay with me will you?) in Celestial.

First, line the lips with the deeper shade.  In this case MUFE's Aqua Lip in 19C.  

Then shade in the sides of your lips leaving a heart shaped area in the front of your lips untouched.

Using the lighter lip shade (in my case it's Tarte's Tarteist in Adorbs) to fill in the center of your top and bottom lips in the shape of a heart.

Using your lip brush, blend the two shades for a seamless look.

For a little extra drama (optional) dab a little shimmer at the center of your lips.  I used Jouer's creme eye shadow in Celestial because it's so perfect for this look!

And there you have it... a quick and easy ombre Valentine's Day lip!  I wish you all a very happy Valentine's Day with the ones you love most... whether it's your sweetheart, your friends or kiddies... make it a great one beauties!

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

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Peter Lamas Supreme Radiance Complex Booster and Lash Masque

Now, more than ever, i am very careful about what i put on my skin. If there's one piece of advice i can give to anyone is that it's never too early to start preventative skin care.  Oh and of course always wear your SPF!  Peter Lamas' Supreme Radiance Complex Booster is a new favorite of mine.  It is unlike any product I've tried.  This sheer complexion booster features a powerful blend of Retinol (at maximum strength without a prescription) and Salicylic Acid to help reduce the look of fine lines and wrinkles.  Wait, there's more!  It's also formulated with Coenzyme Q-10 and Vitamin E Oil to hydrate, smooth and protect skin to prevent irritation associated with Retinol use.  You can wear this alone or under make-up.  I find that it leaves my skin glowing and radiant so on my days off, i love to just apply this and nothing more.  However, i also notice that my make up goes on smoother when i wear this product.  I definitely recommend picking this beauty up... trust me, your skin will love it!

Another product i find super innovative is Peter Lamas' Lash Masque.  This tiny powerhouse conditions, darkens and separates lashes without irritating them.  It's uniquely formulated without harsh chemicals that can dry out or damage lashes.  This not a mascara Lash Masque can be worn alone or under your favorite mascara to help boost lash length and volume.  Think of it as a mask for your lashes OR a lash primer if you will.  This beauty ensures healthy lashes so be sure to add it to your shopping card!  Your lashes will thank you for it!

You can shop Peter Lamas products here.  Thank you so much for reading! xo, Carla - FMM

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

Kiko Milano Cosmetics Video HAUL With My Sister!!!

My sister and i have been talking about going to the Kiko store for over a year!  Finally, we got a chance to go and decided to share our haul with you in the form of a video!  Check it out!  We get a little silly but that's just how we roll!  If you like the video and want to see more, I'd love it if you subscribed to my youtube channel! Thank you for taking the time to watch!  Also, be sure to check out my sister's blog (it's about to get a major makeover so stay tuned for that) at Happy Girls' Guide To Life! You'll love her inspirational readings!   Thanks beauties! Xo, Carla - FMM

PUR Cosmetics HydraFluid Water Serum Foundation

I fall deeper in love with PUR Cosmetics with every product i try.  They're so innovative and the quality of their products is superb. My most recent love stems from their newly launched HydraFluid Water Serum Foundation.  You see, this encapsulated water complex delivers Swiss Alps-sourced water to hydrate while providing you with a medium coverage foundation that leaves your skin looking simply radiant. Ceretin Complex helps smooth, firm and lift the skin's appearance for a hydrated complexion.  This is especially important for my aging skin.

This foundation is like nothing i currently own.  It certainly stands out in the crowd of matte finishes i currently own because this one, unlike my others, leaves my skin glowing... literally. Don't get me wrong, i love a matte finish, but the HydraFluid Water Serum Foundation leaves my skin looking so healthy that i can get away with minimal makeup. I'm surprised at how much I'm loving the dewy finish.  You'll get a medium coverage with this product although it is buildable.  I love that it provides enough coverage that i don't even need a concealer if i choose to keep it simple, yet it doesn't make me look caked up with makeup.  It simply looks like a better, healthier version of my skin which personally, i love! You can choose from five different shades to suit your complexion.  I currently wear light but can mix a little medium for a bit of a glow.  I'm certain that come the summer time, i will most likely be reaching for the medium shade.  This beauty blends into the skin seamlessly and will leave your skin looking simply beautiful.  You can purchase PUR Cosmetics HydraFluid Water Serum Foundation at Ulta.  While there, be sure to check out some of their other amazing products.  I promise you too will fall madly in love with this brand!

In the pic below, I'm wearing solely the foundation without concealer.  I do have a tiny bit of blush but no setting powder so that you can really see the beautiful dewy finish.

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

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

Tarte Tartelette In Bloom Clay Eyeshadow Palette

I have such a thing for a great neutral palette and i have a thing for gorgeous packaging. Naturally when i spotted Tarte's Tartelette In Bloom Clay Eyeshadow Palette i knew i it needed to be mine! When it finally arrived at my doorstep, it did not disappoint.  The packaging is so beautiful.  It's too pretty to tuck away so i keep it displayed in my Glambox!  While the packaging is great, that alone does not make a palette.  The shades in this palette are a wonderful collection of warm and cool neutrals suitable for all skintones.  There is also a wonderful combination of mattes and neutrals. The shadows incredibly buttery with the exception of Smokeshow and Activist which for some reason don't apply as well (you can probably tell from the swatches). However, those are shades that i would mostly use to line my lash line with so i'm ok with this.  They're still relatively pigmented just not as buttery.  Overall, i find myself reaching for this beauty quite often because most of the shadows are easy to work with and look wonderful on.  This is a great palette for anyone who loves a beautiful neutral or smoky eye... a must-have in my opinion!

You can purchase it here and here. You will not regret it... promise!  Thank you so much for reading! xo, Carla - FMM

Pixi Glow Mud Mask and Cleanser

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It's no secret that I'm a HUGE fan of Pixi!  Their Glow Tonic is easily a holy grail product of mine. Not only am i never without it but always have a spare on hand!  I mean, i don't ever want to find myself reaching for it on my nightstand and find an empty bottle with no spare... ugh nightmare! But as i said, that will never happen because i always have a spare! OK, moving on to some wonderfulness happening over at Pixi.  Did you know they released a new skincare line?  I'd been hoping for this because with the success of the Glow Tonic i felt as though they needed to expand on that. Well lucky for all of us Glow Tonic lovers, they did!

Today I'm chatting about the Pixi Glow Mud Mask and Cleanser!  Let me first say that i love masks so much!  There's nothing better on a Sunday night than to put one on to prep your skin for the week. The Glow Mud Mask is formulated to stimulate, clarify and brighten skin.  The mineral-rich treatment absorbs oil, draws out impurities and fights breakouts while boosting your complexion. With ingredients like kaolin, sea salt, ginseng and aloe vera, your skin is sure to do the happy dance! My skin feels and looks radiant when i use Pixi's Glow Mud Mask.  This is definitely on my skincare rotation!

As for cleansers, it takes a lot to impress me!  I mean, you have to clean my skin obviously while refraining from stripping it completely. The Pixi Glow Cleanser's active yet gentle cleanser with 5% glycolic acid exfoliates while the mud deep cleans and detoxifies pore.  Hyaluronic acid, aloe vera and avocado oil plump and nourish the skin.  The result?  Gorgeous, glowing skin!  My skin feels totally clean and prepped for my skincare!

This power duo is rocking my skin right now!  I seriously cannot wait to try more of Pixi's new skincare line.  I'll be sure to stock up just as soon as head to my local Target!  Wanna get in on Pixi's skincare action?  You can purchase it here and here!

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