Benefit Air Patrol

You know how when you shop Sephora you can pick out three tiny samples?  Well, this was one of them.  I don't always try those samples and have hundreds of little packets of products lying around the house.  This one however was different.  My curiosity was peeked when the product launched and i loved that i could actually try this before decided if it was for me. Let me just tell you, Benefit's Air Patrol far exceeded my expectations.  In fact, i noticed the effects of this product big time!  Before i get into that i should probably tell you what it is.  Air Patrol is a BB Cream Eyelid Primer.  Basically it color corrects which means you can actually wear it alone, it protects the delicate skin on your lids from the sun and it primes which essentially means it will make your eye make up last longer.  This product felt slightly tacky when i applied it on to the lid area.  I really felt my eyeshadow adhere to my lid and let me tell you, it didn't budge... at all!  I was so impressed with this product.  In fact, i began using it not only on my lid but underneath my concealer because i love how it grips to the product.  I'm so glad i got to test a tiny sample because the first day i used it, i got home and promptly ordered a full size.  It's uhhhmazing!  

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

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Blurred Lines... Best Line and Pore Erasers!

I'm so intrigued by products that literally erase fine lines and pores!  I mean seriously!  That's just so amazing to me!  My first experience of such a nature happened when i tried Benefit's POREfessional! Wow!  This is just one of those products that you have to try for yourself to believe!  Apply a dab of this beauty on your face and boom... pores are gone! 

I recently tried and loved Mally Beauty Evercolor Poreless Face Defender.  It's such an innovative product. The product itself can best be described as a solid gel in a compact.  Swipe the sponge applicator on the product, dab on your face and watch as it instantly blurs your skin.  It's insane!

IT Cosmetics Bye Bye Pores Silk HD Anti-Aging Micro-Powder is soooo amazing!  Dab a little of this beauty on the brush and apply to your face in circular motions. It instantly erases pores and fine lines. This product in so effective and a little goes a long way!  Oh and if you're looking for the bronzer version of this, check it out here!

I sampled Hourglass's Veil Mineral Primer last year during the Makeup Date that i hosted for Bloomingdales.  The second i swatched it, i knew i had to purchase it!  Yes, it's a bit pricey but it smooths out your skin like no other.  Seriously, if you are able to swatch this, you must!  You will see for yourself exactly what i am talking about.  This makes your skin luminous and silky smooth while prepping it for your makeup application!  It's perfection... seriously!

So let's chat! What are your go-to products to blur out fine lines and pores?! 

Thank you SO MUCH for reading! Xo, Carla - FMM

Lazy Beauty Essentials

 

You know... just because I'm a beauty blogger doesn't mean I want to spend hours getting myself ready!  In fact, as much as I love to share some quality time with my makeup, I have many days where I'm either pressed for time or just simply don't have it in me to put on a full face!  This, however, doesn't mean I have to look a wreck when I leave the house either!  You see, all I have to do is reach for some of my favorite multi-tasking friends and I'm all set!  Here's my list of 'lazy beauty' must haves!

 

If you followed my journey in Allure's Beauty Blogger Awards, you may remember that one of our challenges was specifically titled 'lazy beauty' which you can read about here and here.  Well, two of the items that I featured for that Allure challenge still make it on to today's list!  They're THAT good! 

 

Bobbi Brown's Shimmer Bricks in Bronze has been a staple in my makeup wardrobe for years now.  I have yet to take a Caribbean vacation without it!  I love that you can wear it as a shadow or swipe it all over your face for a slight shimmery bronzed look. 

 

Benefit's They're Real mascara is simply my 'holy grail' mascara!  No matter how many others I've tried, and there have certainly been some good ones, I always come back to this pretty baby!  The tip of the brush is spiky making it perfect for really getting in there and getting those lashes "batting" proof! 

 

Stila's Convertible Color is such a fun and easy way to add a pretty little glow on any given day.  A few dabs of this beauty will wake your pretty little face right up!

 

I fell hard for Jouer's Crème Shadow Crayons when I first introduced their spring 2013 line to you guys.  These crayons pack on the color and can be quite versatile depending on the color of choice.  I've used them as shadow, liner, highlighter and have even dabbed some on my lips for a little added dimension.  Love!

 

OK, I'm clearly a walking billboard for IT Cosmetics these days.  I've never met a product of theirs that I didn't love.  Their CC Cream is serious business! It's color correcting and infused with anti-aging ingredients making this perfect for my skin!

 

When it comes to washing everything off at night... I hear you, i'm tired too!  But I NEVER let a day go by where my face isn't properly washed!  How you ask?  Well, I keep Aveeno's Makeup Removing wipes on my nightstand to ensure that if I'm too tired to 'formally my face, I will never have an excuse not to!  Period!

 

Well, there you have it.  These are some of my favorite 'lazy beauty' must haves!  What are your faves? 

 

Thank you SO MUCH for reading! XOXO Carla - FMM

 

BADgal Vs. They're Real Mascara

OK I know i've been promising this post for a while, but the wait is O V E R!  For the past few weeks, Benefit's BADgal and They're Real mascara have been dooking it out at chez FMM.  You've heard me say it a million times, so here's to a million and one... i have the worlds' tiniest lashes EVAH!  No really, they're practically invisable!  How i envy all of those who've been blessed with dark, full, long lashes!  But, you have to learn to work with what you've got... and weeerrrrk i have!  I've been desperately searching for practically a miracle in a mascara.  While i already own quite a stash, i decided to try these two Benefit mascaras simply because i couldn't decide which one to purchase.  You see, several friends recommended BADgal which was great, but They're Real is suppose to help create a false lash effect and well, that kinda sold me!  How they planned to do this with my lashes was beyond me... but it was certainly worth a try.  Besides, i love shopping for makeup at Sephora because i know that if i'm not truly satisfied with a product, i can easily return it.

So lets get started!  The first one i tried was BADgal.  My first impression was great.  I thought that it gave me a nice combination of length and volume which i loved.  The formula feels slightly on the dry side which kind of makes me wonder if it'll dry too fast.  I've had it for few weeks and so far so good so perhaps there's hope!  The brush is a bit on the thick side which doesn't bother me one bit! Particularly since it narrows on the tip making it easier to access those hard to reach spots.

 

Next i tried They're Real.  This is a classic example of why it's so important to try products more than once before discarting them!  To be very honest, my initial thought was, uhhh whatevah!  Save yourself the extra $10, this ain't that great! I was this close to returning it! Well, that is until the second time i put it on!  I kept my eyeshadow very light allowing the mascara to do its thing.  I couldn't stop staring at my eyes!  OMG i totally saw the whole falsies effect.  Here's why!  This mascara not only lengthens and voluminizes, but it also makes your lashes very dark hence making them look as though they're well... not real!  The formula is a bit more glossy than the BADgal which i like.  You'll need to apply several coats in order to see its full effect.  I'm also fascinated by the wand. It's thinner than the BADgal wand, yet the tip is kind of spiky, making application a cinch!  Boy am i ever glad i kept this little miracle worker because i find myself reaching for it all the time!

Overall, i think these are both great mascaras and although the consistencies are quite different, they both did what they said they'd do.  And really, what else can you ask for right? 

Thank you so much for reading!  Don't forget to become an official follower of FMM!  XOXO  Carla