Wow.... where have the past five years gone? I still remember the day i sat down at my computer to write my first post. It was a moment filled with excitement, hope and essentially a sense of relief. I'd searched for a creative outlet for so long and it was truly an amazing feeling to finally find a means to share my love of all things beauty and fashion. Over the years I've established a wonderfully devoted audience who've shown me so much love and support and for that, I'm eternally grateful! Thank you to each and everyone of you who take the time to read my blog and comment here and on my social media channels! You've walked with me on thisuhhhmazing journey and i can't wait to see where it leads us in 2017! I realize that I'm not always consisting in my posting simply because i work full time and i am a mommy of twins. Some weeks i struggle to get a post out to you because I'm just overwhelmed with life. Yet, there isn't a moment where i feel like I'm done here. Writing about my passion is something i don't ever see myself letting go of. So while i can't promise that I'll always be consistent in my posting (i strive for three times per week), i can promise that i will always be here in one way or another. FMM fulfills me and i hope that you enjoy reading as much as i love sharing. Having said that, i'm taking a little time off to jumpstart the blog for 2017. I have a ton of content to prepare and haven't had much time to get it out to you so i'm taking a little time to get it all ready to post. I'll still be very active on social media so be sure you're following along! In the meantime, enjoy this AMAZING GIVEAWAY!
This giveaway is valued at over $300! To enter you must be a US resident and you must enter using the Rafflecopter Widget. The winner will be selected via the widget and all entries WILL BE VERIFIED! Please be sure you are following the required entries or your entry will be disqualified. Winner will be announced and posted after January 12th via the Rafflecopter Widget. Thank you so much for entering and GOOD LUCK!
If you know me you know I'm practically a walking commercial for IT Cosmetics! OK so yeah, i was actually in their commercial but seriously, i believe in this brand so much that i can't help but recommend them to everyone i know! Listen, would i be a good friend if i didn't tell you about my holy grail complexion products? No... the answer is no! And i promise that I'll always be a good friend to you my beauty lovers! So without further ado, let me share this very exciting deal! Every so often, IT Cosmetics teams up with QVC for a today's special value featuring a collection of products geared towards making you look and feel your best! Today only, IT Cosmetics is featuring their New Year Your Most Beautiful Skin 6-Piece Collection for only $59.96 (a $214 value)! Here's the catch, this insanely good deal is only available at that low price today, January 16th on QVC.
This gorgeous set includes a new super sized CC+ Veil Cushion Compact Foundation plus a CC+ Veil Cushion Compact Foundation Refill Cartridge! You'll also get a new shade of Blurred Lines Lipstick in Je Ne Sais Quoi which is a gorgeous pink (perfect for Valentine's Day)! You'll die for IT Cosmetics' CC+ Creme Blush in (new shade alert) Je Ne Sais Quoi. Soooo pretty! Oh and who doesn't love an IT Brush?! Well, you'll actually get two with this kit! The Angled Radiance Creme Brush and one of my favorite brushes in the world the Heavenly Luxe Dual Ended Complexion Perfection Brush! This set ROCKS!
Ugh seriously, why are you still reading this! Head on over to QVC stat to snatch up this amazing deal in your shade of course before it sells out! Happy Shopping!
“To compliment Jaimie’s luxurious and royalty status dress, I wanted to give her an elegant look with a touch of drama. Jaimie’s features are all stunning so it was hard to decide what should be the focal point but we went with her gorgeous eyes as they are the windows to the soul. I framed them and emphasized the light color with a little bit of drama so she could shine like the star she is on the carpet.”
Eye brows are so important because they frame your face. Achieving perfect brows is all a matter of the products you choose to arm yourself with! Today, i thought it'd be fun to highlight the products that have worked best for me. One of my major brow pas, is the fact that i have barely there brows! I need products that work to help me fill them in while ensuring a natural look! So here are my faves!
1. I'm obsessed with this Jane Iredale Eye Shadow in White! In fact, it's close to hitting pan and I'm getting ready to stock up because i simply can't live without this beauty! It's a perfect matte! I love to apply it right beneath the arch of my brows to create definition.
2. An angled brush is essential for proper application of the above eye shadow. Look here, here and here for some amazing options!
3. Anastasia Brow Pen has been a staple in my makeup repertoire for at least two years now! It's precision at its best! This beauty allows me to easily fill in my brows without looking as though I've painted them on! It glides on creating a powder like finish that i love!
4. We can't chat brows without mentioning what is perhaps the best tool in the brow business... the Tweezerman tweezers! Seriously, Tweezerman tweezers are by far my most trusted brow tool. I love that they now come in fun patterns and colors. Still drooling over this blinged option!
5. IT Cosmetics Brow Power Universal pencil rocked my socks... Or shall I say brows! fell hard for how well this pencil works! The shape of this beauty makes application a cinch! The best part is that it's sort of a 'one size fits all' product. The lighter the hair, the lighter the pressure of application. Of course if you have dark brows, you apply a bit more pressure during application. This baby also comes equipped with a brow brush which or course is essential for maintaining perfectly groomed brows! Want to try this product without fully investing? You can purchase the 'mini' version here!
So you see, while i don't need a whole army of products to keep my brows looking their best, i find that a few good ones are all it takes! So lets chat... what are your go-to brow products?
Spring is here and the new season has me thinking about how much i love a naturally refreshed flawless complexion! For this post, i've teamed up with my fellow Allure Magazine Beauty Blogger finalist Arielle of Beauty By Arielle to show you just what products we find essential to create a wonderful 'spring awakening' look! Take a peek at Arielle's post here. It's no secret that i'm a HUGE It Cosmetics fan. While i've tried a plethora of products, nothing gives me a perfectly flawless complexion like the three It Cosmetics products pictured above. The CC cream, Bye Bye Under Eye Concealer and Celebration Foundation are permanent fixtures in my daily makeup repertoire. I begin by applying CC cream all over my face using a plush foundation brush. A few dabs of Bye Bye Under Eye concealer instantly give me that 'i've just slept for a million hours look' even when i've barely slept for four! Celebration Foundation seals the deal by setting the previous products into my skin while giving me a porcelain like finish. Another amazing product that i've recently tried and LOVED is Pixi's Eye Brightener Liner! A few swipes of this waterproof liner on your inner rim will instantly brighten your eyes! Pssst... check out all the other tricks i can do with this little liner! Such a tiny addition can make a major difference in your overall appearance! I swear, these four products are among my absolute favorite 'can't live without' situations! Perfection!
Thank you SO MUCH for reading! Be sure to check out Beauty by Arielle for fun beauty posts!
GET EXCITED! Saturday, December 28th It Cosmetics is featuring this uhhh-mazing five piece set on QVC as their Today's Special Value! This crazy good deal is good for one day only while supplies last! Do you know what this means? You better step to it girl because this set features some of my absolute favorite It Cosmetics products!!! Lets break it down!
This set includes Feel the Moment Anti-Aging Primer Serum with Heavenly Luxe Sensory Sweeping Fan Brush. This primer is like nothing I've ever tried. It smells incredible and feels luxurious on my skin. I love that it's infused with anti-aging properties making it the perfect product to prime my canvas every day! The brush, as in true 'it cosmetics fashion' is perfection!
Celebration Foundation Illumination with Heavenly Luxe Double Airbrush Foundation Brush are also featured here. Celebration Foundation is quite possible one of my absolute must-have products! It applies beautifully thanks to the gorgeous Heavenly Luxe Douuble Airbrush Foundation Brush which is soft and makes application a cinch! This pressed powder foundation is full coverage and can quickly erase any signs of aging or lack of rest... trust me, it's been my go-to for quite some time now and I refuse to part ways!
Bye Bye Under Eye and Hello Lights Brightener Dual End Concealer are featured in this set in quite a unique way. It's as though the heavens opened up and said, here is the perfect marriage of two insanely gorgeous and very necessary products for your daily makeup routine Carla! Ahhh thank you It Cosmetics Gods! Seriously, if you've never tried Bye Bye Under Eye, you MUST! I've tried a swarm of concealers and there is nothing out there like this one! The highlighter is equally great and helps create a soft glow. So excited to have this 'two in one' situation!
All this is featured for only $56.96!!! I know what you're thinking... whaaat?! How'd they do that?! I hear you! But like they say, all good things must come to an end! So don't let this insane deal pass you up! Be sure to check QVC for this spectacular set on Saturday, December 28, 2013 because on the 29th.... this price will no longer be... and I know how sad you will be if you miss out right?
We all know that i'm obsessed with It Cosmetics! I can honestly say that some of their amazing products are my everyday staples! Today... it's all about eyes!
Tightline is a true game-changer in mascara and eyeliner technology. This multi-tasking beauty allows you to coat your lashes at the root thanks to its ultra-skinny wand! Tightline gives you ultimate length and volume. If you have sparse lashes, this is the product for you as it lays down black pigment along the entire lash line filling in spare spots creating the look of an eyeliner. Amazing right? You'll not only get mile long lashes but you'll look as though you've applied eyeliner as well! Two steps for the price of one! I'll take that!
Hello Lashes is a fantastic mascara! Not only is the formula phenomenal, but the brush makes for a perfect application! This 5-in-1 treatment mascara takes the place of FIVE products! You know I love my multi-tasking products right? With Hello Lashes you'll get a volumizing mascara, conditioning lash primer, lash-enhancing serum, lash tint and a lash comb/curler! Yep... all that packed in one pretty little tube! The triple-brush lengthens, curs and separates lashes while the innovative magic wand lash ball detailer tip is designed to reach every last inner and outer corner lash. This is perhaps my favorite part of the mascara wand! I swear this mascara makes my lashes look a mile long... and that says a lot!
I have to admit... I have barely there brows! It's sad but true! So I need to rely on strong brow products to help me achieve beautiful, natural looking brows. Well, It Cosmetics Brow Power Universal Eyebrow Pencil helps me achieve a gorgeous brow every single time with very little fuss! This has been my go-to brow situation for quite some time now and I don't foresee things changing any time soon!
So lets chat! Have you tried any of these amazing products? What did you think? All of these It Cosmetics products and more are available at Ulta so stock up!
Calling all IT GIRLS! I know this is a little last minute, BUT i wanted to share some fun news with all my local It Girls! The It Cosmetics team will be at Ulta in Clifton, NJ for an exciting beauty event! Join them for a complimentary makeup lesson and receive a free gift with your It Cosmetics purchase of $25 or more, because YOU deserve IT! (One gift per customer, while supplies last.)
I will be attending this event and will be live tweeting, facebooking and instagramming. I will also be sure to document the entire event so that all my non-local It girls can experience all the fun... virtually!
Reserve your appointment today for this event taking place tomorrow, September 28th:
It's no secret that I'm a HUGE fan of It Cosmetics! From the first time I tried Bye Bye Under Eye (which I've mentioned here and here and plan to do a solo post on it because it's THAT GOOD), I felt an instant connection and immediately wanted to try more of their amazing products! I have since tried quite a few and I swear I have yet to meet a product of theirs that I don't LOVE! One thing that It Cosmetics does so well is help us create a flawless complexion with their wonderful array of products. Today, I'm highlighting two that are my everyday go-to products for creating a gorgeous complexion without reaching for foundation! You see, I think foundation is wonderful, however, I like to save it for special occasions. For everyday, I much prefer a great CC Cream and finishing powder!
I've been loving CC Creams lately and have certainly found a few favorites. It Cosmetics took CC Creams to a whole other level by infusing theirs with anti-aging properties as well as providing major SPF action! You know I love my multi-tasking products right? I typically have very blotchy, uneven skin, so I definitely rely on my beauty products to help rectify this not so pretty situation! This CC Cream is amazefest dot com! Wow, it really evens out my complexion without feeling heavy on my skin. It feels like I'm just wearing moisturizer but with many more benefits! I love that it has anti-aging properties and most important, especially this time of year, it has SPF 50! Now I never have to worry about forgetting that!
Once I've applied the CC Cream, I top it off with It Cosmetics Bye Bye Pores HD Finishing Powder! This stuff does WONDERS for my shiny complexion! It delivers a face-perfecting airbrush effect while absorbing oil and shine essentially blurring away the look of pores without settling into the lines and wrinkles. Seriously, it's revolutionary and a perfect compliment to the CC Cream! Check out my before/after and you'll see for yourself just how amazing and powerful these two products are!
So now you can get a better understanding as to why I'm so in love with this line. Their products WORK... PERIOD!
So lets chat! Have you tried any of these products? What is your go-to product from It Cosmetics? If you don't already own products from this line, which are you most interested in trying?
Thank you SO MUCH for reading! XOXO Carla - FMM
*PR sample sent for consideration. All opinions are mine based on my experience with these products. This is not a sponsored post.
Highlighting and contouring is essentially like having plastic surgery without actually going under the knife! Honestly, it's easy and it can seriously enhance your already gorgeous features ladies! Ever look at celebrities like Jennifer Lopez and wonder how on earth someone could look SO perfect? Well, surely genes are a factor but don't discount the wonders of makeup as a possible contribution for her gorgeousness! It's all about creating an illusion... you know, concealing what you don't want to stand out and highlighting the features that you do love!
In order to do this, you'll need to arm yourself with a few really great tools! I'm very much in love with a few essentials from IT cosmetics and thought I'd use them to illustrate just how to contour and highlight!
First, you'll need a great bronzer... preferably one without shimmer! I'm using IT Cosmetics Vitality Glow Anti-Aging Matte Bronzer. I love that it's matte, totally buildable and not overwhelming against my fair skin! Best of all, this bronzer is infused with anti-aging peptides and hyaluroinic-filling spheres to keep your skin smooth and hydrated! How cool is that?! A bronzer with anti-aging properties that hydrates as well?! Wow... but wait, there's more! This bronzer is waterproof and sweat proof making it essentially perfect for this time of year! Rest assured that if you have sensitive skin, this bronzer is hypo-allergenic and works for even the most sensitive of skins!
OK, can we chat about highlighting? When i first tried It Cosmetics Hello Light Anti-Aging Creme Illuminizer with Hydrolyzed Collagen, Peptides and Drops of Light Technology (holy mouth full), it was seriously love at first swipe! I have many highlighters, and I've definitely found some gems... but this, THIS is officially my holy grail! There.. I've declared it! This anti-aging powerhouse is designed to blur away fine lines for a naturally pretty, lit-from-within skin! IT Cosmetics uses light-refracting microspheres to provide skin the look of healthy vitality, radiance and illumination without glitter or shimmer! Honestly, this beauty will add the most gorgeous glow helping you create the a flawless complexion! I will NEVER be without this product again, ever!
Another important tool in highlighting is concealing! I've been using IT CosmeticsBye Bye Under Eye and am completely obsessed with it! First, it's a full coverage, waterproof concealer! This means, you won't have to worry about sweating it right off! Also, i have some seriously dark circles under my eyes and this baby makes me look like I've slept for 12 hours! Any product that can do such miracles is certainly my best friend! Love, love, love!
Lets not forget the importance of great tools! IT Cosmetics has you covered when it comes to quality and luxury! Speaking of luxury, the Heavenly Luxe Mega Fat Fan Brush is the ultimate indulgence! I'd say, it's the most luxurious, plush fan brush I've ever experienced! Once this baby touches your skin, you'll fall instantly in love with this 100% cruelty free mega brush!
The Heavenly Luxe Pointed Precision Luminizer Brush will be your best friend when it comes to a flawless luminizer application! This versatile brush can be used to apply concealer as well as highlighter because of its unique design. I love how it allows you to reach the smallest parts of your face to apply and blend! Also 100% cruelty free, this brush doesn't miss a beat when it comes to a smooth, flawless application! Honestly, It Cosmetics is seriously setting a new standard when it comes to brushes! I need to get my hands on more as i can easily see a slight addiction forming here!
Now that we've chatted about my go-to products to contour and highlight, i thought I'd put together a video that better illustrates just how i get this done! I hope you find it informative and easy. Please note, I'm clearly not a professional makeup artist by any means, I'm simply a makeup lover and this technique is what works for me.
