A Beauty & Lifestyle Blog

12/31/12

TINY After Christmas Haul

So today I went shopping with my sister to one of our local malls to try and take advantage of the after Christmas sales. Unfortunately for me, I didn't have any good luck. The stores just didn't seem to have anything that caught my eye and they just didn't have a very good selection of items on sale.

Here are the three things I did purchase:


I got these two bracelets at Charming Charlie. They are the Modern Geo bracelet and they cost $13.00 dollars each. They also had a teal colored one as well but I opted for the white and black because they are so versatile. These bracelets are little bit different that what I would normally wear but I instantly fell in love when I saw them in the store.



This is the Sephora Instant Moisturizer. I first heard about this product from Emilie Clark. I got a sample size of this a few weeks ago and fell in love with this skincare product. It does such a good job at moisturizing and it doesn't break me out! I also think the packaging is very classy and looks a lot like Chanel. You get 1.69 fl. oz. (50 ml) for $20.00 dollars.

Did you find any good deals this week?

-Liz

12/30/12

What I Got for Christmas 2012



I got some really cool presents this year for Christmas!
Some of things not shown:
-Pan/Cookware set
-Dish set
-Toaster

What was your favorite Christmas gift?

-Liz


12/27/12

2013 Goals/Resolutions


So we all know I never keep resolutions/goals I make but this year I am going to try even harder but I won't be held back by going to college or anything like that!

Start working out at least twice a week
I tried doing this a few months and it never happened. I know I need to be more active and it is the perfect goal to achieve. I am thinking of joining a local gym called Planet Fitness because their membership is so cheap! I want to work on toning my middle section aka my tummy and just be active overall

Drink more water
I am terrible at dribking water so it will be my goal to drink more water, even if it is a bottle a day, it will make be so much more than I am drinking now

Give Blood
I want to donate blood at least once this year

Take a trip
I know I will be going to NYC IMATS in April 2013 but I want to take a weekend trip somewhere this year

Be more consisten with my videos/blog posts
I have been slacking with my videos lately and I want to have at least two videos and one blog post up every week. It sounds pretty difficult but once I put time aside I know I can do this!

What are some of your goals/resolutions for 2013?

-Liz

*Picture from Tumblr




12/25/12

❄ Get Ready With Me: Christmas Day Edition ❄



Merry Christmas!

Here are the products I used:

❄ Sephora Instant Moisturizer
❄ Urban Decay Primer Potion
❄ Urban Decay Amno Palette e/s Sin
❄ Benefit They're Real Mascara
❄ Dr.Jart Waster Fuse BB Cream
❄ MAC Mineralized Skinfinish Natural in Medium

Here are the tools/brushes I used:

❄ NYX Eyelash curler
❄ Sigma Makeup F82
❄ Sigma Makeup F84
❄ Sigma Makeup E55

-Liz



12/22/12

Makeup Collection & Storage

What to see how I store my makeup? Then watch this video! I have been collecting makeup for about thee years and this is my collection! -Liz

A Christmas Story Tag!



I  saw a fellow blogger, Erin, create this tag and I thought it would be the perfect post as Christmas is only a few days away!

1. What is your favorite Christmas tradition now or when you were growing up?
My favorite tradition is watching a Christmas movie on Christmas Eve before we head to bed. It's a nice relaxing way to end the night. We also wear special PJs on Christmas Eve that my mom goes and picks out for us every year, some cheesy Christmas design is on them.

2. What does your Christmas dinner consist of?
I am Italian, so typically there is always Lasagna or some sort of pasta. But for a main dish, we always have a Ham.

3. What is your favorite way to relax during the holidays?
Listening to music and reading a good book is always relaxing for me

4. Do you like homemade gifts or bought gifts?
Homemade gifts are always extra special to me. My grandmother made me a hat one year and I wear it every winter when it gets extra cold outside. She also recently made me a blanket that I  put on my bed when it gets extra cold at night.

5. What is your favorite winter lip product?
Chapstick! My lips always get super dry and chapped in the winter, so I always need to have a chapstick with me.

6. What is Christmas morning like at your house?
We always get up early and open our presents then my mom makes us a yummy breakfast.

7. What is your all-time favorite Christmas movie?
The Polar Express. It's based on the children's book and it is such a good film! I highly suggest you watch it and I heard it is on Netflix now!!

8. What does your Christmas list consist of?
This year it is a few makeup products and some skincare products but I don't have a huge list this year.

9. What is your Christmas Eve traditions?
We go to Christmas Eve service at church and then we go home and watch a Christmas movie before we go to sleep

10. What is your favorite "Christmasy" drink?
My favorite Christmas drink is hot chocolate, with extra marshmallows or whipped cream!

What are some of your Christmas Traditions?
-Liz



12/18/12

Busy week ahead!



Hi guys, with Christmas just around the corner, my next 7-10 days are just going to be crazy!
I have  a work party and a bible study group party this week, holiday concert on Friday,
Christmas Eve service on Monday, Christmas Day going to my grandmother's house.
So as you can see, I'm going to be super busy!

I still have to wrap my presents and do some baking for my work holiday party.

So if you don't see any posts for a bit this is why!

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year!

Do you have any special plans for the holiday season?

-Liz
12/14/12

Winter Fashion Trends

So this winter season there are a few fashion trends It hat are very interesting to me and I thought I would do a post dedicated to all these abominations =)

Number 1 - Turtlenecks!
I personally do not like turtlenecks. I feel like they give your body no shape and are only good for layering on those super freezing cold days.

Forever 21

Number 2 - Embellished Tops
I like if a top has a little extra something and this trend is huge this winter season!! Whether it is the collar or the buttons, rhinestone embellishments are everywhere!

Forever 21

Number 3 - Peter Pan Collar
I think this trend only looks good on certain people. I don't think I could personally pull it off, but some people can.

PacSun

Number 4 - Oxblood/Burgundy
I think this is a gorgeous color for the fall and winter seasons and I even have a nail polish in this color which has many names =)

Windsor

What are your favorite winter fashion trends this year?
-Liz

*not sponsored







12/13/12

Review: Sephora Instant Depuffing Roll-on Gel

In my recent Sephora Haul, I purchased a sampler of their skincare line, which included this roll-on gel. I thought it was going to be like the other very popular ones, which help depuff your under-eye area, as well as make you look more wide awake.


This product is formulated without:
  • Parabens
  • Sulfates
  • Phthalates
  • GMOs
  • Triclosan
This product is also fragrance free and is made of mostly natural ingredients.

My thoughts:  I do not like this product. I don't think it helps depuff your under-eye area. It actually irritated my skin and made it a little red. I do like the formula but it just didn't agree with my skin.

A full size of this costs $15.00 at Sephora.

Have you tried this product? Did you enjoy it or dislike it?
-Liz

*information from sephora.com



12/12/12

Swap with Katie


I did a "makeup" swap with Blogger Katie! It was such a fun experience =)

A makepup swap is when you literally  swap products with another YouTubers or blogger. It can be within your own country or international  You get to know another peson who has the sames interests as yourself and you get to try out products that you may not be able to purchase where you live.
If you want more information about swaps, I can do a post/video in the future :)

If you are interested in doing a swap with me in the new year, 2013, please email me at: lizlovesmakeupx3@gmail.com

-Liz
12/10/12

Nail of the Day: OPI For Sephora in Ruby Without A Cause

Today's Nail of the Day post in a new nail polish polish I picked up recently from Sephora. It is perfect for the holiday season! OPI For Sephora describes this color as a "opaque chrome wine-burgundy with two tone effect".


one coat
This nail polish is perfection! It is opaque in one coat! In the light it looks more like a berry color! It is the perfect formula and the duo-chrome is very unique!

I would have to say you have to pick this up for the holiday season! It is the perfect berry color and burgundy is all the rage right now!

What's your favorite nail polish right now?
-Liz

12/9/12

TAG: My Beauty Firsts


image from weheartit.com


1. What is your earliest beauty memory? 
My earliest beauty memory is when I was middle school and wanted to wear makeup to my 8th grade semi-formal dance.


2. What was your first beauty purchase?
I can't remember my first purchase exactly, but I think it was a mascara from the drugstore


3. When did you first wear makeup?
I first started wearing makeup when I was in 8th grade. I didn't wear it a lot, only for special occasions.

4. When was your first beauty disaster?
My beauty disaster was when I tried applying eyeliner for the first time. It got all over my face and it looked terrible.


5. Who was your first beauty crush?

I can't remember having a beauty crush but I always wanted to look like Hillary Duff. She was probably one of my first beauty crushes because I grew up watching 'Lizzie McGuire' on Disney Channel.

6.What was your first brand crush?
My first brand crush was MAC. Once I got interested in makeup, all I wanted to buy was MAC. It was really expensive, so I never bought anything but I always was checking out the new collections.

7. What is your longest standing beauty love?
My longest standing beauty love is mascara. I feel comfortable leaving the house with just mascara on.

I tag you ALL to do this tag!
-Liz
12/8/12

Liebster Award!



Hey all! I'm very happy to announce that Jamie from
 The Scarlet Jamie has nominated myself, along with ten other great bloggers for the Liebster Award!  Pretty much made my day when I saw her post, so thanks very much Jamie! And make sure y'all go check out her blog! (: This is first award my blog has EVER won!!


What is the Liebster Award?

"The Liebster Award is given to up and coming bloggers who have less than 200 followers. What is a Liebster? The meaning: Liebster is German and means sweetest, kindest, nicest, dearest, beloved, lovely, kind, pleasant, valued, cute, endearing, and welcome."

The Rules:
- Link back to the blogger that nominated you 
- Write 11 random facts about yourself
- Answer the 11 questions asked by the blogger that nominated you
- Create 11 questions of your own questions for blogs you would like to give the Liebster award
- Choose up to 11 blogs with under 200 followers to award 

11 Random facts:

-My birthday is February 17th
-I am 5 foot two inches tall
-I have two dogs, George and Penny
-I have a BA in Information Science
-I work for a hospital
-I have acne prone skin
-My favorite artist is Christina Perri
-I am currently reading Divergent
-I am obsessed with The Walking Dead and Pretty Little Liars
-I am obsessed with owls
I prefer silver jewelry

11 Questions for me:


What is your favorite beverage? (hot or cold)
I love chai tea lattes

What book/magazine are you currently reading?
Divergent by Veronica Roth

Do you enjoy cooking?
I do but I am not the greatest at it
If you could be anywhere in the world right now, where would you be?
Maine 

If you were stranded on an island what 3 items would you have to have with you?
Food, Water, The Bible

What would be your idea of a perfect date night?
Dinner and a Movie

What is the worst job you’ve ever had?
My very first job was working for a bowling alley as a Party Hostess. It only lasted like six weeks.

What is one of your pet peeves? (something that really winds you up)
Chewing loud

What nail colour are you wearing right now?
Sephora by OPI in Metro Chic

If you went into a sweet shop, what would be your first choice of sweets to take home with you?
Chocolate-covered pretzels!!

What do you obsessively collect? (For example, shoes, bags, notebooks, mugs etc)
Handbags and makeup


11 Questions for YOU!

1. Team Edward or Team Jacob?
2. Mac or Windows?
3. How's the Weather?
4. Did you do your Christmas shopping ?
5. What's your favorite musician/band?
6. What's your favorite color?
7. What's your favorite food?
8.Tea or Coffee?
9. If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go?
10. What's on your nails?
11. Favorite store(s)?


I nominate....

Okay, so a lot of bloggers I want to nominate already got the award, so I'm just going to post a list of bloggers I really like these days with under 200 followers and if they would like to do then tag (if they haven't already) then they can feel free! x



Great blogs ladies, I follow you all! Keep it up! <3
12/6/12

Small Sephora Haul!

I placed an order with Sephora over the weekend because I received a $15 dollar coupon through an email. So, I ordered three things! I know it's almost Christmas but I wanted to treat myself :)

Benefit They're Real Mascara - $23.00
This is my all time favorite mascara and I finally splurged and bought a full size! 

Sephora by OPI nail polish in Ruby Without A Cause 
I have been wanting some new nail polish for a while now and saw this color and had to order it!
It is a dark, shimmery wine color with some duo-chrome in the light. I will definitely do a blog post when I wear ir!

Sephora Instant Moisture Kit
My skin has been terrible lately so I want to try out some new skincare products and everybody raves about Sephora's skincare line, so I bought this little sample kit (it was on sale too!). It comes with a Cleansing Foam, Instant depuffing roll-on gel and an Instant Moisturizer! I will totally do a review if I enjoy these products!

Have you bought any goodies from Sephora lately?
Liz

12/1/12

Sigma Beauty Palette on Sale!

Hi guys & gals! This morning as I was browsing the internet, I came across this great sale on the Sigma Beauty website! The Paris Makeup Palette is now on sale for $49.00 dollars, which is a savings on $10 dollars! I think this would an excellent Christmas gift for that special somebody in your life.
This palette comes with:
* Eight eye shadows
* Two blushes
*One highlight
* Sigma E55 Brush
* Sigma F40 Brush

It is the perfect starting kit for a beginner!

To order this palette go to Sigma's website http://www.sigmabeauty.com

Use Code DEC2012 to save 10% on your order. Valid through December 31, 2012!

-Liz

*Some links are affiliate links! Images courtesy of Sigma Beauty!



11/29/12

Where Have I Been?



Check out this video to find out why I haven't been uploading as frequently to my YouTube channel =)

I started a new job, as you know, so I haven't had much time to film/edit/upload videos, thus why you have seen an influx in blog posts the past few weeks!

Liz
11/27/12

NEW Defining Eyes Palette by Tiffany D

Sigma Beauty has come out with a new makeup palette, just in time for the holidays! This palette was a collaboration between Sigma Beauty and Beauty Expert Tiffany D.
Product information

 This palette comes with :

  • 8 eye shadows, 
  • 2 gel liners, 
  • a dual ended brush 
  •  a dual ended eye liner


The cost of the palette is $55 dollars.
It is a limited-edition palette, so it is available until supplies last.

Use Code 'TIFFANY' to save $6 dollars at checkout!

 I could see this palette being used on an everyday basis because of the color selection,as well as it's multi-uses! I am obsessed with the colors in this palette and the packaging is gorgeous!

 To purchase this palette go to Sigma's website http://www.sigmabeauty.com

Liz


*This post is not sponsored. Some of the above links are affiliate links. 
11/25/12

Cyber Monday Sales!

Here is a list of sales I have complied that are occurring on Cyber Monday, that I thought would be helpful for all you online shoppers. Ulta by far has the BEST sales that I have found!


  • Best Buy - Free Shipping on everything
  • DSW - $15 off $74 dollar purchase
  • eBags.com - 30% off + Free Shipping through 11/26
  • Express - $60 Off $150 dollar purchase
  • GAP, Banana Republic and Old Navy - 30% off with code CYBER ends 11/26
  • Garage - 40% off with code CYBER40
  • Kay's - Free Overnight Shipping
  • Kohl's - 20% off + free shipping with code CYBER20
  • Laura Mercier - Free Shipping, end 11/26
  • LuLu*s - Extra 40% off sale items with code Cyber, ends 11/26
  • Madewell - 25% off and free shipping with code TREAT (restrictions)
  • Nautica - 40% off with code THANKS12, end 11/27
  • New York & Company  - Everything 50-75% off & Free Shipping
  • Origins - $10 Off + Free shipping on orders of $25 or more with code TENOFF
  • Sephora - Free shipping over $25 with code SHIPNOW through 11/28
  • Steve Madden - 20% off $100 dollar purchase  + Free Shipping with code WINTER20
  • Tommy Hilfiger - 20% off everything with code TOMMYNOV20
  • TOMS - $5 off $25 dollar purchase or more with code TOMS5THANKS
  • Ulta - Free shipping over $25 with code HOLIDAY2012; FREE Beauty Bag with $35 dollar purchase (includes samples & coupons); 30% off TIGI products; 25% off pur minerals products; Buy 2 Get 1 Free Butter London ; 20% off Fekkai; 25% off ALL The Body Shop; 25% off Ulta  Holiday Kits;  20% off CHI Liquids; $79.95 CHI Ceramic Iron; 20% off AHAVA; 25% off All Hydroxatone skincare; 20% off all StriVectin skincare; $39.99 Hot Tools 1/2" Keratin Flat Iron; $10 off any $50 dollar purchase; $20 off any $100 dollar purchase
Some websites will not release any sale information until Cyber Monday, therefore I couldn't list the information here.

Will you be doing any cyber monday shopping?

- Liz

*Sales found on http://www.cybermonday.com/ or the companies websites
I am not affiliated with any of the companies mentioned



11/24/12

Christmas Wishlist - Sephora

These are a few goodies I would like to pick up from Sephora this year because the makeup brands always come out with incredible sets for the holiday season.

screenshot of my Shopping List on Sephora.com
  1. Origins Skincare Must Haves
  2. Fresh Sugar Berry Merriment Set
  3. Tarte Perfect Curler and Deluxe Lights, Camera, Lashes
  4. Sephora by OPI Perfect Pair Nail Colour Set
  5. Sephora by OPI Tinsel Town Four Piece Set
  6. Fresh Fresh Eyes Lash-Loving Duo
  7. Urban Decay Naked Palette(not shown)
What's on your wishlist from Sephora this year?

Liz


11/23/12

Sigma Beauty FREE SHIPPING


If you are looking to buy gifts for a friend or loved one this holiday season, take advantage of Sigma's free shipping deal this Black Friday!
The code works from Thursday November 22 12AM CST through Friday November 23 11:59PM CST
(East Coast time is Thursday Nov. 22 1AM - Saturday Nov 23 12:59AM)
You can enter the code at the time of checkout
The free shipping is valid for First Class shipping only
Only one code can be applied per order
You cannot combine the code with any other discount codes
Please allow additional shipping time for orders due to the high volume of sales

You can place your order on Sigma Beauty's website http://www.sigmabeauty.com

Happy Shopping!
Liz

11/22/12

I Am Thankful For...



Happy Thanksgiving!!!!
Today is Thanksgiving is America and I thought I would share with you what I am most thankful for this year.


  1. I am thankful for my family. Without them, I wouldn't be where I am today.
  2. I am thankful for my friends. They support me in all my decisions and I am forever grateful for that.
  3. I am thankful that I have a warm home. Many people are homeless or without heat, so I am thankful I can stay warm on a cold night.
  4. I am thankful for food. Many people get maybe a handful of rice for a day and I am thankful to be able to have three meals a day.
  5. I am thankful for clean water. I am thankful to have clean water to bathe in and drink.
  6. I am thankful for the little things in life that make me happy, music, books, and even a cup of coffee.
  7. I am thankful for the support of the people who read my blog, watch my videos, follow my tweets or my tumblr.
What are you thankful for?

Liz
11/18/12

Quick Update

I just wanted to let everybody know that this week I am starting a new full time job, so it will be a lot more difficult to work on blog posts as well as videos for my YouTube channel. My goals for videos and blog posts are as follows: two videos a week and 1-2 blog posts a week. I managed to do this earlier this fall when I took a temporary position and it worked out pretty darn good. I usually like to pre-film videos on weekends and work on blog posts at night, if I have the time.

I also would like to continue the upload schedule I put in my place on channel before, where I would upload videos on Tuesdays and Thursday, so if that sounds like a good idea, I will continue to do that with my videos.

If you have any requests from me, for a video or a blog post, please leave them in the comments section below or feel free to contact me on any of my social media sites!

-Liz

11/16/12

Friday Favorites 11/16/12

This is going to be a new series of posts where I go over some of my favorite products of the week!

I haven't been wearing a lot of makeup for the post month and a half because I haven't been working but I start a new job on November 20th !! I will be working for a local hospital and I will working for the IT department as an Application Specialist. I will be working full-time, so I won't be able to work on videos and/or blog posts as much.

Anyways, now on to my two favorites of the week!

The first is an eye shadow from my Sleek makeup palette in The Original 594. I received this palette in a makeup swap I did with Louise over the summer.

My favorite is the one circled. It is really pretty burnt orange color and I love wearing it all over the lid (it doesn't have a name or number).

My second favorite is a color from my Kat Von D Saint Palette. The picture looks really messy because these eyeshadows are so shimmery! They are extremely pigmented too!

The color I have been using the most from this palette is the shade Downtown, can you see a trend? These two colors are both similar to MAC's All That Glitters.

What are your beauty favorites of the week?

-Liz

*not sponsored

11/15/12

Sigma Holiday Gift Guide (Under $50!)

Christmas is little over six weeks away, so it is time to start thinking and buying gifts for your loved ones! Here are some great ideas to spend for under $50.00 dollars from Sigma Beauty.

1)  Gift Card/ Gift Certificate
A gift card is perfect because it allows your friends and/or family members to buy what they want! You can load it with $50, $100 or even $200 hundred dollars! This is perfect for somebody who already has a few Sigma products and is looking to grow their collection!

These palettes are a great for any of your loved ones who is a makeup fanatic, such as myself ;)
Each palette lets your create a different look and for  $39.00 dollars, you can't beat the price!



This kit contains four of Sigma's face brushes, which are supposed to mimic the motion of your fingertips when applying makeup. This kit does cost $54.00 dollars but it costs with four amazing brushes!


This handy little bag is perfect for traveling! It has two pouches to hold your various makeup items, as well as a handle for carrying! It currently costs $25.00 dollars and come in two color options black or blue

To purchase any of the products mentioned, head over to the Sigma Beauty website http://www.sigmabeauty.com

Sigma also currently has a discount code available! Use code DEC2012 through December 31st, 2012 to receive 10% off your entire purchase!

-Liz

*Some of the above links are affiliate links. This post is not sponsored.





11/14/12

My Owl Obsession!

We all know that owls have been quite trendy this fall season and I am just one of those people who love owl decor!
Here are these few things I own that are owl related:

1) My owl candle - this was given to me recently as a gift

2) My owl cookie jar - My sister gave this to me last year as a Christmas gift! I don't store cookies in it but I usually keep some snacks or candy in it =)
 3) My owl hand cream - My mom gave this to me as a gift (I forgot if it was for my birthday or Christmas) and it has a hand cream inside it. She said she bought it at a local store.
 4) My owl ring - My sister got this for me as a Christmas present last year, I think and it so cute! It has a stretchy band which is uncomfortable so I don't wear it a lot but I still love it! I believe it is from Aeropostale.
5) My blog background! I found this background on Google and fell in love with it! It is also the background for my twitter account :)


What do you have an obsession with?
-Liz