MAKEUP STORAGE IDEA

I always look at boxes, baskets, or anything that could become a storage box.  It's always hard to stay neat and organized when it comes to the makeup and bathroom products.  What I hate more, is having a whole bunch of stuff on top of my vanity.  So, I found this beautiful box/basket for $10 at Ross. 

I love that it has a lid too.  This what I did with it.

I took all the things I use on a daily basis and put it inside.  I have Huggies Natural wipes that I use to wipe off makeup, wipe my vanity, or even spot clean my brushes.  They are hypoallergenic and have aloe and vitamin E in them.  Then I have my foundation, concealer, bronzer, foundation brush, eye/crease brush, and my 2 favorite Mac palettes.  For my everyday routine this is perfect.  I'm not looking through my drawers and pulling stuff I don't need out, making more of a mess.

I think what I like more, is it has cut down on the time it takes me to get ready.  Everything is right there and it looks neat.

How is your makeup area set up?  What's your favorite storage item?

MY NEW HAIR ROUTINE - drugstore products

I noticed the hair for fall is really messy, beachy waves or curls.  My hair is really course and wavy/curly, but I needed a little help to relax the curls. 

SHAMPOO

 I have been using the New Dove shampoo and conditioner in intense therapy.  Using these alone and I really don't need any other products.  My hair becomes super soft and manageable.  I also recently tried using Johnson's baby shampoo.  You don't get much of a lather, but it leaves your hair super soft too.  I feel like it's lighter and a more natural product.  I love all of Johnson's & Johnson products.  They have come out with an organic line too.  I figure if it's good for babies delicate skin, it's good for ours.

PRODUCT

The only 2 products I really use after I wash my hair are heat protectant and Biosilk serum.  If I want my waves to be really relaxed I'll use Biosilk.

TOOLS

I either use the conical iron or 1 inch curling iron.  My favorite comb, the teasing comb from Sally's.

What I Do

I wash my hair and put in some Biosilk.  I let it air dry completely.  Then I take either the curling iron or conical and and take small random pieces and curl them.  It's not a perfect or even curl.  Then I take my little comb and tease it, but not just underneath, but on top too.

I am using less heat because I'm not drying or flat ironing my hair.  I just curl a few pieces.  Best of all it's really easy and effortless.  The hair products are inexpensive.  My hair feels better and I am working with my natural texture.

What are you doing differently with your hair? have you found a great drugstore hair product?

URBAN DECAY NAKED PALLETTE - Do you need it? (dupe alert)

I got sucked up into the hype, again, and I should have just passed.  I walked into Ulta and there was one left, and I thought I'll get it.  I am a neutral girl, so all these colors in one palette seamed like a good buy.

The colors are beautiful, but guess what?  They are the same colors that are in all the other palettes that I have by Urban Decay.  I know it comes in one palette, but I have other cheaper palettes that are actually different neutrals and without the glitter fall out on my face.  

This coastal Scents 28 Neutral palette has most if not more shades at half the price.  I know the quality is not exactly the same, but these colors are just as beautiful.  Not to mention the fact that there is a whole lot less glitter in these colors. 

Another great dupe is the E.L.F. palettes.  For $5 you get great colors and pigmentation in one case.

In the end, I should have walked on by because there are too many other cheaper palettes that are similar. Plus the fact I feel like I keep buying the same product from Urban Decay over and over.

What are your favorite neutral colors?

TRAVEL BAG TIPS/IDEAS

I bought some sheets the other day and they came in a plastic case with a zipper on top.  Don't throw out these cases.  They are perfect for travel.  it makes a perfect travel bag not just for makeup.

This is a couple of I packed for a overnight trip.  I loved it because I could see what I was looking for and I got tons of room left over.  I could have put in my brush roll too.  

One thing I hate is when my bras and undies go into the suitcase and they end up all over.  I packed them all in this one.  I feel like it's much cleaner too.

In the last one, I put all the shampoos, body sprays and anything that will cause a big mess in. It's so easy to clean up, just wipe with a damp cloth.

I think this these are great to keep everything neat, clean, and organized.  Your clothes and shoes are protected from anything spilling or breaking.  I need to find a smaller one for my makeup now.

What do you pack your makeup in when traveling? Do you have any travel tips? 

ROCK AND REPUBLIC MAKEUP - HAUL + swatches

We were in Las Vegas a couple of weeks ago and I did a little makeup shopping.  I have been looking at Rock and Republic makeup for a while, and decided to treat myself.  

The cases on all the products are so beautiful and real great quality.

BLUSH L - R

Contrived, Bedroom,  Pressed Powder Suede

TOP -BOTTOM

Suede powder, Bedroom, Contrived

The powder is sheer. It's perfect for setting because it feels silky on the face.  The blush colors are ALL beautiful. I tried to pick 2 very different colors.  I thought that Contrived blush would be a good bronzer too.

 EYESHADOW L - R

Provocative, Revenge

How perfect are these for fall.  They are just silky and pigmented like crazy.

BRUSHES TOP - BOTTOM

#101

#203

#204

These brushes and the handles are really beautiful.  They are soft, full, sturdy, and work great.

Rock and Republic has done an amazing job with this products.  Of course the downfall, they are pricey.   I have seen a lot of sites where they sell them for up to 50% off.  It does make them a whole lot more affordable.  If you want to give yourself a treat, try the blush first. Just the compact will make you fall in 

love.

What's been your latest treat for yourself?  Have you tried Rock and Republic?

STEVE MADDEN CLOGS for Fall - HAUL

Look how pretty!!! Clogs are huge for fall.  The funny thing is, is that I bought this last month at Nordstrom Rack for $50, but I just saw them at Macy's and Nordstoms.  Did I mention they were on sale for $89?  They are so cute on, super sexy looking, but most of all very comfortable. I love the studs along the sides.  I may have to find a matching purse with these.  I'm thinking all black outfit and the clogs and my new imaginary purse.

 If you have a Rack near you and are looking for clogs, check them out.  I also saw them in a black closed toe.  I'm thinking of going back to give them a try.  At Nordstom's I saw the most beautiful boots.  Ugg had clog boots, soooooo beautiful.  I love boots, but hate the hefty prices.

Do you like the clogs for fall/winter?  What type of shoe or boot are you shopping for?

MY MAC WISH LIST

I make lists of all the things I want to look at or want to buy.  I always say I'll remember the color or product, but that never happens.  This is my what my Mac list look like.

Mac Face and Body foundation

BLUSH

Dollymix

Fleur Power

EYES

Fig 1

Star Violet

Coppering

Antiqued

Woodwinked

Sable

Hepcat

Cranberry

Plum Dressing

Brule (I hit pan)

LIPS

Creme Cup

Faby

Syrup

Kinda Sexy

Faux

I keep looking at the collections, but I think I should try to pick up some of these next.

What's on your Mac Wish list?

HOW TO BLOG FROM AN iPAD?

An iPad was my Mamma's Day present this year and it's great, but I still have a hard time blogging on it.

Does anyone blog from their iPad?  If you do, could you let me know how you do it.   Are there any good apps. for blogger?  

What's your favorite iPhone or iPad app?

MAKING COOKING A LITTLE EASIER -KRAFT ITALIAN DRESSING

This is my new best friend in the kitchen.  I had the most tender tasting chicken, and when I asked how they got the chicken so soft and tender, this is what it was,  Kraft Zesty Italian.

I have been marinating everything with it.  Meats and veggies come out yummy.  I have also been using for salad dressing, haha, of course.   

It has the perfect blend of seasonings, garlic, vinegar and oil.  The food doesn't come out sour from the vinegar.  I also just add a couple tablespoons when I am sauteing meat or making any side dish.  

Today I took cheery tomatoes and sauteed them in a  1TBS. dressing until soft. You don't need any more because the tomatoes release some liquid.  I added cooked microwaved brown rice, 2 squirts of dressing,  a bag of spinach and warmed everything through.   Chicken would complete this dish, but I didn't have any.  It was delish!  

It also comes in Fat Free(mmm I don't know if I like this one) and one made with olive oil, but I'm going to try different flavors too.  Saves me the time and money of buying all the different seasonings.  It's easy in a bottle.

What is your secret cooking weapon?  What's your favorite dressing?

MAC FEROCIOUS FELINES + MAC DIDI POP - HAUL

This collection was really pretty and there was something for everyone.  I think the lipsticks were really unique and something different.  I also picked up a lipstick from the Didi- Pop Collection.

L - R

Leopard Luxe Quad 

Infused with Glam- Digi- Pop collection

Aristo-Cat

The quads in this collection were all really dupable with other colors in the permanent line, but I just like this color combo so much.  It's small enough to go with me and go from day to night.

L - R

Infused with Glam

Aristo- Cat

Aritso-Cat is so pretty.  It's a pink/lavender with a gold undertone.  It really looks different each time I put it on.  

Infused With Glam ahhhhh, I am not a glitter girl, I think the glitter will end up all over, but I LOVED all the lipsticks in this collection.  I wish they would make them in regular colors.  There were so many I wanted, I shocked myself.  I only got one, but I'm going to try it out and let you know if I end up like a disco ball.

Have you gotten anything from Mac lately or their collections?  What's your next Mac purchase?

COVERGIRL OUTLAST LIPSATIN/review

I have come to the conclusion that I am not a lip stain girl.  I was dying to try these because so many brands came out with them.  CVS had a BOGO and I tried to pick the 2 lightest shades, since they all looked pretty dark to me.

Top -  #420

Bottom - #415

They don't have the name just numbers on the bottom the bottom of the lip stains.  

On my hand the colors look different, but on the lip, it looks pretty much the same.  I couldn't put it on evenly.  The stain came out liquidity and one part stained the lip darker than the other.

What I disliked the most, is the fact my lip look flat.  I looked like a little kid who just ate a popsicle.

I think I'm over have a perfect lip stained lip.

Have you tried a lip stain? What's a good way to put it on?

SENNA COSMETICS - REVIEW

At IMATS this year, seen here, I bought a beautiful palette from Senna Cosmetics.  I loved the feel, color, and pigmentation of it.  You have shadows, blush, highlight, bronzer, and powder in one.  I sent it to my sister-in-law because I knew she would love it.  More importantly, she's a  freelance MUA and works in the movie industry, and this has so many products in one case.  I was right because she uses all the time and loves it too.  So, when I was contacted by Senna Cosmetics to try some products, I was super excited.  I know how great the palette is, and was excited to try more products.

I was not at all disappointed.  These products are just as wonderful.

They carry a full line of cosmetics and brushes.  I found foundation, mineral makeup, shadows, brow kits, and palettes. I like the full range of colors in foundation and powder,  from light to dark skin tones.The prices range from $15-$95.  They also do not test on animals.

Look on Senna Cosmetics site for all their products and descriptions of their products.

MYTH e/s

That is one swipe.  My true test of color payoff.  It's long lasting, but there is some glitter fall out.  I want to try their matte shadows next.

TOP- ALABASTER Lip Lacquer
This is very sticky and thick, but does not move, even when you eat.
BOTTOM GLINT Lipstick
Says its a sheer tone, but I think it has a lot of color.  What I like about this is the SPF and i is moisturizing too. It sinks into the lips.

    TOP - Glint topped with Alabaster

MIDDLE-Alabaster Lip Lacquer

BOTTOM- Glint(Tyra Banks named this a best pick on her show)

JOY Blush

This is my favorite product I tried.  It is like a blush and highlight in one.  For me, it is what Mac Stereo Rose would look like in a blush.

 Myth

TOP Mac Stereo Rose

BOTTOM- Senna Myth blush

Dual Ended Brush

Super soft, but this gives a sheer color wash.

 I want to get a palette for myself so I'll have more products to try and it will be great for travel too.  

Have you tried senna Cosmetics?  Which products would you like to try?

Disclaimer: These products were sent to me and it is my honest review.  I am not getting compensated for my review.