No Heat Hairstyles! How To: Flipped Pony Bun

Yay, the weekend is here, and since it's Labor Day on Monday, the weekend will be extra long! Today's post  features a hairstyle that's quick to create, leaving you plenty of time to enjoy the weekend.  Yesterday, I shared a look to take your daytime eyes into night but done in minutes. Today, I thought I'd share a day-to-night quick, easy, no heat updo that takes seconds to do. Just like yesterday's tutorial, you'll only need 2 products:

T O O L S:

• hair elastic
• bobby pins or spin pins/pin twirls

M E T H O D:

Secure hair in a pony tail

Right above the elastic, split the hair in half.

Grab tail and flip up so it's flat against the crown of your head. 

Pull through the split. 

If you were a kid of the 90s, remember the Topsy Tail? 

It's the same look (by the way, they still make them).

Take the tail and twist. 

Wrap around to make a bun. 

Pin into place. That's it!

Optional: I used Spin Pins--basically, you take one pin at the bottom of your bun and screw it up into your hair. Then take the other pin to the top of the bun. Twist/screw it down into the bun.

T I P S:

• You can leave the flipped pony as is, if buns aren't your thing.
• Speaking of buns, check out my Lauren Conrad Big Messy & Ballerina Buns Tutorials.
• To get bobby pins to stay in your hair, make sure the bumpy side is down.
• If your hair is super-slippery, try spraying the pin with a quick spritz of dry shampoo.

Have a great weekend! Be safe, behave, and be well. Love, Elle

How To: Makeup Inspired by Carly Rae Jepsen

pic

This week has flown by for me, mostly because I've had the week off. My time off is running out! Speaking of time, a few weeks ago I went out with friends but only had 5 minutes to get ready. Does this happen to you? Here's the look I came up with, inspired by a picture of Carly Rae Jepsen (she sings Call Me Maybe, aka the song that you cannot escape but I still sing every time I hear it) and you only need TWO products.

T O O L S:

• NYX Jumbo Eye Pencil in French Fries 
• Lashem Double Trouble Lash Mascara

M E T H O D:
This look is awesome for a few reasons: it makes the eyes POP,
it can be changed easily for daytime or night,
it uses two products,
and it takes 5 minutes to do.

place, pat, line

• Place the NYX Jumbo Eye Pencil all over the lid. I'm a fan of these because they're cheap ($4.50), don't crease, and can be used as an eye lid primer. Check out how I use the white eye pencil here.
• Pat in with fingers to blend. You can get extra fancy and add more color to the outer edge, and make the area above the iris the lightest.
• Smudge pencil under the bottom lids.

Double Trouble Eye, Volumizing Wand, Lengthening Wand

• For mascara, I'm using the Double Trouble Mascara sent to me by Lashem. This mascara features a volumizing formula as well as a lengthening formula. You can use either one or combine them both for  the biggest lashes. It's like two mascaras in one!
• Use the volumizing end first. The rubber bristles are great because they get to every lash. Here are my lashes after one coat. I've never had an issue with clumps, and sometimes I will just use this wand.
• To finish the look, use the lengthening wand. It features flexible cotton fibers to thicken and curl lashes. I wear contacts, so I like that the Double Trouble doesn't irritate my sensitive eyes and is easy to remove. I used one coat and didn't curl my lashes. I'm pleased with my results.

<-- Double Trouble and No Mascara -->

T I P S:

• Line tightline and waterline to define eyes even more.
• While this copper-brown shade looks great on blue eyes (my eyes are blue-green), try an aubergine (eggplant) shade on brown and green eyes.
• Make it daytime-friendly by choosing a lighter shade of shadow.
• While I used a creamy shadow (Color Tattoo is another great option), use a copper-brown regular shadow if that's more your style. 
• In case you were wondering, I use Innoxa Gouttes Bleues Eye Drops to really whiten my eyes.
• Just in case you noticed, I'm totally wearing fake bangs!

Call Me Maybe? ;)

What's your favorite way to get ready in a hurry?

Elle's Quick Tips: How to Get More Bang for Your Beauty Buck!

Yesterday I was on tv and I was horrified at how bad I looked--we're talking no makeup, wearing glasses, spaghetti stains on my shirt, and wet hair...super sexy. It was a "man on the street" interview for the news and it was pouring rain. So now I'm never leaving the house without full makeup. ;)
But speaking of makeup, I'm on a pretty tight budget, so how do I save money when it comes to beauty products? Let's see:

• Dupes--There is almost always a dupe or knockoff of a more expensive beauty product. Try the drugstore generic of a favorite beauty or hair product. Usually they're made in the same factory! Not in the mood to treasure hunt and try? Search for ____dupe (ex. Mac lipstick dupe) and you'll easily find a comparable product for a fraction of the price.

• Drugstore--Most of the products I use are drugstore! The quality of what you'll find is so much better than it used to be. Try Wet N Wild shadows, Revlon lipsticks, and Covergirl mascara, just to name a few.

• DIY--When I saw a brown sugar scrub for $65 (seriously) I knew I could easily make my own. And I do for many DIY hair, skin, and body products. Check those out here.

• Returns--Is there anything worse than spending your money on a new lipstick only to hate it once you bring it home? Luckily, many stores allow returns, even with opened & used products! Try Sephora, Ulta, drugstores, Wal-Mart and Target. Keep the receipt!

• Monthly Subscriptions--One way to sample new beauty products is to try a monthly subscription service, such as Birchbox or MyGlam. Some are even free--try influenster.com

• Beauty Swap--If you have a lot of good friends who use beauty products, try a beauty swap. What doesn't work for you might be perfect for someone else! Makeup can be easily disinfected (click here for a post on how to disinfect makeup).

• Sell, Donate, or Repurpose--See link above for more details!

• Multipurpose Products--I love it when I can use a product for more than one thing. Conditioner easily becomes shaving lotion, baby wipes make great makeup removers, and lipstick can be blush!

• Choose Wisely--I love drugstore products, but I do spend money on my haircut and color. But drugstore mascaras are always better than high-end brands. If you have finicky skin, a name-brand foundation is a wise investment. Many drugstore shampoos work just as well as the fancy ones.  

Where do you spend and splurge when it comes to beauty?

Are you all high end? Drugstore diva? Or high-low?

Best Drugstore Nude Lipsticks

CHECK OUT THE UPDATED 2013 LIST HERE!

So yesterday I had a dentist appointment. I have such a strong tolerance for pain, but not when it comes to dental cleanings--I'm a weepy wimp. I decided a trip to ULTA was in order to make me feel better. A salesperson commented on my nude lipstick, and it prompted me to finish this post from eons ago. I'm sharing a variety of shades to suit just about every skin tone, as well as some bonus shades. I didn't swatch these since what looks awful on my skin may look better on you, but I will gladly update this if you want to see a particular shade. Check out my Favorite Drugstore Nude Lipsticks:

I'm starting with the lightest pink to an almost-mauve.

Revlon Colorburst in Pink Sugar--very light pink nude. Revlon has some great MAC lipstick dupes.
Maybelline ColorSational in Nude Nuances--a lighter pink
Revlon Colorburst in Soft Nude--a creamy pink

Rimmel Kate Moss 03--traditional nude
Wet N Wild in Bare It All--another traditional nude shade, similar to 03, but about $1
Rimmel Kate Moss 08--almost a mauve, but with brown

I thought I'd include shades for those that want a sheer wash of color.

Revlon Lip Butter in Creme Brulee--Try adding this over a nude lipstick for shine. Sometimes matte shades can be so drying, so I like adding this on top.

Maybelline Babylips Peach--This is very sheer and can be worn over lipstick or just as a moisturizer. I happen to adore the scent of peach, but some may not.

L'Oreal ColourRiche Le Balm in Caring Coral and Rose Elixir--These aren't traditional nudes, but are sheer enough to look gorgeous on certain skin tones.

Revlon Lip Butter in Peach Parfait--More of a sparkly sheer

Drugstore and high end lip glosses/lip stain, for those that aren't fans of lipstick.

Revlon ColorBurst Lipgloss in Bellini--very light pink apricot

Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stain in Charm--a little bit darker than the Bellini shade, but with great staying power

Makeup Forever in S2--super sparkly and glossy light nude

Buxom in Leslie--golden light nude sparkly gloss

Nars in Orgasm--the infamous peachy gold gloss that I can only wear over a lipstick. It doesn't show up on me otherwise.

Revlon ColorBurst in Sunset Peach--a sparkly peach that looks great alone or over lipstick.

T I P S

• Nude lipsticks look great with smokey eyes.
• The darker the lips, the lighter the nude is the rule of thumb, but wear what looks best on you. 
• Color and shine help to keep lips from cadaver territory.
• Have a shade that doesn't work for you? Try using the lipstick to lighten a darker lipstick. For example, I was able to turn a red into a coral just by mixing with a light nude shade.
• Depending on the shade/texture, concealer and clear lip gloss can be used as a nude shade in a pinch.

Wearing Rimmel 03 and Revlon in Sunset Peach

Update:

Revlon Soft Nude, Revlon Pink Sugar, Maybelline Nude Nuances, Rimmel 08, WNW Bare It All, Revlon Lip Butters in Creme Brulee & Peach Parfait, Rimmel 03, Le Balm Coral

Beauty Grab Bag: August

How was your weekend? Mine was spent in my hometown. My youngest nephew turned 3, and his party was at a state park by the lake. A good time was had by all. It was interesting because the first birthday party I remember was when I turned 3. We had it in the carport at the house where I grew up. My parents have redone the entire outside of the house/yard--while it looks marvelous, it's unrecognizable from the house of my youth. But the carport is the one thing, for now, that remains. While walking Charlie, I stood under the carport, remembering that party....and now I need to remember to finish this post! Onto beauty products! I know this month is almost over, but better late than never?

Monthly I like to share new-to-me beauty products I've purchased. Check out my reviews below:

• Sinful Colors Polishes in Let Me Go and Bali Mist--I tried in vain to take pics of my nails, but the best results come from the bottles themselves. Metallics in nontraditional colors will be huge this fall, and these polishes at $1.99 each, are a budget-friendly way to try the trend. They are holographic, shiny, and the color is buildable. Try a couple of coats for best results. I prefer the pink Bali Mist. Purchase in drugstores.

Let Me Go & Bali Mist

• Facial Anti-Stress Mask: Dead Sea Minerals--Again, I try to make my own masks, but I purchased this one because clay-based. If you have oil skin, you'll love this, as it purifies and cleans pores. Or you can apply this blue mask and pretend you're in the Avatar movie. Apply, let dry, and rinse away. Purchase in drugstores or chain stores, like Wal-Marty/Target/Ulta, etc. for around $4.

• ELF Makeup Mist & Set--While I love to make my own makeup setting spray, I can't always do that while traveling. I also wanted something that was cheap and lasted longer. I tried out this ELF version for $3 over the weekend, and it worked. My makeup survived a hot day at the lake running after a pup and little ones. Purchase at Target or online.

• Rimmel Scandal Eyes Flex Mascara--I'm a huge fan of the original ScandalEyes (orange tube) for volume, but it's one of the wettest mascaras I've ever used. This version is a drier, flexible formula, thanks to the Lycra. If you like soft lashes with some volume, you'll like this. Think of it as the daytime version of the ScandalEyes. Purchase in drugstores/discount chains for around $6. I got mine for around $3, so look for sales.

What new products have you purchased lately?

If you'd like a more thorough review on a product, let me know.

Airplane Beauty Routine

As many times as I've flown, I still wouldn't rank it as a fun thing. I don't experience flying anxiety or anything; I just don't like it. I don't sleep when I fly, even with sleepy meds. I just sit there, cramped, and bored out of my mind. I read, watch movies, and the like, but I am usually over it after a couple of hours. After my first trip to Europe a few years ago, where I was trapped in the window seat for 6 hours, I came up with this routine. It kills time and it uses my time wisely.

First, don't get embarrassed to do this in front of strangers. They're people that you won't see again. So give it a try. Here's what I do on a quick flight and a long flight (since I don't sleep).

Quick Flight:

• Hydrate
• Moisturize 
• Do makeup
• Hair in a high bun for extra volume when I take it down
• Fresh breath--Wisps

Long Flight:

C O M F O R T A B L E

• I pack fuzzy aloe socks that I only wear while on the plane. My feet stay warm and get a little moisturizing as well.
• We all know airplane air dries you out, so I make sure to have water. I'll bring packets of immune boosters to add to help fight off colds. I take zinc too, if I've eaten. I don't usually bring snacks.

H A I R

• If I don't have something to go to once I exit the plane, I use a long flight to moisturize my hair. I'll put a hair masque on my ends before I get on the plane and put my hair in a bun. 

F A C E

• My face gets so dry, so a moisturizer is a necessity. This includes lips too.
• If I feel too greasy, I'll ask the flight attendant for a packet of sugar and some lemon. In the lavatory I'll make those into an exfoliating face mask. It wakes me up, too.
• If I don't use the flight to put on my makeup, I'll mist my face to stay hydrated. Try the Evian spray. I use my Travolo and fill with water.
• I love to use an eye cream to depuff eyes.
• Facial Mask--if everyone's asleep, try this one. It works!
• I don't sleep, but I do give my dry eyes a break with an eye mask. Before leaving home, I'll spray a little lavender. It blocks the sun too.
• I enter the plane with no makeup and leave with a quick 5 minute face.

H A N D S

• I'm lucky to have soft hands. But I don't like lotion on my palms--I've always been that way. Instead, I'll add a dot of lotion to my cuticles and the backs of my hands. Sally Hansen's Nails & Cuticles Hand Cream is a fave.

T I P S

• I know this is quite a list. I do this as a means to relax and pamper myself. For those who say they never have time, a long flight will provide just that. Spa Day!
• Two words: fresh and hydrated...this is what I aim for when I fly. I don't want to look like I've just gotten off the plane, if that makes sense.
• I love to use traveling as an excuse to use up samples. You'll end up with more room in your bag, too.
• Non-scented products are the way to go, as to be respectful of those around you. 
• Don't forget fresh breath! I keep Wisps in my bag for just that reason.

Have a great weekend! Be safe, behave, and be well. Love, Elle

PS: Check out my Wanderlust Week archives--everything you need to know about travel!

(Mini) Wanderlust Week: More Travel Beauty Hacks

Traveling is one of my very favorite things. Sharing my tips on ways to make life easier is another one of my very favorite things. AND I'm cramming in a couple of trips before summer ends, so I thought a quick mini Wanderlust Week is in order. 

Last year I shared my Travel Beauty Hacks, a huge list of tips and tricks I've used in my travels. I like to use hacks to save space and products while traveling. Since it was so popular, I'm sharing even more! Enjoy! 

All pics are via weheartit.com

F A C E & B O D Y

• For exfoliating facial scrub, use a packet of sugar and 1 vitamin E capsule mixed together. Scrub away the grime and rinse. 
• To instantly soften skin, get a cut lemon (I get mine from the hotel bar or a restaurant) and rub on elbows or knees. The rough spots will disappear, thanks to the acid in the lemon.
• Keep facial wipes in the mini-fridge for an extra refreshing feel after a day of traveling in the heat. I've also done this with a wet washcloth. It's a great way to wake yourself up, too!
• Use shadow or bronzer as a liner in a pinch. I've used bronzer as a shadow too.

pic of my hair

H A I R

• This is crazy, but it works! If your scalp is oily, and you're without dry shampoo, try a packet of plain oatmeal on your roots. Just massage in and brush out. And no, it doesn't leave oats in your hair.
• Another idea born out of desperation/boredom: Tear up strips of a paper bag. Wrap around hair, like a hair roller. Roll up to ears, knot and spritz hair with water. Let dry and unwrap for instant curls.
• Socks will curl hair too!
• I've used mascara, shadow, and bronzer to hide my grey roots. Check out more Ways to Hide Greys here.
• Go to the hotel (or any) restaurant. Ask for a cup of olive oil--I've never had anyone charge me for it. Heat in the microwave in your room until warm (or use one in the hotel). Pour the warm oil on your hair and wrap your hair in a towel. Leave at least 30 minutes before shampooing out.

C L O T H E S

• Dry shampoo is not only great for second day hair, but helps take the stink out! Spray some on armpits of shirts or in stinky shoes. Let dry before wearing.
• Use those shower caps to cover your dirty shoes! Rain, dirt, and mud happens, but that doesn't mean your clothes or suitcase should get dirty. Try it.
• Use a razor to remove pills off of shirts/sweaters.

M I S C

• I don't usually stay in fancy pants hotel rooms that come with an Ipod player. Instead, I'll place my Ipod in an empty glass or bowl to amplify the sound. Random fact: if I stay at your house, I do this too so I can have music when showering. Weird?
• Depending on the brand/type of deodorant you have, deodorant is great at stopping nicks from shaving.

What are your best Travel Beauty hacks?

Where did you travel this summer?

PS: Please check out past Wanderlust Weeks here. 

You'll find just about every travel tip and trick covered, with lots of links too! Have fun.

Ask Elle: How to Get Frizz-Free Straight Hair

Ask Elle is my on-going series where I answer your questions about beauty, hair, or whatever!

Have a question you'd like answered? Let me know, below.

Jenny asked, "How do I keep my hair straight & frizz-free?"

I loveeeee some wavy hair--exhibit A: practically every hair tutorial on this blog. But sometimes I like to mix it up and straighten my hair. It's not something I do often because (a) I wore my hair uncut, long, and straight for 15 years and (b) it takes a while to straighten (c) my hair is very dry and frizzy. But I've got some tricks up my sleeve that really work to get straight, frizz-free hair faster!

To prove my point further, as I'm writing this (edit: last week), it's storming here in Atlanta, so the tutorial was taken during the storms. My hair lasted all day, with no frizz (close to a week actually) until the next wash. Here's how to:

T O O L S:

• Not Your Mother's Smooth Moves Frizz Control Hair Cream
• John Freida Frizz Ease Heat Defeat Protectant
• Flat iron

M E T H O D:

Add a dollop of NYM Smooth Moves to damp hair. NYM sent this to me and I love it! It smells like coconut, first of all, which I LOVE. It does half of the work of straightening and defrizzing my hair for me. If you've read this blog before, you'll know I'm a huge fan of their line. Find them at ULTA or CVS. When I run out, I'll purchase this. 

Those with fine curly/wavy hair will love this. It's also great for straightening bangs. Or try it on those areas that are hard to straighten. My natural wave begins around my crown, so that's where I start putting the cream and follow to my ends. Use as much as needed. It's very thick. 

I chose to let my hair dry naturally, but I know most will blow dry. Just wait until your hair is 70% dry and then use a heat protectant. My hair was about 90% straight from just using the cream on my naturally wavy hair.

Before you use your favorite flat iron, spray hair with John Freida Frizz Ease Heat Protectant. Let dry. Use your flat iron as normal--no pics of this, sorry. By the way, if you need a recommendation for a flat iron, let me know, but I've reviewed a few on ElleSees already. Finish with spray of choice if desired. 

BONUS TIP: If your hair suffers from the frizzies, try avoiding any products with NO alcohol. It really works.

Random: I'm wearing Revlon Lip Butter in Red Velvet.

Have a beauty question you'd like answered? Ask Elle!

Don't feel like straightening your hair? Try these quick rainy day hair ideas 

(and enjoy my blog in blurry cell phone pics but with more comments, whee!)

Battle of the BB Creams--Which Drugstore BB Cream is the Best? (Updated 2013)

Over the past few months, I've reviewed different drugstore BB creams, and thought I'd do a roundup of them all. Please let me know if you need more information/swatches of a product(s). As always, just because I dislike a product doesn't mean you will too--try it & you might like it!

What are BB Creams?
BB means "beauty balm" or "blemish balm."

What do they do?
These creams are a mix of skin care and a tinted moisturizer. It's supposed to save a step in your makeup routine by marrying skin plus foundation products. BB creams have many claims, such as hydrating the skin, blurring imperfections, and evening out skin tone. BB creams are meant to be worn alone, and not as a primer, and some wear powder to set. Don't use a moisturizer with these. Just apply with fingers, a sponge, or foundation brush. They're great for days when you want a satin finish, but without all the cakey-looking makeup. I have really enjoyed them during the summer and on days when I don't want to wear a lot of makeup (but want to wear something).

What do they NOT do?
BB creams will not provide the same coverage as a foundation, and are comparable to a tinted moisturizer in that respect. I'm always disappointed to read reviews that fault BB creams because the reviewers are expecting total coverage.

Reviews begin clockwise

Garnier Skin Review (click for more comprehensive review)

•  $11-13
• two shades: light-medium and medium-dark
• dewy, satin finish
• medium coverage
• moisturizing
• vitamin c (note: I'm allergic to citric acid, but have had no effects from this cream)
• lasts all day
• It smells at first
• Oily skin--might want to avoid EDIT: There is now a formula for combo/oily skin
• spf 15
• most product
• Elle Sees' fave

Maybelline Dream Fresh (original review here)

• around $7.44 
• 5 shades
• SPF 30--the best I've seen on drugstore BB creams
• It allegedly: Blurs imperfections, Brightens, Evens skin tone, Smoothes, Hydrate Enhances
• creamy texture
• light coverage
• no breakouts or offensive smell
• dry-normal skin
• Great, cheap alternative to tinted moisturizer, but not the finish of a BB cream (would repurchase for tinted moisturizer purposes only)...this BB cream is a favorite among many of you.

L'Oreal Youth Code BB Cream

• $15-16
• Allegedly Evens, Illuminates, Perfects, Moisturizes, Corrects
• same smell as Garnier, just not as thick
• light-med coverage
• sheer tint with slight luminosity 
• SPF 15
• most product
• 2 shades
• Slightly more expensive version of Garnier but a great alternative for those who found the Garnier too thick of a formula (not repurchasing)

Cover Girl BB Cream

• $7
• This is the same exact product as CG Smoothers. This is not a BB cream, just a tinted moisturizer. Don't fall for it!
• Allegedly: moisturizing. light coverage, lasts up to 8 hours
• SPF 15
• I cannot find a link to buy this online--it's the same product, just in different packaging. I thought I'd mention that again.
• This works as a great tinted moisturizer, but is in no way a BB cream. (wouldn't repurchase due to the fact I feel duped! Grr.)

L'Oreal Magic Skin Beautifier BB Cream (original review here)

• $8.24-10
• 4 shades
• It allegedly Hydrates, Corrects, Evens, Perfects, Vitamin E, 24 hour hydration
• Starts off grey, like traditional BB cream but then blends to shade you purchased
• BB=beauty beads that hurt my face...use with a foundation brush instead
• best for those with oily skin
• reflective shimmer
• med coverage
• no spf
• Many love this product, but I don't due to those exfoliating bbs. (not repurchasing)

Revlon Photoready BB Cream

• This product came out in late November/early December 2012.
• 1 oz for $13.99
• 3 shades, but I like how the display had the three shades distributed amongst their regular shades, insuring which one might look best on you. For example, I wear Natural Beige, and was matched up to the light medium shade.
• According to the website it hydrates, smoothes, covers, blurs flaws, and protects.
• SPF 30 
• dewy, satiny finish
• light to medium coverage
• no smell
• best for dry and normal skin
• This reminds me of a lighter version of the Garnier BB cream. It is still oily (moisturizing), so those with oily skin might want to avoid, but I would suggest trying it and using a matte powder to set (just make sure you can return).
• would repurchase

Rimmel London BB Cream

• This product came out in the US on January 2013.
• $6 for 1 oz.
• 3 shades: light, medium, medium-dark
• Claims it does 9 things: primes, moisturizes, minimizes pores, conceals, covers, smooths, mattifies, brightens, and helps protect skin.
• faint smell at first that instantly disappears
• light to medium coverage
• reminds me a little of Maybelline's Dreamfresh but longer lasting
• SPF 25
• best for oily skin, as it has a matte finish. 
• would repurchase

BB Cream (Sally's Beauty)

• I found this for around $7 at Sally's Beauty
• Great for oily skin
• Comes in 3 shades
• Matte finish
• Light-almost medium coverage
• I like using it as a primer.

Garnier BB Cream in Combo/Oily Skin

• SPF 20
• 2.0 oz
• 3 shades: light/medium, medium/deep, deep
• best for oily/combo skin
• screw top cap
• runny formula
• +- $12 (I used a coupon for a few dollars off)
• would repurchase, but I don't like how messy the formula is

Olay Fresh Effects BB Cream in Light to Medium

• $12.99
• The lightest coverage
• lightest-feeling BB cream 
• SPF15
• 2 colors
• nice watermelon smell
• wouldn't repurchase, as it is pretty much a tinted moisturizer (sent for review)

Pond's BB+ 

• multi-tasking "beauty benefit" cream. 
• blurs imperfections 
• light coverage (a little more than some BB creams or tinted moisturizers)
• visibly fades dark spots--thanks to Vitamin E Acetate – an antioxidant known to protect and repair skin & Glycerin – helps increase hydration. 
• SPF15. 
• isn't greasy 
• matte to satin finish
• hypoallergenic and non-comedogenic. 
• Overall, I do like it and would purchase it (sent for review consideration)
• two shades 
• $9.99

Notes:

• CHECK OUT HIGH-END BB CREAM REVIEWS HERE
• Remember, check the store's return policy before you buy. Many stores allow an opened product to be returned with receipt.
• This post has been updated as I have reviewed new BB Creams.

Are you a fan of BB Creams? 

Which brand do you use?

Product Test Drive: Is Birchbox or MyGlam Better? Plus August MyGlam Bag Review

I get asked this question every day on my blog--which is better? Birchbox or MyGlam?
I subscribed to Birchbox for a year and have recently stopped due to budget reasons. I subscribed to MyGlam in December of last year, so it's almost been a year. Since they're the same in price ($10/month as of this writing), I'm listing my facts and opinions for each below:

Birchbox

• You fill out a questionnaire that and the results designate what products you'll get. For example, I responded that I'm least likely to spend money on skin care, because it costs so much. This provides products personalized just for you.
• There is a point system that provides credits that can be redeemed for products.
• Birchbox offers all high-end products. These can be purchased at Birchbox's site.
• They offer many products a month, so chances are you won't get everything the same as someone else. Part of the fun is seeing what others get in their box.
• The samples are small and traditionally-sized. 
• Plenty of information and prices are available about each product.
• Many months are themed, offering a variety of products, for lips, skin, hair, etc.

Overall:

• Once I saw I was getting primarily skin care products, I went to my profile and changed the answers on my questionnaire. This did nothing, as I still got primarily skin care products. I was consistently disappointed in my boxes when compared to what other bloggers received. 
• While the high-end concept is great--you're exposed to products you might not have access to otherwise--it can be disheartening if you fall in love with a product and not being able to afford it. 
• I wish the sample sizes were larger, but they offer around 5-6 items per box.
• If I could be assured I was getting products similar to others, I would rejoin. Most women I've talked to seem to be happy with their boxes.

MyGlam

• You fill out a questionnaire on your beauty profile and features beauty Youtube stars.
• MyGlam offers drugstore and high-end products.
• They offer the same products to everyone, but within the past few months, they now offer at least one product that is different.
• The samples are traditional and deluxe sized. 
• Every month is themed.
• A cute bag comes every month and is reusable.

Overall:

• MyGlam seems to be geared a bit more towards those who are younger, although I have never felt too old when receiving my products.
• While I love drugstore products, some may not. Most of the products are brands I have heard of before.
• Some experienced shipping problems when MyGlam first started. I did not have issues. I've heard mixed reviews. I personally like MyGlam more based on my experience.

MyGlam's August Bag

This month's theme is Endless Summer and here's what's in my bag (l-r):

• Neon pink and orange mesh bag--it's cute and reusable
• Circus polish in Spectacle--some received the pink shade instead. If you remember last month's bag I also received a polish in yellow from this brand.
• MyGlam Lip gloss--gorgeous pink that smells like watermelon.
• Salty Glama ZOIDI eye shadow--it's a white shadow that's pink iridescent. I personally like using this on my inner corners of my eyes or as a highlighter on my cheeks. It is a bit shimmery.
• Demeter Roll On Perfume in Clean Skin--some received a different scent. It smells ok:  "a blend of orange, lemon, white rose, bergamot peach and vanilla, make for the perfect shower-fresh scent."
• Eclos Moisture Therapy Regenerative Cream and Celluar Activator Facial Serum--The moisturizer is too much for my dry face, but I'll try it again once winter returns. I've naturally not noticed a difference yet in the week I've been using the wrinkle serum, but will update if I do.

Swatched are the shadow and lip gloss

PS: How was your weekend? I went to a Falcon's game (I had amazing seats!), saw The Bourne Legacy (liked), and got new patio furniture (it was on sale and I will use it in the fall when it's cooler here in Atlanta).

So which do you prefer: Birchbox or MyGlam?

Back to School Week! Wavy-Striped Nails (Use School Colors!)

If you've read my blog before, you know I get inspiration in odd places. Take this nail tutorial, perfect for Back to School. I was on my lunch break, drinking a Diet Coke (bad, I know), and painting my nails. On the can, I was staring at the swirl (the "dynamic ribbon"). It made me think of waves and I wanted to recreate the look on my nails. I did the usual use-a-sticky-note-as-stencil method that looked okay, but then I remember a technique I'd seen somewhere (tbd I think). This goof-proof method gets you just about any design you want. While my color inspiration came from my scarf, try these nails in your school colors! Here's how to make your own nail stickers:

T O O L S:
2 colors of polish (or more)
clear polish
decorative-edge scissors
scotch tape

M E T H O D:

Paint one to two coats of base color. 

I randomly painted my accent nails a different color, but feel free to paint them all the same.

Peel a strip of Scotch tape--it can be transparent or opaque--and place over the top of a cup. 

Or if you're at work like I was originally (hey, I call that "using my lunch break time wisely") 

just leave the tape in the dispenser and paint away.

 Paint at least two coats of the accenting colors you'd like on the tape. 

Make sure the tape is fully dry. 

Using decorative scissors, cut small strips of tape. 

I like to place them on the edge of a table to keep nearby.

Note: in the pic I'm cutting too big of a piece. 

This was the only way it showed in the photos.

Place & press the painted stripes onto the nail. 

I used at least 2 per nail.

Snip away the excess. 

Sometimes you can use the remainders on other nails.

Seal with a top coat.

T I P S:

• Use your school's colors! How cute would these be for game day? Or use any color combo that you like best. I've done these with neons, pastels, and stark colors.
• I suggest using a long strip of tape to give you plenty of room for mistakes. Sometimes you'll get a bad stripe.
• This is a great way to use up those polishes with less than stellar coverage.
• Try this with any decorative scissors--Chevron stripes are always cute.
• Try more than one color of stripes on nails.
• No fancy scissors? Just use regular scissors and make easy stripes. No fancy polish or tools needed.
• The tape can be moved, so if your stripe isn't how you like it, move it.
• If the painted tape isn't dry, it'll stick to the scissors. Simply wait another couple of minutes and try again!
• Depending on top coat, this design lasts the average span of a manicure.
• As always, if the design is too busy for you, just try the accent nail (pictured below).

Check out these amazing BACK TO SCHOOL LINKS  posted earlier (dorm, beauty/style, school life, saving money, cooking, etc). Even if you aren't in school, there are tips and tricks you'll enjoy reading. I hope you have a great school year! Love, Elle