Pinterest Find of the Day: Contouring How-To's

I am really good with makeup.....and even better with other people's makeup.  One thing I don't know about, though, is contouring.  What amazes me the most about contouring is how Kim Kardashian looks without this crazy technique versus what she looks like with it done.  Seriously, she's like a whole other person.

Check out these crazy how-to's and let me know what you think of them.  I definitely know what I'll be trying this weekend!!

    

Review: Aveeno Active Naturals Clear Complexion BB Cream

I love BB Creams!  I love that they are moisturizing, can cover most imperfections even though the product is sheer and how it adds a glow to your skin.

However, this one just didn't do it for me.

Now, I'm keeping in mind that I'm pregnant, extra picky and my face has quite a number of imperfections.  But still, I want that glow!!  I want one product to cover my problem areas without having to use a powder foundation on top!!  Maybe this is asking too much right now.

The product itself is not too bad.  It's sheer enough but doesn't really blend that well into my skin for some reason and it feels quite greasy when it's applied.  Also, it's doesn't create that glow.  Certain BB Creams have an addition of a bronzing agent or seem to provide that extra "wow" factor but for some reason this one's lacking.

Would I spend the $29 again???  Umm, no.  I will finish it up though but it's definitely not on my re-purchase list.  What's your favorite BB Cream??  I'll try it out next time.

    

OOTD: My Pregnancy Style

Being pregnant has truly made me appreciate my body in a completely different way.

Finally, I'm happy to wear tight fitting clothes, different color combinations and aren't scared to bare the bump.  I feel like being pregnant has taught me to love my body and that carrying around some extra weight is a beautiful thing.  It's also done wonders for my skin.  During the first trimester I looked awful, seriously.  I was breaking out all the time, my skin looked pale and I had dark circles under my eyes for the first time in my life.  Since reaching my third trimester, my skin has cleared and I truly feel radiant!

At 27 weeks, I am feeling so great and just can't believe how much I am loving this little man already!

    

DIY Beauty Fridays: Homemade Lemon and Coconut Oil Face and Body Moisturizer

There is something so refreshing about making your own beauty products.  As of late, I haven't had the same amount of time to do this BUT this recipe is my go-to when I am sitting around, doing nothing AND wanting to create something yummy.

Trust me, you will love this.

Lemon and Coconut Moisturizer

4 TBSP Coconut Oil (solid state only)
Juice of two lemons

Place solid state coconut oil into a bowl and add the juice of the two lemons.  Use a hand mixer to whip the two ingredients together for 5 - 6 minutes.  (Timing is very important).  *Note, if your coconut oil is in liquid form this will not work.  Place the oil in the freezer until it's solid and then take it out and use it right away.*  Once everything has been whipped together, add to a container and store in the fridge.  Use on body and/or face.

THAT'S IT!  How easy is that, right?  You can add anything from lavender to vitamin E oil and even vanilla extract.  I like the lemon scent though.

Try it out and let me know your thoughts!!

    

The 5 Best Drugstore Charcoal Skin Care Products You Have to Try!

I'd heard about charcoal skin care products eons ago though has never tried them before.  It wasn't until I visited a friend's house and saw a charcoal cleanser by her sink that I knew it was something I must use.  For those that might not know, charcoal, when used on skin, is a natural detox.  It removes impurities from your skin leaving it clean, smooth and tight!

I immediately went to the store and picked up my first one.  That was a few months ago.  Since then, I have found the 5 best charcoal skin care products!

Yes to Tomatoes Activated Charcoal Bar Soap - This soap is fabulous.  If you experience any body breakouts OR want a quick solution to washing your face, this is the soap for you.  It's nice and cheap and lasts for a long while.

Freeman Charcoal and Black Sugar Facial Polishing Mask - Literally the best $5 I ever spent.  I use this on my arms, neck, face, shoulders and everywhere else that needs some love.  It's super moisturizing and smells delicious.

Biore Deep Pore Charcoal Cleanser - I like this cleanser because it tingles on my skin. Once removed, though, my skin is clean and refreshed.  I will say that it might not be best for sensitive skin though.

Garnier Clean + Blackhead Eliminating Scrub - This scrub is amazeballs!  Honestly, it actually does what it says.  After using this scrub, your pores seem smaller and your skin is just so smooth.

Coalface Cleanser from LUSH - I am beyond obsessed with hard soap as cleansers lately.  Since being pregnant, my skin has ranged from amazing to terrible so I've been going back to basics as much as possible.  I love this soap because it lasts forever, works amazingly well and literally clears up all blemishes.  It's a dream come true!

Have you tried any of these products before?  What were your thoughts?  Which one do you most want to try?

    

Ipsy's February Glam Bag

I just received my second Ipsy Glam bag and am relatively happy with it.  In my bag, I received (from left to right) a ModelCo Cosmetics Blush in Cosmopolitan, Mitchell and Peach Fine Radiance Face Oil, City Color Creamy Lip Stain in Flirtini, Eva NYC Volumizing Spray and an Emite Make Up Eyelash Curler.

The blush, lip stain and face oil are gorgeous but I am just so-so on the other two items.  Actually, I have never used an eyelash curler in my whole life SO have no idea what to do with it.  I will say that I hope next month's bag will be better though I recall saying this last moth as well.

What did you get in your bag??

    

For the Love of Younique Gloss: Review and Swatches

I am a lip product crazy person.

I carry around at least 25 lip products in my purse at any given time AND reapply countless times per day.  I know I have a problem and remember trying to scale the amount I brought on my backpacking trip and ended up having some friends bring me about 5 more glosses when we met up with them.  Honestly, it's an obsession.

Since you can probably tell that I am expert in all things lips, I simply must share with you the amazing-ness that is Younique and especially, their lip glosses.  Truly they are some of the best I have ever used.  The colors are bold, bright and pigmented and the gloss isn't sticky at all.  It goes on smooth and stays for a very long time as well.

Here are the colors I currently have (from left to right) Ladylike, Lavish, Lovesick, Luscious, Luxe and Lethal.

And here are the swatches...

Are the colors not absolutely gorgeous???  Luxe is the perfect nude tone when you have a smoky eye but Lethal is my current favorite.  Nothing says gloss like a bright red.

What is your favorite lip gloss brand right now?

    

A Nursery Glimpse: Elephants Galore

Allan and I finished painting the nursery and the new carpets have been installed.  I painted Benjamin's dresser this weekend and later this week we will be setting up the crib.

Sigh, so much work BUT one of the most rewarding things we've ever done.

Here's a glimpse into our nursery style.

Benjamin's Upcoming Nursery by redlipgloss 

The walls are painted a beautiful grey and the furniture will be a brilliant white.  Accents of yellow, turquoise and navy blue will be scattered throughout the room, all the while maintaining the elephant theme.  I can't wait to take pictures of the finished product for you!!

    

Target in Canada is Closing: All Makeup on Sale!

As I'm sure you've heard, Target in Canada is closing it's doors.  This means that EVERYTHING in the store is up for grabs and on sale!

Now, the sales aren't fantastic BUT 30% off all makeup is a great deal, especially when most lines never have promotions, which is why I went a little crazy and stocked up.

First up, I purchased Garnier's Skin Renew Instant Smoother, Physician's Formula Argan Wear BB Cream (in Light/Medium), Physician's Formula Bronze Booster Glow-Boosting BB Cream (in Light to Medium) and Physician's Formula Argan Wear Oil Bronzer (in Light).  I have heard a lot of great things about the Physician's Formula Argan Wear Line so very excited to try them out.

Then, I grabbed a Pixi by Petra Sheer Cheek Gel in Flushed, Revlon Photoready Insta-Fix in 110 Ivory and NYX Stick Blush in 05 Tea Rose..  I've already used the Cheek Gel and it's GORGEOUS.

Last but not least, I grabbed a massive selection of lipsticks and sheer tints.  Check out the gorgeous swatches!

I am such a sucker for berry and jeweled tone lip colors and am completely thrilled that I found all of these ones still in their packages.  Let me tell you, almost everything was gone when I showed up to shop so I am beyond ecstatic that I found these ones.

What products have you recently bought?

    

My Vanity Table Dream Came True!

I am very excited to report that my dream of a new vanity table has come true!

Thanks to my amazing husband, and a lot of furniture rearranging, I finally have a gorgeous makeup space to call my own.

Check this out.

My new bedroom!!  Complete with new carpet and paint.  LOVE IT.

My new vanity table and makeup storage!

Special touches include a lilac chair, crystal knobs and a Ganesh candle holder!

And, best thing yet, is the hidden mirror storage which now holds all my necklaces!

I am so loving my new vanity table and storage options.  Where do you house all your makeup goodies??

PS - If you haven't checked out my blog sale, you TOTALLY should.  Click HERE to see all the items for sale.

      

Pinterest Find of the Day: Splurge Versus Steal

I hate paying full price for anything!  (Unless it comes to Sephora BUT don't tell Allan this!)

I always seek out great deals over their expensive counterparts as I do feel that most items are all created from the same cloth.  On that note, my current mission is to find a drugstore anti-aging line that ACTUALLY works and feels like some of my favorite Lancome products.  I've come up empty handed so far but I will keep you posted.

On that note, check out these splurges versus steals.  Sometimes the cheaper option IS the better option.

What is your favorite steal?  Or your favorite splurge??

    

The Quirky and Cool Zoe Kazan

Typically, I am not a big follower of celebrities.

I will occasionally glance at a fashion mag here and there or watch the odd award show if I remember it's on. I love the fashion and all but really feel that everyone deserves their privacy. For me to post about a celebrity means I have to really like them.   And I am LOVING Zoe Kazan...

She is talented, quirky and can pen a script like no one's business.  Plus, she has been with her boyfriend, Paul Dano, for about 8 years.  Just awesome.

Who's your favorite celebrity and why???