BH Cosmetics Galaxy Palette Tutorial- Star Child Eye Look

This week I decided to revisit some of my eye shadow palettes that have not received enough attention.  I came across my BH Cosmetics Galaxy Chic Palette that I purchased on sale back in December.  I forgot how truly awesome these eye shadows are.  The Palette comes in a compact case and a decent sized mirror.  The palette has 18 luxurious baked eye shadows that range from gorgeous neutrals to stunning pops of colors.  I like to use my MAC fix plus to amp up the pigmentation with the more colorful shades.  All of the eye shadows are pretty metallic and some have flecks of glitter, which I think are pretty.  If you purchase this palette, you will need to use some other eye shadows in your collection to create a completed look.  I use some of my matte eye shadows and lighter shades.  But this is a really great palette to get a number of fun looks.  The Galaxy Chic palette is currently out of stock on the BH Cosmetics website but you can have the company e-mail you when they restock.  Also, BH Comsetics has a number of sales every other week so the already very affordable price of $15.99 can be even lower. This is a fantastic and high quality palette.  I created a stunning eye shadow look with this palette.  If you want to recreate the look, just keep reading!

1.  Prime your eye.  Gently smooth your favorite eye primer on your eyelid to your brow bone.  I used Urban Decay's Primer Potion in Eden.

2.  Apply an eye shadow base to your entire eyelid.  Using a flat eye shadow brush, take a neutral eye shadow and apply it on your eyelid to your brow bone.  I like Urban Decay's Eye Shadow in Foxy.

3.  Apply Prometheus as your transition shade.  Take a clean blending brush and gently swipe in Prometheus.  Lightly apply Prometheus into your crease using a windshield wiper motion.

4.  Blend Aphrodite into your outer corner.  Using a pointed crease brush, dip into Aphrodite.  Be sure to tap off any excess eye shadow.  Apply Aprodite by gently pressing brush into the outer V of your eyelid in a small circular motion.  Take a clean blending brush and blend the upper portion of Aphrodite into your crease.

5.  Make your eyelids pop with Cosmic.  Dip an oval eye shadow brush in Cosmic.  Spray the eye shadow brush with Mac Fix Plus (or water) and gently press onto eyelid.

6.  Line your bottom lash line.  Take Prometheus with a smudge brush and line the bottom lash line.  Follow this by taking Aphrodite on a clean smudge brush and apply and blend on to the outer one-third bottom lash line.

7.  Define eyes.  Using a deep brown eyeliner, rim your bottom and upper lash line.  I like Mary

Kay's Deep Brown Eyeliner.

8.  Amp up the look with mascara.  Apply 2 coats of mascara with your favorite black mascara.  For this look, I used Tarte's ManEater Voluptuous mascara (upper lash) and Clique's Bottom lash mascara (lower lash).

There you have it my Star Child Eye Look!  Go out and shine lovelies!

Did you like this eye look?  Let me know and comment below!

Winter Empties 2017

Hi Everyone!  So supposedly we are entering Spring...although the view from place says otherwise.  Hopefully, all you folks out east are hunkered down for the winter storm.  I started saving some of the empty products that I finished this winter (probably starting in mid December) so that I could share which products I will be repurchasing and why (also why I won't be repurchasing some products).  Just as a disclaimer some of the products that I won't buy again just didn't work for me.  You may have found that these items work well for you.  And with that, let's get started!

Bath & Personal Hygiene Products.  I only have three items since I started saving my empty bottles.  There are 2 body washes and 1 deodorant.

• Secret deodorant pH balanced in shower fresh ($2.47)- It's deodorant.  It did what it was supposed to do.  I did repurchase another secret deodorant.  
• Softsoap body wash Fresh and Glow Milk Protein and Almond ($2.97)- This is a nice moisturizing body wash.  I usually alternate between using this and an exfoliating body wash.  The fresh and glow body wash smells really nice but it is not overpowering.  I did repurchase this item.
• Caress Evenly Gorgeous Exfoliating Body Wash ($3.97)- I actually started using this body wash due to Dani's (from Coffee Break with Dani) recommendation.  I did really love this product.  Caress' Evenly Gorgeous smelled fantastic, lathered nicely, and had amazing exfoilating power without feeling that you were ripping your skin off.  However, the product went through package reformatting.  I don't really care for that.  I used to be able to turn the bottle upside down to make sure I got every last bit of product out (or most of it).  I can't do
  
  that with the new bottle.  Also, I've noticed that the formula isn't the same. Although the company says that they have not reformulated the body wash, it really looks different and doesn't preform as well.  I've attached a photo below of the new and old body washes.  The new one is located on the left and the old one is located on the right.  The old body wash looks thicker, at least to me.  I did repurchase 2 bottles of the new packaging, but I won't re-buy after I use the two bottles up.  I am looking around to see if I can find a price comparable exfoilating wash that performs like the old version of evenly gorgeous.  If you have any that you like to use, please comment on this post.  

Face Cleansers, Serums, Lotions, and Makeup Removers.

I have used up 2 cleansers, 2 serums, 1 face lotion, and 2 makeup removers.

• Mary Kay Oil-free Eye Makeup Remover ($15.00).  This is my ride or die eye makeup remover.  I love this product!  It is one of the few eye makeup removers that does not burn my eyes like the heat of 1,000 suns.  It removes all of my eye make up and waterproof mascara.  I have repurchased this item.  Really worth every penny.
• Mary Kay TimeWise Day Solution Sun Screen Broad Spectrum ($32.00).  This is a nice facial sun screen.  Do you need to absolutely purchase a face sun screen from Mary Kay? No, but I would recommend you buy something that works for you and your budget.  Even in the winter, you should be wearing sun screen.  I like this one because it works for me and doesn't cause me to break out.  I have since repurchased from my Mary Kay independent beauty consultant.
• Mary Kay TimeWise 3-in-1 Cleanser ($20.00).  This is another ride or die for me.  I use this as a daily cleanser (I toggle between the cleanser for dry skin and the one for oily/combination).  It really doesn't have much of a fragrance but it acts as a cleanser, toner, and exfoilator.  Really nice cleanser and you don't need to use a lot of it.  It lasts up to 3 months.  I've repurchased this  item.  
• Mary Kay Timewise Age-fighting Moisturizer ($24.00).  This is a nice moisturizer for anti-aging.  I think everyone should start using an anti-aging moisturizing starting in their mid-20s.  I like to use this one at night.  I typically use a heavier cream in the morning because I find it helps my makeup application.  I've repurchased this product.  
• Mario Badescu Strawberry Face Scrub ($15.00).  The Strawberry Face Scrub is the most delicious exfoliating scrub I have used.  It has strawberry seeds to act as a natural exfoiliant, which I love.  I use this product once a week at night in place of the Mary Kay 3-in-1 cleanser.  I will be repurchasing this product this week.
• Formula 10.0.6 So Totally Clean Micellar Water for Sensitive Skin ($5.99).  I liked this product.  It smells somewhat like witch hazel but it does get all of your makeup off without causing irritated skin.  It is somewhat pricey when you consider you are only getting 8 oz. of fluid.  I haven't repurchased this yet since I put the Garnier's micellar water.  If this does go on sale at Ulta, I would consider repurchasing. 
• DDF Wrinkle Resist Plus Pore Minimizer Moisturizing Serum ($85.00).  This was a sample I received from Sephora.  I did like this product a lot, it smells great but I am not sure if it really did anything for my skin.  I don't have any dramatic pores or wrinkles..yet, so maybe it would work for me in the future.  But that price!  I think I will look for a cheaper serum to replace this one with.  

Sheet Masks.  I used a lot of these.  I typically use 1 a week.

• Biobelle Sheet Masks ($4.99).  These are some of my favorite sheet masks.  I featured these on a haul and one of my top 5 monthly favorites.  Looks like the ones I used this winter are the decadence and beauty secret masks. The masks themselves apply smooth and they really do hydrate your face.  I have repurchased these masks.  I usually wait to get these when they are on sale at Ulta.  Ulta will have a BOGO or a buy one get one 50% off.  
• Tony Moly Mekgeoli Skin Purifying Mask ($3.75).  This is a comfortable mask that provides hydration.  I would repurchase this mask.
• Leaders 7 Wonders Mediterranean Olive Brightening Mask ($6.00).  I recently started using this and the mask is quickly becoming my favorite.  The sheet mask is made from fermented coconut and applies like a second skin on your face.  I did notice that the mask brigtened and moisturized my face making it silky smooth.  I have repurchased this mask.  Again, wait until there is a sale for these at Ulta since they are a little more expensive.  I waited for a BOGO free sale.
• Sephora Collection Lotus Sheet Mask ($6.00).    This smells fantastic and does an awesome job to moisturize your face.  These are somewhat pricey.  I usually use this mask once a month.  I would repurchase this item.  I've also heard good things about their rose mask. 
• Say Yes to Coconut Sheet Mask ($2.52).  I picked this one up at a Wal-mart since I was trying out different sheet masks.  I really wished I would have stopped and looked at the reviews before purchasing this.  It is a paper mask, which is fine, but as soon as I put it on my face, it started burning like you wouldn't believe.  When I removed it, my face was extremely red and pretty angry at me.  The online reviews say the same thing.  I also purchased the charcoal mask but...reviews say this burns as well.  I am not planning on using it, and I don't want to give it away in case someone else has the same reaction.  Looks like I will be trashing that one.  I would never repurchase this item.  I do like this brand, they have some nice face oils.  Hopefully, the Say yes to company will think about reformulating their sheet masks. 

Face Primers and CC Cream.  Three items fall in this category.

• Mary Kay Foundation Primer Sunscreen Broad Spectrum 15 ($18.00).  This is a very creamy primer that minimizes pores and provides a smooth application.  It is non-greasy and works well with CC creams, BB creams, and medium coverage foundations.  I have repurchased this item.
• Mary Kay CC Cream in Very Light ($20.00).  I use this CC cream and the one by It Cosmetics.  This has light to medium coverage and looks like natural skin.  I use this product for everyday makeup looks and when I need to get ready in a flash.  I've repurchased this item.  
• Benefit Porefessional Primer ($31.00).  I really like this primer.  It is very smooth and does blur imperfections.  It is pretty expensive for a primer, although it does last a long time.  I would repurchase this item but I think I would only use it for special occasions.  

Face Powder and Bronzer.  I have 2 Mary Kay products listed here.

• Mary Kay Translucent Loose Powder ($16.00).  This is one of the finest powders I have come across.  I use this to set my under eyes, face and neck after concelear and foundation application.  It does a nice job in preventing the foundation from creasing and does not give you that "cake-like" appearance.  I have repurchased this item.
• Mary Kay Bronzing Powder ($18.00).  This is one of the few bronzing powder that doesn't make my face look muddy or look that I have fake bronzer on.  It gives you a nice dewy appearance for a naturally glowy look.  I have received so many compliments about my complexion when I use this.  I have repurchased this item.  

Mascaras.  I have used 4 mascaras and 1 brow gel.

• Mary Kay Brow Gel ($10.00).  This is the best brow gel that I have found.  It keeps my thick brows in place and doesn't give you any of that gel buildup.  I have bought this product again recently.  
• Mary Kay Lash Intensity Mascara ($18.00).  I remember trying to get my hands on this for 2 months, but I completely understand the popularity of this item.  This mascara has a special wand that is used to lengthen, volumize, and curl your eyelashes.  If you get this, be sure to read the instructions as there are a couple of ways to use the wand for your upper and lower eyelashes.  My eyelashes are already pretty long but this made them absolutely pop.  I wouldn't wear this as an everyday mascara but for those special occasions this will be my go to.  I have repurchased this item. 
• Clinique Bottom Lash Mascara ($11.50).  I use this product everyday to get my lower lashes.  The little wand is quite the helper!  It does a great job of defining and lengthening my bottom lashes.  It is pricey and I am seeing if there are other options to save a few bucks.  I have repurchased this mascara.  I think the next time I need this I will see if there is a 20% off sale at Sephora. 
• Maybelline Volum' Express the Mascara, Waterproof ($6.99).  This is a great drug store option for an everyday mascara.  It provides just enough volume and covers all of my eyelashes.  I am waiting for a sale and to get some coupons to repurchase this.  
• BH Cosmetics Bliss Lash Ultimate All-in one mascara ($6.00). I did not like this mascara.  It is simply too messy to use.  The formula clumps and it gets on the side of the tube.  I ended up with a flaky mess next to my vanity and at the end of the day it was all over my under eye area making me look like a panda.  I was really hoping to like this since I've had great experiences with other BH cosmetic items.  But this mascara just did not measure up.  I won't repurchase this.

Well that's it for my winter 2017 empties!  Let me know what your empties this winter were or if you have used any of these items.  Comment below!

Get the Look- Silver Bell Eyes Holiday Eye Shadow Tutorial

This holiday season let your eyes take center stage with this beautiful and sophisticated silver eye look.  This tutorial features products by ColourPop Cosmetics (free domestic shipping on orders over $30), Smashbox Cosmetics (orders at Ulta are 20% off with promo code on site for today only), Urban Decay, Clinique, MAC Cosmetics, and Mary Kay Cosmetics.  This eye look is really easy to do but super glamorous.  Check out below if you want to try out our Silver Bell Holiday Eye Look:

1) Prime your entire eye with Mary Kay Cosmetics Eye Primer ($12).  Take a small dot of Mary Kay Eye Primer on your ring finger and gently smooth on to brow bone and eyelid.  Let the primer absorb on the eyelid for about 10 seconds until putting on eye shadow.

2) Using your ring finger apply ColourPop Cosmetics Super Shock Eye Shadow in Glitterati ($5).  Gently swirl your ring finger into Gliterrati.  ColourPop's Super Shock Eye Shadows are very soft so you must do this carefully as not to dent the shadow and take out too much.  Glitterati is a stunning shade of metallic silver with flecks of gold.  We are using the ring finger instead of an eye
shadow brush to create an intense eye color look.  Tap the eye color on your eyelid, into the crease, and slightly above the crease.  If you need it, go back into Glitterati and pick up more color.

3) Line lower eyelash in Glitterati.  Take a liner brush and dip into Glitterati and slowly apply along the lower eyelash.

4)  Highlight brow bone in Foxy Eye Shadow ($19) by Urban Decay.  Foxy is a great neutral shade to highlight your brow bone for a number of eye cosmetic looks.  Use a flat shader brush to apply an even layer of Foxy on the brow bone.


5) Define eyelash lines using SmashBox's Always Sharp WaterProof Kohl Eyeliner in Raven ($21).  This is one of my favorite eyeliners.  As the name implies, this liner is always sharp and always on the mark.  Great for lining your waterline.  Use Raven to line upper and lower eyelash lines.  You won't be disappointed.

6)  Apply 2 coats of mascara to upper and bottom eyelashes.  Amp up the volume with Mary Kay's Lash Intensity mascara ($18; apply to upper eylashes only).  Allow upper eyelashes to dry in between coating 10 seconds and before applying mascara to the bottom lashes.  Use Clinique's bottom lash ($11.50) to coat well, your bottom lashes.

7) Finish the look with a berry lipstick.  Take MAC Cosmetics Lipstick in Plumful ($17) and apply on lips for a festive holiday look.  Gorgeous!

There you have it, our Silver Bell Eye Look!  Comment below to let us know if you try and how you like the tutorial!

Get the Look- Sunny Pop Eye Shadow Tutorial

Urban Decay is having a fabulous sale on their limited edition Full Spectrum Palette ($39; reg. $55), featuring 21 mind blowing rainbow colors.  If you are a fan of color, then this palette is right up your ally.  This would also make a great Christmas present from Santa.  To celebrate the sale, we have designed a bright Sunny Pop eye shadow look.  Read below for the tutorial:

1.  Prime eyelids.  Using your ring finger, apply Urban Decay's Eyeshadow Primer Potion in Eden ($20).

2.  Apply Mean as transition shade.  Take your blending brush and dip into Mean from the Full Spectrum palette.  Using a windshield wiper motion blend Mean into the crease of your eyelid.

3.  Blend Hatter into the crease.  Use a clean blending brush and apply Hatter to the outer end of your crease.

4.  Pack on Calavera to lid.  Take a small smudger brush and pack in Calavera color all over the eyelid.

5.  Blend colors together.  Create a seamless transition by blending colors together slowly with a clean blending brush.

6.  Define outer corner.  Take a small eyeliner brush and define the outer v of the eyelid with Midnight Blaze.  Blend color into the outer v with a clean blending brush.

8.  Highlight brow bone and inner corner of eye.  Use Urban Decay's Eyeshadow in Foxy to smooth out brow bone.  Using your pinky, gently tap on ColourPop's Highligter in Fanny Pack ($8.00).

7.  Define the eye.  Using ColourPop's Gel Eyeliner in Swerve ($5.00), line upper and lower lash lines.

8.  Amp up the drama with mascara.  Apply two coats of mascara both bottom and lower lashes with  Mary Kay's Lash Intensity ($18) and Clinique's Bottom Lash ($11.50).

Let us know how you like the tutorial and comment below!

Beauty Trove- Top 5 Favorites for October 2016

We are well past October but I wanted to share my favorite cosmetics and beauty items for the past month.  A lot of these items will most likely be on sale within the next couple of days for Black Friday and Cyber Monday.  These all make great gifts for family and friends, you may even want to try out a few yourself!

1.  Shaanxo- 18 Color Eyeshadow and Lipstick Palette ($14.50; $22.00).  This is a super affordable palette and the price does fluctuate.  It is typically $14.50, but it has gone down to $12.50.

 The Shaanxo kit is a double sided palette that features 8 highly pigmented and warm toned eyeshadows on one side and the reverse side has 8 creamy lipsticks.  Both sides have a deluxe mirror, which I really like.  The colors are perfect for fall and winter.  I especially like the dual-chrome gray-blue color eyeshadow.  If you are a fan of Shaanxo, you can watch her youtube channel for a number of tutorials using this palette.  I am planning on keeping one of the Shaanxo palettes I own at work, in case I don't have time in the morning to apply my makeup.  This palette is really worth the price and will make an excellent gift for your family, friends, co-workers, or yourself.

2.  Mary Kay Translucent Loose Powder ($16.00).  After I apply my foundation, I will set it with a loose translucent powder.  This is a makeup tip so that your foundation will stay on for longer and not melt (you can also apply a setting spray after as well).  I used to use the BareMinerals Mineral Veil Powder but at $22.00 it was getting to be expensive.  I like the MaryKay powder as it is much finer than BareMinerals and a lot of other prestige brands.  Also, you really don't need that much to set your foundation.  Just dip your foundation brush in once, swirl, and tap off the excess and you are ready to apply it to your face.  If you are in the market for a new setting powder, I encourage you to try out the powder by Mary Kay.  Plus there is the added benefit of returning the item at full price if you are not happy with the results.

3.  Physicians Formula Butter Bronzer ($14.95).  I'm totally addicted to this bronzer!  I've been using this every day along with the translucent loose powder.  I use the bronzer to contour my cheeks, chin and nose.  It is an extra creamy bronzer that comes with a mirror underneath the product and a brush for application.  It smells absolutely lovely--coconut!  It comes in two shades light bronzer (forfair to medium complexions) and bronzer (for deep complexions).  This is a great option to apply a little color during the winter months.  This product has also won the Women's Health Beauty Award.

4.  Clinique Bottom Lash Mascara ($11.50).  I honestly don't know why I didn't try this mascara

out sooner.  I have long lower eyelashes and I could never get them all coated with my other mascaras.  The clinique bottom lash mascara like its name implies it meant only for your bottom lashes.  The mascara has a tiny wand that will neatly coat all of your bottom lashes with zero mess.

5.  Formula 10.0.6 So Totally Clean Micellar Cleansing Water. ($5.99).  My eye makeup remover does a great job at taking off my eyeshadow, eyeliner and mascara.  However, I've noticed that my cleanser still leaves a little bit of my foundation behind.  So I have added the So Totally Clean Micellar Cleansing Water (sensitive forumla) to my routine.  I still keep my cleanser in there but according to Formula 10.0.6, you really don't need it.  When I use my eye makeup remover, cleanser and micellar cleansing water, I've noticed that I have removed all my makeup, there isn't a stitch left of it on my face.  The smell of the So Totally Clean Micellar Cleansing Water reminds me a lot of witch hazel.  But other than that, I've been really happy with this product and it is now part of my permanent skin routine.

Let me know if you have tried any of these products and how well you liked them.  Also, what are your October favorites in beauty?