LIEBSTER AWARD NO. 2

Hi lovelies, I’m back with another blogger award post! I was nominated for my second Liebster award by the one and only Cassi from Cassixmakeup! This girl is one of the sweetest people I’ve ever met and has been so encouraging throughout my blogging journey; If you haven’t checked her out, I would 150% recommend doing so! She talks all things beauty and sprinkles in personal posts here and there! So THANK YOU Cassi for this nomination, your support doesn’t go unnoticed!

Rules:

  1. Acknowledge the blogger that nominated you!
  2. Answer 11 questions from the blogger that nominated you!
  3. Nominate 11 blogs!
  4. Give your nominees 11 questions to answer!

Cassi’s Questions for me?

  1. Hot or cold drinks? I guess it depends on the season, but generally cold!
  2. What is your favorite quote? I have a few. “Mercy triumphs over judgment. James 2:13” “Invest in those that invest in you” “How you make others feel about themselves says a lot about you” “Clothe yourselves with compassion. Colossians 3:12”
  3. If you could be any animal, what would you be? This is a tough one. A Cat because they don’t like to be bothered and are so independent or an Alpaca because they are cooler than anything I’ve ever seen and I want one desperately! <3
  4. Right or left handed? Right
  5. What’s the last thing that made you laugh until you cried? Probably something Jordan or David did/said. Those 2 keep me laughing/crying. <3
  6. If you could have any super power, which would you choose? Invisibility, hands down.
  7. Favorite color? If I had to pick ONE color…I guess I would say Navy Blue.
  8. What is one day you’ll never forget? Goodness, I have some many. The day I graduated college. The day I met David. My 30th birthday party! There are so many!
  9. Who is your best friend? Well I have a few (shocker). David, Jordan, Mary Ann, Brianna, Alex, Ameera…I told you I had a few.
  10. Why did the chicken cross the road? To get some hot sauce!
  11. Favorite song at the moment? Oh gosh. Ummmm. Well. I have no idea. Probably “I’m the One” by DJ Khalid, Bieber, and everyone else. I just really love Bieber’s part if I’m being honest! I’ve been revisiting 90s country as of late so that’s what’s been in my headphones lately!

Questions for my nominees:

  1. Tea or coffee?
  2. Favorite genre of music?
  3. Rom-Coms or Action films?
  4. Cats or dogs?
  5. What is your favorite fruit?
  6. Do you like feminine or masculine scents?
  7. Where is your dream vacation?
  8. Favorite makeup brand?
  9. Cake or pie?
  10. What is your favorite kind of ice cream?
  11. What are your 3 favorite songs of all time?

My nominees:

  1. Siena – Life From This Perspective
  2. Natalie – Style In The Afternoon
  3. Victoria – The Real Side of Beauty
  4. Daisy – Style by Daisy
  5. Kat – Pretty & Practical
  6. K.M. Sutton – Ankhor You

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Thank you again, Cassi for the nomination! I hope you all enjoyed this post and I will see you guys tomorrow for some summertime essentials (I think :))!

-B

 

BEAUTY Q&A

Happy Wednesday y’all! I had planned on doing my Wednesday Spotlight on ‘To The Bone’, the original Netflix film that follows a young woman (Lily Collins) battling anorexia…but If I’m being honest, I just needed something a little lighter in the realm of television last night so I decided to watch The Holiday instead; I mean come on, who can say NO to Jude Law? With that being said, I still wanted to put something up for you guys so I decided to do a Beauty Q&A! I hope you enjoy it and let’s just jump right in!

* 1. Do you remember your first makeup item? Hmmm not really. I mean I was a competitive dancer so I had ALL the makeup in all the land. But if we are talking about the first item I purchased myself, it was probably a lip gloss or a mascara.

* 2. Describe your perfect mascara, and have you found it? My perfect mascara formula would be something that adds length and volume without being overly wet. I can’t stand wet mascara formulas, mostly because I’m a disaster and end up getting it all over my face. My favorite mascara is Lights, Camera, Lashes by Tarte!

* 3. What kind of coverage do you prefer from a foundation? I mean I guess it depends on what look I’m going for. I typically wear light to medium coverage foundations but like to have a nice full-coverage option in case I’m attending a wedding or a special event!

* 4. Favorite high-end makeup brand? Definitely Tarte! <3 <3

* 5. What brands have you always wanted to try but haven’t? MAC, NARS & Kat Von D.

* 6. Favorite drugstore brand? Maybelline & NYX!

* 7. Do you wear falsies? Girl no. I’m a mess when it comes the falsie game. Thankfully when I wore them for my best friends wedding I had someone else put them on…because if it was left up to me, that lash band would have been in my crease. lol.

* 8. Is there any kind of makeup you can’t leave the house without? No. Unless I’m going to work (or an event) I don’t usually wear anything on my face. If I feel like I NEED a little something, I opt for mascara!

* 9. What is my most cherished beauty product? I guess my Kathleen Lights x Morphe palette or my Tarte Double Duty Beauty Highlight and Contour palette because I use it ALL THE TIME.

* 10. How often do you shop for makeup? Too often.

* 11. Do you have a beauty budget? No, but I try not to go TOO far.

* 12. Do you utilize coupons, rewards cards/points, & sales when you buy makeup? Absolutely. If there is a sale, I am more inclined to do a little extra shopping.

* 13. What product do you buy the most of? Concealer for sure. Mascara & foundation aren’t too far behind! But I always need a couple of Maybelline Fit Me concealers in my drawer!

* 14. Is there a brand you can’t stand? There aren’t any that I can’t stand, but I don’t really use Almay.

* 15. Do you avoid certain ingredients in cosmetics? I don’t, I probably should though.

* 16. Do you have a favorite place to shop for makeup/skincare? ULTA for sure…I’m sure you’re not surprised!

* 17. Do you like trying new skincare products or do you keep a certain routine? I’m a skincare junkie. I like trying new things but I’m not opposed to sticking with certain products if I know they are helping!

* 18. Favorite bath & body brand? Soap & Glory, Bath and Body Works and The Body Shop! I still have yet to try anything from LUSH but it’s definitely on my list!

* 19. If you could only buy from one brand, which would you choose? High-end: Tarte. Drugstore: Maybelline!

* 20. Brand that has the best packaging? Honestly, I love Tarte’s packaging; it’s bright, fun and festive! If we are talking about classic, chic packaging; I would go with NARS.

* 21. The celebrity with the best makeup? Honestly, Adele. Her winged eyeliner is always on point and she always looks amazing without being too much!

* 22. Do you belong to any online makeup communities? I don’t but I feel like I should.

* 23. Name 5 of your favorite beauty gurus? Casey Holmes, Leigh Ann Says, Kathleen Lights, Nicole Guerriero, Ameera Mahdi. I love all of these ladies for different reasons. Casey is Georgia girl who loves Auburn (yaassssss)! Leigh Ann is my spirit animal and always makes me smile! Kathleen Lights is…well, she’s just amazing; her tutorials are easy to follow and her personality is top notch! Nicole Guerriero’s vlogs give me life and her hauls are a thing of beauty! Ameera is one of my best friends and talks all things beauty, hair, life and everything in between. She’s has a sweet spirit and holds it down for the women of color!

* 24. Do you like multifunctioning products like cheek and lip stain? I can’t say that I don’t like them because I have never tried them, but I will say that they don’t intrigue me enough to actually purchase them. Have you used products like this? What do you think about them? Are there any I should try?

* 25. Are you clumsy when putting on your makeup? I would like to think that I’m not…but I dropped my eye cream the other day and ALWAYS get loose powder on the floor, so I’m assuming that would mean I’m relatively clumsy.

* 26. Do you use a primer before going in with your eyeshadow? I usually just use my concealer. My eyelids aren’t THAT oily so I don’t have too much trouble with creasing. However I would like to try the Too Faced Shadow Insurance as I’ve heard great things about that product.

* 27. How many hair products do you use on a typical day? 2. Dry shampoo (surprise, surprise) and hair spray!

* 28. What do you apply first; concealer or foundation? Foundation, and I never bring it up under my eyes because I don’t like that area to feel too heavy and caked up.

* 29. Would you consider taking makeup classes? Probably not. I just do it for fun! I like to play around and create fun looks that I wouldn’t typically wear. If I’m ever trying to do a specific look for an event and need guidance, I just head straight over to YouTube and watch a tutorial!

* 30. What do you love about makeup? I just love how fun and self-expressive it is!

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So that’s it for this Beauty Q & A! Feel free to answer some of these questions in the comments below, I would love to see everyone’s answers! xoxo

-B

 

SUNSHINE BLOGGER AWARD NO. 2

Happy Monday, guys! I have been nominated for my second Sunshine Blogger Award by the lovely Cassi from Cassixmakeup! She loves all things beauty and lifestyle and has an awesome series on her blog called ‘Surrogacy Saturday’. She is sweet, funny and a true winged eyeliner goddess. If you haven’t already, check out her blog, you won’t regret it! Now let’s get onto the award!

RULES:

  1. Thank the person who nominated you and link to their blog!
  2. Answer 11 Questions sent by the person that nominated you!
  3. Nominate 11 bloggers and ask them 11 questions.
  4. List the rules and display the award logo on your blog post!

Cassi Asked:

  1. What is your favorite flower? To be honest, I don’t have a favorite flower. I just like bright, colorful arrangements.
  2. Flip flops or sneakers? I wear more T-Strap Sandals than anything. If I had to choose between regular flips flops or sneakers, I would go with sneakers for sure.
  3. What is one of the most awkward things that has ever happened to you? I’m equating awkward to embarrassing for this one. I’m sure I have plenty of moments I could choose from, but the one time when I fell off the stage at a bar because I thought there were stairs on the side probably takes the cake. And no, I wasn’t drunk.
  4. What is your favorite movie? Oh dear, I’m not much of a movie person. But I like typical rom-coms (The Holiday, How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days) and some dramas (Closer, Silver Linings Playbook). Animated movies are also a delight (Trolls, UP!, Zootopia)!
  5. Coke or Pepsi? Coke for sure!
  6. What is your favorite holiday? Christmas, hands down!
  7. What is my favorite candy? Probably just a plain milk-chocolate Hershey’s bar, but I also really like sour candy!
  8. Do I have any tattoos? Nope!
  9. What is my favorite candle scent? Oh goodness, how can I choose?! Mahogany Teakwood, Flannel, and anything Pumpkin Spice. You guys know I love a good fall candle. <3 <3
  10. Blow dry or air dry? I usually air dry my hair unless I’m going to straighten it; in that case I will blow it out!
  11. What do you like to do in your free time? I like to shop (mom and I hit ULTA yesterday…oops), hang out with David, play games (board games, uno, catch phrase, etc.), and go to concerts!

My Questions:

  1. Bun or ponytail?
  2. Do you prefer a big bag (tote, satchel, etc.) or a smaller bag (crossbody or a small tote)?
  3. What was/is your favorite subject in school?
  4. What is your favorite beauty brand (makeup, skincare, etc.)?
  5. If you could see ANY artist in concert, who would you see?
  6. If you couldn’t live in your current location (state), where would you choose to live?
  7. Milk chocolate or dark chocolate?
  8. What is your favorite cuisine?
  9. What is your favorite clothing store?
  10. Nike or Adidas?
  11. If you had to pick ONE genre of music to listen to for the rest of your life, what would you choose?

My Nominees:

  1. Daniela Soriano
  2. In a Messy World
  3. Maria – Twenty Something Tenacity
  4. Abigail – Freckled Fashionista
  5. GingerSnapps
  6. Cory – Rarely Routine
  7. Mrs. S. LDN

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Thank you Cassi for nominating and supporting me on this blogging journey, I really appreciate it! And to any of you that weren’t tagged above, please feel free to answer the questions anyway! See you guys tomorrow for another ULTA haul! <3

 

FRIDAY FAVORITES: EP. 5

Happy Friday friends, we made it!!!!! I don’t know about you guys, but I’m SOOOO ready for the weekend. Today’s post is another edition of Friday Favorites. I know I do a lot of Favorites posts (be it Friday or monthly), but I tried to include some different things this time around! I hope you like it, and as always, I will link everything that I can below!

SKINCARE

* 1. Tarte Maracuja Oil – $16 – $48: You guys know that I LOVE my Josie Maran Argan Oil (holy grail alert) but over the last couple of weeks I have been reaching for the Tarte Maracuja Oil. It’s gentle on the skin, hasn’t broken me out and is perfect for those times when I need a little extra hydration after going in with some of my Anti-Acne products! I picked this up in the travel size and I’m so glad that I did!

* 2. Origins GinZing Eye Cream – $31: I know, I know…this is a repeat product but I can’t help it. It’s the only eye cream I have been reaching for and I just love it. I mentioned before that I don’t deal with a ton of puffiness, but the other day I had a crazy reaction to something that caused my eyes to swell and this did a GREAT job of helping calm the puffiness down so that I could walk into work looking semi-normal!

* 3. Neutrogena Makeup Cleansing Towelettes (Night Calming) – $5.99: An oldie but a goodie! For a while I had stopped buying makeup remover wipes because I was using (and loving) the Josie Maran Cleansing Oil. Unfortunately after a few weeks it started to break me out (nooooooo). Since I’m not a huge fan of removing my makeup with coconut oil, I decided to pick these bad boys up and I’m happy to report that I still love them!

* Neutrogena Acne Stress Control Toner – $6.99: I will be honest, I’m not a HUGE fan of toners. Many of the ones I’ve tried are way too harsh for my skin and end up doing more harm than good. However I picked this up on a whim last year when my skin was going nuts and I really liked it. I use the tiniest amount and ALWAYS go in with my skincare a few minutes after which really helps to combat any irritation or drying that this product could cause! I will say the scent is strong; I don’t mind it, but if you are sensitive to smells you may not like this at all.

* 5. Vichy Laboratories Aqualia Thermal Anit-Fatigue Sleeping Mask – $28: GUYS! This stuff is amazing! I had never tried a “sleeping mask” before, but I love it. You guys know I struggle with drier skin and sometimes at night it can feel really tight and uncomfortable, especially if I’ve been using certain products on my blemishes. I had been looking for something to combat those issues and saw a difference almost immediately after using this product. This mask leaves my skin soothed, soft and supple and well…I can’t argue with those results!

* 6. Ulta After Sun Aloe Gel – $6.99: WHOA. So I may or may not have gotten burnt on my shoulders and back two weekends in a row…Oops! I put on sunscreen but clearly I didn’t reapply as often as I should have. Of course that made for a really uncomfortable sunburn and the need for some Aloe Vera gel. I have used a variety of brands and like them all. If you get burnt, run and get some Aloe STAT. This has definitely saved me from being a peely, gross mess.

* 7. Jack Black Intense Therapy Lip Balm SPF 25 – $7.80: While my shoulders and back may have gotten burnt, my lips were safe and sound thanks to this product. I’m a firm believer in lip balms that contain SPF, especially in this wretched Georgia heat. If you’ve ever had sunburned lips you know how awful they can be. I would highly recommend this product (or anything with an SPF) if you are going to be out and about!

MAKEUP

* 1. ColourPop Super Shock Highlighter in Flexitarian – $8: This highlighter is for real. The first time I swatched this I thought there was no way I could get away with wearing this thing in the real world…it was intense, y’all. But once I learned how to apply it, I fell in love. I typically apply this (with a LIGHT hand) using a flat synthetic brush (Morphe E61). The synthetic brush will give you more color payoff, while a duo fiber brush will give you a more sheer/natural look. After applying any of my highlights, regardless of the brand, I typically go over it with a damp beauty sponge to make it look a LITTLE more natural! And bonus: this makes a BEAUTIFUL inner corner highlight!

* 2. Laura Mercier Secret Brightening Powder – $26: Okay, so I’m a little bit on the fence with this product but decided to include it because it’s all I’ve been using to set my under eye concealer. On one hand, I think the powder feels really nice on the skin and it sets my concealer down nicely; my under eyes never get dry and I never notice any creasing…so that’s nice. However, I’m not sure I’m seeing the “brightening” effect. Like am I missing something? Am I applying it wrong? How bright is it supposed to be? I think it’s a nice powder, but I feel like my RCMA No Color Powder looks very similar. Have you guys tried this? What are your thoughts?!

 * 3. NYX Ombre Blush in Mauve Me (pictured) & Soft Flush – $9.99: Now that we are officially in dead of summer, I have been experimenting with more blushes…and I love them! If I’m not reaching for Luminoso, I am reaching for the NYX Ombre Blushes. If you haven’t tried them, I would definitely recommend checking them out! Do you have a favorite blush? I’d love to know!

* 4. Physicians Formula Bronze Booster in Medium to Dark – $14.99: No surprise here. I, like the rest of the world love the PF Bronze Booster. It’s the perfect shade; not too warm and not too cool. It does a great job of warming up my face and looks beautiful on the skin!

* 5. Tarte Tartelette Tease Eyeshadow Palette – $23: This is the second eyeshadow palette I have purchased from Tarte and I absolutely love it. It’s pigmented, travel friendly and the perfect palette for a neutral girl like me!

* 6. Too Faced Primed & Poreless Pressed Powder – $30: I still love my RCMA No Color Powder, but lately I have been reaching for my Primed & Poreless pressed powder to set my foundation. It silky texture feels great on the skin and it does a good job of blurring the look of fine lines and pores. It’s definitely a winner in my book.

* 7. NYX Butter Gloss in Angel Food Cake – $4.99: I have really been enjoying the NYX Butter Glosses lately! They are comfortable on the lips, their color selection is unreal and I absolutely love their creamy finish. Angel Food Cake and Praline are a couple of my favorites! <3

* 8. L’Oreal Telescopic Carbon Black Mascara – $9.99: I don’t know how or when I first heard about this mascara but I love it. I usually only use it for my bottom lashes but it does a fine job on the top as well! I love the skinny, no-clump wand and I love how black it looks on my lashes! If you’re looking for a bottom lash mascara, check this one out!

MISCELLANEOUS

* 1. 90 Degree by Reflex 22″ Yoga Capris – $19.99: I have talked about these leggings before, but I just had to mention them one more time. I have them in a variety of styles and love them all. They are comfortable, thick (but not too thick), breathable, and just down right comfy! I plan on wearing a new pair to the Braves game tonight. 🙂

* 2. Morning Star Farms Spicy Black Bean Burgers – ~5 (ish): I have been eating these like crazy over the last couple of weeks. I’m trying to eat less meat throughout the week and these have been a good alternative when I’m craving a burger or something a little more filling. I typically make them on the grill or in the oven and then top them off with a slice of Swiss cheese…yummy!!

* Pop Chips Potato Crazy Hot – ~3(ish): I. Am. Obsessed. These chips are so great! I was looking for something a little healthier than your traditional potato chip and came across these. They have them in a variety of flavors, but since I’m a sucker for anything hot, I went with these! If you look hot chips,  you NEED try these out!

* 4. Bath & Body Works Mahogany Coconut Candle – $12.50 – $24.50: You guys know I have a serious love affair with Bath & Body Works candles and this bad boy is no exception. It is the perfect summer scent. It smells sweet, but not too sweet, and makes me think of the beach! If you’re looking for a coconut-y scented candle, check this one out! Bonus: It’s currently on sale for $12.50!!

So that’s it for this edition of Friday Favorites! What have you been loving this week/month? Have you tried any of the products listed above? Leave me a comment below and let me know!

-B

WEDNESDAY SPOTLIGHT: MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS

Happy hump day friends! For this edition of Wednesday Spotlight I chose to talk about something near and dear to my heart: Mental Health. I have seen so many people (myself included) struggle with the state of their mental health recently and thought now would be a good time to open up a healthy discussion here on my blog! As many of you know, I have had my own issues when it comes to mental health, particularly when it comes to food and weight; I hate it, but it’s something that will always be a part of me. I also deal with my fair share of anxiety (like most people) but do my best to remain present and work through it as best I can; it’s not easy, but I manage.

I have noticed, especially this time of year, that people contend with more anxiety surrounding their body image than any other time. My awareness is always heightened due to my history, but in the summer it can be a real mess inside my brain. For the most part I can manage, but my thoughts certainly make it hard. I have also heard from friends of mine that have never struggled with body image that this is a sensitive time for them as well. They describe feeling vulnerable and uncomfortable when they know they will be surrounded by people with cameras while in their swimsuit…if I’m being honest, that’s my worst nightmare. As humans we can’t help but look at other people and compare our bodies to the things we see; even if we are able to move past our feelings in that moment, I find that those thoughts tend to stick around and resurface days, weeks, or maybe even months later. While it might not be a constant struggle for you (and I hope it’s not), it seems to be a common feeling that we as women (and men) have during the dreaded swimsuit season. I have learned over the years that comparison is the thief of joy but it certainly doesn’t stop us from falling into the habit. I would be lying if I said that I was the poster child for body positivity…because I’m not (just keeping it real). I try to be supportive of others as they embark on their journey of loving themselves and their body just as it is, but please don’t mistake that for me having it all together, because I do not. As much progress as I have made, I still fall short…a lot. If you’re on a fitness journey because you are unhappy with your weight or the way that you look, please make sure you are addressing the root of the issue because I can assure you that losing weight DOES NOT cure negative body image. I’ve seen people lose a miraculous amount of weight and still feel empty inside. If you need help, please reach out to someone who can offer you the assistance you need and deserve.

Unfortunately many people view our mental health as less important than our physical health. This is an ugly truth that makes me sad beyond words. I recently read an article about an employee that sent an email to her team at work stating that she was taking a couple of days off to focus on her mental health and that she hoped to be back the following week ready to hit the ground running. How amazing is that?! I applaud her for her honesty and willingness to accept that things didn’t feel quite right. What made my heart smile even more was the response of her CEO; he was more than understanding and took a moment to respond with a short but genuine email. He reminds us all that we should be taking the time to keep our minds as healthy as our heart so that we can bring our whole selves to work. This is how mental health should be treated in the workplace, sadly this is not always the case. I hope we can continue to make strides with how we view and treat mental illness in this country (and abroad) so that people feel comfortable reaching out for guidance when they need it. There is no shame in saying “I need help.” Life is messy, very rarely do things go EXACTLY the way we plan them to, and there is nothing worse than being unable to navigate the uncertainties that living your everyday life brings. For those of you struggling, whether it be a little or a lot, please know that you are not alone. There are so many of us fighting the good fight and we are here for you whenever you need! I urge you to seek help if things feel off, while it might be dreadful at first, it is certainly worth it in the long run! And if you find yourself in an environment that feels less than supportive, try to remain present and remind yourself that you are not doing this for anyone other than yourself. The reality is that not everyone will understand and support your desire to change, and that’s okay, just keep going. No matter how many times your thoughts knock you down, please get back up and try again. I promise, the best version of you is ALWAYS worth fighting for.

-B

ULTIMATE ULTA WISHLIST

Happy Tuesday, friends! It’s no secret that I love all things beauty, and it’s also no secret that Ulta is one of my favorite places to shop…honestly I can’t get enough. I have had a cart full of products on Ulta.com for QUITE some time now and I thought I would share everything I have been dying to get my hands on with you. Let me know if you’ve tried any of these products and what you thought of them. As always, I will link everything down below!

* Sun Bum Clear Zinc Oxide SPF 50 – $9.99: For those of you who don’t know, I am allergic to most sunscreens (typically ones that contain Oxybenzone & Avobenzone). I found this out a couple of years ago after a ridiculous rash formed on my face after a long day at the pool…tragic, I know. This obviously posed a problem as I live in a climate where sunscreen is necessary 5 months out of the year. Growing up my mom always used Zinc on my skin and I never had any issues (praise hands), so that’s what I’ll be using from here on out!

* Pacifica Blushious Coconut & Rose Infused Blush – $12: Before this year I NEVER wore blush (unless you count dance competitions when I was younger); but lately I have been enjoying the subtle flush it gives my cheeks. I’m definitely someone who enjoys a soft pink/peachy blush and I hear this one from Pacifica does not disappoint.

* Soap & Glory Flake Away Body Polish – $15: I. LOVE. THIS. STUFF! I have gone through two tubs and I’m still obsessed. It has a sweet, citrusy scent and does a great job of exfoliating. If you’re in the market for a new body polish and you don’t mind a sweeter scent, then check it out!

* Tarte Dream Big Eyeshadow Palette – $30: Guys…look at this palette, it’s so beautiful! I have the Tarte Showstopper Palette and I love it; the shadows are pigmented and blend really easily! I like that it’s  small & portable; it seems perfect for traveling and the colors look divine. This is definitely at the top of my wishlist!

* Too Faced Hangover 3-in-1 Replenishing Primer & Setting Spray – $32: Let me start by saying that I love the Hangover Rx Primer; it’s hydrating and so gentle on the skin. I haven’t repurchased it in a while because I’ve been trying out some different primers, but I really do love it. I love the idea of using this particular product as a primer spray and then going in with a pore filler in the areas where I need a little extra help! I feel like this would be the perfect addition to my makeup routine in the morning and I can’t wait to try it out!

* Maybelline Creamy Matte Lip Color – $7.49: I have only tried one shade (Touch of Spice) from Maybelline’s Creamy Matte Lip line but I really enjoyed it. It’s relatively long wearing, comfortable on the lips, fades gracefully (at least on me) and has great pigmentation. Since I had such great luck with my first Maybelline lippie, I thought it might be nice to give some other shades a try, namely Lust for Blush & Nude Nuance!

* Dose of Colors Creamy Lipstick – $16: Admittedly I have never tried anything from Dose of Colors but have heard great things about the brand, namely their liquid lippies. Since I’m not a HUGE liquid lip fan (they are just sooooooo drying on me), I thought giving their creamy lipsticks a try might be nice. They have great reviews on the Ulta website and have 18 shades to choose from. The ones I have my eye on are Ditto and Soft Touch, and if you’re in the market for something vampy, Heartless looks amazing too!

* Tarte Timeless Smoothing Primer – $39: As most of you know, I have been on the hunt for a good smoothing primer for what feels like eternity. I have tried the Benefit POREfessional, Too Faced Primed & Poreless, Dr. Brandt Pores No More (HATE this one), and many others. While I like the Too Faced primer more than any others I’ve tried, it certainly isn’t my holy grail. I have heard good things about the Tarte Smoothing Primer and thought it was time to give this one a go since I’m almost out of my Primed & Poreless. Do you guys have a holy grail smoothing primer? Help your girl out!

* Sun Bum Suncreen Lip Balm – $3.99: I don’t know if you guys have had sunburnt lips before, but IT. IS. TERRIBLE. Since I’m already planning to try another product from this line, I thought I might as well go ahead and give this a go too!

* Smashbox Spotlight Palette (Pearl) – $35: I have been eyeing this palette ever since it was released. I am obsessed with Casey Holmes and would love to support her collaboration with Smashbox. I don’t wear a lot of highlighters in the colder months but in the summer I’m definitely down for a little extra glow. Now would be the perfect time to pick this up and put this bad boy to use!

* NYX BB Cream – $12.99: Everyone that I know that has tried this BB cream loves it. They think it sits nicely on the skin and provides enough coverage to even everything out and create a nice base for contour/bronzer/blush, etc. With the warmer weather front and center, this BB cream would be perfect for those days when I don’t want a full face but need a little something to help even things out!

* EVA NYC Get Glossed! Hair Serum – $14.99: I am always on the hunt for something to help me and my dry hair. I heard about this brand from another YouTuber that I’m obsessed with (shocker) and upon further research it seems like a product that I would really like. It claims to be a lightweight formula that helps to strengthen your hair, protect against heat damage, boost radiance & increase flexibility…where can I sign up?!

* L’OREAL Infallible Foundation Blender – $7.99: This is another repeat purchase for me. I absolutely love this sponge. I have used a variety of beauty sponges over the years and I think this might be my favorite, especially for the price. The Beauty Blender is nice, don’t get me wrong, but for $7.99, you can’t really beat this one from L’Oreal. I will say that I used to be obsessed with the Real Techniques sponges but their quality has certainly taken a hit here recently. I don’t know what the issue is, but I have had multiple sponges rip and tear after only a couple of weeks. My L’Oreal sponge lasted MUCH longer and helped to create a flawless base for the rest of my makeup, if you haven’t tried it, I would highly recommend you doing so!

*All images were taken from Ulta.com

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So that is everything that’s currently sitting in my cart on Ulta.com. What’s on your beauty/skincare wishlist? Have you tried any of the products I mentioned above? Did you love them? Hate them? Let me know below!

-B

 

MYSTERY BLOGGER AWARDS – 1 & 2

Hi guys, welcome back to Southern Lights, Atlanta Nights! I have graciously been nominated for the Mystery Blogger Award…twice, can you believe it?! Liv Sampson of Life According to Liv and Lauren from Not Your Average Girly Girl nominated me for this award and I thought this would be a good time to highlight their blogs and answer their questions. Liv Sampson is a lifestyle blogger that talks all things beauty, food, hair and motherhood. She has the sweetest spirit and is a great and positive presence here in the blogging community! Lauren is a girl after my own heart; she is all things girly while living for the “tomboy swag”. She talks beauty, fashion and all things lifestyle! She is so sweet and is great about commenting on other bloggers content! If you are looking for a couple of really great blogs (and girls) to check out, I would recommend these 2, you won’t be disappointed!

The Mystery Blogger Award was created by Okoto Enigma and she describes this award as “An award for amazing bloggers with ingenious posts.  Their blog not only captivates; it inspires and motivates.  They are one of the best out there, and they deserve every recognition they get.  This award is also for bloggers who find fun and inspiration in blogging, and they do it with so much love and passion.” So with all of that being said, let’s get into the rules!

RULES:

  1. Thank the person (people) who nominated you & link their blog(s).
  2. Name the creator of the award & link to their blog.
  3. Answer your nominators questions.
  4. Tell readers 3 things about yourself.
  5. Nominate 10-20 people.
  6. Ask your nominees 5 original questions.
  7. Share links to your bests posts.
  8. Notify your nominees by commenting on their blog.

*Five questions by Liv Sampson:

  1. What is the reason behind your blog name? Well, I am from the South, I love lights, and Atlanta is forever my home. So basically I just combined a few things that I love and went from there!
  2. Which do you prefer after a long, tiring day: whiskey, wine, bourbon or beer? None. I don’t really drink so I would say Coca-Cola!
  3. What are your favorite mantras or quotes to live by? “Invest in those that invest in you,” “comparison is the thief of joy,” & “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me – Phil 4:13.”
  4. Which TV Show/Family: Empire or Greenleaf? I have no idea what Greenleaf is…am I behind the times? I’ve definitely heard of Empire but I’ve never watched it…so I would go with the family in Parenthood, Gilmore Girls or the main family in Friday Night Lights.
  5. If you had the chance to drop everything & travel the world, where would your first destination be? Greece & Israel…for sure.

*Five questions by Lauren:

  1. When you were a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up & did that happen? I wanted to be a pediatrician. Instead, I got a degree in Psychology and now I would love to just blog full time! Fingers crossed!
  2. What is your all time favorite meal to eat? Probably something southern and delicious. Fried chicken, mac and cheese, collards & a yeast roll. Yummmmm.
  3. Are you a pool or beach person? Can I say both? I feel like there are pros and cons to each. But I guess if I HAAAADD to pick, I would choose the pool…simply because it’s a little less messy.
  4. What fictional place would you most like to go? Hogwarts. I JUST got into Harry Potter; I know, I’m terribly late to the game.
  5. What is your favorite season? Fall for sure.

*3 Facts about me:

  1. I was a competitive dancer for years; sometimes I miss it.
  2. I will never go on a cruise. The idea of being in the middle of the ocean with no land in sight scares me to death.
  3. I am OBSESSED with Christmas. I don’t think you understand. It makes me happier than just about anything!

*My favorite blog posts:

  1. EATING DISORDER AWARENESS WEEK: MY STORY
  2. WEDNESDAY SPOTLIGHT: A TRUE ST. JUDE HERO
  3. MONDAY MOTIVATION
  4. 4th OF JULY FASHION FINDS
  5. GILMORE GIRLS: A YEAR IN THE LIFE REVIEW
  6. WELCOME HOME, BRAVES

*And the nominees are:

  1. T.R. Noble – Inside Cup
  2. Cassie Morgan
  3. Not Your Cup of Fashion
  4. M Morris – Major Morris
  5. Jirah Merriz

*5 questions for my nominees:

  1. What is your all time favorite scent (perfume, candle, apple pie, etc.)?
  2. If you could LIVE anywhere in the world, where would it be?
  3. How do you pamper yourself?
  4. Team iPhone or team Android?
  5. Would you ever go skydiving?

 

**So that’s it for this Mystery Blogger Awards post. Sorry it was so long but I hope you guys enjoyed it! Thank you to Liv and Lauren for the nominations, I really appreciate it! Even if you weren’t nominated, I would love for you to answer some of the questions below! I hope you guys are having an awesome Friday and I hope you have an even better weekend!

-B

AND THE WINNER IS….

Hi friends! My first ever giveaway here on Southern Lights, Atlanta Nights closed last night at 11:59pm! I appreciate all of you who took the time to read, like, or comment on my giveaway; your support means the WORLD to me…I honestly can’t thank you guys enough! So without further ado, the winner is….

Again, thank you so much for your unwavering support; you guys gave me some AWESOME ideas for my next giveaway so stay tuned for that! I hope you are having a wonderful hump day and I will see you guys tomorrow for a fun and much needed fitness post; it’s certainly been waaayyy too long since my last one!

-B