Hello and I miss you all!
With work, life, and school my life has been extremely busy.
However, I have missed blogging and Instagraming so much! So I made it my New Year’s resolution to restart and revamp my blog and Instagram.
What kind of content would you like to see? Throw all your ideas in the comments!
Be on the look out for new posts from me.
Thank you 🐷
I forgot I was subscribed to this! So it was a nice little surprise today. It’s $5 a season and you get a random assortment of beauty and makeup samples. Sometimes you’ll even get a full sized product! I really want to sub to the cheap beauty boxes from other stores, lately I have an obsession with samples and deluxe sample sized products. Probably because I am doing a turn and burn project pan. Which is just making a point to use up samples, deluxe samples, and products that are almost empty.
Sample Packets
I’m not going to go into any detail with these. Here is just an assortment of one use packets. The L’Oréal Revitalift Hyaluronic Acid Serum, Liquid IV flavor packet, and Not Your Mother’s Smooth Moves Anti-Frizz Shampoo and Conditioner.
Daily Concepts Exfoliating Dual Texture Scrubber
I am a bit iffy about this. It just makes me a bit nervous to use wipe something so textured all around my face. I am afraid of tears. I might try this, but I also might just give it to a friend to try.
Cera Ve Daily Moisturizing Lotion
I have heard really good things about this lotion so I am interested in trying it out. I think it will work really nicely on my legs which are much more sensitive than the rest of my body. This will be a nice way to see if I like it or not.
Chap Stick Total Hydration With Hemp Seed Oil
I am always happy to try a new lip balm. This one feels really hydrating on the lips and has a nice fresh scent. Into my purse it goes!
Lottie London Slay All Day Liquid Lipstick “Fleek”
I have not been big into liquid lips lately like I use to be. I just find them to be too drying on my lips and I don’t like how they just flake off. However, I do really like the shade of this one so I may make an exception.
It’s a brown-red shade. I just really enjoy it and think it will really complement some looks. I don’t think it screams spring by any means, but who cares. It’s not like I’m into bright springy colors.
What did you think of this Walmart beauty box? Not a bad little assortment for $5! Comment your thoughts below! What is your favorite product or brand from the drugstore?
Thank you for reading 😍
Gripping primers are all the rage right now. While ELF does have some popular gripping primers under their belt, of course they had to come out with one that touts the gripping claim.
The ELF Power Grip Primer retails for $10. If I had to compare it to the Milk Hydro Grip Primer (the mini I have of the milk primer is lasting me ages!) I would say it is EXTREMELY comparable. I haven’t compared them side by side, but I have used them on alternating days and I haven’t noticed much of a difference. Honestly, I probably won’t pick up another Milk Hydro Grip Primer now that I have tried the ELF Power Grip Primer.
This day was my second time trying the Power Grip Primer.
On day one I learned that I don’t like using a brush with my coverage products when using this primer. It came out very patchy. (I forgot to take pictures!!)
Day two I used a sponge and all was well.
This was SIX HOURS into my day. Most of which I was wearing a mask. I noticed some wear down of my foundation on my nose, around my mouth, and cheeks, where my mask sits, but everywhere else looked fantastic! The ELF Power Grip primer really does increase the longevity of makeup.
This was the beginning of day three. I forgot to take pictures hours later, it’s allergy season so work is busy! But I noticed the same wear as the day before. I wish I would have taken pictures much later on either day to really showcase just how well the ELF Power Grip Primer improved the longevity of my makeup.
Over all thoughts?
BUY THIS! It will be $10 very well spent. Buy it from the ELF website, they always have great promotions going on and their rewards program is wonderful.
I would say the keys to really getting a “grip” on this primer is to use a sponge when applying your coverage products. As well as not using too much of the primer. A little really does go a long way.
I definitely think the ELF Power Grip Primer is a major win. Bye Bye Milk Hydro Grip.
Thank you for reading 🌻
I was very excited to try the L’Oréal Age Perfect Tinted Balm because I had heard some great things from YouTubers I really enjoy. So I had to pick it up for myself.
L’Oréal Age Perfect Tinted Balm retails for $12.97 at Walmart.
I picked up the shade 20 Fair. The balm is infused with a firming serum.
At first I thought it was going to be too orange on me.
But I think it actually ended up being a pretty decent color match for my face.
The texture of the balm is extremely creamy and does remind me of how it feels if you run your fingers over a cleansing balm.
The claims are:
1. Skin looks firmer
2. Smooths Lines
3. Conceals imperfections
4. Evens tones
Upon initial application I really enjoyed how the balm looked on my skin. I looked glowy and fresh. I can’t say my face looks firmer though. But I’m assuming that is more so going to happen after frequent use.
4 hours later I noticed my skin started to look more greasy, but not to the point it bothered me. I also noticed that the balm did transfer to my face mask. I also noticed the slightest oxidation.
At the end of the day 11 hours later, as you can see, everything has pretty much broken down and my face turned into an oil slick. I did not do any powdering through out the day, just to see how the balm held up on its own.
Final thoughts:
I think if I powder through out the day or only wear my makeup for 4-6 hours I would be in love with this balm. It is comfortable on the skin, I actually forgot I was wearing face product! I think this will be a go to product once the weather warms up. I am excited to see how my feelings about this balm evolve. I will be sure to do an update post when that happens.
What is your favorite base product? Leave a comment!
Thank you for reading 📖
I have a lot of bronzer. No, I didn’t count them, I didn’t want to be confronted with that number. But, I am running out of room for bronzer, so I figured it was time to get rid of a few I don’t use. Compared to how many bronzers I own, I barely got rid of any.
As you can see, at this point I’m my decluttering journey, I only got rid of five bronzers. All of these bronzers I am getting rid of because I never reach for them. All decluttered products will be passed onto someone who will hopefully use them.
Covergirl Cheekers Cinnamon Toast
I’m pretty positive this is actually a blush. When it was with my blush it looked more like a bronzer to me. Then I never used it as a bronzer. I did contemplate using it as an eyeshadow, but I have enough brown eyeshadow this just needs to go.
ColourPop Sculpt Stix “Dove”
I bought this forever ago and only used it a handful of times. It is so so old. I think I should probably just toss this one.
The Balm Auto-Balm Grl Power Cheeks On The Go “Bleeker”
Looking at this now I see that it is actually definitely a blush. However I have so many blushes that I also need to declutter so I am just going to pass this along.
Kylie Pressed Bronzing Powder “Khaki”
I never use any of my Kylie products anymore. I just don’t support the brand so it’s time for this to go.
Love Craft Beauty Bronzer Trio
I got this is a subscription box ages ago and I don’t think I’ve ever actually used it. It’s time to stop taking up space. Goood bye.
What are your favorite bronzers? Leave a comment!
Thank you for reading 🌻🌻
I have heard a lot about the Hard Candy Sheer Envy Hydrating Primer on YouTube and I just had to try it for myself.
The Hard Candy Sheer Envy Hydrating Primer retails for $6.96 at Walmart.
The primer comes out as a blue jelly and feels very cooling and hydrating when you spread it on your face. Once it dries down it does feel a little bit sticky to the touch, but it isn’t bothersome on the face. It reminds me a ton of the Milk Hydrogrip primer. So much so that I do t feel the need to repurchase the Milk Hydrogrip primer now.
This picture was taken right after I applied my makeup. Everything sat very well on my skin. I made sure to use a foundation and concealer that I trusted to give the primer a fair chance.
Here we are four hours later. Everything is still looking good! I did notice my pores looked a bit large, but nothing I had on claimed to be pore filling.
Here we are 8 hours after application. I noticed makeup had rubbed off on my nose and my chin thanks to my mask. I also noticed that there was much less creasing under my eyes and in my smile lines than normal.
I highly recommend this primer. It is a great drugstore alternative to the Milk Hydrogrip Primer and it works wonders. It won’t break the bank and it does it’s job nicely.
Thank you for reading 🎈
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I have had a few of these quads just sitting around. I haven’t really been playing with makeup, but this morning I was watching Tati videos and got inspired. So I thought, “ let’s do an inexpensive fall look.”
This quad retails for only $3!!! Here ! Let’s get into swatches and the super quick and easy look.
My first comment is I wish the matte shades had one that was a bit more orange toned, but the mattes are still super pretty.
The mattes don’t swatch the best, but they do work very well. The metallics on the other hand swatch like a dream and work just as well.
I used a fluffy blending brush and used the lightest matte and went all through the crease. I used a more tapered blending brush and used the darker matte on the outer corner. On the outer portion of my lid I used the darker metallic and then the lighter one on the rest of my lid.
I am in love with the look that came out of this quad! Simple easy, so cheap and perfect for fall. Now I want every single one of the bite sized quads and no one will stop me from getting them. I feel an ELF hall coming on!!
Which bite sized quad is your favorite?
Thank you so much for reading 🎃
Find me on IG Manda.janette
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I have a few clean beauty items I am loving that I really wanted to share with you all, and they are all from W3ll People!
This is a more accessible clean beauty brand, in my opinion, sense it can be purchased at most Targets.
Let’s get into some reviews!
W3ll People High Vibrations Cheek Trio $19.99
To kick us off we have the High Vibrations 3 piece cheek palette cream. Contained is a cream highlighter and two cream blushes.
The creams skin easily into the skin and blend with no problems. I find that they are rather long wearing, even in the heat! If you are just getting into cream products, I think this would be a lovely one to start out with.
I used the middle blush shade and the highlight today. As you can see, the blush gives a luminous rosy look to the skin and the highlight really adds to that glow.
W3ll People Nudist 1 Palette $19.99
The nudist palette is more taupe toned, and reminds me a lot of the naked one palette. You have all the neutrals you need to create an easy every day look, as well as that darker brown to really spice things up.
I find that the shades are easy to blend. There is a bit of kick back so be aware of that. I don’t find that the shades fade through out the day. I have been reaching for this palette constantly. I really enjoy using the glittery brown shade all over my lid, then blended into the crease.
W3ll People Expressionist Mascara Mini $9.99
I have tried this mascara a few times now and I love it! It gives my lashes great length, and there is no smudging or flaking through out the day.
Over all, I highly recommend all of the products mentioned. W3ll People is a brand I have been obsessed with lately, and I can’t wait to try out more from them.
What is your favorite W3ll People Product? Comment below!
Thank you for reading 😍
I was digging through my collection the other day and found this random Ulta gift with purchase palette.
I figured, hey! Let’s give it a go and see what it’s like!
It is a very cool toned palette. It has three matte and three shimmer shades. As well as a rosy pink blush with some shimmer, and a duo chrome pink highlighter.
As you can see, the swatches aren’t impressive. Besides the blush. I am enjoying that.
Hopefully you can tell in the picture, but the shimmers basically are non-existent in a swatch.
Over all thoughts
The mattes from this palette did their job well enough. But, the shimmers are non-existent.
The highlighter also, did absolutely nothing.
However, I kind of love this blush! It showed up well, and gave my skin a healthy flushed look.
This is not a palette that will stay in my collection. Honestly, I am probably going to depot the blush and trash the rest. I don’t even thing any of my sisters will want this disaster.
Do you have this GWP palette in your collection? What are your thoughts? Comment below!
Thank you for reading 🐍
Find me on IG @_notan_alien
SC @manda_janette
The two April beauty boxes are currently still in stock on Targets website. So, of course I had to pick them both up as well.
This box retails for $7. This box just happens to be full of clean beauty products, which I absolutely love!
Pacifica Glowing Makeup Remover Wipes
Pacifica makes awesome makeup remover wipes, so I was happy to receive these. There is coconut water in them though, and my skin tends to dislike coconut. We will see how they work for me.
Acure Resurfacing Overnight Glycolic Treatment
This treatment is meant to refine and resurface the skin, while improving the skins tone and texture.
Shea Moisture Skin Rescue Cream Cleanser
This cleanser contains hemp oil, witch hazel, and vitamin E. All fantastic for the skin. I am excited to test it out.
The Good Stuff Complete Repair Balm
This is a lightweight detangler. I go through detanglers like crazy. I have long have that gets knotted crazy easy. The scent is very light and fresh.
Spring & Vine Tea Tree and Mint Scalp Soothing Shampoo bar
I love shampoo bars! I have only tried the ones from Lush. I am excited to try another companies version. I have eczema on my scalp, so I am sure the tea tree and mint will feel wonderful.
Overall thoughts
$7 very well spent! 5 clean beauty products I am excited to try as well as a $3 off $15 on beauty purchase at Target.
What item in this box interests you most?
Thank you for reading 🐍
Find me on IG @_notan_alien
SC @manda_janette
Beauty & Tidbits 