Sephora VIB Sale Recommendations

Well, first off, let me welcome you back to my blog. I know, I've been missing for quite a while. And I am so very sorry about that. Sometimes, life just gets in the way, and honestly, there is nothing anyone can do about it. Just have to go with the flow. We just got a desk and a computer, so hopefully that will help me get back into blogging, as I really love sharing things with you guys. Before, I was relying on my phone and iPad to write blog posts, and it just wasn't my style. There is nothing like sitting down, at a desk, to type up a blog post.

Anyways, lets get onto what you actually came here for....my Sephora VIB sale (or anytime of the year really) recommendations. As many of you know, twice a year(usually April and November), Sephora rewards their frequent shoppers with a coupon code, worth usually 20% off. This year, they have sent a 20% off code with the dates of the sale in the mail, and through email. If you didnt get an email or something in the mail, here is the card that they sent.

So, while I'm unsure of what I want to purchase, and I usually go to bloggers or IG to scour the internet to find what others are loving, I wanted to do the same for you. I am not suggesting that you need ALL these products, but these are the products that I've enjoyed for quite a while now, and deserve some recognition from me. So, without further adue, here are my recommendations.

First off, I know it looks like a lot. And it is. But, I wanted to give you a really in depth look into what I've been loving from the high end makeup sections.

• Tarte Light Of The Party Collectors Case Makeup set. This retails for $59 and is currently Limited Edition. The inside(you can see photos on my IG [emilyvanity]) is just as gorgeous as the outside. It contains 24 shadows in the main case, and also has a separate, smaller palette that has 6 shadows and a blush. This set also comes with a travel sized Lights Camera Lashes mascara, and a dual ended blush. It is a wonderful value, and the color payoff is great. You can create so many looks with just this one palette.
• Tarte The Sculptor Contouring stick. This retails for$24, and is the beginning contour's dream. It glides exactly where you want it, and blends like a dream. It instantly slims for your face and creates the perfect countoured look.
• Tarte Tartelette palette. This palette retails for $45 and contains 12 matte shows. I absolutely love this palette, because you can do anything with it. I never was a fan of matte shadows, until I purchased this palette. I believe everyone should have this in their collection.
• Sephora Colorful blush in the shade Heated N*16. This blush retails for $15. I cannot speak for the other shades, as this is the only one I own, but it stays all day on my face. It gives the most beautiful glow, without looking overdone.
• Kat Von D Everlasting Liquid Lipstick in the shade Double Dare. This lipstick retails for $20. To be completely honest here, this is the only shade that I like for this line. It is not a nude, but its not too dark that I feel vampy if wearing it during the day.
• Bite Beauty Agave Lip Mask. This small tube retails for $26, but you only need the very smallest amount. I have had this tube for about a year, and used it many, many, many times and I still have about 90% left in the tube. It is perfect for those dry chapped winter lips. Overnight, they are transformed into their healthy state.
• Becca x Jaclyn Hill Shimmering Skin Perfector in Champagne Pop. This retails for $38. Yes, I know, everyone either loves this, or hates it. I personally love it and think it gives the most beautiful look without looking like a discoball in the 70's.
• NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer and Sheer Glow foundation. I feel as these two go hand in hand for me. The concealer retails for $29, while the foundation goes for $45. I've heard many say that these aren't worth the price tag, but I have yet to find a decent dupe in both shade matching and the overall quality of the product. It is the perfect shade for my winter skin, and the wear and overall amazingness of this combo is what I love.
• Urban Decay Naked palette. This retails for $54, and yes, while pretty steep, I always come back to this palette. I use it over and over and over again, and I fall back in love with it every time, This palette is more warm toned, so is that isn't your style and you prefer cool toned eye makeup, go with the Naked 2. Both are amazing quality.
• Urban Decay Naked Skin foundation. This foundation retails for $40 and comes with a pump (which is a huge plus for messy me). This is a very natural foundation, and is about medium coverage. When I wear this, it really does feel weightless and like I'm not wearing anything. They have a great shade range also, so finding your shades shouldn't be too much of a hassle.
• Urban Decay B6 Prep spray. This retails for $33 and it has lasted me forever, because it helps mainly oily skin, and my skin is usually only oily for a few months out of the year. It does really help control my oil and minimize the redness in my face. It doesn't prolong the length of my makeup, it just helps with the oil breaking it down too quickly.
• Too Faced Better Than Sex mascara retails for $23 and gives a very natural look to your lashes. This mascara isn't for the girl who wants clumped up volume in her lashes, it is for the girl who wants natural looking full volume. I love it during the day time.
• Too Faced Melted Lipsticks retail for $21 and come in a variety of shades and finishes. I love the application, and the way they dry on my lips. Some are matte, without looking flat, or show the dryness in your lips.
• Too Faced Hangover RX primer. This is a god send for my dry skinned girls, and retails for $32. My good friend Rachael (Rachlovespanda on IG), turned me on to this. At first, I wasn't sure about it...but the more I used it, the more I fell in love. I only use it on my dry skin sections when my skin is in it's combination stage, and it works wonders. Its lightweight and absorbs very well and quickly.
• Too Faced Love Flush blush in Baby Love. I absolutely love these, and they last all day... and at $26, that's a great deal! The shade is very natural but still gives your face that perfect pop of color.
• Too Faced Milk Chocolate Soleil bronzer. This retails for $30, and is the lighter shade of the Chocolate Soleil bronzers. I am very fair in the winter, and this is just right without looking muddy or fake. Plus, it smells like chocolate, and what girl doesn't want that?!
• Too Faced Natural Eyes Neutral Eye palette. This was the first ever makeup palette I ever purchased. It retails for $36, and I still love it as much today, as I did a few years ago. This is actually my 2nd one, because I used up the first! The shades are amazing and blend great. There is a good ratio of matte shades to shimmer shades, which makes creating the perfect eye look so easy with this one palette.

Well, there it is. I hope this helped you in some way to decide what to grab with your coupon code. If you want any more information on ANYTHING you've seen in this post, please just ask! Until Next time ladies!

XOXO, Emily

Back into the swing of things!

So, I am going to get back into blogging. I've been pretty active on social media (Instagram) and I'm realizing that its easier to do reviews on a blog, so they are easily accessible without scrolling through tons of posts. I will still be doing face of the days and such on Instagram, but this is just another way of getting information out to you, and I'm able to give you more details and pictures on one particular product.

I'm looking forward to this wonderful experience with you. If you have any requests that you'd like to see, PLEASE let me know.

Keurig 2.0 review

I was sent the Keurig 2.0 from Influenter, in exchange for my honest opinion. 

The Keurig 2.0 is the newest brewer in the Keurig systems family. Here is what the Keurig website says about this new brewer (via http://www.keurig.com/brewers/keurig-2-0-k550-brewing-system)

Features:

• 10 Brew Sizes: from 4 oz. to 30 oz.
• 80 oz. Water Reservoir with Easy-fill Flip-top Reservoir Lid
• 2.8” Color Touch Display
• Brewer Maintenance Alerts
• Strength Control
• Illuminated Water Reservoir
• Customizable User Interface Wallpaper
• Hot Water On-Demand Function
• Programmable Controls: Auto On/Off; Auto Brew K-Carafe™; Customizable Clock; Favorite Settings; and Night Light with Customizable Color
• Includes 4-cup starter carafe, 4 K-Carafe™ packs, 6 K-Cup® packs, & 2.0 Water Filter Starter Kit with one filter

With the 2.0, you have the option of brewing anything from 4oz to a carafe of 30oz. 

The brewer is very sleek looking, with a touch screen display. You can customize the colors of the display, along with a backlight in the water reservoir. The display is large enough to easily read, even when you're still half asleep. 

Now, onto the actual functionality of the brewer. You can only use certain kcups in this brewer. The kcups you have stocked up on previsiously will NOT work in this brewer. The stores don't even carry the new version of kcups you need, so lose/lose situation. I know it's still a new brewer and the new kcups will eventually make it's way into the store. But, until then, I can't even brew any coffee. You can't even use the brew your own kcups, because the brewer "reads" the label on the kcup and that's how it brews. 

But that's okay, I can easily just brew some hot water for my tea, right? Wrong. You can only brew 6oz of hot water (without a kcup) at a time. I don't know about you, but when I drink tea, I drink it by the big mug-ful. 6 ounces is barely half of my usual mugs. Also, you have to hold the brew button to get to the 6oz. If you drink tea, you KNOW that buying tea bags instead of the tea kcups is so much more affordable. If you buy the 24 back of tea bags, you pay $2-$4. If you buy the 12/18 pack of kcups of tea, it's about $10. Not a better value in any way. 

So yes, it nicer looking. Yes, you can brew a carafe of coffee. But for me, the price tag of $200 is NOT worth the "issues" that come along with it. It is a newer brewer so eventually, the newer style of kcups will pop up. But for now, it is just wasting counter space. 

I won't recommend this brewer, until the new style of kcups are readily available in every store. If you're looking for a Keurig brewer, this one isn't the best option. Spend a little les, and get the older models. 

Get to know me! Q&A

So, I asked a week ago or so for questions so I could do a Q&A blog post. I always love getting to know everyone that I follow on youtube, IG, blogs, etc so I figured I would share a few things about me. 

First of all, I am Emily. I am 25 years old. I am married to my high school sweetheart, we've been together since 2004, and married since 2008. I was 19 when I got married, so yes, I married young. My husband and I have 2 beautiful little girls together. They are Irish twins (A was born July 2008, J was born June 2009) so for 2 months out of the year, I have 2 little girls that are the same age. This year, I will have two 5 year olds. We own our home in the same city where I grew up. We also just welcomed a new fur baby into our lives. In addition to our dog, Morocco who is a German Shorthaired Pointer, we have a cat named Kona. I suffer from anxiety and, while I am shy when I first meet someone, I am very outgoing when I open up to someone. 

And now, for the questions from Instagram!

• How did you get into makeup? How did you get started in blogging?

I got a very late start for both wearing makeup and getting really interested into it. I was 20/21 when I first started wearing makeup. When I turned 22, I discovered youtube, and the amazing beauty community that it held. From then on, I became obsessed we everything makeup, and 3 years later, I'm still just as obsessed, if not more, the. I was before. I love learning about new trends, new products, trying out new things and reviewing kings to help other girls!

• What are four products you CAN'T live without?

This is possibly the hardest question ever. First off, I'd have to say my Tangle Teezer. It makes brushing my hair so simple and doesn't pull and break the strands of hair. It's meant to be used while wet, which is when I do the majority of my hair brushing. Next would have to be my Nars Radiant Creamy concealer. I am obsessed with this concealer and how creamy it is, and how much coverage it gives. It's pricey, but I seriously haven't found a concealer that I love that much. Next is my Urban Decay Naked palette. Yes, it's pricey but I seriously love it so much and can create so many gorgeous looks with it. Finally, is a newer purchase but I love it SO much..it the Milani Eyeshados Primer. It works so so much better than the Urban Decay primers. And it is a fraction of the price. 

• Where are you from?

I am from a little bit south of Boston, MA. Yes, I'm a Masshole and proud of it!

• How did you get your self confidence?

My confidence really started with how I was raised. I was raised to not like anyone push me around, and I stand up for myself and for whatever I believe in. Sometimes that gets twisted and I'm cLled a bitch, which I can be, but I am very strong willed and my confidence comes from inside. I know who I am, and that is all the matters. 

• What are you favorite and least favorite makeup brands?

My favorite makeup brand would have to be either Revlon or Covergirl but I don't think I really have a least favorite brand. Every brand I've tried has something good, and something not so good. 

• What is your go to lipstick brand?

I always seem to go for Revlon lip products.

• Do you follow any trends or march to your own beat?

I don't really do either of those. I'm very much a jeans and t shirt kind of girl. My makeup is usually always natural looking and I'm very laid back style wise. 

• How often do you deep clean your brushes?

I probably don't do it as often as I should.... Usually do it once every 2 weeks or so. Like I said, not as often as I should.....

• If you had to depend on one brand for everything, which would you choose? (Color cosmetics, primers, nail color)

Oh, that's difficult. I would have to say Revlon. They have the most variety and have very good products and their nail products are pretty decent as well. 

• Do you plan on having any more kids?

Oh, if I had a dollar for every time I've been asked this question, I would be a millionaire. We are very undecided on if we will have another child. I had a difficult pregnancy with my youngest, and she was a difficult baby, so I'm still pretty wound up from that. I'm only 25 though, so I still have time to figure out if I want more kids. Will it be any time soon? Probably not..but who knows that the future holds for us. 

Rimmel Stay Matte Primer Review

I've been asked many times for a review on the newer Rimmel Stay Matte primer when I did my updated makeup collection on Instagram. So, let's get to it!

This is the Rimmel Stay Matte Primer. This is 1 fl oz and retails for about $6 at drugstores. The package says you can use alone, under makeup or over makeup. I've only ever used it as a primer, under my makeup. 

Skin-perfecting primer can be worn alone, under makeup or on top to create a perfect matte complexion. Controls shine for up to 8 hours. Ultra lightweight formula minimizes the appearance of pores. 

This does control shine on me for about 6-8 hours, but I also do not have a horrible issue with getting very oily throughout the day. I can see it being a little less effective on people who get more oily, much quicker. With that said, it does still control oil very well, especially for the price. 

It is like a lotion and blends very well into the skin, to give a matte finish to the skin instantly. It doesn't make your face feel greasy like other primers do. Also, it does not make your foundation and any other makeup slip around. It keeps your makeup in place where you put it, and keeps it there until you take it off. This is a great little item to have if you are oily, or have a tendency to have oily skin in the warmer weather. You can apply this all over your face, or just in the areas you get oily. Like me, I just tend to get oily around my nose and my forehead.

If you pick this up, be sure to let me know, and let me know what you think about it!

Battle of the (drugstore) BB creams!

Nowadays, there are so many BB creams to chose from. You see them in Sephora, Ulta, Target, CVS..they even have BB creams for your BODY now. How are you suppose to know which one to grab? Is this one good, or is that one even better? Well, I have bought and tried out 5 popular drugstore BB creams, tested them on my skin and I want to let you know how they held up, or didn't hold up.

To start off, I currently have dry/combo skin. My skin doesn't get very oily at this time of year, so if you have oily skin, these BB creams might work differently for you. I will try and include my thoughts on how I think they would work for oily skin. 

Let's start off with the NYC BB Creme. This is 1 fluid oz and retails for about $5. This is the cheapest out of the BB creams that I have picked up. I have it in the shade 01 Light, and it comes in 2 other shades in this collection. This is a decent match for me, it's on the darker side, but nothing that I can't work with. 

This BB cream is very lightweight on the skin, like most BB creams are. The coverage is VERY sheer, almost like I'm just applying a lotion with a very very small amount of pigmentation. It didn't cover much of anything. It is a dewy finish, and makes your skin look pretty luminous, so I do not think this would be a good pick for anyone with oily skin. With the lack of pigmentation and coverage, I also wouldn't recommend it for anyone who has redness or dark spots, since it won't even begin to soften the discoloration. I still had to cake on concealer to even feel like I had any coverage. It also did not last very long on my face, maybe 3 hours worth of wear. With all of these cons, and no pros, I would not recommend this BB cream for anyone that needs any amount of coverage. Honestly, save your money and just mix a little of your favorite foundation with your moisterizer and you would get a better result.  

This is the Rimmel BB cream. This is 1 fluid oz and retails for about $6-$7. I have the shade light and this also comes in 2 other shades. This has SPF 25 which is always a good thing if you're going to be spending any amount of time outside/in the sun. 

Again, this is a very lightweight formula and feels very nice on your skin. It has light coverage, but it does even out my redness. The finish on this is a natural/dewy finish. It is not very long wearing, on my face it lasted about 4 hours before it started to wear off. The coverage is decent for a bb cream, not my favorite but it covers enough that even on my simple makeup days, I don't have to layer on concealers. It's worth checking out if you have minimal redness/breakouts, or if you don't mind having to use more concealer then usual. 

This is the Rimmel BB cream MATTE. This is 1fl oz and retails for $6-$7. I have the shade Light and there are 2 other shade in this line. This line is slowly popping up in Targets, but I have only seen them in Kmarts. This has SPF 15. 

This is very similar to the regular BB cream by Rimmel, but this formula is matte and controls shine/oil and is longer lasting. If you have oily skin, or oily prone, this would be the perfect formula for you instead of the regular formula. This is also longer lasting, but I believe that is attributed to it being a matte formula. This will be a good go to, for me, come the warm months when my skin gets oily. 

This is the NYX BB cream. It is 1 fl oz and retails for $13, but you can usually find it on sale at Ulta. I have the shade Nude 01 and there are 3 total shades in this line.

This color is the perfect shade for me. It does a great job at covering everything, it is light coverage but something about it makes it cover most flaws very easily. I do still need concealer, as expected, but this does a great job that sometimes I can get by without concealer. This has a natural finish, not matte or dewy, which makes it great for all skin types. This is longer wearing then most BB creams, I can usually get about 6 hours or so of wear out of it. 

Last up, is the Garnier BB cream. This is the original formula, they also have an anti aging formula and a formula for oily/combo skin. This BB cream has 2.5 fl oz and retails for about $12-$14, which makes this the best deal out of all the BB creams I've featured. I have the shade Fair/Light, and this also comes in 2 other shade ranges (light/medium and medium/deep). This shade is a little too dark for me, but I can usually sheer it out and blend down my neck and it blends fine. 

The coverage on this BB cream is the best of the drugstore BB creams. It is light to medium coverage. It has SPF 15 which means it's perfect to have for a beach day! The finish of this BB cream is quite dewy, but as I said previsiously, it also comes in a formula for oily/combo skin types. I can usually get a good 6 hours wearing time out of this BB cream, sometimes up towards 8 hours. 

So there you have it! My run down on the drugstore BB creams that I've found and tried. My favorite is the Garnier BB cream, with NYX in close second. I would pass on the NYC one, and spend the extra $2 for one of the Rimmel ones if you are on that tight of a budget. 

Have you tried any of these? Tried any other drugstore BB creams? What is your favorite BB cream? I'd love to hear from you and hear your thoughts!

Too Faced Chocolate Bar palette Review

The beautiful, sought after, yummy Too Faced Chocolate Bar Palette. What's not to love? The smell. The colors. The packaging. Let's just jump right in to the review, shall we? 

This is the Too Faced Chocolate Bar palette that released a few months ago, and basically sold out everywhere once it was released. It has 16 beautiful neutral toned shadows and retails for $49. It has both matte and shimmer shades and is made with REAL cocoa powder, which makes this very tempting to every female. If you're familiar with Too Faced shadows, then you know how they are formulated. If you aren't familiar, then let me explain them for you. They are possibly the best, in my opinion. They are so incredibly pigmented and buttery smooth and blend like a dream. There has not been a Too Faced shadow that I have used or swatch that I haven't fallen in love with. 

You can create any look possible with this palette, and in the process, you are being lulled with the intoxicating scent of chocolate. Yes, this palette of eyeshadow even SMELLS like chocolate. You can go from an innocent simple day look with this palette, to a dramatic sexy night time look very easily. Do you want to see some swatches of this gorgeous palette? Of course you do!

swatches of the Too Faced Chocolate Bar palette in natural light

So, have you gotten this palette yet? If not, you need it...just kidding. You don't NEED it, but it's definitely a nice add to your collection and it smells like chocolate! Plus, it's pigmented.