Small Makeup Geek Haul

I love Marlena from Makeup Geek, especially ever since I read this article about her and her success with the brand.  I love a great story of how a businesswoman rose to the top.  Marlena recently uploaded a video on her channel informing us that 100% of the proceeds from one of her foiled eyeshadows, the color "Caitlin Rose" would be donated by the company to Batten disease efforts in honor of a friend of her family.  I decided to support and pick up the eyeshadow, along with a few others from the foiled collection.



Makeup Geek's foiled eyeshadows provide a metallic finish.  The eyeshadows are made with a liberal amount of oil to keep the texture smooth.  This hopefully won't be a problem for those who don't have naturally dry lids.

Untamed ($9.99 1.8 Grams/0.064 oz) is a bright coppery orange with warm undertones.  The foil effect on this shadow is very prominent and gorgeous.

Flame Thrower ($9.99 1.8 Grams/0.064 oz) is a warm copper color, much like a clean penny.  The foil on this shadow is also gorgeous and the pigmentation is vibrant.

Pegasus ($9.99 1.8 Grams/0.064 oz) is a bright aqua color with a silvery foiled finish.  It is quite sheer and cool toned.

Caitlin Rose ($9.99 1.8 Grams/0.064 oz) is an amethyst purple color with a blue pearlescent sheen.  It is a bit sheer and would need a bright base underneath to get the foiled effect out of it.

Generally I'm really happy with the colors I got.  Untamed and Flame Thrower, both beautiful sunset-y colors, are definitely my favorites.  I love how golden and vibrant they are.  However, Caitlin Rose and Pegasus were not as vibrant, as you can see in the swatches.  

 I'm super excited to try these out.  The colors are gorgeous.  As you can tell I'm growing my Makeup Geek eyeshadow collection.  I think I need two more to finish filling this palette.  If you have any suggestions for the next two I should buy, let me know!

Simple Polka Dotted Skirt

This outfit post wasn't as easy as the last one to complete.  My husband and I need more practice with the camera, but we'll get there.  We headed around the Union Station area after Church to shoot these photos.  The weather was crisp and cool but the sun was doing something weird, which definitely tested my patience.  We tried, and hopefully next week will be better.

 Forever 21 tank, jean jacket, and bag | Old Navy Skirt | Shop Klassiq sandals 

Alex & Ani Bracelets | The Current Custom Necklace

This past weekend was pretty fun--I had a dance party by myself listening to the "La Bouche" Pandora station (points if you know who they are) after being inspired watching Night at the Roxbury (horrible movie, by the way).  I also saw the new Entourage movie, which was pretty awesome especially since I didn't care much for the show, and I tried out a new Korean BBQ spot.  It's back to work now, can't wait for the weekend already.

Friday Favorites

I've stopped doing favorites videos on my YouTube channel, so I decided maybe I would start bringing them over here!

Cute votive candle holders from Target for $1 each that I've sat in the windowsill for decor.

 I'm obsessed with my Day Designer.  I use it mainly for work, but slip in a few personal things here and there.  It keeps me super organized!

I've been on a no carb/no sugar diet for the past three weeks (just one week to go!) so I haven't been able to have my morning coffee.  I've replaced it with the Blueberry Slim Life Green tea from Yogi, which although doesn't have any added sugar, tastes nicely sweet.

This candle really makes me feel like I'm in a spa.  The smell is gorgeous and I love having it burning while I'm relaxing in the tub.

I've been patting Sweet Almond Oil into my skin after cleansing in the morning and it leaves my face looking glowy and youthful.

This weekend I don't really have a lot planned.  I've been staying up lately working on several new projects, so I may just get some beauty rest.  I also want to take a stab at this no-carb pizza with a cauliflower crust.  What are your weekend plans?

summer bucket list round two

I was looking through old blog posts and was reminded that I had a summer bucket list about two years ago.  I didn't get to do much on the list, so I figured it was only fitting that I try it again.  It's technically still spring but the weather insists that summer has come early.  Here is my summer bucket list, round two.

1. watch an outdoor movie
2. make a new friend
3. have a rooftop party
4. create and blog a fresh summer salad
5. make homemade macarons from scratch
6. visit the tidal basin in DC
7. go white water rafting in West Virginia
8. visit a farmer's market
9. eat Maryland crabs - Done!
10. go for an early (before 9am) morning run

What are your plans for the summer?

the first outfit post

I love fashion and putting looks together.  I'm a youtuber before I'm a blogger (although that could change at any moment), and I find it easier to just pose in front of the camera when I'm both the subject and the videographer.  But posing for fashion photos I have always found difficult.  My husband has tried time after time in the past to take pictures of me for blog posts, but I always pitched a fit because I hated how "fat" my arms were or how bad the shadows casted.  I'm lucky to have a husband that deals with my antics.  After many failed attempts, I came up with a game plan for how to properly shoot photos, and we were finally able to produce something decent.  This is our first real try, so be gentle!

Forever 21 tank and trench | Old Navy Jeans | Coach Heels | Mulberry Oversized Alexa Bag 

Fossil Watch | Ell and Emm and JustFab Bracelets | Asos Necklace

As you can probably tell, it was so windy outside!  It made me want to give up, but I'm glad I didn't.  Hope you enjoyed this post and I hope there will be more outfits to come!

PS.  I did a What's in my Bag video some time ago showcasing this handbag in case you want to see more of it!  And there's also a video on the fossil watch I'm wearing!  And the bracelets!  Videos everywhere!  

PSS.  There's an instagram giveaway on my account right now to win a free MAC lipstick of your choice.  Go check it out!

Josie Maran Rosey Mist

I am a huge fan of settings sprays for a multitude of reasons.  I used to use the MAC Fix +, which is still awesome, but I had the Josie Maran Rosey Mist and wanted to focus my attention on using that.  Apparently it's not in the regular rotation at Josie Maran or Sephora anymore, but the travel size is still available and there is one full-sized bottle left on Amazon.  Kind of weird that this product is discontinuing.  Get it while you can!

I'm obsessed with anything rose scented, especially when it's a light fragrance.  This spray has rose oil and it is the most refreshing scent ever.  The spray itself is a light mist that refreshes the skin.  Rosewater is generally detoxifying, so this is great on a hot day whether or not you're wearing makeup.



I like to spray this on my face before adding makeup to get an instant fresh feeling or after creating my makeup look to help the look appear less cakey.  When you spritz your face after putting on foundation, this mist helps blend the foundation into your skin better so it looks less like you're wearing makeup.

What are your favorite setting sprays?

Sunday Riley Good Genes Treatment

I decided to try the Sunday Riley Good Genes Treatment after hearing many youtubers rave about it as a holy grail skincare product that provided amazing overnight results.  I dished out the exorbitant amount of money ($105, although I did get 15% off during the Sephora VIB sale) hoping that I would see the same results for my poor skin that suffers from acne and hyperpigmentation.  Unfortunately, after 2 weeks of using this product, I had to take it back to Sephora because it did not work for me.

This treatment has a lot of claims.  It is supposed to brighten and exfoliate, as well as even out the skin tone, which was what I was hoping for because of my dark spots.  A lot of people complain about the smell, which is of lemongrass, but I found the smell just fine, actually.  There is a very noticeable tingling sensation when you put this on your skin, which can also be irritating if your skin is sensitive.  I've come to realize that's because the pH of this product is quite acidic.  However, I dealt with it everyday for a little over 2 weeks.

The instructions are such that they require you to use 2-3 pumps of this stuff for each use.  That is a lot of product.  I got through half the bottle in just 2 weeks, which was alarming since this product is so expensive - if you follow their direction, it will only last you a month, tops.  I used it during the day at first, because it said "apply daily" but when I didn't see any changes, I started using it at night.  I think I felt some small change in my skin after that--maybe some better texture and softness, but overall the results weren't dramatic enough to justify the price.  So I took it back.  I never saw real change in my hyperpigmentation, although lightening dark spots takes at least 6-8 weeks, in which case I'd have to go through 2 or 3 bottles of this to be able to determine whether it truly works on that end.

I definitely feel like the only person this didn't work for.  Ultimately all this product did was exfoliate, and I can definitely find an exfoliator for way cheaper than $105.  

Have you tried the Good Genes Treatment?  Did it work for you?

Fresh Sugar Lemon Body Lotion

I'm one of those people who never like to use different lotions or perfumes at the same time.  I devote a period of months to one perfume or one lotion.  In my current rotation is Fresh's Sugar Lemon Body Lotion.  Let me first preface my post by saying that I truly enjoy Fresh as a brand.  Their scents are amazing and just about every product I've used from them leaves your skin feeling soft and/or smelling fresh.  So I decided to try one of their body lotions and I have really been enjoying it!

The sugar lemon body lotion smells just as the name suggests - like sugary citrus fruit.  It smells expensive, almost like something you'd find in a five star hotel bathroom.  It leaves my skin feeling hydrated and silky smooth and the scent lingers in a subtle and beautiful way that lasts all day.  The lotion retails for $22.50 and lasts quite a while.  It also works well in the spring and summer months and doesn't feel thick on the skin.  It's a perfect consistency for this time of year and moisturizes perfectly after a nice warm shower.

Do you love Fresh products?  If so, what are your favorites?  Leave a comment below!

Boscia The Art of Multi-Masking Limited Edition Peel-Off Mask Collection

Long time no speak!  It has been so long since I last blogged.  I occasionally posted my youtube videos here in case some of you wanted to be updated about my new videos that way, but this is the first time I'm sitting down to write to you in a while.  I've been thinking about blogging more lately, but for some reason it has been difficult to do.  As a youtuber, I find filming and editing easier than photographing and writing.  

Much has changed for me since the last time I wrote.  I have since moved to Washington, D.C. and am settling in nicely.  I'm still working as an attorney, but remotely, for my current firm.  I'm looking for a new position here, although working from home is quite comfortable.

When I'm not typing up legal documents I'm busy on social media and purchasing new goodies to try out.  A while ago, Sephora had a sale on Boscia's peel-off mask kit, called The Art of Multi-Masking, and it actually happens to be on sale now on Boscia's site.  I decided to take advantage of the sale and try out my first peel-off masks.

The kit comes with four deluxe sample sizes of some of their masks, including the Luminizing Black Mask, Bright White Mask, Cool Blue Calming Mask, and the Green Tea Oil-Control Mask.  

The great thing about these masks is that you can mix and match them - you don't have to put one mask on your face.  You could theoretically put all four on your face!  I opted to try out the Black and White masks for my first time.



The Bright White Mask, which I put all over my forehead, is to help even your skin tone and reduce hyperpigmentation.  I have hyperpigmentation all over my face, so I may try using it all over, but I wanted to mix and match this time.  The Luminizing Black Mask removes dirt and impurities and helps to minimize the appearance of pores.  I put this over the majority of my face, and especially around my nose, since I have big pores and often get acne in those areas.  I love the Detoxifying Black Cleanser from Boscia's Black line, so I figured I'd love the mask.

The kit comes with a brush to help you brush on the mask.  You have to put on an opaque and thick layer of the mask, otherwise it becomes incredibly difficult to peel off.

This was all I could peel before I had to just wash it off.  The layer was too thin.

 The masks didn't seem to have any particular smell, although I will say my eyes started watering after brushing the mask on.  I'm pretty sure that's bad, but whatever - they were fun to put on and even more fun to peel off!

Peeling off the mask

Overall my face felt nice and smooth after removing the masks, but time will tell as to whether the White mask actually brightens.  I can't wait to try the Blue mask, which helps hydrate the face, since I have been having issues with dry skin since moving to the east coast and dealing with this cold weather.  I think this is a nice set that lets you try almost all of Boscia's many peel-off masks, and there is something in the kit for every skin type.

If you don't want to commit to the set, Sephora has a "medley" of the masks that allow you to try each mask, once, for $18.  Check that out here.

Pretty in Pink: Valentine's Day Lookbook / Outfit Ideas | Brandilovesbeauty