St. Ives Microdermabrasion follow up
So back on the 18th (I think) I mentioned that St. Ives had a new product that was basically a face scrub that was supposed to be like microdermabrasion.  I will say that it does make your face feel all nice and smooth after using it and it smells good too.  That's about it.  Mainly because my face decided to revolt.  I thought at first it was just my pores sort of working out the yucky stuff in them since I had just started using the product, so I didn't just up and quit at first but then as I continued to use it I still kept getting more breakouts and they were very painful.  I mean, this wasn't even my normal cystic acne type of reaction that some products give me if my skin doesn't like them.  This was a ton of little pimples literally everywhere on my face!! It was horrifying.  However, I would still recommend trying it to those who generally don't have super sensitive skin who could probably handle it.  I don't know what in it caused the break out I just know that for me, my skin was angry at me.  I'm pretty disappointed and kind of sad because I've never had that kind of problem in the past with St. Ives products.  Oh well.  Trial and error is the only way to find out if the product will work.  

Hugs, 
Tiff
Easy Mixing Medium: Glycerin and Water (cheap and super easy!)
Ok, so I've been wanting to make a mixing medium that wouldn't break the bank since most that you buy from places such as MAC or Make Up For Ever can be a bit pricey.  So I'm making it with glycerin and water.  Here's how:

What you need:
a bottle of pure Glycerin (I got mine at a local drug store, I think mine was like 3 dollars)
Water
Small Container with a Lid
a measuring spoon (the size depends on how much you want to make)


Basically all you need to do is take 1 part glycerin and add 3 parts water.  Add them to the little container that you have, close it up and shake it.  There ya have it.  It's so easy and much cheaper than buying mixing medium.  I wouldn't recommend making a big batch as there are no preservatives that are added. Throw it out no later than 2 weeks if you still have some left.  Since I'm paranoid about my eyes, I'll probably only make enough for a week at a time just to be safe.  Mold can grow in it and nobody wants yucky mold in their eye makeup!! I hope this helps :)
For my batch I simply used 1/4 teaspoon of glycerin and 3/4 tablespoons of water.  Pretty easy and straight forward.
Make sure when you dip your brush in it to blot excess mixture on a paper towel.  You only need a small amount just so that it is damp.
                 The one on the left is dry with no base/primer, the one on the right is with the glycerin/water       mix and no base/primer.


Remember: never use the glycerin by itself.  This will dry out your skin.  You need to make sure you put the water in with it.

Hugs,
Tiff

Disclaimer: All products shown were purchased by me.  No company or brand is paying me to do this blog, nor do they endorse it in any way.  Any opinions are solely my own.
Product of the week! MAC Colour Cream Base in Shell
Ok, I know I had a MAC product last week too but I really love this product.  MAC's Colour Cream Base in Shell is a great product that can be used for many things.  I use it as a highlight on my cheeks and also as a base for eye shadows too.  Make sure to read the little pamphlet that comes in the box though  because not all colour bases are safe to use on the eyes.  Shell is ok but if you choose a different color you should always read the labels and information that come with it to be sure.  I hope everyone is enjoying some good sunny weather!  Have a great week! More posts soon!

 =                                            

       sorry about the layout of the photos...for some reason I couldn't get them to line up right.  Also, I know the color is terrible in terms of the lighting and I'm sorry for that.  I need a new camera so right now all I can use is my macbook's camera or my iphone, which kind of suck in terms of quality for these types of photos.  I at least wanted to give an idea of what the product looks like so I hope this is helpful.  
                                            

Hugs,
Tiff
New product trial (St. Ives Microderm-abrasion)
So I was browsing the skincare products when I was at the pharmacy today and came across a product I didn't know existed.  Apparently St. Ives has come out with a product that is a microderm-abrasion that you can use daily kind of like an exfoliator.  It's new for their St. Ives Elements line.  I'm kind of excited to try it because you don't need a kit to do it.  You just rub it on your face and rinse it off.  I'm going to be trying it over the course of the next few weeks and then I'll give an update on how it goes.  The package says you can use it every day so we'll see how that works.  It claims on the tube that it "Gently Smooths Away The Appearance of Fine Lines" and that it has Fine Mineral Crystals And Chamomile.  I guess there's only one way to find out if it works. :) I'll be sure to update when I see how it works.
Thanks for reading and stay tuned :)



Hugs,
Tiff

*disclaimer* This product was purchased with my own money and I am in no way affiliated with St Ives.  My opinions that may appear on this product are completely my own.
Product of the week! MAC Fix+
Ok, so I'm going to try to post a favorite product every week if I have the time.  They wont necessarily be brand new items that have come out but things that I consistently go back to time and time again.  I hope that it ends up being helpful to anyone who reads this. 


My first product of the week is the MAC Fix+ Skin Refresher/Finishing Mist.  I absolutely love this product and it is multipurpose which is even better.  Some of the things you can use it for are for a finishing spray after you have put all your makeup on or as a refresher any time during the day when you just want to give your skin a little boost.  I have also used this for applying pigments and loose shadows wet.  It works pretty well and has never irritated my eyes.  I have also used it to spray on my hair to freshen it up because I wash my hair every other day instead of daily.  Also, it smells really awesome too.  So if you're looking for a product that you can use for all of the above, the MAC Fix+ might be what you're looking for! 

I hope this helps at least one person out there :) 
Hugs, 
Tiff

Don't forget your medicine!! (My Sugarpill order has arrived!!)
Today I got what I ordered from Sugarpill and I have to say I'm ridiculously impressed.  I know a lot of makeup gurus have already reviewed the products but I wanted to give my own as well.  I purchased all of the items with my own money. They were not sent to me for free and my opinion is completely my own.

As important as the actual product is, we all know that presentation goes a long way.  The first thing you'll notice when you get your Sugarpill order is how much care and time had to have gone into developing the products.  The packaging is phenomenal.  Also, the box even has the Sugarpill logo stamped right on it :)
see how cute? (I covered my address with the card in case you were wondering)


 

 
Check out that amazing packaging! The top left is a picture of all the products I ordered.  the Top right is how the palettes come.  Bottom left are two of the loose shadows (Chromalust) and the bottom right is the packing slip.  
Now, I don't know about you guys but this little personal touch is really cool.  I'm not a makeup guru and I'm pretty new to the makeup world compared to a lot of bloggers out there but I still felt special when I opened up my box and saw that I got a personal thank you and not just a generic typed thank you.  
The products themselves are just as amazing as the packaging! 

 
This is the Burning Heart palette.  I was so excited to get this product because I have wanted a good red and yellow for awhile and just hadn't found it until now!! :)

 
From left to right Flamepoint, Buttercupcake, Love+, and Poison Plum...The pic on the right is just to show you just how much product you're getting.  The one on the left is Love+ while the one on the right is a MAC shadow.  Look at how HUGE the shadows are for Sugarpill and it's cheaper than a MAC shadow.  I am amazed at the amount you get :) The palettes are magnetic and also have a mirror in them.  


 
These are the two Chromalust loose shadows I got.  Royal Sugar (blue) and Decora (pink)

 
Decora again....The pic on the right is to show the loose shadow in comparison to the old MAC pigment size.  MAC changed their pigments and they have less in them.  For what the Sugarpill loose shadows cost you are getting a very good deal.  Below is a comparison of Sugarpill loose shadows to what the new MAC pigments look like.  

 

 
I'm sorry the lighting isn't that great but you can get an idea...the ones on the left are dry, with no base or anything under, and the ones on the right are just wet using MAC's Fix+ (I don't have any mixing medium) also without a base/primer.  

The only con I have at the moment is that the red stains the skin a little bit, but it's nothing that makeup remover can't take off (so it's really not a big deal anyway).  I am DEFINITELY going to be buying more when I get enough money to place another order.  
Go to www.sugarpillshop.com and check it out!!! :)

Hugs, 
Tiff
My wonderful Frenchie, Napoleon


While I want to mainly use this blog for all things related to beauty/makeup I feel like it would be more fun to post about other things in my life as well.  Hence the reason I'm posting something about my dog haha.  My french bulldog, Napoleon will be 5 at the beginning of April and the thought of him getting older makes me a little sad.  Frenchies tend to have a shorter lifespan than a lot of other breeds mainly due to their squished in faces.  The key to prolonging their life is in making sure they eat healthy and maintain their weight as well.  An overweight frenchie will most definitely have more problems breathing.  They don't need a whole lot of exercise and are even great for apartments but it is extremely important to take the time and care in making sure you help keep in shape.  My frenchie loves running around like crazy for a couple of minutes and then when he's done running a few laps he generally wants to snuggle under the blankets (especially if it's cold and there's an electric blanket on the bed).  He loves hogging the covers and the bed, and for only 27 pounds, he does a pretty good job of it.  If anybody who is interested in the breed is reading this, I would definitely recommend doing research (I'd recommend this for ANY breed of dog) before actually buying or rescuing one.  I had read up on the breed for a long time before getting my little man.  Anyway, I guess that's enough rambling for now.  :)

Hugs, 
Tiff & Napoleon!!
Alice in Wonderland Urban Decay palette :)




I know many people have posted blogs and videos regarding the Alice in Wonderland pallette but I wanted to write a review anyway.  Seeing as the movie just came out in theaters this weekend :).
I basically bought this palette as a gift for myself because I love Urban Decay's shadows.  It's been a long time since I've had enough money to buy something cool like this palette so I was super excited.
My only real complaint is that the mirror doesn't stay up so the mirror isn't all that useful.  Then again I prefer a bigger mirror anyway.  The one thing I do like is that if I really like any of the colors I can get them individually because they're all just renamed for the palette as opposed to being completely new/limited colors.  I know some people didn't like that they were just renamed but I find it frustrating sometimes when I get a product that is limited and I end up loving it.  At least with this I can still get the shades if I want them (as long as Urban Decay doesn't discontinue them before I get them haha).  Anyway, if you have the AIW palette, feel free to let me know your thoughts on it :)

Hugs,
Tiff
Sugarpill should be here soon!
ok, I'm so excited right now because I ordered a few things from Sugarpill Cosmetics this weekend and it should be here this week!! I will definitely be reviewing the products and taking pictures of the items and swatches as soon as they arrive.  I just thought I'd add this little note to the blog in the mean time.  

www.sugarpillshop.com is the website, please check it out. The products look gorgeous and all the reviews I've read on blogs as well as video reviews on youtube have been great!  I could jump up and down right now that is how excited I am!  
Anyway, until I get my order I'll try not to squeal ridiculously loud. 

hugs, 
Tiff