Disney Artist Collection Heads To Target

Photo Credit: Target

This is not a real post; just a head's up. Disney has just released its "Artist Collection" at Target, and it's really, really cool.

The collection is a line of fashion tees and sweats (yes, fashion sweats. Sounds like an oxymoron, but these are too darn cute) featuring both favorite and slightly more obscure Disney characters. Think: Oswald, Cleo, Figaro, Sleepy, Butch, that girl fawn from Bambi (I should have my Disney fan card revoked), and images from Silly Symphonies. Mickey and Minnie also make an appearance, and I left the store last night with a Tinkerbell sweatshirt. Prices range from around $12 up to around $25. I'll be honest, I can't remember off the top of my head, and the Target website isn't being helpful. The sweatshirt I got was $19.99. Items are available for women, men, and children, and selection varies by store.

A Quick, Cheap Fix: E.L.F. Tinted Moisturizer Review



Photo Credit: eyeslipsface.com



On a whim, I picked up some E.L.F. Tinted Moisturizer the last time I was in Target. I've been doing the sunless tanner thing, and am just a little too dark for my Too Faced Beauty Balm. I've also noticed that my Garnier BB Cream has started to look a little greasy. I have to tone it down with a pretty heavy-duty matte powder, which kind of defeats the point of having a BB Cream, really. I'm wondering if, perhaps, I've reached that point in the tube where all the illuminating ingredients have settled. In any case, I needed something for my slightly less-ghostly-than-usual skin, and it needed to be cheap. I saw this product for $3 and figured, "what the hey?"

You know what? It's actually not bad. I've given it two days of wear, and I'm really happy with it. Here's a breakdown:

Packaging: The moisturizer comes in a really nice, black inverted tube with flat-top cap. It looks high-end, reminiscent of NARS or MAC. You can see the product's shade through a small, clear strip on the front. My only gripe is that my cap didn't fit quite right. It's closed and secure, but it sits at a strange angle. Not a big deal, but I thought you should know. 9 out of 10.

Texture: I really like the consistency. It might be a bit thin for some, but right now, it's so hot and humid that I'd wear tinted water if I could. I've just used my fingers to apply, and the moisturizer absorbs nicely. Best of all, you don't need to use another moisturizer with it. Believe it or not, some tinted moisturizers just don't do the trick on their own. This one leaves your skin nice and hydrated. 9 out of 10.

Finish: There doesn't appear to be any shimmer in this product (none that I've noticed, anyway), and I've only needed to lightly brush a little mineral powder over the top to set it and my concealer. Light coverage. 10 out of 10.

Ingredients: It's not paraben-free, but it does contain Aloe, Cucumber, and Vitamins A, C, and E. It also contains SPF 20. 7 out of 10.

Shades: Here's the kicker. There is a wide range of shades, from Porcelain to Espresso, and at only $3 each, you can afford to buy more than one shade and custom blend. Sadly, they all have a slight yellow cast to them. For me, that's not a problem, as I have yellow undertones, anyway. However, if you're rosier or more neutral, you can pretty much hang it up. It's not going to work for you. I have no idea why E.L.F. does this, but I've noticed in their other face products, too. 5 out of 10.

Price: For $3, you get .25 ml. I've heard complaints that that's too small of a size, but my normal face moisturizer costs $18.99 for .50 ml. The E.L.F. gives you half as much, but at a mere sixth of the price. I'd say that's pretty darn fabulous. 10 out of 10.

Final Verdict: 8.3 out of 10. I like it. Whether it's to get you by, or you just want a decent tinted moisturizer for a budget price, I recommend it.

I'm wearing "Nude", the second lightest of the seven available shades (over two coats of sunless tanner. I'm that pale. Oh, look! Tanner lines around the bridge of my nose! Yay! *sigh*).

Other Products Used:

Benefit Boi-ing Concealer in Light

E.L.F. Mineral Foundation in Warm

Urban Decay Primer Potion in Eden

Urban Decay Eye Shadow in Free Love

Buxom Stay There Eye Shadow in Mutt
Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Pencil in Whiskey

Buxom Buxom Lash Mascara

E.L.F. Brow Kit in Medium

Benefit Hoola Bronzer

NARS Blush in Super Orgasm (sorry, Mom!)

Buxom Stay There Eye Shadow in Cocker Spaniel (as Highlighter)

Burberry Lip Mist in Copper

I swear, it doesn't look like that much on the counter!!

***UPDATE!! Spend $20 at eyeslipsface.com TODAY (6/21) and get a free mystery bag worth $20! Use code BDMYSTERY at checkout. 4 random winners will receive a $50 gift card in their bag!

Summer In the City: May Favorites

First off, I want to congratulate my awesome, amazing, and way too darn tall baby brother on his 8th Grade Graduation! Not only that, but he won the Technology award for his class! Don't ask me what that means, because I'm a bad sister who has no idea. Still, I'm impressed, and couldn't be prouder.

And yeah, I cried.

Buckets.

I love that kid.

 

Photo Credit: Sally Beauty Supply

 

Okay, now that I've embarrassed the pants off my younger sibling, let's move on to something new! Since it's the end of the month, and I've had the opportunity to play with some new things, I thought I'd put together a little "best of" list. These are the products I've found myself reaching for the most this month. I tried really hard to choose both high-end and drugstore products for each category. Think of it as a mini-review/recommendation list. I hope you enjoy it. If you do, let me know, and I'll try to keep this up. I'm trying to tailor this blog to what you guys want to see, so please, do a girl a favor and tell me what  you want, what you really, really want.

Eyes

Photo Credit: Sephora

Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Shadow Pencil in Rehab: Toss this is in your beach bag for one-step, no fuss, boho smoky eyes. Run this bronze-y brown all over the lid and under the lower lashes, smudge it out, then use it to line upper and lower for added definition. No brushes, primer, or neatness required! $20, Sephora.

NYX HD Eye Shadow Base: Surprise! This is the only primer I've ever used that could really cut down on glitter fallout. I adore my UD Midnight Emergency palette, but Midnight Rodeo and Midnight Cowboy (my favorite shades, wouldn't you know) tend to turn into mini Tinkerbell-explosions that no amount of clean-up can fix. On a whim, I used the sample size primer from my Dark Shadows palette, and ended up with only the tiniest bit of fallout on my cheeks, instead of the disco-ball shrapnel I'm used to. Awesome stuff, guys. $6.99, Ulta.

Lips

Photo Credit: Sephora

Tarte Lipsurgence Natural Lip Tint in Enchanted: I picked this up to wear during a voice recital, which is basically an hour straight of singing. Correction: it's basically a solid hour of beating your lips together, interrupted only by brief, yet frequent, periods of chugging water. Anything that goes on your lips has got to have serious staying power, and this definitely did the trick. Not only that, but my lips stayed soft, moisturized, and the prettiest shade of fresh strawberry pink. It's pricey, but given the circumstances, worth it. I do want to compare it to the new lookalike, Revlon Just Bitten Lipstain + Balm. $24 (nearly choked!), Sephora.

Photo Credit: Drugstore.com

Revlon ColorBurst Lip Butter in Lollipop: Speaking of Revlon, I am absolutely loving their new lip butters. They feel like a balm, look like a sheer lipstick, and come in really pretty, color-coordinated packaging, so no fumbling around looking for the right one in a sea of black containers. (I'm looking at you MAC and E.L.F.!) Lollipop is a super bright fuschia that can be worn sheer for a wash of color, or built up for maximum impact. It's gorgeous for Summer. $5.99, Drugstore.com.

Face

Benefit Boi-ing: I'm just going to say this: I ran out one day (okay, so I accidentally dropped it in my coffee while I was half-asleep and trying to get dressed in a hurry. Grace and dignity, right here), and had to use another concealer I had lying around. I figured that would get me by for a few days, at least, right? Nope. By nightfall, I'd replaced it, and have no intentions of ever being without it again. It's just that good. $19, Sephora.

ELF Mineral Foundation: I use this to set my beauty balm and concealer, and honestly, I like it better than the UD powder I was using. Plus, I feel like I'm doing something good for my skin by using the mineral powder, and it's a heckuva lot cheaper. $5, eyeslipsface.com.

Body

Photo Credit: Sephora

Super by Perricone Supermodel Legs: I won't go out in shorts or a skirt without this, if I can help it. It's leg makeup, pure and simple, but it's so easy to use, and your legs look fabulous. This is a lightly-tinted, weightless moisturizer that you just rub on for a subtle sheen that reflects the light and masks imperfections. I'm not going to say that it does anything other than that, but for this day-glo white chick with cellulite, that's enough. It's on sale right now, and I plan to pick up a few more bottles. $15, Sephora.

Hawaiian Tropic Sunscreen with Shimmer: I live in the extreme deep South (any further South, and you'd be swimming). It's hot. It's muggy. It's downright miserable, and while I feel that everyone, regardless of location, should wear sunscreen every day, there's really no way around it down here. You go outside, you fry. End of story. This feels nice, coats well, protects really well, and leaves you with a pretty glow. The smell's a little too sunscreen-y for my taste, but I can live with it for all the other benefits. $9.99, Drugstore.com. (Available in several SPFs. I like 40. 'Cause I'm Casper.)

Hair

Photo Credit: Sephora

Bumble & Bumble Surf Spray: My technique for beach waves: Spray this in towel-dried hair, then roughly blow-dry until just damp. Let air-dry the rest of the way. Do. Not. Brush. Looks like I just spent the day at the Gulf, and it's so fast and easy! $24, Sephora.

Bumble & Bumble Prep: I use this is conjunction with the Surf Spray, actually. That's why I have two high-end products for this category. The day after you Surf Spray your hair, spritz this all over to reactivate the product, then brush through for soft waves that last all day, or use as a base for hot rollers or a curling iron. You can also use this on its own as a style primer, but I love it for reactivating product. It really came in handy a couple of weeks ago during filming. Travel size is only $6 at Sephora.



Photo Credit: Buy.com



It's a 10 Miracle Leave-In: The drugstore pick is as expensive as the high-end! That's madness! I hate, hate, hate, that I got this as a deluxe sample. I used it up, fell head over heels in love with it, and then found out how much it cost! It's completely worth it, though, and a bottle will last months. Spray it in freshly washed hair for detangling and added softness and shine. I don't know how I lived without it. $21.99, Target (I believe Ulta is less, but I can't find it on the site).

Nails 

China Glaze in Watermelon Rind: This is a super fun, unexpected pop of color for your toes. I don't recommend it for fingers, but this bright teal glitter shade looks beyond beautiful peeping through flip-flops. Check it out at the top of this post. $6.49, Sally Beauty Supply.

While I Was (Sort Of) Out...

I've physically been here. I've been posting regularly, and all, but mentally...well, that's a different story, altogether. Considering I've been pretty well checked out as of late, I thought it time for another installment of...

WHILE I WAS OUT!

The first in a series-within-a-series of posts I'm doing on the Jersey Devil is up at Paranormal Pop Culture. The entire series is a fun blend of an insider's look at indie filmmaking-turned-cryptozoology lecture. The series-within-the-series discusses the creature in pop culture. Basically, I tell you which episode of Extreme Ghostbusters features the guys bustin' old JD. It's a hoot, and the rest of the site is definitely worth a look-see.

Thomas and I took my kid brother to see a sneak preview of the Ghost Rider sequel/reboot/whatever. Tonally, it's all over the map, but it does feature a knockout performance from Idris Elba and his amazing technicolor contacts. I wouldn't pay to see it in theatres, but it's definitely Netflix-worthy, and with its PG-13 rating, safe fare for the kiddies (who will probably get a huge kick out of the Rider peeing fire. I can't believe I just wrote that).

If you follow me on Facebook (and you should! I do occasionally remember to post stuff on it), then you saw where Kat at Paperclip Hashbrown had a The Night Shift giveaway. The date to enter by has passed, so I hope some of you were able to enter. Regardless, hop over and show her some AN love in the comments. I'll be sure to post the winner here when it's announced.

Other than that, every last, blessed, waking moment has been spent trying to get my new house put in order. Today's challenge was hanging up some super-cute mirror dots in the guest room. I'm absolutely in love with them, and they were really easy to put up (save for one nail that absolutely refuses to go into the wall, but that's not the dots' fault). I'm tempted to get a couple more sets to put around the rest of the room. Here's a quick shot (taken with my phone--I'm sorry!) to give you an idea of what I'm talking about. Target, $19.99.

I really should have straightened those pillows first. Oops.

WHAT'S NEXT?

I'm one brush away from completing my Real Techniques brush set. As soon as I have that, I'll be back with an in-depth review, but thus far, I have to say that I'm extremely impressed.

This morning, I started using one of those new-fangled beauty balms. My go-to tinted moisturizer decided to turn orange on me, and this was cheaper, anyway, so why not? It's from Too Faced, and I can't wait to share my findings with you...after I've had a few days to live with it.

Have a great Wednesday!

If I Can't Go To the Spa, I'll Bring the Spa To Me!

I confess. I did not watch the Golden Globes last night. I saw a few of the red carpet entrances, and thought that Julie Bowen and Sofia Vergara both looked stunning, and wanted to push Zooey Deschanel's hair behind her ears, but other than that...I got nothing. Instead, I fought a horrible 24-hour stomach bug and watched Guillermo del Toro's Don't Be Afraid of the Dark, an episode of Sherlock, and the newest My Fair Wedding with David Tutera. I was sick. Don't judge me.

In addition to dealing with a stupid virus, I also spent much of this weekend moving house. We're nowhere near done, but things are starting to look a little less like piles of junk, and a little more like nice people live there. My living room curtains totally and completely suck, but other than that, I'm really happy with how things are turning out. I'll try to remember to take some pictures tonight when I go over with the next load o'stuff, but the guest bathroom and bedroom are quickly becoming my favorite rooms in the house.

The guest bathroom was this very strange shade of moss green, and there wasn't time to paint over it (we were already painting two other rooms), so I decided to go with it and try to create a very Zen atmosphere. I'm not done, yet--I still need to switch out the toilet seat cover and some light bulbs, and bring in a few little knick-knacks and pictures--but the current state is very promising.

As I said, I hope to take some pictures this evening, but here's how things are starting out:

Photo Credit: Bed Bath & Beyond

First off, I kept the shower curtain I bought for the apartment. It's the same moss green with chocolate sections and itty-bitty coppery sequins. Bed Bath & Beyond, $44.99. (Dear God, I didn't pay anything near that much!) There is also a matching bathmat, but I can't find it online anywhere...yet. Working on it.

Photo Credit: Target

Next, my sweet Thomas hung some pretty little white shelves for me. One is about 11 inches long, and the one centered beneath it is 18. Here's the shorter of the two. Target's website hates me, so I can't locate the long one. They're only available in stores, anyway, and the two together ran about $15.

Photo Credit: Target

Across the top of the top, smaller shelf, runs this little row of white tealights. Target, $9.99 plus tealights.

Photo Credit: Target

The white sink with chrome fixtures is set in a beige countertop over dark wood cabinetry, I tried to combine as much of that as possible into a simple, elegant floral arrangement. Here's the best I could do, and I just love it. Target, $21.39.

Photo Credit: JC Penney (I got the one with the moss green stripes)

Of course, you have to have towels in a bathroom, and I decided to go with simple, basic white. These, from JC Penney, are the best towels I have ever used. They dry quickly, hold their color, and don't shed all over the place. $4.00 each, JC Penney.

Finally, I decided to fill the entire room with a soothing scent. Bath and Body Works has a wonderful line of Stress Relief aromatherapy products (prices vary). I have the hand soap, candle, and wallflower in Eucalyptis Spearmint, and it's heavenly. Toss in some new chrome drawer pulls, a few massage stones, and some black and white photos, and I think we'll have us one gorgeous bathroom.

Any home renovations going on in your life? Tell us about them in the comments.

Challenge!: Christmas Day Chic

It's Christmas!! In six days!! So, almost, but not quite!!

What the bleep am I going to wear?

Figuring out what to wear Christmas morning is one of my biggest styling challenges of the year. I mean, sure, I'll open presents under my tree in my pajamas, but then we have to make the rounds to visit parents and in-laws, and all that jazz, and I really think the police department would frown on me tooling around town in my jammies. They're really cute jammies, but still...

Now, I realize this is family, and they don't care what I wear. I could show up in my jam-jams and no one would bat an eye, but Christmas is a highly photographed day around my family, and I have enough embarrassing photos already hanging on Mom's walls, thank you very much. I'd like to look cute. Casual, comfy, and cute.

However...I'm singing Midnight Mass the night before (morning of?), and my church actually has Midnight Mass at *gasp* midnight! That puts me getting into bed somewhere around 2:30 or 3:00 in the a.m. When I get up in the morning, the last thing I want to do is worry about what I'm going to wear, or have to fuss with a ton of makeup. I just want to throw something on, cover up my face enough to not scare small children, and chug my low-fat Frappuccino in peace. This amount of sleepwalking takes planning.

I am sure I'm not the only person in this kind of predicament. Even if you get a normal amount of sleep Christmas Eve, there's a certain amount of chaos on Christmas Morning, and that can make getting ready for the day a real pain in the rear. To help us all out, I'm bringing back the Challenge(!) to put together an effortlessly chic look for Christmas Day. A lot of this stuff is actually in my closet, so if you see me (or pictures of me) on the 25th, you can play Eye Spy with my ensemble. Merry Christmas.

Photo Credit: Target

The top I've chosen (that I don't have, but really want) is from Target, and runs $22.99. It says it's not sold in stores, but it totally is because I've seen it. If you want one, check out your local Target, because there is a very good chance it could be there. This is a slim-fit, sequin-covered sweatshirt with a neck wide enough to almost fall off the shoulder. You'd think the sequins would be tacky (Lord knows, I did, at first), but it's positively precious on, and adds a festive sparkle to an otherwise ordinary and overly casual piece of clothing. Also available in black, emerald, and oatmeal (my favorite).

Photo Credit: Kaboodle

These skinny jeans are a dark indigo wash and come from City Streets (J.C.Penney, $19.99--regular $38.00). I've not tried these, but I have their jeggings in two washes and absolutely adore them.

Photo Credit: Sears

A pair of butt-kickin' motorcycle boots add an edgy style to an comfy-cozy outfit, with the added benefit of removing any worry over matching socks. Going on three to four hours of sleep, that's a pretty big plus. (Sears, $29.99--regular $89.99)

Photo Credit (Above Right and Left): JewelMint

The quickest way to look like you actually put thought and effort into looking nice is to accessorize. Going off the biker boots, I chose two pieces from JewelMint to easily kick this outfit up a notch. I'm in love with these Screen Siren earrings, right now. They're two-inch danglers with amethyst-colored crystals and hematite accents. They look amazing with both a slicked back ponytail or free-flowing waves, so anything goes. They also add a touch of color, and sparkle like no one's business. I paired the baubles with the incredible Black Swan bracelet. I can't wear this without people asking me where I got it. The dark metal picks up the hematite in the earrings, and the industrial design is as rock star as it gets. (JewelMint, $29.99 each)

My Please-God-Don't-Make-Me-Think-This-Morning makeup is a toned-down version of the Adele-inspired tutorial from the lovely ladies at Pixiwoo. (Seriously, if you haven't checked them out, you need to drop what you're doing and subscribe to their youtube channel immediately. And no, that's not hyperbole. I really, truly mean it. They're amazing, and I have learned so much from them lately.) I've done this look a few times now, and it's genius. There's nothing to it. I just go a little easier on the liner and brows, and it's a very appropriate look for any occasion. It's also made me remember how much I love Woodwinked eyeshadow from MAC (MacCosmetics.com, $15.00).

I'm embedding the tutorial here. If you want to try this look, but don't have a ton of Chanel lying around the house, I'm adding a list of the swaps I've made that worked well. Feel free to try your own swaps, and if they work out, help a girl out and please share them in the comments.

Foundation: CoverGirl NatureLuxe
Concealer: Benefit Boi-ing
Eye Primer: Urban Decay Primer Potion in Sin
Eye Shadow: Stila in Kitten
Eye Shadow: MAC in Woodwinked
Eye Shadow: Stila in Americano
Liner: Smashbox Limitless Liquid Liner Pen in Jet Black
Mascara: Benefit Bad Gal Lash
Brows: E.L.F. Studio Eyebrow Kit in Medium
Bronzer: Benefit Hoola
Powder: Urban Decay Razor Sharp Ultra Definition Finishing Powder
Blush: NARS Blush in Orgasm
Lips: Urban Decay Lip Junkie Lip Gloss in Naked (not as pink as the tutorial, but just as lovely.)

I know, this sounds like it would take forever, but it's quick and easy, and most of the products were already on my counter. The Stila eyeshadows are in a palette ($14 for three shades!), and the bronzer and mascara came in a sampler that also included a foundation for $12. Both sets are available at Sephora.

Challenge completed!

Don't Fear the Reaper

When it comes to Trick or Treating, it's really all about the yard. Ask any kid, and they'll tell you that you skip the houses with no lights, hope someone's home at the places with a couple of jack-o-lanterns, and bee-line it to the "haunted" houses. Ghosts, cobwebs, blacklights, and interactive goodies attract trick or treaters like Jason to a Summer camp. Want the most jumpin' house in the 'hood (I am so sorry...I should never attempt to be "hip")? Try these surprisingly affordable options to instantly up your cool quotient.

Photo Credit: Halloween Forum

I adore this Scream telephone. ($24.99, Spirit Halloween) This "vintage" handset is motion-activated, so it rings whenever someone passes by. Pick up the receiver, and hear Ghostface say, "What's your favorite scary movie?" and much more! Keep it by the candy bucket to freak out some kiddies. Even better? Have a friend dress up as Ghostface and pop out with a cellphone!

Photo Credit: Target

This little Reaper packs a huge punch, and you won't believe the price! ($20.00, Target) At around two feet tall, this reaper is the perfect height to frighten all of your tiny terrors. Lay him behind some dollar store headstones, or fashion a coffin out of cardboard. Either way, when he pops up and screams, your house will instantly become the center of attention! (And, as I have one of these guys in my dining room now, I can personally attest to his scream. It will be heard. No doubt. Also, he's super lightweight, so easy to carry. Just don't put him outside until time for trick or treating.)