Why not? Wednesday and a Giveaway!!!: Shimmer Eye Shadows and Primers

This Why Not Wednesday has been in the works for a while. Mostly because as you will notice, I've tried a fair share of products to find my favorite one(s).

I am a HUGE fan of cream eye shadows. I know some of you will cringe and think the only thing they do is crease. Well I would be lying if I didn't encounter that same problem. After a lot of trial and error, I found some that I really really like. I am not an eyeshadow primer fan. It always feels a little too heavy for my lids, but I do like using a cream as a base. I think it provides a little more 'adhesive' for my shadow. I will use an eye primer if it is a special event, or I know I will be sweating/outside. Here is a review for 8 total I've tried and definitely listed in order. My favorites... all come from e.l.f. which means they are extremely affordable.

8. e.l.f. Glitter Primer: This is thick, and I really didn't see any glitter flakes. It dries extremely chalky and left a white residue on my lids. There is no evident staying power as indicated in an eyeshadow primer. It was originally bought on a whim since I found it at our local Dollar Tree for $1.00. You can purchase this online for $2.00 on e.l.f.'s website. Eye Glitter Primer

7. Hard Candy Eye's the Limit Shadow Primer: This is creamier and thinner than the primer mentioned above. It was included in a gift set I received for Christmas, so no harm done in trying it out. I couldn't get this to dry. It remained tacky, and my shadow creased like crazy. I tried it with glitter, matter, satin, and any other shadow you could imagine. You can only find this at WalMart for $5.00. Eye's the Limit

6. Maybelline Color Tattoo: This is the only *matte* base I own. I also found this at our local Dollar Tree hence why I have a less than ideal color. I really like this to build my crease. It does an amazing job, but I cannot use it as an all over base. The shadow sticks well and keeps it in place. I can't speak to creasing because I used it as a builder. I think I would enjoy these in a different shade. Color Tattoo

5. Mary Kay Cream Eye Color: These are very creamy and work best be used with a concealer type brush. There is a range of colors. I used the lighters ones as an entire base, but also used the darker colors as eyeshadow. They offer nine different colors are a mix of shimmer and matter. These run about $14.00, but I know Cari, my BFF, runs amazing deals and great parties. Shop with her today! Mary Kay Cream Eye Color

4. e.l.f Facial Whip: For $1.00, you can't beat this buy! It is extremely pigmented and multipurpose. I love the glitter power of this product. It makes for a great base shadow. My con, it is very watery, so it can be hard to manage and placement can be a little messy. It dries somewhat quickly; although, I do have to wait for it to dry before applying the next color. It is available in 3 colors. It can be purchased in your local drugstore or online. e.l.f. Facial Whip

3. Mary Kay Cream Highlighter: MK why do you do this to me?! It is DISCONTINUED!!! I would still be using this as my cream base if it wasn't insanely hard to find. This was actually developed to be a cream highlighter. I used it as an all over eyeshadow base.  It is so creamy, just the right amount of shimmer, stays in place, and doesn't crease!!! I can't find a direct link, but there are some on Ebay for sale.. at an inflated price.

2.  e.l.f. Shimmer Palette: This small palette offers four different colors- an icy silver, two pinkish peaches, and a taupe/sand color. These are weightless and smooth. This is another multipurpose makeup product. I mostly use it as an all over eye base, but occasionally as an inner eye corner and nose highlighter. I also really like this if I am going for a somewhat natural look. It's the right amount of sheen. I've not seen this in store, but you can purchase it online. e.l.f. Shimmer Palette

DRUM ROLL PLEASE...

1. e.l.f. Smudge Pot: I  LOVE THESE THINGS!!! They are almost identical to the texture of the MK Cream Highlighter mentioned above. These things also DO NOT come off. There is no movement, no creasing,  no smudging (despite the name). There is an assortment of colors and great for a smoky eye- a total of 11. The names are super cute. My favorite color is Ain't that Sweet? It is a pink base, but the glitter flakes are multicolored. When in the sun, it has a holographic, iridescent effect. Gorgeous!! These are $3.00 a pod, which I think is great! Only con- I don't like how these are applied with a brush, and I wish the mouth of the pod was a little wider for accessibility. Local drug stores sell some colors, but for the full range check out online. e.l.f. Smudge Pots

Below are swatches of all the products except #7 and #8.

 

Do you want to add some of these to your collection?! Yes, that's right I am doing a small giveaway!

 

 1. Ain't that Sweet? e.l.f. Smudge Pot

2. Lilac Petal e.l.f. Shimmering Facial Whip

2. Pink Petal Mary Kay Eye Shadow (sample- LOVE this color!)

3. Beach Bronze Mary Kay Nourishine Gloss (sample- PERFECT for Summer!)

5. Orange Polka Dot Mini Composition Book- Why you ask? This thing is my best friend. I write down all my thoughts, blog ideas, and prayers. Basically anything that pops into my mind. You need to try it! It will make you feel better. 

Though the giveaway small, she is fierce. And FREE!

How to enter? 

Answer the following question- What is your favorite summer product? Comments can be posted on Facebook or Instagram (as the blog link/info will be posted on each site). Please ensure you tag me, so I can validate your entry.

How to win?

The winner will be selected from a random number generator online and notified to obtain mailing information. 

The giveaway will begin tonight Wednesday August 5 2015 and will last through Friday, August 14 2015 at 11:59 PM

No purchase is necessary. Odds of winning are based on number of entries. One valid entry per person. Prize totals around $6.00. Giveaway is open to US residents ONLY.

Happy entering and best of luck! 

Oh yeah, and if you want to share my post... I would appreciate it. Maybe your friends want to enter too!

Why Not Wednesday? Mary Kay After Sun Replenishing Gel

Wild hair and little kid sunnies

I was fortunate enough to spend some time lounging at my parent's pool this past weekend. It was much needed relaxation. I grabbed a book and just shut out the world. After a while, I thought, well, I'll just put my book down and float around in probably the best float ever. Three hours later I woke up to dark clouds, swirling winds, and the realization that yes, I took a nap in the pool. I am guessing you have gathered from the title, that the sun wasn't so kind to this fair-skinned, freckled girl. What's even better... I fell asleep with my legs crossed, so only one leg is burnt on one side.

*Disclaimer: I DID use copious amounts of sunblock.

 I am an avid protester or extreme tanning and the use of tanning beds!*

Leg to Arm comparison- OUCH!

I thought I was in the clear, and I wouldn't be as burned as expected. Late evening rolls around, and I was miserable. I was so miserable I contemplated how I was going to wear pants or move around. I frantically searched the internet for ways to help relieve some of the pain. We tried vinegar, tea, tea bags, tea soaked towels, sacrifices to the sun, more tea- with no relief. The next day, it was even worse. (Thankfully, it was Sunday, and I decided to stay home- which means I didn't have to wear pants.) I remembered, from my old days of being a Mary Kay consultant, I had a bottle or two of the After Sun Replenishing Gel. I thought... Why not? 

What a relief. It instantly pulled the burning sensation/feeling from my body. I've used it pretty regularly, and so far, I have no signs of peeling. It also reduced the puffiness and overall ache of having a sunburn.

This is a cool blue gel that absorbs into the skin almost instantly. I am able to get dressed after applying- which isn't the case for most gel based products. It's not STICKY! Another plus. It contains botanical extracts filled with antioxidants to improve moisturzation. We all know the sun can leave you stripped of all teh vitals for vibrant skin. This product is designed to give you all that back, and more. NOTE: This is NOT sunblock or contain any SPF elements. 

This retails for $14.00 a bottle from any Mary Kay Independent Beauty Consultant. You can check out the product here Mary Kay After Sun Replenishing Gel. 

If you do not have a consultant, please please please talk to my bestie- Cari King! She is amazing at what she does and offers a variety of services. She is an Advanced Color Consultant, and can answer ANY color related question. My favorite thing about her business? She is all about customer service! What business do you know that will drive to meet you, personalize your look, answer any and all questions, deliver straight to you,  and provide a 100% guarantee on your products? Click here to learn more about Cari and her business---> Cari King- Mary Kay INDEPENDENT Beauty Consultant

Have a pool? Going to the beach? Hang out with the kiddos at the water-park? Regular tanner? I recommend this product this product to keep skin nourished and glowing! (Just not glowing red in my case)

Top 5 Summer Beauty Products

 

 Call me biased if you want, but these truly are my top 5 favorite beauty products right now. It includes a little something for every part of your look. Most of these are body products because we all know you show more skin during these months, and it pays to take care of that skin year round! You only get one body!

1.       Mary Kay Sugar Scrub: I keep this product in my shower year round, and change the scent with the season. Right now, I am using Forever Orchid-light floral scent perfect for summer. (Also offered in Warm Amber, Exotic Passionfruit, and Simply Cotton) This product gently exfoliates while leaving your skin soft and moisturized. Grab a pumice stone and give your feet a scrub. You can get MK Sugar Scrub from your beauty consultant or, of course ME! ;) Check out the details for the sugar scrub Here :)!

2.       Not Your Mother’s Thermal Spray: We slather sunscreen on our bodies and faces to protect us from the harmful sun, but have you ever thought of protecting your hair? Not only from UV rays, but from everyday use of heat styling tools?! I have very short hair, and use styling tools every day. Not to mention, routine color. Needless to say, I cause more damage to my hair then good. I try to return the favor by using this thermal spray. This product protects your hair from the heat and blocks UV rays.

 It does have some mixed reviews, but in my experiences I hand enjoyed it. It’s hard to find an affordable heat protection product that doesn’t smell awful. This has a nice sent, and can be purchased at any local drug store.  Check your local WalMart :)!

3.       Bliss Ingrown Hair Eliminating Pads: I received a sample of these pads with a magazine subscription. I was very skeptical to try, but since it was free… I was a little more open minded. Being a girl you know the frustration of shaving/waxing your bikini area. As a guy… you understand the frustration of shaving your face. This product is a win for everyone! This product is used for relief and prevents ingrown hairs post shaving or waxing.

Again… mixed reviews on line. I had successful results, and could tell I had less razor burn. You can buy this in a tub of 50 pads ($38.00), or individually wrapped 10 pads ($10.00). You can get this Here :)

4.       Mary Kay Tinted Moisturizer: I hate a heavy foundation in the summer. I opt for the tinted moisturizer during warmer months. This light weight formula offers the perfect coverage (light/sheer coverage) and a bonus SPF 20. Let me tell you my secret though… I am extremely pale, and don’t tan at all! I burn, peel, and remain porcelain. If I have an event or going out with friends, I like to use this on my legs! It offers the moisturize I need, but adds that sheer color and “tan” to my legs. Order from your beauty consultant, or again ME! Love THIS :)

5.       Mary Kay Finishing Spray by Skindinavia: Okay seriously... you need this now!!! This is a wonderful finishing spray. Use it before foundation application for an extra mattifying property. Apply after make up application for an additional staying power. This product is amazing and holds makeup in place for up to 16 hours. I can apply my makeup at around 7AM. Go to work until 5PM. An hour of Zumba (where I sweat like a man), and my makeup is still in place when I get home around 8PM!! My next secret..... use this to mattify your skin, REDUCE SWEATING!!!!! Under arms, neck, and my fav.... under your bra!!! You HAVE to have this for the summer.... Check it Here :)

 

Lots and lots of love until next time.