Beauty Horoscope: Aquarius 2017

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Written By: Danyelle V

 

Aquarian, you're known for your progressive nature and ability to make fast friends where ever you go. Take risks with your makeup and people will be even more drawn to you. Unique highlighter shades are on trend and a great way to show your individualistic creativity. Your element is AIR. Find products that are formulated with oxygen to bring a burst of life to your skin. Treat yourself to an oxygen facial to rejuvenate your skin and mood. The colors that will set your soul alive are blues and greens. Ground them with grays and blacks to keep your aloof personality from wandering. These products are just one step toward feeling great. 

Top Beauty Picks for Aquarius

Skincare

GLAMGLOW GravityMud Firming Treatment Sonic Blue

Peter Thomas Roth Brightening Bubbling Mask

 

Spongelle Body Contouring Buffer (these sponges will change your life!!!)

Jack Black Power Peel Multi- Acid Resurfacing Pads

Philosophy Take a Deep Breath Gel Cream and Oxygenating Eyecream Duo

Pixie Glow O2 Oxygen Mask

Tata Harper Illuminating Eye Creme

Sunday Riley Blue Moon Tranquility Cleansing Balm

Omorovicza Oxygen Booster

Beauty

Natasha Denona Star Liner

Kat Von D Alchemist Holographic Palette

Dior Nude Air Serum Foundation SPF 20

Marc Jacobs Beauty Air Blush Soft Glow Duo

Natasha Denona Eyeshadow Palette 5 in Color 3

Marc Jacobs Beauty Enamored Hi-Shine Nail Polish in Confession

L'Oreal True Match Lumi Cushion Foundation 

Black Up Eye Shadow in OAP 09M- Matte Purple (idk, man, but that looks blue to me lol)

Ardency Inn Modster Long Play Supercharge Lip Color in Black is Blue

Benefit Cosmetics They're Real! Lengthening & Volumizing Mascara

The Estee Edit Flash Photo Powder

Dose of Colors Eyedeal Duo in Stellar (have this in Maple - you just need to try this.)

Which of these beauty picks are you going to try. 

Photos from Sephora or brand website.

Info on Aquarius from here. 

Bumble & Bumble BB Straight Shampoo & Conditioner

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Written by Deanna P

Bumble & Bumble started its flagship store in 1977 in NYC.  The salon became very popular & it became the go to place for all things hair.  They now have an uptown & downtown salon in NYC & a network of salons worldwide.  The company currently has also expanded to include education, editorial,  & a full line of products. I received& tried some bumble & bumble product recently BB Straight Shampoo & Conditioner.I am always thrilled to try something that says straight as I have naturally wavy hair that tends to frizz in humid weather & is not that easy to blow dry.  

 

BB Straight Shampoo comes in 8.5 oz/250 ML and retails for $31.00.

 

BB Straight Conditioner comes in 8.5 oz 250 ML and retails for $34.00

 

Using both the Shampoo & conditioner is the most optimal way to tame your hair.  The combination is best for thick, curly, unruly hair.  I used it on my dry wavy frizzy hair & was pleased with the results.  It is easy to use as all you do is wet hair. add shampoo &  lather, than rinse well.  The conditioner you add & comb or work in with your finger & then rinse it well.  It is sulfate free & contain no parabens.  It is also safe for color treated hair.  I also must comment on how much I liked the smell of the shampoo & conditioner.  It was very pleasant & had a natural scent. The shampoo & conditioner is rather expensive, but I do believe it is worth trying.  It worked well on my hair.  It was easier to blow dry & it made it straighter than normal which I was very pleased with. It also had less flyaways & looked shiny.  After using inexpensive shampoos & conditioners for some time, you really can tell the difference when you upgrade to a more expensive option.  I feel occasionally it is good to splurge on your hair health especially if it results in beautiful healthy hair.  

 

 

 

It can be purchased at Sephora or the Bumble & Bumble website

Here is the Bumble & Bumble website:

http://www.bumbleandbumble.com

Glossier Priming Moisture Rich Review

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Written by: @acevalle

I'm just going to go ahead and give this an extra star because it's that damn good. 6 STARS FOR GLOSSIER! I have NOT been wearing much on my face because I wanted to really see how much better my skin could become by sticking to a proper, simple skincare routine for 1 month straight. And I started as soon as I received Glossier's newest product, PRIMING MOISTURIZER RICH, which is basically their Priming Moisturizer on crack and it has been the key skincare product I've been using. 

Usually I go through winters stressed because my skin gets incredibly dry. If it's not the unpredictable NYC weather outside it's the dry heat indoors, it's a lose/lose situation. Many thick moisturizers are quite heavy and leave me looking like a grease pit, kind of like a barrier but without any absorption benefits which lead to my makeup just sliding off... gross. So I would usually skip the moisturizing step (NOT GOOD) because I would rather just be parched and able to apply makeup than be a slick mess. I needed a magical miracle. 

... and then Glossier Priming Moisturizer was created. This magical little unicorn of a product in all of its pale pink glory hydrates even the driest of skins (that's me!). It has a beautiful texture that is thicker and creamier than the original, yet still weightless and glides on while absorbing into your skin leaving it looking youthful, plump and glowing without the greasy look or tacky feel that many expensive luxury moisturizers may leave. The light feel of this deeply moisturizing cream is still as perfect as its original for being a great primer for makeup application. It is also hypoallergenic, paraben and fragrance free as well as dermatologist tested making it gentle enough and appropriate for even the most sensitive skin. The Moisturizer also contains what they call Power Primers that improve the tone and overall texture of your skin as well as key ingredients that post up a barrier to protect your skin against harsh winter weather conditions and boys who are trouble. It is an actual Pink Power Ranger in a jar. 

 

 

 

Most germaphobes like myself are a little iffy when it comes to creams in a jar, but Glossier has assured their cult following that they have found a preservative system that keeps the jarred formula bacteria free! 10 points to GLOSSIER!!! I recommend this to anyone who wants to improve their skin a d especially those who live where the winter weather doesn't love you. I completely trust glossier with my life because they've simplified my routine and have helped my skin improve and their products feel so luxurious that taking care of my skin feels more like a treat than a chore. This 1.7oz of power packed product is luxury with an affordable price tag of $35 plus free shipping (and if you use the code linked below you get 20 percent off of your first Glossier purchase). Deals on Deals honey!! Get to it!! 

 

 

20% off link 

http://bff.glossier.com/eBzyv

Rich Kid Coconut Oil Gel IGK Product Review

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GK created a Coconut Oil Gel. I repeat, COCONUT OIL GEL!! Keywords: COCONUT OIL! 

This particular hair product has been on my radar for quite a while (for the obvious reason, stated prior). I've steered clear from hair gel FOR YEARS, but this product has pulled me back in. I've been applying heat to my hair less and less these days and I've been looking to dabble in some products here and there to see what will be good for me and my natural mane.

 

Written by: Amanda V

 

After finally getting my hands on this gem, I immediately tried it out on towel dried hair and later on I also tried this a couple of days into my blowout. When towel dried I normally tame my unruly hair in either a ballerina bun and this gives a great gold but leaving my hair soft instead of hard and crunchy so that when I loosen it up I'm left with pretty moisturized wavey curls. When used on my day 2-3 blown out hair, It gives this piecey, beachy, cool girl texture to the hair as well as major hydration which I need as much as possible. 

 

The consistency of this Gel is as weightless as my Glossier Priming Moisturizer making it appropriate for those with fine hair. It's more like a thin paste than a Gel. Although my hair has been growing and getting thicker the more I take care of it it's still considered fine and this genius product will not weigh it down or make it flat. It didn't even leave a gross white residue that some hair gels may leave. The light chic scent of this product is actually gorgeous, I have been complimented on it a couple of times. It's not overpowering whatsoever, it's just a pretty subtle hint of fresh fragrance. 

 

I actually cannot wait to use this in the warmer months as well or when I go on vacation to a warmer climate because this will be the type of lightweight, hydration my hair will need while still being styled. This Gel is free of drying and damaging parabens, sulfates as well as being safe for color treated tresses and also contains a UV Protectant. For my vegan friends, you will be ecstatic to know that this product is suitable for you as well as cruelty free. Yay Bunnies!! 

 

This is more of a high end hair product and can be purchased at Sephora for $27 for 5oz which is pretty steep for hair gel but it's completely worth the indulgence. It will last you a long time, especially the shorter your hair is. A little quarter sized amount goes a long way. It is ideal for all hair types especially those with thin, dry, damaged strands that are prone to breakage (HELLO, yeah, that's me!) as this coconut oil infused Gel restores nutrients and natural oils leaving your mane frizz free, hydrated and conditioned.

Pantone Color for 2017: Greenery Inspo

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Written by: Danyelle V

Why does Pantone choose a color for the year? On their wedsite, they explain it is  "[a] symbolic color selection; a color snapshot of what we see taking place in our global culture that serves as an expression of a mood and an attitude." 

According to the people at Pantone, Greenery is "a refreshing and revitalizing shade, ... symbolic of new beginnings." New Year, New Me is what came to mind when I read this. The beginning of a new year always prompts us to reflect on the year that passed. We think about how we could have made it better and we resolve to do so in the new year.

New Year, New We

Greenery, naturally, reminds me of nature. In the new year, let us all resolve to do what feels natural to us. Do not stop yourself from doing something because you fear what others may say about you. What stops each of us from achieving our dreams is not the lack of talent or drive. Talent comes from practice. Drive comes from your spirit. What holds us back is the fear of judgment we may receive. How often have you stopped yourself from doing what felt true to you because you thought of what the people around you might say? Honey, they are going to have something to say whether you do it or not. What I've learned is that people just want to say. Bad, good, judge, side eyes, smirks, back handed compliments, cast doubt. What I've come to understand about it is even more important. None of that is a reflection of you. They have the same fear that if they were true to themselves, they, too, would recieve the same judgments. Just wear that blue lipstick because if you wore a nude lipstick, they'd say you wear too much makeup anyway. 

This is a beauty blog, but I'm not just talking about blue lipstick. How often have you seen someone living your dream and all you thought was, "I could do that." We cannot continue to stifle our dreams and personalities because of the people around us. Surround yourself with people who have similar goals. Thrive with them! It's a big, difficult, change that will lead to even bigger accomplishments. We can blossom in 2017 if we are naturally who we are. Greenery. 

Greenery Inspo

Skincare

Blithe's Soothing & Healing Green Tea Splash Mask

Origins' RitualTea Matcha Madness Revitalizing Powder Face Mask

Boscia's Makeup-Breakup Cool Cleansing Oil

Lush's Parsley Porridge Soap

The Body Shop's Fuji Green Tea Bath Infuser

Lush's Limelight Toothy Tabs 

Beauty

Black Moon Cosmetics' Metallic Liquid Lipstick in Myth

Zoya Matte Velvet Nail polish in Honor

Kylie Cosmetics' Lip Kit in Trick

Melt. Cosmetics' Liptick in Blow

Lit Cosmetics' Glitter in Go Gold Size #2 Shimmer

SugarPill's Eyeshadow in Money Maker

Makeup Geek' s Eyeshadow in Enchanted Forest

Urban Decay's Liquid Moondust Eyeshadow in Zodiac

Lit Cosmetic's Glitter in Magic Dragon Size #3 Solid

Product photos from company's website or sephora. Beauty photos from Pinterest. Pantone color from Pantone.com

Urban Decay Vice Lipsticks

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Written By: Danyelle V

Is lipstick your biggest Vice?

Who else drooled as they watched Urban Decay launch their Vice lipstick line? Tell me I wasn't alone when I tasted the bitterness of jealousy as some of our favorite internet beauty gurus opened their PR boxes to 100 beautifully packaged lipsticks. 

The bullet style lipstick tube is a mixed metal, mirrored finish. One of my favorite room decor palettes includes mixed metals. The purplish gun metal pairs so well with the pale yellow gold. Both the lid and the lipstick have been stamped with a gorgeous UD. The base of each lipstick has a sticker whose color matches the lipstick in the tube. Which, as you all already know, is one of my favorite things!

Safe Word comes in the comfort matte finish. It is a nude brown with a bit of yellow to it. The comfort matte finish is aptly named. Safe Word feels like silk on your lips. While it doesn't leave you with the traditional total matte finish of a liquid lipstick, it saves you from feeling dehydrated all day.

This next shade is Phone Call. It is a Sheer finish which has more luminosity. With just one layer of Phone Call, you've added a glossy, warm pink tint to your lips. For more color, just layer on the lipstick until you have the opacity you desire. The shade build nicely without balling up on your lips. 

One layer of Phone Call

Two Layers of Phone Call

The shades of the Vice Collection are available in Matte, High Shine, Metallic, Satin, and a Shimer finish plus the two I showed you here. If you use liquid lipsticks and can't see yourself going back to bullet a style lipstick, I've got some news for you! Urban Decay is set to launch Vice Liquid Lipsticks very soon! End of January!

Available at Sephora; $17

Product Photo from Sephora.com

Photo taken with iPhone 7

 

OUAI REPAIR SHAMPOO AND CONDITIONER

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By: Amanda V.

This particular review took some time to write up because I wanted it to be honest and things like Shampoo and Conditioner take time to see if it actually works. It’s been 2 and a half months and I’ve emptied my bottles and I think it’s time to post my thoughts on The Ouai Haircare Repair Shampoo and Conditioner Duo. 

First off, let me just say that Hair is something that is so troublesome for me. From having dry, tight curls to dry scalp (TMI?) to hair loss from stress, the list never ends. My natural hair is something I desperately needed to care for as if it was a newborn baby. I’ve chopped off all damage from dyes, chemicals etc. I needed to start brand new. Growing up an Afro Latina, I naturally have really tight, fluffy curly hair but was always told It was ugly or “bad” “nappy” you name it. I’ve had multiple straightening treatments that damaged my scalp and texture that took YEARS and so many chops to fully grow out of that all of my life I was insecure about it. Although I’ve been treating my hair well recently and getting frequent trims and not putting heat to it everyday, it is still prone to breakage and very delicate. I refuse to use anymore drugstore shampoos that contain harsh chemicals that make my hair worse rather than improve. Some of those products are equivalent to laundry detergent. I also refuse to EVER chemically damage my natural hair with straighteners. Ive been natural for MANY YEARS and i still have some effects from past damage. My hair deserves so much better than that. 

I was so excited when Celebrity Hair Queen Jen Atkin came out with her haircare line. I am already obsessed with her Hair Oil (My number 1 product from last year) as well as her Hair Masque and Matte Pomade, so I decided to dive in and grab the Ouai Repair Shampoo and Conditioner. The Shampoo and Conditioner is free of harsh chemicals like Sulfates which are terrible for your strands and scalp and strip away the moisture from your hair and make your scalp flaky and parabens which can lead to serious health issues. First of all, I love that her shampoos smell like a luxurious perfume without being overwhelming to the point that you’ll end up with a headache. It makes me feel like washing my hair is more like a pamper session and not a chore. The Shampoo lathers really well and after a double shampoo wash I apply the conditioner which makes my hair instantly SOFT. I leave it on for 5 minutes and then rinse. It makes using a Wet Brush to comb out the tangles so much easier. This conditioner is a godsend that tames my unruly frizzy hair leaving it silky and manageable. I can’t stress to you enough about how long it’s been since my hair felt this good. I haven’t loved a hair duo this much since my 2012 Obsession with Arrojo Shine Luxe Shampoo and Conditioner, which still has the sexiest scent of a cleansing product ever. 

I’ve done a couple of blowouts in the past month and with just OUAI products to see what the brand does for my hair. The Shampoo, Conditioner, occasionally the Hair Masque, Hair Oil and Wave Spray leavesMy strands, silky with shine (I repeat SHINE, not to be confused with greasy) and it smells wonderful for days. I honestly think in large part to the REPAIR CONDITIONER. My self blowouts come out salon perfect. My hair looks healthier and I can see and feel the change in how much softer my hair is and the less stress fallout I’ve had. These products do not aggravate my scalp whatsoever which deserves a praise and my hair is growing quickly and healthily and I assume that it’s these products that are helping, along with my stylist who travels to cut/trim my hair (Adore her!!). I’ve started to be in a more loving relationship with my hair, accepting it for its natural texture and treating it very well. I am one step closer to reaching my goal of gaining confidence with my hair.

These product are priced at$26 to $28 (The shampoo is $28 for 10 oz and the conditioner is $26 for 8.45 oz) and are sold at Sephora.com as well as TheOuai.com, where you can get a hair consult to see what regimen would be best for you hair. I totally recommend this set to those with damaged, unruly, dry, unmanageable strands, pick up this set and give it a few weeks to see and feel the difference. If these products can transform my hair, then that means it can work it’s magic on yours can as well.

NATASHA DENONA EYESHADOW 5 REVIEW

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Natasha Denona Eyeshadow Palette 5 Review

By: Amanda V.

5 Stars

 

Behold!!! I have found the best damn eyeshadow formula on earth. I finally got my hands on one of Natasha Denona’s glorious eyeshadow palettes. I decided that I would first purchase the smaller 5 shade palette to see if I like it enough to throw down $170 hard earned dollars on the Star palette (I know, I'm insane). This product exceeded any and all expectations I’ve had. 

 

I decided on grabbing the palette in"4" which contains the warmer, more neutral tones. (One swipe finger swatches, with flash and without flash) 

 

This incredible formula is absolute love at first swatch with triple heart eye emojis to the point that I could toss out every other palette that I own (but obviously I could never do that). These ultra pigmented eyeshadows glide on so creamy and buttery whether applied with your fingertips or a brush. The lighter shades in this whimsical dream of a palette leave a beautiful silky iridescent sheen on the lid while the slightly darker hues go on luminously intense in a single swipe. After I swatched and tried these out I was honestly so overwhelmed and in disbelief of this formulation. (Dramtatic much? Of course!) You don't necessarily need an eyeshadow primer but they last pretty long when used with a proper shadow primer. I used mine over my MAC Paint Pot in painterly, and the shades appeared more vibrant than without. These shadows  are pretty blendable and layer really well, but I still sit there and blend and blend until my wrist cramps. You might get a bit of fallout but that happens with just about every single eyeshadow from any and all brands. This product is gentle on the eyes and made without and harsh chemicals like parabens, sulfates and phlalates as well as being cruelty free (YAY Puppies and Kittens!!) 

 

 

The ONE AND ONLY downside about this stunning product is that I absolutely hate the plastic packaging. If you've read my reviews before, you know that I'm a sucker for minimalism but there's a thin line between minimal and bland. For being an expensive product, it lacks the luxurious feel that it deserves. The packaging makes  this incredible product feel cheap. Thankfully the actual product itself is incredible. It's honestly too good to even knock a star off for that singular flaw. I found that with the lighter, shimmery shades "Aura" and "Moonstone", they double as GAWGEOUS highlighters. With these shadows I believe that because of the intensity of the ultra pigments, very little goes a long way. You don't have to keep dipping your finger or twirling your brush to keep picking up more product. 

These palettes are a bit on the pricier side of $48 per palette for just 5 shades (0.08oz each shadow), but completely worth it! There are 13 shade options to choose from of the "Eyeshadow 5" palette on Sephora.com, Beautylish.com and NatashaDenona.com. Honestly, Beauties, 2017 is the year to treat and pamper yourself. Go ahead and give this brand of eyeshadows a try because the quality and formulation is unrivaled.

WTF is Happening on Instagram

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Written By: Danyelle V

Why are you scrolling through your Instagram feed and seeing people covering their eyebrows in soap? Can someone explain why people are dousing their faces with seemingly unhealthy amounts of powder? Were all of these women shaving their face, is that why they were rubbing aftershave all over their faces? And finally, for what reason are women dabbing silicone bra inserts on their faces!?! Have internet beauty gurus run out of creases to cut and shadows to blend or have they all just lost their minds?

I have also scrolled through my IG feed and explore page and found videos that I cannot explain. Like someone using a banana as a guide for their contour. While that banana thing is just a mess, some of the trends that have left you in confusion actually have some method to their madness. As someone who writes for a beauty, I often get that random Instagram DM from a friend who is just not understanding what the kids are up to. I have answers! Here were some of my favorites WTF Instagram moments from 2016!

Covering their eyebrows in soap?

 
 

Before it saturated your feed, using soap as a way of holding your brow hairs in place was a trick used by makeup artists of a different era. Late in the summer of 2016, Sam Chapman of the Pixiwoo sisters, the ladies who created the Real Techniques brush lines, posted a video on her YouTube channel teaching us how she transformed her thin sparse brows into thick, bushy brow that are completely on trend. She called it the Old Hollywood Brow. According to Sam and her sister, Nic, just by using some basic clear bar soap, water, and a spooly, was the secret to how makeup artists of the 50s and 60s for keeping their starlets’ brows looking groomed and luscious. It’s so simple, anyone could do it!

Why are they going crazy? Because it is an affordable alternative to more expensive brow gels. And it lasts longer. The real trick is finding the right balance between soap and water. If you test it out, be sure to create a gel texture that isn’t runny. The texture needs to be slightly thick to be effective. I’ve personally tested this one out and it’s worth giving it a try. You’ll give Cara Delevingne a run for her money. 

Unhealthy amounts of powder?

I bet you’ve had hard time finding a new recipe lately without running into baking or cooking memes that have nothing to do with cookies and cakes.

 
 

Again, this isn’t anything new! I learned about baking from YouTube beauty guru, Patrickstarrr; but it isn’t h original trick either. I do have to say that I love the videos where he beats his face with a huge powder puff. After you apply a cream product, use a sponge to apply powder under your eyes, below your contour, and anywhere you see fit. Baking is useful if you need your cream products to be more long wearing. You can avoid under eye and smile line creasing. You can also brighten areas of your face you want to highlight. It’s helpful if you blended your contour too low,  just swipe the powder under your contour line like an eraser for a cut cheekbone. Drag queens use it to conceal the texture on their skin from shaving. Kim K has posted pictures of her face striped in powder. For a full coverage, glam, beat to hell face, baking is your tool!

Caution! Hydrate your undereye area before baking your makeup to avoid looking super dry and after to keep your skin from drying out.

Rubbing aftershave all over their faces?

OK, I fibbed a little. this one is from 2015 but it was a craze I watched intently and wanted to share. NikkieTutorials told her over 6 million subscribers a story of how she had run out of moisturizer so she turned to her boyfriend's skincare products. She found his Nivea Post Shave Balm in for sensitive skin and rubbed it on her face. What was just a means to an end, turn into one of her essential products for making her makeup last. As she rubbed the balm onto her face, she noticed it became tacky. She noted that there was a high amount of glycerin in the product and tested as a primer for her makeup. She claimed the after shave product kept the oils of her skin from breaking down her makeup throughout the day. Beauty gurus all over the internet went crazy and how could you blame them? Ensuring your makeup lasts without needing a touchup is the ultimate goal! 

I was tempted to test this one myself. However, every time I remembered to look for the Nivea Post Shave Balm, it was sold out. I'm sure Nivea never thought makeup enthusiasts would snatch up their aftershave products. 

Dabbing silicone bra inserts on their faces!?! 

The chicken cutlet bra insert being used to apply foundation caught me off guard too. I thought Instagrammers had truly lost their mind leaving me ready to deactivate my account the way I was ready to leave Facebook if I got just one more Candy Crush request from my mom’s coworker’s cousin. But don’t be fooled, Instgrammers are crafty! The craze comes after Molly Cosmetics launched the SiliSponge. A silicone makeup applicator whose biggest selling point is that the sponge doesn’t absorb any product. Because the surface is not porous, no cream or liquid product will go to waste.

Why not just buy the $10-ish dollar SiliSponge? It is constantly selling out! Molly Cosmetics is on its 9th restock! The internet went crazier for the SiliSponge than they did for the rainbow highlighter. So beauty lovers took scissors to their bra inserts to make their own silicone sponge in the same way they took a spatula to their eye shadow palettes to make their own rainbow highlight. A little thing like a ‘sold out’ sign is not going to stop Instagrammers from trying all things beauty. The hype surrounding the sponge has been so great that Molly Cosmetics has already expanded the SiliSponge line to include a new shape.

 
 

There will certainly be no shortage of WTF Instagram moments in 2017! Let's see what they come up with next!

Thanks for reading! If this is the type of article you want to see more of on meetpepperb.com, let us know! We can do other installments every few weeks? Tell us which Instagram crazes made you look at your phone sideways?

 

Laura Mercier Lip Parfait Creamy Colourbalm

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Written By: Danyelle V

Do you even remember how to apply lipstick that hasn't been liquefied and packaged with a wand anymore?

It's back to basics with this review of the Laura Mericier Lip Parfait Creamy Colourbalm. Just in time, too! If the winter has gotten your skin trapped in a moistureless place, a liquid lipstick is going to make your lips look crusty. Listen, I'm just here trying to help you out. This lipstick is very creamy and hydrating. Any dryness to your lips will not be emphasized. It is available in 12 shades.

I'm wearing the shade Cinn-ful which is a fantastic nude for medium-dark skin tones. While it has a lot of color, it is not fully opaque making it a versatile product. I keep this Lip Parfait in my makeup bag. When I wear makeup, 86% of the time, I forget to leave my house with the lipstick I put on. Later in the day, when I would check up on my makeup and realize I needed to touch up my lipstick, Cinn-ful is exact shade I could use to dab over any remaining lipstick. Whatever shade I'm wearing, when I add Cinn-ful on top, it becomes a muted, nude version of the lipstick I was wearing. Wearing a hot Pink? Add Cinn-ful to make it a pinky nude. A Purple-ish shade? Add Cinn-ful to get a mauvy shade. Blue? Well, uh, there's no such thing as a nude blue, but you get what I'm saying. 

 

Keep your lips soft an supple this winter with the Lip Parfait Creamy Colourbalm from Laura Mercier!

How to you protect your lips from the harsh weather of the winter?

Comment! Like! Share!

Available at Sephora; $22

Photo taken with iPhone 7

 

Too Faced Semi-Sweet Chocolate Bar Palette

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Written By: Danyelle V

Us beauty enthusiasts lose our minds whenever Too Faced launches a new line of products. Their themes and irresistibly cute packaging capture our attention and make our hearts race. Instantly we can imagine that product sitting on our vanities for forever. And they will; until another launch and we repeat the cycle all over again. It's vicious beautiful torture that I live for.

Luckily for us, Too Faced's products don't only look cute, they work nicely too. Their products are very easy to use and perfect for the average makeup consumer, like you and me. Your skills can be just below average you will still be able to create any eye look you can think of or borrow from Pinterest and Instagramers. 

The Semi-Sweet Chocolate bar is the baby brother to the original Chocolate Bar Palette. It has mostly neutral eyeshadows with little pops of color to make your look stand out. It has a mix of textures, tones, and finishes that will keep you from feeling stunned or stunted when creating. Too Faced is becoming famous for their scented products and this one doesn't fall short. Makeup therapy is now aromatic with the Semi-Sweet Chocolate Bar. Let's break down the shades by row!

The top row of shadows are the essential shades for a palette of this size complete. These shades can be used to darken, highlight, and blend any look you can think of.

From left to right we have the shades:

Licorice: ashy matte black; the shadow swatches a bit patchy but it's totally workable with a brush. While it isn't the darkest black eye shadow, it is great to darken the crease or as a liner but I wouldn't make it the featured shadow in an eyelook.

Coconut Creme: creamy matte vanilla; so smooth! love that it is a larger shadow because you can get so much use from it

Nougat: matte pinky beige; one of my top three picks from this palette. This is actually the kind of shade I like to use on my browbone. Because I have puffy-hooded eyes, I like more neutral, truly flesh tones on my brow bone. It gives just a kiss of a highlight!

Truffled: warm matte chocolate brown

Hot Fudge: satin blackened brown with purple shimmers; the shimmers fade when blended

The middle row is a mix of shimmers, mattes, topper shades.

From left to right we have the shades:

Cocoa Chili: shimmery dark brown; I wish I could take a picture that would show you the depth of this shade! it's pretty with it's reddish, gold and green reflects. 

Pink Suger: sheer base with pink, purple, and gold shimmers: My absolute favorite shadow in this palette. I want 8 of them. I want to fill a Z palette with this shade. Use your finger to apply this shadow atop of any shadow. I have used this as a highlight on my cheeks! I looked like an ethereal goddess and I just can't get enough! Only down side is that this shadow is SUPER fragile. Do not dig at this shadow, it will crumble in the pan. 

Puddin': cool mid-tone brown

Blueberry Swirl: shimmery blue; for it being the only true pop of color in the whole palette, it doesn't really pop. Needs a base to really stand out. 

Peanut Butter: matte warm brown; Skippy peanut butter in a pan. This is what warm transition shade dreams are made of.  I love packing this shade all over my lid and blending it in the crease or even dragging it under my all grungy. I completely understand why Too Faced made a 9 pan eye shadow palette based on this color: The Peanut Butter & Jelly palette, which, of course, smelled of a middle school cafeteria (a PJ&J sandwich, so we're clear.) I was one of those people who thought it was a gimmick and I thought the hype was foolish! Child, I was wrong! It is beautiful!

Frosting: satin cool toned brown

The bottom row has great accent colors

From left to right we have the shades:

Rum Rasin: satin lilac brown

Mousse: neutral light brown

Caramel: shimmery warm gold; very delicate shade. handle with care :)

Bon Bon: shimmer copper

Butter Pecan: champagne gold with, dare I say, a hair of peachiness?: love this one as a cheek highlight as well

This is the perfect palette if you're not super into color but you like your neutrals to be fun. I would recommend this to any person who is interested in playing with some eye makeup for the first time. I would not recommend anyone traveling with this palette. Some of the shades are really fragile and will shatter if mishandled.

Let us know what some of your favorite eyeshadows palettes are! 

Comment! Like! Share! We would truly love to hear your thoughts!

 

Available at Sephora; $49

Product Photo from Toofaced.com

Photo taken with iPhone 7

Dry Bar Bay Breeze Hydrating Shot Review:

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Written By Deanna P 

Dry Bar Bay Breeze Hydrating shots

Dry Bar Bay Breeze Hydrating Shot is used to treat dry brittle, lifeless hair with moisture.  It is a thirst quencher for your hair.  The product retails for $38.00 & it it contains 4 shots packaged for individual use.   It retails for $38.00 & can be purchased at Sephora or online at the Dry Bar site.   It has no Parabens, Sulfates, or Phthalates.  It is also cruelty free.  It is simple to use.  You merely wash hair normally with shampoo & squeeze out the excessive water.  Then spray the whole small bottle into hair section by section.  Massage it in & leave on for 3 to 5 minutes.   Rinse well & style.  Use once a week.  DryBar was created for the perfect blowout.  Their philosophy is simple….”Focus one thing and be the best at it.”  They have a full line of products to help you achieve just that. 

I tried Bay Breeze twice in the past 2 weeks & I like it.  Winter is the hardest on my hair as the cold weather makes my hair look & feel dry.  After using it I was happy with the results.  My hair definitely had added moisture, felt soft, & looked shiny.  It definitely went from limp & dry to bouncy & moisturized.    I feel it could get pricey to keep up treatments, but I do feel it is worth the price if you invest once or twice a year.   With the holidays a week away, it definitely would be a great stocking stuffer.  The brand also has some great other gift ideas to choose from.  

 

Check out:  http://www.sephora.com/drybar?products=all&icid2=drybar_lp_explore_drybar_shop_all_image

Boscia Makeup-Breakup Cleansing Oil Review

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Written by Ada H 

Boscia Makeup-Breakup Cleansing Oil Review

 

I woke up with one fake eyelash hanging on for dear life. I turned my head and saw the missing pair smashed onto the pillowcase. At this angle and with sleepy eyes, it looked like a caterpillar/insect out of a horror flick. Lipstick was smeared down my lips. I sat up from bed and groaned. What the hell happened last night? I was at the club dancing with my gals, having a great time. Suddenly I wake up in bed. (Thank goodness I’m fully clothed! A personal success if you ask me!) I stumbled into the bathroom and turned on the lights. I stared at myself in the mirror. Dear Lord Almighty.

Oh well, time to wash away the remaining evidence of the prior night. I stripped down ready to hop into the shower. I grabbed my bottle of Boscia MakeUp-BreakUp Cool Cleansing Oil. Don’t let the long name confuse you. It’s like a magic eraser for your face. I can’t think of anything or tried anything that works as great as this. Every time I wash my face with face wash that promises it’ll wash all makeup off, it doesn’t. I take my toner and cotton ball and wipe, and it comes back brown.  This, oh this is the real deal. No water is needed. Dry face, dry fingers. Slap it on and gently rub in circles. Your eyeliner – what eyeliner? Your eyebrows – you don’t have any anymore. Your mascara – zilch. Everything comes off.  My old facewashes would all leave dried up, clumpy mascara which I’ll try and gently rub off with my thumb and index finger, but end up pulling eyelashes out by accident instead. Boscia’s MakeUp-BreakUp Cool Cleansing Oil turns everything as it was. Baby smooth, virgin skin. It doesn’t strip your skin away of its natural oils. It gently cleans and removes all impurities.

I wash the remaining remnants off with water and pat my face. There. All as it was before! Like the prior night never happened! I mean I should say, like I remained a good girl and only had 2 drinks and went home by midnight